Kyushu
“Kyushu” is an island region consisting of Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki and Kagoshima. Its name “Kyu” (nine) “shu” (province) refers to the nine former provinces (kuni) into which the island was once divided. Kyushu is also the southernmost region of the country, which includes, in addition to the main island, nearby islands and the long Ryukyu archipelago stretching some 700 miles (1,100 km) to the southwest.
This destination combines a warm and tranquil atmosphere, breathtaking scenery, incredible food and a rich history. Kyushu is a land that was formed and continues to be shaped by volcanoes that created the natural wonder of hot springs. In fact, one-third of Japan’s natural hot springs are found in Kyushu.
HIGHLIGHTS
GASTRONOMY AND TRADITIONAL CRAFTSWORK
Kyushu is home to many traditional pottery such as the “Imari-yaki” and “Arita-yaki” of Saga prefecture. “Imari-yaki” and “Arita-yaki” have a thin and delicate impression, but both are extremely durable as they are made from pottery stone. They are characterized by their fine and smooth texture, and the transparent white porcelain dyed with Gosu’s indigo and bright red color scheme. Another spectacular craftswork produced in Kyushu is the “Satsumakiriko”, a style of cut glass with the finest details that makes it an artwork. It was first manufactured by the Satsuma clan in Kagoshima prefecture from the final years of the Edo period to the beginning of the Meiji period (1868–1912). It is the perfect glass to enjoy some good Shochu or Whiskey.
Gastronomy also plays a crucial role in Kyushu. Located in the southern part of Japan, Kyushu has a relatively warm and tropical climate compared to the main island, therefore has developed a different culinary culture on its own. You will find the best Tonkotsu Ramen (hearty pork-based soup) in Fukuoka, live squid sashimi in Saga, an amazing variety of Shoshu (a Japanese alcoholic beverage distilled from rice, barley, sweet potatoes or sweet potatoes) made of different ingredients in Kagoshima…
MAJESTIC NATURE AND HOT SPRINGS
Among the many spectacular natures that Kyushu has to offer, one of the must visit places is the area around Mount Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan featuring one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world, in Kumamoto prefecture. The panoramic view of the very green land, winding roads and animals set up an peaceful but exciting environment for nature lovers. Another unique place will be Beppu, a hot spring town in Oita prefecture that boasts one of the largest numbers of hot springs in Japan and the amount of water flowing out. While staying here, you can go Onsen-hopping around the eight hot spring villages in Beppu, called “Beppu Hattou”, each of them having different characteristics, such as the quality of the spring water.
Going further to the south, Kagoshima prefecture is a beautiful land of contrasts, from the ancient forests of Yakushima island that is home to the old and majestic cedar trees to the tropical islands around Amami Oshima where you can watch humpback whales migrating during winter time.
Acceso a Kyushu
From Tokyo
-About 5h by bullet train to Hakata Station (Fukuoka)
-About 2h by airplane from Tokyo to Fukuoka.
From Kioto/Osaka
-2h30min by bullet train to Hakata Station (Fukuoka)
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