Kyushu Region

Updated

Statistics

General Information

Kyushu, which literally means “nine provinces”, got its name from the nine provinces that made up the island in the past. It has a population of approximately 13.2 million and consists of seven prefectures: Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Nagasaki, Oita, and Saga. Kyushu is divided into a northern and southern sub region, with Kagoshima and Miyazaki making up the southern region and the rest the north. Kyushu has several large mountains and active volcanoes including Sakurajima and Mt. Aso. Besides the famous volcanoes, Kyushu also features some of the best hot springs, or onsen. Beppu of Oita prefecture is one of the most popular hot spring sites in Japan.

Fukuoka Prefecture

Fukuoka Prefecture

The city of Dazaifu in Fukuoka is home to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, one of the most important of the hundreds of Tenmangu Shrines. Fukuoka has many local dishes and is famous for its culinary culture.

Where To Go In Fukuoka

  • Canal City Hakata
  • Dazaifu Tenmangu
  • Fukuoka Tower
  • Hakataza
  • Itoshima
  • Kawachi Fuji Garden
  • Kokura Castle
  • Marine World Uminonakamichi
  • Moji
  • Port of Hakata
  • Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
  • Yanagawa

Dazaifu Tenmangu

Dazaifu Tenmangu

Popular shrine for students to pray during entrance exam season

Moji

Moji

Major international trading port since the 19th century

Kawachi Wisteria Garden

Kawachi Wisteria Garden

Beautiful tunnel formed by cascading wisteria flowers

Hakataza

Hakataza

One of Kyushu's greatest kabuki theaters; gorgeous mix of Japanese and Western styles

Saga Prefecture

Saga Prefecture

Saga Prefecture is located in the Kyushu region and is especially famous for its pottery, Arita-yaki. Arita-yaki developed in the small town of Arita and has a history of 400 years.

Where To Go In Saga

  • Arita Porcelain Park
  • Daikozen Temple
  • Karatsu Castle
  • Saga Space and Science Museum
  • Tanada
  • Tashiro-Ota-kofun
  • Tosu Premium Outlets

Aritayaki

Aritayaki

Imari Porcelain wares made in the town of Arita, Kyushu.

Arita Porcelain Park

Arita Porcelain Park

Admission-free porcelain related theme park in Arita Town of Saga Prefecture

Tanada

Tanada

Terraced rice field sloped for irrigation

Saga Space and Science Museum

Saga Space and Science Museum

Comprehensive science museum resembling a space station

Nagasaki Prefecture

Nagasaki Prefecture

Being located on the southwestern tip of Kyushu and for its important role in foreign trade relations in the past, Nagasaki has had great foreign influence.

Where To Go In Nagasaki

  • Glover Garden
  • Hirado
  • Huis Ten Bosch
  • Mt. Inasa
  • Nagasaki
  • Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
  • Nagasaki Peace Memorial Park
  • Oura Catholic Church
  • Shimabara Castle
  • Unzen

Unzen

Unzen

Popular onsen destination in Nagasaki, Shimabara-hanto Peninsula

Nagasaki Peace Memorial Park

Nagasaki Peace Memorial Park

Museum built on atomic bomb; expression of hopes for world peace

Hirado

Hirado

Central stage for trade with foreign countries during the 17th century

Oura Church

Oura Church

Nagasaki's oldest Catholic church; only Western structure listed as national treasure

Glover Garden

Glover Garden

Oldest wooden, western style building; residence of Thomas Blake Glover

Mt. Inasa

Mt. Inasa

One of 3 best night views of Japan

Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

Museum of remembrance of Nagasaki atomic bombing victims

Kumamoto Prefecture

Kumamoto Prefecture

Kumamoto Prefecture is located in the Kyushu region and is known for its hot springs resorts. Town guests can choose from a number of hot springs and rotenburo, outdoor baths.

Where To Go In Kumamoto

  • Hearn Residence
  • Hosokawa Residence
  • Kumamoto
  • Kumamoto Castle
  • Mt. Aso
  • Nabegataki Falls
  • Suizenji Garden

Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle

Well fortified hilltop castle; several original wooden buildings remain

Mt. Aso

Mt. Aso

Largest active volcano in Japan and one of the largest in the world

Kumamoto

Kumamoto

Prosperous former castle town; Now economic center of Kumamoto Prefecture

Oita Prefecture

Oita Prefecture

Oita Prefecture is located in the Kyushu region and is home to Beppu, one of Japan’s most popular hot spring resorts. What attracts tourists to Beppu most though are the “hells” of Beppu.

Where To Go In Oita

  • Beppu
  • Dream Suspension Bridge
  • Inazumi Underwater Stalactite Cave
  • Kuju Mountains
  • Kunisaki Peninsula
  • Sand Bath
  • Tour of Hell
  • Usa Shrine
  • Usuki
  • Yufuin

Beppu

Beppu

One of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts

Tour of Hell

Tour of Hell

Highlight of sightseeing in Beppu; Eight different hells

Dream Suspension Bridge

Dream Suspension Bridge

Largest suspension bridge for pedestrians in Japan with spectacular scenery

Miyazaki Prefecture

Miyazaki Prefecture

Miyazaki Prefecture is located in the Kyushu region and is home to Takachiho Gorge.Takachiho, a small town in Miyazaki, is located deep in the forest of Miyazaki away from the bright lights of the city and pollution.

Where To Go In Miyazaki

  • Amanoiwato
  • Aoshima Ogre's Washboard
  • Heiwadai Park
  • Miyazaki
  • Miyazaki Science Museum
  • Miyazaki Shrine
  • Seagaia Resort
  • Takachiho Gorge
  • Udo Jingu

Miyazaki

Miyazaki

Atmosphere of southern resort with mild weather and palm trees

Takachiho Gorge

Takachiho Gorge

Heavenly rock cave featuring gorgeous waterfalls and daunting rock formations

Ama-No-Iwato-Shine

Ama-No-Iwato-Shine

Cave of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu

Yokagura

Yokagura

Sacred ritual reenactments of legends

Kagoshima Prefecture

Kagoshima Prefecture

Kagoshima Prefecture is located in the Kyushu region and is home to several popular tourist destinations, which of which was an inspiration for the scenery of Studio Ghibli film Mononoke Hime (Princess Mononoke).

Where To Go In Kagoshima

  • Jomonsugi
  • Kagoshima Aquarium
  • Kirishima Open-Air Museum
  • Koshikijima Islands
  • Sakurajima
  • Senganen Garden
  • Shiratani Unsuikyo
  • Shiro-yama
  • Yakushima

Jomonsugi

Jomonsugi

Oldest tree in Japan; estimated to be 2,000 to 7,200 years old

Tripadvisor Ranking 23
Shiratani Unsuikyo

Shiratani Unsuikyo

Inspiration of scenery for Studio Ghibli film Princess Mononoke

Yakushima

Yakushima

Subtropical island filled with mountains and forests; Japan's first World Natural Heritage Site

Kyushu | Movie

Need Assistance? Call: USA/Canada 1-800-285-2726 Australia (02) 8006 4411 Contact Us Brochure