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Kyushu Travel Guide: Discover Volcanoes, Temples, and Local Cuisine

Published on by Walter
Mount Kaimon with Ikeda Lake
Beautiful, you definitely have to go there, Kaimon-dake with lake Ikeda

Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s main islands, is a captivating destination that offers a rich blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delights. Here are several compelling reasons to visit Kyushu:

  1. Stunning Natural Landscapes: Kyushu is home to some of Japan’s most breathtaking natural scenery. This includes the active volcano Mount Aso, which boasts one of the world’s largest calderas, and the stunning hot springs of Beppu, where you can relax in therapeutic waters while enjoying picturesque views.
  2. Rich Cultural Heritage: The island is steeped in history and culture. You can explore ancient temples and shrines such as Dazaifu Tenmangu in Fukuoka, which dates back over a thousand years, and the historic Nagasaki, which played a crucial role in Japan’s international trade and was the site of the tragic atomic bombing during World War II.
  3. Delicious Cuisine: Kyushu is a food lover’s paradise. The island is famous for its unique regional dishes like Hakata ramen from Fukuoka, which features a rich pork bone broth, and fresh seafood from the coastal cities. Don’t miss out on trying Karashi Renkon, a mustard-filled lotus root delicacy, and Shochu, a popular distilled spirit.
  4. Vibrant Festivals: Kyushu hosts a variety of traditional festivals throughout the year. The Hakata Gion Yamakasa in Fukuoka is a dynamic event featuring teams racing through the streets with large floats, while the Nagasaki Kunchi showcases vibrant performances and dances that reflect the city’s diverse cultural influences.
  5. Relaxing Onsen Towns: The island is renowned for its hot springs, with towns like Beppu and Yufuin offering numerous onsen resorts. These hot springs provide a perfect way to unwind and experience the traditional Japanese practice of communal bathing.
  6. Historical Sites: Kyushu offers a deep dive into Japan’s history with attractions like Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s most impressive and historic castles, and the Kyushu National Museum, which offers fascinating insights into the region’s past.
  7. Unique Wildlife and Nature: Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the unique flora and fauna of Kyushu. The island’s diverse ecosystems include subtropical rainforests in Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient cedar trees and wildlife, such as monkeys and deer.
  8. Modern Attractions: For those interested in modern attractions, cities like Fukuoka offer a dynamic blend of shopping, entertainment, and nightlife. Fukuoka’s Canal City is a massive shopping and entertainment complex that includes everything from theaters to restaurants and stores.

Kyushu is a destination that seamlessly combines natural wonders, cultural treasures, and modern attractions, making it a must-visit for any traveler looking to experience the diverse charms of Japan.

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Mount Unzen is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in Japan. In 1792, around 15,000 people were killed when part of the mountain broke away and slipped into the sea

Unzen National Park: History, Nature, and Tragedy

Published on by Walter

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/JYbBV5VSQvUPq1YV6

In 1927, Unzen was ranked 1st in the mountain category for the New Eight Views of Japan, and in 1934 was designated as our country’s first national park. Unzen’s nature has been preciously preserved since days of old, and is an encyclopedia of nature.

Scenic view of a natural area with steam rising from the ground, surrounded by greenery and a wooden fence, possibly near Mount Unzen.
Steam rising from the geothermal area in Unzen, Japan, surrounded by hilly terrain and a wooden pathway.
A geothermal hot spring with steam rising in a rocky landscape.

Mount Unzen and Shimabara City

Mount Unzen is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in Japan. In 1792, around 15,000 people were killed when part of the mountain broke away and slipped into the sea. This resulted in a 20 meter high tsunami that almost completely destroyed the city of Shimabara.
After a long period of rest there was an outbreak in 1991 which claimed 43 lives.

Mount Unzen Disaster Memorial Hall

An exterior view of the Mount Unzen Disaster Memorial Hall featuring modern architecture, large glass windows, and a landscape of rocks and greenery.

A visit here is highly recommended. You get a deeper impression of how the eruption went in 1991. Very interesting!

Shimabara Uprising

During the Shimabara uprising, Japanese peasants, most of them Christians, rose against the Tokugawa shogunate in 1637-1638.
The rebellion broke out on December 17, 1637. The main reason had less to do with their Christianity, but with the high tax burden that was imposed on them.
The uprising included up to 23,000 farmers and ronin (abandoned samurai), many of whom were women. They were led by Amakusa Shiro (also called Masuda Tokisada).
The governor of Nagasaki sent an army of 3,000 samurai to Amakusa, but it was crushed to death on December 27, 1637, with 2,800 deaths. The governor requested reinforcement from the shogunate. After subsequent fighting, the rebels had to retreat to Shimabara with around 1,000 soldiers killed.
They occupied Shimabara Castle and took over Hara Fortress.
The Shogunate troops began to fire artillery on the fortress, but this did not have the desired effect.
An increasing army from the Shogunate besieged the fortress for months and suffered great losses. On February 3, 1638 there was a surprising counterattack by the rebels, in which 2,000 samurai fell.
In the fortress, however, ammunition and provisions slowly ran out.
In March the Shogunat’s army grew to 200,000 soldiers. They faced 30,000 rebels.
On April 12, 1638, the storm on Hara followed. The army lost approximately 10,000 soldiers in fierce battles before being victorious on April 15, 1638.
No prisoners were taken. All survivors were beheaded.
Amakusa Shiro’s head was brought to Nagasaki and put on display there. The Hara fortress was destroyed.

The shogunate suspected western Catholics of the rebellion. As a result, Portuguese traders were expelled from the country. An existing ban on Christianity was strengthened. As a result, the Christians could only survive in hiding.

From that time until 1860 there were no major battles in Japan. For the next 10 generations of the Edo period, most samurai never fought in battle.

A view of a multi-tiered traditional Japanese castle surrounded by trees and shrubs, with a blue sky in the background.
Shimabara Castle

see this movie: The Shimabara Rebellion

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Miyazaki is famous for surfing on fantastic beaches. The subtropical climate is one of the warmest in Japan

Explore Miyazaki: Attractions and History

Published on by Walter

Miyazaki-ken (Prefecture) is located on the southeast coast of Kyushu on the Pacific Ocean. The area is subtropical and is characterized by the third mildest climate in Japan. Details you will find here.

Miyazaki Jingu

Myazaki-Jingu is a shrine in honor of the first Japanese emperor Jimmu. The current building was renovated in 1907 and the foundations are estimated to be around 600 years old.
It is believed that the shrine as such is over 2600 years old.
According to Japanese mythology, Emperor Jimmu was an offspring of the sun goddess Amaterasu. Although the story is not accurate, it is generally accepted that Japanese emperors have ruled for more than 1,500 years and that they all descend from the same imperial family.

A large torii gate leading to Miyazaki Jingu Shrine, surrounded by dense greenery.
Entrance to Miyazaki Jingu shrine with traditional architecture and decorative banners.
A traditional Japanese shrine building with a wooden roof and entrance, surrounded by greenery.

Heiwadai Park

Heiwadai Park, or Peace Tower Park, was built in 1940 to celebrate the 2600th anniversary of the ascension of Emperor Jimmu, the mythical first emperor of Japan, on what is believed to be the original site of his capital. Inside the park stands the Peace Tower, or Heiwadainoto, a tower constructed of stones sent from all around Asia and one of Miyazaki’s most recognizable landmarks.The Peace Tower was meant to symbolize a united world. On the front of the tower is the phrase “Hakko Ichiu”, which is attributed to Emperor Jimmu and means “United under one roof”. While it is somewhat ambiguous what he meant, this was often used as a rallying cry for imperialists who believed that peace would reign once Asia was united under Japanese leadership.

A landscape view of Heiwadai Park featuring the Peace Tower surrounded by greenery and vibrant flower beds.

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Tsubakiyama Forest Park

The park is located in an area between the southwest of Miyazaki City and the city of Kitago. “Obisugi” (Japanese cedar) grow in the mountains of Miyazaki-ken. The trees were planted after World War II to boost the production of wood. And to replace cut down trees due to the beginning of reconstruction in Japan. Within the park there is a large area called “Yabu-tsubaki” because of the wild camellias that grow there. Tsubaki is the Japanese word for camellia. The “Tsubakiyama Forest Park” camellia park was officially opened on May 1990. Internationally, it was soon recognized as the “Number One Camelia Park” around the world. Around 48,000 different kinds of camellias grow in the park. In between you will find the cedar trees and occasionally a beautiful magnolia tree. The area covers over 40 hectares.

The “mountain” is at an altitude of approx. 400 m, although you have to remember that the start is almost 0 meters above sea level. It takes about 45 minutes by car from the center of Miyazaki City. A bus doesn’t run. A rental car is recommended. Drive carefully, it is on a narrow road.

A wooden building with a slanted roof and a sign featuring a stylized camellia flower, located in a park environment with greenery and flower pots in front.
A decorative arrangement of camellia flowers in various colors, positioned on a bamboo stand beside a body of water.
Close-up of a pink and white camellia flower showcasing its yellow stamens and lush green leaves.
A vibrant camellia flower showcasing white petals with pink edges and a cluster of yellow stamens, representing the natural beauty of Tsubakiyama Forest Park.

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Exploring the Mythical Kirishima: A Guide to Trekking and Kirishima Jingu

Published on by Walter

Look back at the Age of the Gods, when deities ruled the world. Looking down from heaven, they saw “an island floating in a foggy sea,” which is said to be where Kirishima (“fog island”) derives its name. Details you will find here.

Trekking in Kirishima, details you will find here.

Aerial view of O-Nami Lake (Onami Ike) surrounded by a volcanic crater, with a foggy landscape in the background.
O-Nami Lake (Onami Ike) offers a stunning view from above, showcasing its unique crater shape and tranquil waters, surrounded by a foggy landscape.

Kirishima Jingu: Details you will find here.

A deer standing on a pathway surrounded by grass and trees in a forested area.
A towering ancient tree surrounded by lush greenery, with visitors walking nearby.
A serene view of a lake surrounded by fog and trees, showcasing the natural beauty of Kirishima.
A red torii gate standing at the entrance of a path surrounded by lush greenery.
A view of Kirishima Jingu shrine featuring traditional Japanese architecture, surrounded by lush greenery and visitors.
Kirishima Jingu shrine surrounded by tall trees, with traditional Japanese architecture and a gravel path in the foreground.
Exterior view of Kirishima Jingu shrine, featuring traditional Japanese architecture with a prominent entrance in bright red and wooden details, surrounded by greenery.
View of Kirishima Jingu shrine surrounded by tall trees, with traditional Japanese architecture and pathways.

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This is a park symbolized by seven moai statues restored with permission from Easter Island - a unique sight in the world.

MOAI Statues: Discovering the Fascinating History of Easter Island

Published on by Walter1 Comment

What is MOAI? See here.

MOAI’s in Miyazaki Prefecture, details you will find here.

A group of seven Moai statues overlooking the ocean, with visitors walking and gathering around them on a grassy area.
Visitors admire the iconic Moai statues overlooking the ocean in Miyazaki Prefecture.
A panoramic view of six Moai statues overlooking the ocean, with visitors interacting nearby and palm trees in the background.
A row of Moai statues standing on a stone platform with grass and rocks in the foreground against a clear blue sky.
A plaque explaining the significance of Moai statues from Easter Island, discussing their historical and cultural context in relation to the people of Rapa-nui and Nichinan.

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One of the 7 hells of Beppu - There are Sea Hell (Umi Jigoku) - Shaven Head Monk’s Hell (Oniishi Bozu Jigoku) - White Hell (Shiraike Jigoku)- Cooking Pot Hell (Kamado Jigoku) - Crocodile Hell (Oniyama Jigoku) - Blood Hell (Chinoike Jigoku) - Tornado Hell (Tatsumaki Hell)

Beppu Jigoku: A Fascinating Journey through Japan’s Geothermal Wonders

Published on by Walter

A tour of the seven hells where fumaroles and hot water vigorously errupt from the ground. Details you will find here.

Steam rises from a geothermal area, surrounded by lush greenery and a reddish torii gate in the background.
A breathtaking view of the steaming waters and lush foliage at the Beppu Jigoku Hell Tour, showcasing the natural geothermal features.

A scenic view of a hot spring surrounded by steam and rocks, with a sign in the background.
A traditional Japanese building surrounded by steaming hot springs, with a vibrant red color of the water contrasting against the green landscape.
A colorful outdoor scene depicting a large statue of a demon-like figure holding a guitar, surrounded by lush greenery and small decorative elements. People are seen walking in the area.
A blue hot spring surrounded by rocks and greenery, with a dry tree in the foreground.
A steam-filled landscape near a hot spring with a fence in the foreground, showing a building partially obscured by mist.
A mineral-rich hot spring surrounded by stones, with steam rising from the surface.
A serene hot spring surrounded by rocks and greenery, showcasing bubbling mineral water in a peaceful setting.
A scenic view of a geothermal pool with steam rising from the water, surrounded by lush greenery and rock formations.
A rocky structure with hot spring water flowing from it, accompanied by an informational sign in Japanese.
Fumaroles and hot water erupting from a rocky landscape at Beppu Jigoku, with steam rising in the air.
Scenic view of a green pond surrounded by lush vegetation and trees, with steam rising from a fumarole in the background.
A geothermal site with steam venting from the ground, surrounded by rocks and vegetation, depicting a natural hot spring area.
Steam rising from rocks into the air near a hot spring surrounded by lush greenery.
BEPPUJIGOKU (The Hell Tour – Pdf)Download

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A visit to the Peace Park is an absolute must, it is more intensive than the site in Hiroshima. Once you are there, you are amazed at the size of this monument.

Nagasaki Peace Park: A Must-Visit Monument in Japan

Published on by Walter

Nagasaki is the capital and the largest city of Nagasaki Prefecture on the island of Kyushu in Japan. Details you will find here.

Peace Park

A visit to the Peace Park is an absolute must, it is more intensive than the site in Hiroshima. Once you are there, you are amazed at the size of this monument. The right arm points upwards: The misfortune came from there. The left arm is stretched out as a gesture of peace. The eyes are closed in prayer for the dead. It’s huge. Together with the Atomic Bomb Museum, you should plan half a day to visit this park

A large bronze statue of a figure seated with one arm raised and the other outstretched, surrounded by greenery and a peaceful atmosphere, symbolizing peace and remembrance at the Peace Park in Nagasaki, Japan.
A historic building with balconies and a traditional Japanese garden, featuring visitors walking along a stone path.
A bustling street in Nagasaki, Japan, adorned with vibrant yellow lanterns and lined with shops, showcasing a lively atmosphere as people walk through.
A historic building with a traditional Japanese roof surrounded by a colorful flower garden featuring various blooms in shades of pink, yellow, and blue.

“Fat Man” was the codename for the nuclear bomb that was detonated over the Japanese city of Nagasaki by the United States on 9 August 1945

A display of the 'Fat Man' nuclear bomb, showcased at the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, highlighting its historical significance.

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Experience unique and natural steam sand baths

Ibusuki and Yamakawa Steam Sand Baths: Natural Healing Experience

Published on by Walter

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/v8uH1WMgeCwi7kLC7

On the geothermally heated sandy coasts of Ibusuki and Yamakawa, you can experience unique and natural steam sand baths. Details you will find here and here.

View of the sandy coast near Ibusuki, showcasing modern buildings and a walking path along the waterfront.

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Udo Jingu: Unique Cave Shrine on Nichinan Coast | Japan

Published on by Walter

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/5fPuTubBtWkRmtKD6

Udo Jingu Shinto shrine is dedicated to Yamasachihiko, the father of emperor Jimmu, the mythical first emperor of Japan. The shrine is famous for its unique construction. It is built inside a cave on a coastal cliff.

Traditional Shinto shrine built within a cave on a coastal cliff, featuring intricate red and gold decorations.
A pathway lined with traditional red torii gates leading up to Udo Jingu Shinto shrine.
Entrance gate of Udo Jingu Shinto shrine with traditional Japanese architectural features, located on a coastal cliff.

https://en.japantravel.com/miyazaki/udo-jingu/2745

A beautiful journey along the Nichinan Coast

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If you enjoy surfing, marine sports, biking, cafes and shrines you will love Aoshima

Surfers’ Paradise: Aoshima Island and Beachside Hotel

Published on by Walter

Aoshima Island is a small, beautiful island just off the coast south of Miyazaki City. Aoshima is connected to the mainland by a bridge.

All the details you will find here.

A sandy beach with calm waters and a small island in the distance, featuring a bridge connecting the mainland.

For surfers:

Aoshima Fisherman's Beachside Hotel & Spa, a modern facility ideal for surfers, located near a scenic beach.

AOSHIMA FISHERMAN’S BEACHSIDE HOTEL & SPA

Aoshima Fisherman's Beachside Hostel & Spa building surrounded by palm trees and grass, with mountains in the background.

Ideal for surfers, newly constructed. Have a look here. Reservations available on their homepage.

A person walking along a beach carrying a surfboard, with waves crashing in the background under a clear blue sky.
Kisaki Beach Aoshima
View of Aoshima Island connected to the mainland by a bridge, featuring a sandy beach and clear blue water.
Aoshima Island connected to the mainland by a bridge with visitors walking along a sandy beach and rocky shoreline.
Aoshima Island beach view featuring palm trees, blue sky, and calm waters.
A picturesque view of Aoshima Island's beach with people walking along the shore and a hotel in the background.
Aoshima Island coastal pathway with a red torii gate in the background, people walking along the sandy path lined with rocky shoreline and greenery.
Aoshima Shrine
Aoshima Island visitors crowding at a temple entrance, with palm trees and traditional buildings in the background.
A traditional Japanese shrine entrance with intricately designed wooden architecture and red pillars.
A pathway leading to the ocean, lined with traditional buildings on either side, showcasing a beautiful coastal view.
Aoshima Island shrine surrounded by lush trees, featuring a small red and black building with decorative roof and statues at the entrance.
Aoshima Botanic garden with vibrant flower beds featuring pink and red flowers, surrounded by tall palm trees and greenery.
Rock formations on Aoshima Island's coastline, featuring unique textures and pools of water.
Scenic view of Aoshima Island from the beach, featuring palm trees and a clear blue sky.
The small village of Aoshima, very crowded on weekends
Sign for Aoshima Botanic Garden surrounded by tropical plants and flowers.
View of Aoshima Island from the sandy beach, featuring a bridge connecting the island to the mainland.
Entrance to Aoshima Beach Park with a sign and palm trees in the background.
Pathway leading through a park with greenery and flowers, featuring buildings in the background under a clear blue sky.
Botanic Garden Aoshima
A scenic view of a landscaped park on Aoshima Island featuring vibrant red flowers, palm trees, and a clear blue sky with a bike in the foreground.
Aoshima Botanic Flower Park

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Nanzoin is the general head temple and the first amulet-issuing office of Sasaguri Buddhist pilgrimate Route

Nanzoin: Head Temple and Amulet-Issuing Office of Sasaguri Buddhist Pilgrimage Route

Published on by Walter

Nanzoin is the general head temple and the first amulet-issuing office of Sasaguri Buddhist pilgrimate Route, details you will find here. If you want special, go there!

A large reclining Buddha statue surrounded by smaller statues, set in a serene outdoor environment with greenery in the background.
Reclining Buddha statue at Nanzoin temple, showcasing serene facial expression and intricate details.
A large statue of a Buddhist deity surrounded by vibrant flames, with an offering table in front and lush greenery in the background.

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