The castle was badly damaged during a 2016 earthquake, but some orignal buildings managed to survive, and in June 2021 the interior of the castle's main keep was reopened to the public. Here are some of the best leaf-viewing spots in Miyazaki Prefecture. Kyushu is Japan's biggest southernmost island, which means its summers are hot, but its winters are mild. Most Kyushu travel starts in Fukuoka, especially if this is where youre arriving in Japan. Kaimon is 924 meters high. Located on the southern end of Kyushu, Kagoshima Prefecture enjoys a subtropical climate and miles and miles of coastline. City hotels like Tokyu Stay Hakata and Hotel Forza Nagasaki, for example, are more or less up to Tokyo standards. Based on your blog, we decided to spend a week in this area next month! There are also numerous processions, parades, and Chinese dances and performances held at venues throughout Nagasaki. Read the full blog post for details: ONBARA FALLS IN KYUSHU, JAPAN, Mount Karakuni is the highest peak in the Kirishima Mountain Range of Kyushu Island in Japan with a height of 1,700 meters. Even closer to Kagoshima Prefecture than Yoron Island, Amami Oshima is the largest island of the Amami archipelago. Its definitely an experience you want to try at least once. Take a cable car up to Mt. Nine miles off the coast of Nagasaki, its official name is actually Hashima Island, but it's better known as Gunkanjima - meaning 'battleship island'. In either case, Im delighted youre hereand within a few paragraphs, Im pretty sure you will be, too. Kyushu is Japan's third largest island, famous for its hot springs, active volcanoes, lush greenery, delicious food, relaxed lifestyle and friendly people Kyushu Online Media Center Visit Kyushu The Official Kyushu Travel Guide DISCOVER About Kyushu Seven Distinct Prefectures Travel Blogs Trip Ideas SEE & DO Heritage & History Nature & Outdoors Inasa offers, Nagasaki is one of the most beautiful and eclectic cities in all of Japanand not just Kyushu. If you'd rather hand over all the hard work for planning an entire trip to me then our Travel Planning Service is tailor-made for you. Multiple waterfalls help give Takachiho Gorge a magical air. From the summit, you can look over to the Ring of Fire, which is the off-limits. The trail is short and well-defined with a dirt/rock path leading you up to the falls. It has all the natural beauty of Japan: mountains, river valleys, and forests. The good news? What a beautiful place and fabulous guide. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. During my latest trip, however, I got a chance to explore the Seven Hells of Beppu, with my favorites being Chinoike Jigoku (the blood hell) and Umi Jigoku (the sea hell). Also it would be of benefit to read up on the fascinating history of Nagasaki if going to this fascinating city. Anne Olivia Bauso is a travel writer and hotel expert based in New York City. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Thank you for sharing your information about Kyushu and suggestion for sightseeing. I lived there for about 3 months 45 years ago and it hasnt changed much. my stream-of-consciousness style Kyushu travel blog posts, a post that compares and contrasts Shikoku vs. Kyushu. Sennen no Kirameki, which translates to Twinkle of the Millennium, is an annual winter illumination that takes place in the historic Tashibu no Sho area over the winter, from early November to mid-February. The 10-day itinerary will have four locations but will explore more from each base location. THE WEEKLY #309: 6 YEARS AS A TRAVEL BLOGGER, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR: WHATS IN MY BACKPACK, In each location, I will suggest how to extend the itinerary to, Finally, at the bottom of the blog post, I will share my tips on things to know before you travel to Kyushu (. When to Visit Kyushu How to Get Around Kyushu VIDEO: Beautiful Island Kyushu Highlights of Kyushu Fukuoka: Capital City Famous For Street Food Nagasaki: My Favourite City in Kyushu Gunkanjima: The Abandoned 'Battleship' Island Kumamoto: From A Mighty Castle to A Beautiful Japanese Garden Kumamoto Castle Suizenji Jojuen Garden The most well-known fire festival in Kumamoto Prefecture, Hinokuni Matsuri takes place during the first weekend of August in the prefectures capital city, Kumamoto. The conclusion is pretty much that it is a year-round attraction, which will only differ slightly at various times throughout the year. Day 1 - Sightseeing in Fukuoka City For the first day of your Kyushu winter itinerary, start in Fukuoka, the capital city of Fukuoka Prefecture, and make a visit to Maizuru Park, featuring the 17th-century Fukuoka Castle Ruins. Hiking in Mount Aso Region is one of the most incredible adventures you can have in Japan. If you're looking for a convenient place to base yourself, then Fukuoka is a great place to start. Early November is the best time to experience all of the colors to their fullest. There are two ways to cross Kanmon Bridge by car. It is also a popular time of year to visit Kumamoto Prefecture for its unique summer fire festivals. MOUNT KARAKUNI HIKE (KARAKUNIDAKE) IN KIRISHIMA, MT. The end of the trail is marked by a Tori Gate and a shrine. I just didnt find Kyushu to be a place easy to explore by public transport or even with one base and tour groups etc. The more rugged interior terrain offers a variety of great hiking opportunities and abundant wildlife.Spring is a great time to explore the island's mountains, rivers and coastlines. Takachiho Gorge is a number-one, year-round attraction in the picturesque town of Takachiho in northern Miyazaki Prefecture. In this region, both summer and winter temperatures vary considerably depending on location. On the other hand, if Kyushu is one component of a more comprehensive Japan trip (Im thinking two weeks in Japan, or perhaps even one month in Japan), then a few days or a week is likely the longest amount of time youll be able to spend in Kyushu. Unlike many of the onsens or hot springs in the area, these specific hot springs are for viewing only as they are far too hot for bathing. The landscapes within Aso are spectacular. Those rugged interiors definitely work for me. Things to do in Kumamoto | See Kyushu Castles & Shop in a Yukata! Aso flowed through the area. Thanks. Neko (Nekodake). I have got you covered. Autumn is typically a dry and comfortable time in Kyushu, with clear skies and mild temperatures perfect for sightseeing. Simply put, Kyushu and Shikoku offer similar experiences (interesting medium-to-large sized cities and unique, easy-to-access natural experiences), with Kyushu being larger (and therefore having more potential choices for travelers) and Shikoku being smaller and having significantly fewer tourists. Thats great to hear Bron! There are four pieces of gear that I simply never travel without. Kirishima Jingu Shrine, Kirishima, Kagoshima Prefecture. This one is easy, though there is some nuance Ill speak too. Accommodation. At the top of Mount Kuju, we could watch over the erupting Mount Aso in the distance and admire the valley below. Enjoy a relaxing walk along the Hinokage River and the clear streams that flow into it while you take in the vibrant fall foliage. I added on the lap of Lake Rokkannonmiike and Lake Byakashiike. You can addfull coverageinsurance for only about $8 per day. 3.7 2,695 2 Dazaifu Historic town south of Fukuoka. There are over 3,000 vents throughout its eight biggest hot spring areas. Read the full blog post for details and all photos:HIKING MOUNT ASO VOLCANO A COMPLETE GUIDE. WHAT IS THE BEST CHEAP BACKPACKER TRAVEL INSURANCE? The first way to enjoy Takachio gorge and the Minaionotaki Waterfall is to paddle underneath the stone bridge and then alongside the Minainotaki Waterfall. Beppu is one of the most famous Onsen towns in Japan and even the world. From mid- to late-November, the gorge is ablaze in the colors of autumn, in particular the golden gingko leaves and crimson maple leaves. A cliff with a height of 80-100 meters continues for 7 kilometers. The trail quickly intensifies as the dirt paths transition into a boulder-laden trail, which requires agility and concentration. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Get away from the crowds and see the straw huts of quiet Myban Onsen, on the hill facing Beppu Bay. The interior is well worth exploring. Kyushu is famous for its hot springs and it is one of the most volcanic places in the world. I did a bit of both. The main draw of the Kofun Festival is the torch parade, a procession of about 700 people holding lit torches and dressed in traditional costumes. Its not really a ski destination so likely you will be freezing and all of the leaves will be dead so the landscapes will not be as beautiful as at other times of the year. The bridge gives you a very elevated view of the boats and the waterfall below, framed nicely by the overhanging trees and the walls of the gorge. Fuji. Below are the snippets of all the activities I suggested in the itineraries above so you can see what I am adding to each itinerary. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. To get one you need to be in your country of residence and you can get one on the spot or order online and receive it in a week or so. Millions of travelers agree that spring is the best time to visit Kyushu, as days are sunny and temperatures are comfortable. Words, images and design 2018-2023 Robert Schrader, All rights reserved. The northern half of the island (where you'll find main destinations including Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Saga and Oita) is the best served, with shinkansen, JR and other private lines all cross-crossing the area. However, the JR Kyushu Pass does cover Mizuho services. Things to do in Kyushu include exploring ancient forests, natural hot springs, and of course, Mount Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan.In addition to natural attractions, Kyushu is home to an abundance of restaurants that serve up traditional . BEST TIME TO VISIT KYUSHU. Day 1 - Arrival to Fukuoka Day 2 - Nabegataki Falls Day 3 - Takachiho Gorge, Nakadake and Komezuka Craters Day 4 - Hiking in Aso-Kuju National Park Day 5 - Departure More interesting places on Kyushu Getting around Kyushu Best time to visit Kyushu About Kyushu It is quite a spectacle to watch! Nagasaki is unique in that it was one of the few ports during Japans period of isolation that was open to trade with the west, resulting in many Chinese cultural influences. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Sakurajima seen from neighbouring Kagoshima. Additionally, although I generally have very mixed feelings about renting a car in Japan, in many cases this is the best way to explore secondary Kyushu destinations. Just like flower-viewing in the fall, autumn leaf-viewing is a highly popular activity in Japan. Designed as a retreat for making and drinking Japanese tea, it opened in the 17th Century, constructed over 80 years by the third Lord of Hosokawa. Ive had a Kyushu travel guide on this site for a long timebut I havent really been satisfied with it, if Im perfectly honest. This colourful street parade dates back as far as 1179 and takes place over two days. Yoron Island can be reached via plane or ferry from Kagoshima. Trees more than 1000 years old are affectionately called yakusugi (a combination of Yakushima and sugi, the Japanese word for cedar), the . Day 9 & 10: Overnight trip to Yakushima with two day-hikes. Breathing in crisply fresh air while strolling through fiery autumnal treescapes is a pleasure anywherebut particularly when combined with the fascinating history and dramatic natural offerings that you'll find in Nagasaki prefecture's Shimabara peninsula. The reason these Hells are so unique is that they each have a different feature such as the orange Hell or the deep blue Hell. Kyushu, the southernmost and third largest of Japan's four main islands, is located between the East China Sea to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. The main event of the festival is a procession of locals along the districts farm roads. After the sun sets, the lights come on one by one as if they are fireflies. Atop the ridge, it was a very narrow path. The view from the top is quite remarkable as it looks out over the Nakadake Crater, which is where the active volcano of Mount Aso is found. Its spread out and not well linked, especially when we are talking about the hikes, mountains, and waterfalls rather than the city attractions. Because Nakadake Crater and the active volcano within it are often spewing ash high into the air, the surrounding trails are often closed. Top Places to Visit in Kyushu, Japan: See Tripadvisor's 5,71,495 traveller reviews and photos of Kyushu attractions. Spring is the sweet season in Kyushu, so be sure to catch its myriad sweet spots at this special time of year. In addition to a formal competition, there are also kids events, a display of novelty balloons, and an evening balloon display. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I would love it for the hiking. Kyushu is famous for the ramen of Hakata in Fukuoka, the atomic-bomb related sites in Nagasaki, Kumamoto Castle and the onsen hot springs of Beppu. 1 Fukuoka Kyushu's largest and most vibrant city. Like the rest of the country, Kyushu comes alive in the spring with gorgeous blooms, making flower-viewing a popular activity. For something altogether more gentile be sure to visit Suizenji Jojuen Garden. She has written hundreds of hotel reviews, from 5-star Ritz-Carlton properties to treehouse eco-resorts in the jungle . Like what you're reading? FIRST-TIME IN JAPAN? It was a very beautiful part of the trail as the sunlight shone through the trees and into the mini canyons created by erosion on the path. Once you reach the ridge its time for the adventure to start. At the bottom of this blog post, Im going to add a small snippet about each location with a link to the individual blog post I have written for each spot. Helen the guide is an absolute legend and we loved this tour and this epic location. Its straight up from the get-go so dont put too many jackets on you will be working that incline straight away. Autumn comes with a host of autumnal festivals throughout the season. TAHARAYAMA HIKE TO KUMANO MAGAIBUTSU (BUDDHA STATUE), HIKING MOUNT ASO VOLCANO A COMPLETE GUIDE, MOUNT EBOSHI HIKE (EBOSHIDAKE) IN MOUNT ASO, MOUNT KAIMON HIKE (KAIMONDAKE) IN KAGOSHIMA, WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU: BEST REGIONS & HOTELS, THE ULTIMATE KYUSHU ITINERARY: 5-DAY, 7-DAY & 10-DAY, TAKACHIHO GORGE MOST BEAUTIFUL WATERFALL IN JAPAN. Aso, or all but a few onsen-ryokan properties in Beppu (such as the sea-facing Shiosai no Yado) are disappointing. The climate in the southern third of Kyushu is typically subtropical, featuring a warm humid summer and a cold dry winter. Planning a trip to Japan, or just dreaming of one? At some points, the walls on either side of the trail were above head height, which added a unique atmosphere to the trail. Yakushima () is a subtropical island off the southern coast of Kyushu and part of Kagoshima Prefecture. Selected posts about destinations in Kyushu: You can view our YouTube video playlist dedicated to Kyushu HERE. I dont advise it but it was still epic. Travel Advice. I visited in February, which was winter and freezing. When is the best time to go to Kagoshima (Kyushu)? The city is also known for its festivals, with the popular Nagasaki Lantern Festival taking place every year from January 1st to the 15th. Spectacular interior of Honmaru Goten Palace, Kumamoto Castle. In general, the best hotels in Kyushu are slightly inferior to the ones you find in major destinations on Honshu, though theyre not as mediocre (in my opinion) as places to stay in Hokkaido and Shikoku. {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}. In contrast to the brutal construction, the dazzlingly ornate painting of Japanese landscapes in the interior of the reconstructed Honmaru Goten Palace are stunning. I spent three weeks in Kyushu so I know the best places to use as your base to maximize your time. The prefecture is also home to Kagoshima Airport, offering both domestic and international flights. My travel insurance is HeyMondo which offers low-cost travel & medical insurance. Nagasaki is my favorite city on Kyushu as well. Kyushu has rapidly improved its Wi-Fi infrastructure alongside the rest of Japan; unlimited data SIMs are available for purchase at Fukuoka Airport, assuming you arent arriving at Haneda or Narita and picking one up there. I don't advise it but it was still epic. Located on the southern part of the Satsuma Peninsula, a one hour train ride or drive south from Kagoshima, Ibusuki is a seaside resort famous for its hot sand bathing. The most famous and widely celebrated of these festivals take place in the Nanaura district of Kashima, the city of Imari, and the city of Karatsu. You can enjoy autumnal foliage from late October to mid-November. Wrapped in a cotton yukata you lie down on the sand and one of the attendants then shovels the hot sand all over you, covering your entire body. By Danielle. Notice all the perfectly blue skies in this pictures throughout this Kyushu guide? . The other two being Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture and Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture. Yakushima is known for its unique flora and fauna, especially its ancient cedar forest. Tashibu no Sho is an agricultural region in the Oita Prefecture countryside where the valleys between the rugged cliffs are covered in paddy fields. The Shinkansen, for example, only runs between Fukuoka (Hakata), Kumamoto and Kagoshima, which means that for travel to cities like Nagasaki, Beppu and Miyzaki, youll need to avail ordinary express trains; some destinations (such as Mt. Some of the trams that were very old then are still in operation today. Hinokuni Matsuri was first held in 1978 and has grown over the years to become a summer highlight in the area. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. If you found this guide helpful, please help spread the word by sharing this photo: Visit KyushuJapan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) Kyushu Guide, Fukuoka Airport (FUK)Kagoshma Airport (KOJ)Kitakyushu Airport (KKJ)Aso Kumamoto Airport (KMJ)Miyazaki Bougainvillea Airport (KMI)Nagasaki Airport (NGS)Oita Airport (OIT)Saga Airport (HSG), Travel Planning CallTravel Planning ItineraryTravel Planning Service. Top-rated hotels in Nakasu, one of the best areas to stay for first-time visitors to Fukuoka. The columns are said to resemble the scales of a dragon where the stones were twisted when the river flowed in the formation of the gorge. Fukuoka's Hakata Ward is famous for its lively and delicious street food scene and is the home of tonkotsu ramen. The stunning blue waters surrounding it are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Slow paced and very easy and enjoyable to get around. Mount Kaimon (Kaimondak) is an inactive volcano along the coast in the south of Kyushu known for its conical shape. move slower here than they do in Honshu, which means you cant fit quite as much into such a short amount of time as you might do elsewhere in Japan. Take that seriously as they genuinely will not give you the car and likely no refund if you dont have that. Whatever the case may be, you're in the right place. Copyright 2014 - 2023 The Real Japan / dsomedia Limited, all rights reserved. Yoron Island is a tropical paradise located between mainland Japan and the Okinawa Islands. Read the full blog post here:GOROGOTAKI WATERFALL NEAR KUMAMOTO. However, on the day I visited, it was covered in the cloud at the top. It was an awesome but steep hike and the jagged peaks were just incredible at the summit during sunset. Located on the east coast of Kyushu, this mountainous prefecture is full of stunning natural vistas that become painted in the beautiful, bright colors of autumn once Kyushus long summer draws to a close. Kumamoto and Beppu will be the home bases for this five-day itinerary so that you can cover the most popular spots and get to all the iconic places in under a week. I visited the Beppu Hells as part of this full-day tour from Fukuoka including the Beppu Hells and Yufuin Spa Town. Dont wait for an accident to happen get insured! Here are my travel essentials. Absent this, Im not sure what I can say to convince you, other than to re-affirm my love for this island, and the fact that every time Ive traveled here (Im at three or four trips now, if Im not mistaken) I crave a future opportunity to delve even deeper into it. The island remains enchanting forever, whether hiking in its interior amid the moss-covered forest at Shiratani Unsuikyo that inspired the anime classic Princess Mononoke, or bathing (or, at least, attempting to bathe) in natural onsen hot springs right at the sea. The capital of Kagoshima prefecture, Kagoshima covers Kyushu island's southeastern coast. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The Mount Eboshi hike is a great little trail not because of the views or the adventure but because it is usually open! Ive made several successful claims with HeyMondo and find their customer service very quick and helpful. In the middle of the caldera is the central crater group which consists of the five Aso peaks which are Mt. It's defenses were designed specifically to dissuade ninjas from attempting to penetrate the fortifications. Kyushu is also accessible by ferry from the neighbouring island of. The spectacular array of natural attractions on Kysh makes this, Japan's third-largest island, a feasible holiday destination on its own, providing a thrilling alternative to the regular Kanto and Kansai circuits. Nagasaki also offers the opportunity to take several fascinating day trips, including to gorgeous Yutoku Inari Shrine and historical Yoshinogari Park, which re-creates like if the Yayoi era of ancient Japan. It was very clear, very quickly that Kyushu island is best to explore by rental car, especially if you are doing hikes and activities outside of the city (literally everything on this list). The minerals, temperature and meditative experience are said to be very beneficial for your health. 2023.03.14. Kyushu Island is beautiful in the summer and the fall, which are the most popular times for tourists. The total hike distance for me was 9.6km for my entire lap of the Kirishima area but there are many ways to make it shorter. Kyushu is also accessible by ferry from the neighbouring island of Shikoku. Its on maps.me if you cant find it. It's a good idea to check the weather before you go. Here is a look at some of the best beaches in the prefecture. For sun-lovers, between May and September are some of the hottest months of the year, while January and February are perhaps the most chilly - so pack accordingly. Its known as being quite a tough hike due to the consistent incline and relentless switchbacks that lead you up to the two peaks at the summit. Autumn is ideal for going to those places that have high humidity in the shade of dense tropical foliage of somewhere like Yakushima. I would highly recommend employing Rob to help plan to get the most out of your visit. We saw deer along the way and really enjoyed the hike. Do you remember where you rent a car as nothing looks availbe to me :(? The better news: Ill summarize its conclusion for you here. The best part aboutDiscoverCars? Kyushus climate is defined by a mild, sunny winter, a hot and very rainy summer, and a spring and summer season that can go either way. Trees in the ancient cedar forest on Yakushima Island date back 7,000 years. At the bottom of this blog post, Im going to add a small snippet about each location with a link to the individual blog post I have written for each spot. After graduating with a journalism degree, I set off to explore the world while creating adventure travel guides featuring hikes, waterfalls, beaches & adrenaline activities. Some say the city feels like a mix of Tokyo and Hiroshima and I kinda see that. Winter market at JR Hakata City Station, Fukuoka. Reservation in advance is recommended to secure your preferred date and time. These cookies do not store any personal information. In general, Id say that one week in Kyushu or 2 weeks in Kyushu is a Goldilocks length of trip, which will afford you the opportunities to blend city experiences, natural adventures and maybe even a couple of wild cards. A group of schoolchildren in the Nagasaki Peace Park. If you are staying near Kirishima then Ryumon Falls is definitely a spot I would recommend. They then change color every 30 minutes, treating spectators to a beautiful light show. It sits just below the largest island Honshu, next to Shikoku and above Okinawa. Great job. Read the full blog post for details and all photos:MOUNT KARAKUNI HIKE (KARAKUNIDAKE) IN KIRISHIMA. When you book your Japan Rental Car online, I personally recommendand always useDiscover Cars. While its true that youll need to come during the latter part of the month if you wanted to Kyushus autumn colors (or in late March if you want to see the sakura), these two shoulder months (which are also, importantly, typhoon-free) are the best time to visit Kyushu, as far as Im concerned. Day 2 - Fukuoka to Nagasaki Travel to Nagasaki and explore the city. This is my Journey Era. It began in 1971 as a way to honor the ancestors at Eta Funayama Ancient Tomb, an important historical and cultural site and a designated Cultural Property. Inasa and take in one of Japan's best three night views back out over Nagasaki's natural bay. If you don't want to hire a car, or (like my wife and I) don't drive, taxis can be a great solution, especially in more rural or remote areas. Held for three days over the third weekend in October since 1829, the Imari Ton-Ten-Ton Festival is known as one of the great fighting festivals of Japan. I visited in the winter, which was not the prettiest time as lots of the leaves were dead so there were plenty of sparse trees. The viewpoint at the top extends from coast to coast as you have a view of more than 180 degrees to really take in this southern region of Kyushu. Kumamoto, Beppu, and Kirishima will be the home bases for this seven-day itinerary. Kyushu Island is near other spectacular destinations like Hiroshima and Tokushima. There is also a concert and a fireworks display. These are four items that I using right now and this list gets updated every year! The main event of the festival is a nighttime dance where hundreds of men and women dress in traditional costume. Kyushu offers a lot of variety in a relatively compact area. From the hydrangea blooms at Hakozakigu Shrine to the beautiful winter Lantern Festival in Nagasaki, here are the top seasonal festivals and activities in Kyushu. It is home to many balmy beaches, but Yurigahama Beach is perhaps the most magical. Aso and then walk down its sprawling slopes for incredible views over the Kyushu plains. If this sounds like something you'll want to try during your visit, read my guide on how to ride the Nagasaki Electric Tramway.The city has a number of outstanding sites, including the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Nagasaki Peace Park, Glover Garden, as well as the two unexpected sights of Urakami Cathedral and the Roman Catholic Basilica of the Twenty-Six Holy Martyrs of Japan. The best time to visit Kyushu is most definitely not winter. Just north of Kagoshima Prefecture, on the west coast of Kyushu, Kumamoto Prefecture celebrates the summer season with three unique fire festivals in three different cities across the region. Some destinations were completely new to me, while I simply hadnt seen others in a while. Although best known as only the second city in history to have an atom bomb dropped on it, this legacy does not define the city today. Tours of the mysterious atoll (including the round ferry trip taking about 50 minutes each way) are highly recommended, and can be booked either through Viator or Klook. I visited Mount Eboshi as part of the Around Aso Tour, which was the perfect way to explore this region on a full-day trip from Fukuoka. While the train may suit those in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and even in Fukuoka, it wont cut it out here on Kyushu. Need personalized help planning your Kyushu adventure? The multi-colored array of balloons floating above the countryside is a sight to behold. Speaking Japanese helps when travel in Kyushu, but isnt necessary. Oita is an area of natural beauty blessed not only with some of Japan's best onsen (natural hot springs), but also offers mud and sand bathing. Stay overnight there. Read the full blog post for details and all photos:MOUNT EBOSHI HIKE (EBOSHIDAKE) IN MOUNT ASO. During the winter, the paddy fields are lined with more than 10,000 LED lights a massive volunteer effort. Mount Neko is the second tallest peak in the Mount Aso region at 1,443m high for the Tengu Peak and the opposite Toho Peak is 1,408m high. If, for example, you take a dedicated Kyushu trip like I recently did, you can afford to spend longer here. History and legend were made here: Jmon ruins, Shint's sun goddess, wealthy trading ports . If you want to explore the countryside and stay at small ryokan, then a car is a good way to go, but its not the only option. Luxury: Grand Hyatt Fukuoka Midrange: The OneFive Villa Fukuoka Budget: Hotel Hakata Nakasu Inn TOURS Sightseeing Tour: Downtown & Street Shopping Tour Tea Tasting: Japanese Tea Tasting Experience in Fukuoka Aso or Yakushima island), culture (hot springs in Beppu or the Udo Shrine in Miyazaki) or something else entirely. It is Beppu that is at the center of this volcanic activity when it comes to onsens and hot springs with hundreds of different onsens, spa-resorts and hot springs to test out. Look out for the Ohara Festival held on 2nd and 3rd November each year, when the downtown district is transformed into one big street party led by a kaleidoscopic parade of dancing troupes. We love hearing stories, and we figured you do too. This picturesque gorge is best explored by hiring a rowboat, from which you can look up and admire the multiple waterfalls. Read the full blog post for details and all photos:MT. Now it is the Gokase river which cuts through the mountain. One of the best parts of leaf-viewing at Mount Karakuni is the sheer array of autumn colors represented here. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Looks great! In fact, they wont even look at your actual drivers license and only want to see the international drivers license. Inukai Falls was probably my favorite waterfall that I visited while based in Kirishima. Taka (Takadake), Mt. It's also well known for entertainment and shopping. It's a river gorge located in the mountains between the resort town of Takachiho and Jinhoyu Hot Springs. You can make it to the peak and back in five hours without over doing it. Youll probably need a rest day unless you are a machine but see how you go. Dedicated to Japans first emperor Jimmu, who launched his first military expedition from nearby Hyuga, its one of the best-kept secrets in all of Japan, not to mention one of the most gorgeous spots you can visit. The ruins date to 1601 and once claimed close to 50 observation towers. My two favorites were the bridge and the lower (most popular) viewpoint. In addition to the usual transportation options, Nagasaki's tram (streetcar) network is one of the best-known in Japan, and you can get to pretty much all the major sights the city offers using it. Ive been to them all personally and had an epic adventure. It's home to some of Japan's most beautiful beaches, mountains, and the country's most active volcanoMount Aso. More recently, it has gained wider fame having been used a location in both western and Japanese films, including the James Bond film Skyfall, and the Japanese live-action production Attackon Titan. During the festival, Nagasaki (Shinchi) Chinatown is decorated with over 15,000 beautiful Chinese lanterns. I love to go to Kyushu (which is already less crowded than hot spots like Tokyo or Kyoto, even in busy times) during the shoulder months like May and October. One of my favorite reasons for doing this was my day trip to the Satsuma Peninsula from Kagoshima. Located in a cave along the riverbed, it's easy to believe this is where Amaterasu, the Japanese sun goddess is said to have descended to earth. Kyushu's climate is mainly subtropical, with rainy summers and dry winters. Read the full blog post for details and all photos:KEYA NO OTO HIKE IN ITOSHIMA. Learn More HERE. (I've been able to wear T-shirts during the daytime during winter, and I'm generally a chilly mortal!). Commission a custom Japan itinerary today. If you just go up and down Mount Karakuni from the visitor center it will be about 5-6km in total. Kyushu is readily accessible from the Japanese mainland (Honshu). Summer often brings rainfall to the area, and there can be typhoons from July to October. At the summit, you have a beautiful view down over the town of Beppu and the entire beach. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Yakushima provided inspiration for two Studio Ghibli films: Princess Mononoke (1997) and Nausica of the Valley of the Wind (1984). Here's some information to help you in your decision: The best months for good weather in Kagoshima (Kyushu) are March, April, October and November On average, the warmest months are July, August and September January is the coldest month of the year The rainiest months are June and July If you'd like to help even more, be sure to check out my Patreon as well. 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