Kyushu is Japan’s southern island (part of Japan’s four main islands) and is a great place to visit if your priorities are set on nature, good food, hot springs, and slow-paced travel. Right from its onsen towns and scenic landscapes permeated with dramatic volcanoes, to local food and traditional crafts, Kyushu lets you see Japan just like everyday locals. The lands here influence everything from drinking water to fresh vegetables and natural hot springs, all connected to ancestral traditions and spirituality.
This guide will show you the best of Kyushu: best adventures, food and dining scene, where to stay, top things to do, and lots more.
Nagasaki Lantern Festival Photo (Credit: TOMO0)
Why Visit Kyushu
When you think of Japan, you picture a place whose wellness, nature, and hospitality scenes thrive exceptionally. Kyushu embodies all of that, in that it hosts more than half of Japan’s active volcanoes, which in turn, fuels its extraordinary onsen culture.
In Kyushu, you can experience some of Japan’s best cuisines at their most regional, seasonal, and expressive, all provided by the region’s uniquely rich and fertile volcanic soils. The dramatic volcanic landscapes here, such as those carved by Mount Aso and Sakurajima, are another top draw for people seeking rarefied outdoor experiences.
Adventure is part of every life here; hiking, cycling, kayaking, and volcano walks are all within the reach of accessibility. Discover our range of Walking and Cycling Holidays in Kyushu. The value for luxury in Kyushu stands clearly distinguished with refined Ryokan stays and private onsen traits. Take a look at our handpicked Luxury Kyushu and Japan Accommodations. Its deep-rooted traditional crafts are a wonder to experience, and for the best part, all of this comes without the crowds and rushed pace of Tokyo and Kyoto.
Getting to & Around Kyushu
Flying or taking the Shinkansen (Japan’s high-speed bullet train) are the two main ways of reaching Kyushu if you’re traveling from Honshu, Japan’s main island. Nevertheless, the best option for getting to Kyushu depends on where your intended travel starts from, how much time you have to spare, and your budget.
From Tokyo and other cities located within farther reach, flying in is usually the fastest and often the most affordable choice, with regular flights to major Kyushu cities such as Fukuoka, Kagoshima, and Nagasaki, typically taking around two hours. The Shinkansen option is, however, always a better option if you’re looking to travel from closer cities like Osaka or Kyoto. Trains run directly to Fukuoka in under three hours and allow you to travel city center to city center without needing a car or airport transfer, although those are usually easily managed when you book a tour.
Once in Kyushu, JR Kyushu trains connect major cities efficiently, and if your planned adventures revolve around rural areas and hot springs, renting a car would be ideal.
Find a detailed breakdown for how to get around Kyushu, including trains, flights, and ferries in our full guide: How to get to Kyushu
Beppu, Japan cityscape with hot spring bath houses at night (Credit: Sean Pavone)
Top Things to Do in Kyushu
Kyushu, Japan’s third-largest island, is a treasure trove of vibrant cities. In the lively city of Fukuoka, you can lose yourself in bustling markets and savour a bowl of its world-famous ramen, a culinary delight that will linger in your memory. Journey south to Nagasaki, a city rich with history, where poignant stories echo through its peaceful streets and beautiful harbours.
For those who seek the embrace of nature, explore the volcanic peaks of Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park or wander through the ancient, moss-covered cedar forests of Yakushima Island, where every trail promises a new discovery. You can hike or cycle through a tapestry of stunning scenery, from the majestic trails around Mount Aso, Japan's largest active volcano, to the serene grasslands of the Kuju Mountains.
Best Outdoor Adventures in Kyushu
Unique Dining Experiences in Kyushu
Kyushu may not be as famous as Tokyo or Osaka when considering the food scene, but it is just as rich and far more regionally diverse. Each region delivers on specific specialty and flavour while local seasonal ingredients and fresh seafood remain central to every meal. But more than just fresh vegetables grown from volcanic soil, or animals raised with care, the meals go through a careful cooking process that has been mastered through generations with a mindfulness that’s generic to Japan.
A foodie’s guide to travelling around Kyushu
Enowa Yufuin, Oita
Kyushu Onsen & Wellness Experiences
Kyushu’s blend of best Onsen practices and deeply-rooted Japanese healing methods are truly exceptional and rival the most renowned spa traditions in the world. The natural springs that flow here don’t just serve as baths, they relax muscles, ease stress, and leave the skin looking better. You can visit some places like Beppu and Yafuin, which have some of the best onsen in Japan, for a chance to soak and reap these benefits firsthand. Many baths are outdoor rotenburo, heightening the overall experience because it lets you watch surrounding mountains, rivers, or volcanic landscapes while you soak under the open sky.
Best Onsen Towns to Visit in Kyushu
Experience Unzen with All Your Senses
Culture, Crafts & Heritage
The island is also home to famous pottery towns like Arita, Imari, and Karatsu whose time-honored traditions still shape beautiful ceramics today. You will not just see artisans at work, but learn through watching the processes; starting from shaping clay on spinning wheels to firing the pieces in traditional kilns.
The workshops, galleries, and small streets lined with pottery shops all open up warmly to visitors, allowing you to explore expertly made craft and also learn how local materials and techniques create unique pieces.
The Ceramic Villages And Towns In Kyushu
Unique and Luxury Stays in Kyushu
Some of the best stays in Kyushu are found in Onsen towns, where onsen springs naturally complement accommodations. Areas like Beppu and Yafuin feature hotels and ryokans that sit directly on mineral springs fed by volcanic activity. Staying in such places means you can soak in hot baths all day while reaping immense therapeutic benefits. Discover our range of Luxury Kyushu and Japan Accommodations from ryokans to 5 star hotels.
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