Kyushu Travel Guide
52 sightseeing spots · Japan
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Top Spots in Kyushu
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
太宰府市, 福岡県
⭐ 4.5Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines, dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, the deity of learning, culture, and the arts. Walk beneath centuries-old torii gates and magnificent camphor trees while exploring this sacred site, especially beautiful during plum blossom season in mid-February. The charming approach is lined with traditional shops, cafes, and restaurants, while nearby attractions include the Kyushu National Museum and a retro train line.
Shuri Castle
那覇市, 沖縄県
⭐ 4.2Shuri Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Naha, Okinawa, stands as a testament to the island's unique Ryukyu Kingdom heritage. While the main hall is currently being reconstructed following a 2019 fire, visitors can witness this rare restoration process and explore the beautiful castle grounds with their distinctive red-tiled architecture and panoramic city views. The expansive park offers scenic stone-paved walking paths surrounded by lush greenery, making it both a cultural and peaceful natural retreat.
Glover Garden
長崎市, 長崎県
⭐ 4.2Perched on a hillside overlooking Nagasaki harbor, Glover Garden is a beautifully preserved open-air museum showcasing Western-style colonial architecture from the 1860s. The centerpiece is the Former Glover House, Japan's oldest surviving wooden Western building, home to Scottish merchant Thomas Blake Glover who played a pivotal role in Japan's modernization. Visitors can explore multiple historic residences with period furniture, stroll through scenic gardens, and enjoy stunning panoramic views of Nagasaki.
Kirishima Onsen
霧島市, 鹿児島県
⭐ 4.2Step back in time at this authentic Showa-era neighborhood bathhouse, where locals have gathered for generations to soak in excellent quality hot spring waters. This charmingly retro onsen features alternating hot and cold baths, a sauna, and an atmosphere that feels plucked straight from a Japanese drama. After your soak, relax on the wooden benches in the changing room with an ice-cold milk from the vintage refrigerator—a quintessential Japanese bathhouse tradition.
Sakurajima
鹿児島市, 鹿児島県
Sakurajima is one of Japan's most active volcanoes, rising dramatically from Kagoshima Bay in southern Kyushu. Visitors can witness frequent ash eruptions, explore lava fields, and soak in natural hot springs with stunning volcanic views. The island offers scenic hiking trails, observation points, and the unique experience of seeing a living, breathing volcano up close while just 4 kilometers from Kagoshima city.
Kunisaki Peninsula
国東市, 大分県
The Kunisaki Peninsula in Oita Prefecture is a mystical destination where ancient mountain Buddhism and rural Japanese culture converge. This mountainous peninsula is dotted with historic temples, stone Buddha carvings, and scenic hiking trails that wind through forests and past waterfalls. Visitors can experience the unique Rokugo Manzan culture, explore traditional farming villages, and enjoy fresh seafood along the coastal areas.
Amami Island
奄美市, 鹿児島県
Amami Island is a subtropical paradise located between Kyushu and Okinawa, offering pristine beaches, ancient mangrove forests, and unique wildlife found nowhere else in the world. The island is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling and diving, lush jungle trails, and traditional island culture distinct from mainland Japan. Visitors can encounter rare species like the Amami black rabbit, explore untouched natural landscapes, and experience the laid-back rhythm of island life.
Yufuin Onsen
由布市, 大分県
Nestled in the mountains of Oita Prefecture on Kyushu Island, Yufuin Onsen is a charming hot spring town offering stunning views of Mount Yufu and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to busier resort towns. Stroll along the picturesque Lake Kinrinko, browse art galleries and boutique shops on the main street, and soak in traditional ryokan baths fed by natural mineral-rich waters. This artistic mountain retreat perfectly blends natural beauty with refined Japanese hospitality, making it an ideal escape for those seeking tranquility and authentic onsen culture.
Maesato Beach
石垣市, 沖縄県
Maesato Beach is a pristine coastal gem offering crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft white sand perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Located in Okinawa's tropical paradise, this beach provides a more tranquil alternative to busier tourist spots while still offering beautiful coral reefs and marine life just offshore. The calm, shallow waters and relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for families and those seeking a peaceful beach day under the warm Okinawan sun.
Saraku Sand Bath Hall
指宿市, 鹿児島県
Saraku Sand Bath Hall offers a unique Japanese wellness experience where visitors are buried in naturally heated volcanic sand along the scenic coastline. The therapeutic sand bath, warmed by geothermal hot springs, is believed to improve circulation and relieve muscle tension while providing stunning ocean views. This traditional Ibusuki specialty allows you to relax in a yukata robe as attendants gently cover you with warm black sand for an unforgettable 10-15 minute experience.
Takachiho Gorge
高千穂町, 宮崎県
Takachiho Gorge is a breathtaking natural wonder in Miyazaki Prefecture, featuring dramatic basalt cliffs that tower up to 17 meters above the emerald Gokase River. The highlight is the stunning Manai Falls, best viewed from a rental rowboat as you glide through the narrow gorge surrounded by lush vegetation. This mystical location is steeped in Japanese mythology as the legendary hiding place of the sun goddess Amaterasu, making it both a natural and spiritual treasure.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
国頭郡本部町, 沖縄県
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is one of the world's largest and most spectacular aquariums, featuring a massive main tank called the Kuroshio Sea that houses whale sharks and manta rays. Located within the Ocean Expo Park on the Motobu Peninsula, this world-class facility showcases the incredible biodiversity of Okinawan waters, from colorful coral reefs to deep-sea creatures. Visitors can marvel at the breathtaking 8.7-meter-high acrylic panel that offers an unobstructed view of these magnificent marine creatures gliding gracefully overhead.