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KYUSHU

Activity

Amakusa, Sakitsu Village

"Amakusa, Sakatsu Village" is one of the constituent assets of the "Hidden Christian sites in Nagasaki and Amakusa region."
Even during the time of persecution, the faith was continued for more than 250 years by cultivating a unique form of belief using familiar things in daily life and business as religious items, such as revering the pattern inside of shells that resemble Mother Mary.

Activity

Mt.Aso

Entry to Mount Aso's crater has been restricted since the mountain erupted in October 2016, but now the tourist route has been reopened. The First Crater of Aso Nakadake, one of the five peaks surrounding Mount Aso in Kumamoto, is one of the few tourist destinations in the world where you can experience volcanic activities up close. (The photo shows Kusa-Senrigahama, a National Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument.)

Activity

Kurokawa Onsen

Kurokawa Onsen is one of the renowned hot spring resort towns found in the Kyushu area. It is located in Minami-Oguni Town in the Aso district of Kumamoto Prefecture. The town's Information Center offers information on the variety of popular hot spring baths available in Kurokawa, and will also recommend bathing spots and accommodations to suit your needs. There are also many baths that can be visited on day trips.

Accommodation

Shimoda Onsen

Shimoda Onsen is located just inland from the west coast of Amakusa, an area famous for its beautiful sunsets. The water in the hot spring baths is sourced entirely from the source spring and is said to be beneficial for healing cuts and for recovery from exhaustion. It has a long history, with the first hot spring baths believed to have appeared here some 750 years ago. There is also a legend that the spring burst forth from a spot where an injured egret was soothing its wounds.

Culture

Yachiyoza

he Yachiyoza playhouse was built in 1910. Once open, it was used for various types of shows, entertaining audiences in the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras, but fell into decline as television became more popular. Subsequently, however, a local campaign to restore the theater resulted in its designation as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1988, and even today, it hosts a variety of performances.

Activity

Women’s Handball World Championship

The world championship, which decides the world's best handball, is held once every two years. This tournament is often held in Europe where handball is popular, but in Japan it will be held for the second time since the men's match in 1997, all matches can be seen in Kumamoto. Let's support the Japanese national women’s handball team, Orihime JAPAN, who challenges the world!

Culture

Kumamoto Castle

Tabaruzaka in Kumamoto, where a fierce battle took place during the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877, has several tourist sites.

Culture

Tabaruzaka Museum

Tabaruzaka in Kumamoto, where a fierce battle took place during the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877, has several tourist sites. Among them are Tabaruzaka Museum, which exhibits a variety of materials on the Rebellion. Also, in Tabaruzaka Park, a restored house stands to show scars of the battle.

Activity

Kikuchi Valley

The Kikuchi Valley is located in a corner of the Aso Kuju National Park in the northeastern part of Kikuchi city, and the subterranean river water springing from Aso somma is so pure that it could be selected as one of the Selected One Hundred Exquisite Waters of Japan.

Activity

Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine

One of the famous power spots in Aso in Kumamoto is the Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine. As you climb up the approach road, along which there are nearly 100 lanterns, you feel as if you’ve entered a different world. It also became famous as a setting in a popular manga, and many people visit from all over the country.

Activity

Amakusa, Sakitsu Village

"Amakusa, Sakatsu Village" is one of the constituent assets of the "Hidden Christian sites in Nagasaki and Amakusa region."
Even during the time of persecution, the faith was continued for more than 250 years by cultivating a unique form of belief using familiar things in daily life and business as religious items, such as revering the pattern inside of shells that resemble Mother Mary.

Activity

Kikuchi Valley

The Kikuchi Valley is located in a corner of the Aso Kuju National Park in the northeastern part of Kikuchi city, and the subterranean river water springing from Aso somma is so pure that it could be selected as one of the Selected One Hundred Exquisite Waters of Japan.

Activity

Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine

One of the famous power spots in Aso in Kumamoto is the Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine. As you climb up the approach road, along which there are nearly 100 lanterns, you feel as if you’ve entered a different world. It also became famous as a setting in a popular manga, and many people visit from all over the country.

Accommodation

Shimoda Onsen

Shimoda Onsen is located just inland from the west coast of Amakusa, an area famous for its beautiful sunsets. The water in the hot spring baths is sourced entirely from the source spring and is said to be beneficial for healing cuts and for recovery from exhaustion. It has a long history, with the first hot spring baths believed to have appeared here some 750 years ago. There is also a legend that the spring burst forth from a spot where an injured egret was soothing its wounds.

Culture

Yachiyoza

The Yachiyoza playhouse was built in 1910. Once open, it was used for various types of shows, entertaining audiences in the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras, but fell into decline as television became more popular. Subsequently, however, a local campaign to restore the theater resulted in its designation as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1988, and even today, it hosts a variety of performances.

Activity

Women’s Handball World Championship

The world championship, which decides the world's best handball, is held once every two years. This tournament is often held in Europe where handball is popular, but in Japan it will be held for the second time since the men's match in 1997, all matches can be seen in Kumamoto. Let's support the Japanese national women’s handball team, Orihime JAPAN, who challenges the world!

Culture

Kumamoto Castle

Tabaruzaka in Kumamoto, where a fierce battle took place during the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877, has several tourist sites.

Culture

Tabaruzaka Museum

Tabaruzaka in Kumamoto, where a fierce battle took place during the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877, has several tourist sites. Among them are Tabaruzaka Museum, which exhibits a variety of materials on the Rebellion. Also, in Tabaruzaka Park, a restored house stands to show scars of the battle.

Activity

Mt.Aso

Entry to Mount Aso's crater has been restricted since the mountain erupted in October 2016, but now the tourist route has been reopened. The First Crater of Aso Nakadake, one of the five peaks surrounding Mount Aso in Kumamoto, is one of the few tourist destinations in the world where you can experience volcanic activities up close. (The photo shows Kusa-Senrigahama, a National Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument.)

Activity

Kurokawa Onsen

Kurokawa Onsen is one of the renowned hot spring resort towns found in the Kyushu area. It is located in Minami-Oguni Town in the Aso district of Kumamoto Prefecture. The town's Information Center offers information on the variety of popular hot spring baths available in Kurokawa, and will also recommend bathing spots and accommodations to suit your needs. There are also many baths that can be visited on day trips.

Activity

Mt.Aso

Entry to Mount Aso's crater has been restricted since the mountain erupted in October 2016, but now the tourist route has been reopened. The First Crater of Aso Nakadake, one of the five peaks surrounding Mount Aso in Kumamoto, is one of the few tourist destinations in the world where you can experience volcanic activities up close. (The photo shows Kusa-Senrigahama, a National Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument.)

Activity

Amakusa, Sakitsu Village

"Amakusa, Sakatsu Village" is one of the constituent assets of the "Hidden Christian sites in Nagasaki and Amakusa region."
Even during the time of persecution, the faith was continued for more than 250 years by cultivating a unique form of belief using familiar things in daily life and business as religious items, such as revering the pattern inside of shells that resemble Mother Mary.

Activity

Kikuchi Valley

The Kikuchi Valley is located in a corner of the Aso Kuju National Park in the northeastern part of Kikuchi city, and the subterranean river water springing from Aso somma is so pure that it could be selected as one of the Selected One Hundred Exquisite Waters of Japan.

Activity

Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine

One of the famous power spots in Aso in Kumamoto is the Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine. As you climb up the approach road, along which there are nearly 100 lanterns, you feel as if you’ve entered a different world. It also became famous as a setting in a popular manga, and many people visit from all over the country.

Accommodation

Shimoda Onsen

Shimoda Onsen is located just inland from the west coast of Amakusa, an area famous for its beautiful sunsets. The water in the hot spring baths is sourced entirely from the source spring and is said to be beneficial for healing cuts and for recovery from exhaustion. It has a long history, with the first hot spring baths believed to have appeared here some 750 years ago. There is also a legend that the spring burst forth from a spot where an injured egret was soothing its wounds.

Culture

Yachiyoza

The Yachiyoza playhouse was built in 1910. Once open, it was used for various types of shows, entertaining audiences in the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras, but fell into decline as television became more popular. Subsequently, however, a local campaign to restore the theater resulted in its designation as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1988, and even today, it hosts a variety of performances.

Activity

Women’s Handball World Championship

The world championship, which decides the world's best handball, is held once every two years. This tournament is often held in Europe where handball is popular, but in Japan it will be held for the second time since the men's match in 1997, all matches can be seen in Kumamoto. Let's support the Japanese national women’s handball team, Orihime JAPAN, who challenges the world!

Culture

Kumamoto Castle

Tabaruzaka in Kumamoto, where a fierce battle took place during the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877, has several tourist sites.

Culture

Tabaruzaka Museum

Tabaruzaka in Kumamoto, where a fierce battle took place during the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877, has several tourist sites. Among them are Tabaruzaka Museum, which exhibits a variety of materials on the Rebellion. Also, in Tabaruzaka Park, a restored house stands to show scars of the battle.

Activity

Kurokawa Onsen

Kurokawa Onsen is one of the renowned hot spring resort towns found in the Kyushu area. It is located in Minami-Oguni Town in the Aso district of Kumamoto Prefecture. The town's Information Center offers information on the variety of popular hot spring baths available in Kurokawa, and will also recommend bathing spots and accommodations to suit your needs. There are also many baths that can be visited on day trips.

Activity

Sakurajima

Sakurajima, the major tourist destination in Kagoshima Prefecture, is one of the world's major active volcanoes, with the smoke still rising from its crater. It is located about 4 km from central Kagoshima City and a 15-minute ferry ride from the downtown area.

Activity

Ibusuki Natural Sand Bath Center Saraku

Ibusuki Sunamushi Onsen sand bath is the world’s one and only natural sand bath. The health benefits of the sand bath are said to be three to four times greater than that of a regular hot spring. After taking a sand bath, your body and mind will feel completely detoxified and refreshed. This unique bathing experience involves putting on a yukata robe, lying down, and being buried in the hot beach sand, which is heated by the hot spring water bubbling beneath the coastline. After about 10 minutes in the sand, your whole body will be soaked with sweat. Nothing is more relaxing than listening to the sounds of waves as you lay by the sea with your whole body wrapped in the warming sand.

Activity

Yakushima

Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is one of the World Heritage Site’s popular tourist destinations. Located 600 to 1,050 meters above sea level, it is designated as a national recreational forest for its abundant yaku sugi cedar trees.

Activity

Kirishima-Jingu

Imagine yourself wearing a kimono and walking leisurely through the shrine believed to be the site where the grandson of the sun goddess descended in ancient days. This program, “Stroll through Kirishima-Jingu Shrine in a Kimono” is a great way to get away from your daily life and experience something completely new!

Culture

Sego-don Mura Village

The Hinatayama Sego-don Mura Village now has a new addition a Saigo Takamori-themed inn. Situated in the Hinatayama Onsen Village, the inn’s building is modeled after the Ryuho Residence Saigo used to stay at when on vacation in the village, thus making it a historically important facility as well. Complete with a beautiful Japanese garden, this facility provides a new great tourist attraction.

Food

Kagomma Furusato Yataimura

Some food stalls in Kagomma Furusato Yataimura are open for lunch, offering a variety of great-tasting local Kagoshima specialties at reasonable prices.

Accommodation

Kirishima hot spring village

Kirishima is one of Kagoshima’s leading hot spring resorts, with many hot spring hotels and ryokan that let their overnight guests and day-trippers alike enjoy hot spring bathing.

Culture

Museum of the Meiji Restoration

Museum of the Meiji Restoration in Kagoshima City, Kagoshima, has so many attractive features.

Activity

Tanegashima Space Center

Visitors to JAXA Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane-cho can look around its facilities on their own or join a guided tour led by a full-time guide.

Shopping

Tenmonkan Shopping Street

Tenmonkan Street in Kagoshima-shi is known as the biggest and most thriving shopping street in Kagoshima.

Culture

Aoshima, Aoshima Shrine

Miyazaki City is a popular destination, embracing great tourist attractions such as Aoshima Shrine and Miyazaki Shrine.

Activity

Ikoma Plateau

The tourist attractions in Kobayashi City include Ikoma Plateau, known for its beautiful cosmos flowers, and Ebino Plateau, where you can enjoy a variety of seasonal beauty throughout the year. At Idenoyama Park, you can relax in nature and visit a freshwater fish aquarium.

Activity

Cape Toi

Kushima City is a tourist destination where you can see horses at Cape Toi and monkeys at Kojima. This is the perfect place to see wild animals in majestic scenery.

Activity

Nango Onsen Yamagiri

Legend has it that the hot springs of Nango Onsen sprang from the mountains behind the shrine dedicated to the Kudara (Baekje) royal family on the day of the noborimashi (the visit by Isaga Shrine to Hiki Jinja in Kijo and the ceremonial welcoming bonfires at the torii gate) of the Shiwasu Matsuri, one of Misato's top three festivals.

Food

Teppanyaki Steak House Miyakichu

Miyazaki Beef, the epitome of Miyazaki Wagyu. It has won the Prime Minister’s Prize at the National Competitive Exhibition of Wagyu three years running. Steakhouse “Miyachiku” in Shinbeppu Town, in the city of Miyazaki, is where you can enjoy Miyazaki Beef. Delicious wagyu beef, which has passed stringent criteria and received national recognition, is served in teppanyaki style.To be classed as Miyazaki Beef, the animal must be of the Japanese Black (Kuroge) breed, born and raised in Miyazaki P…

Culture

Obi Castle Town

Obi Castle Town is known as the little Kyoto of Kyushu, and was the first place in Kyushu to be designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. There are streets of samurai residences lined with stone walls said to closely resemble times gone by, moss-covered castle walls, and rows of Obi cedars. On the commercial street, you should try sampling some of the delicacies on offer, such as the famous "Obi Tempura" and "Atsuyaki Tamago", thick Japanese omelet.

Food

Oyster Hut Kakitei

Hososhima Port in Hyuga, Miyazaki, is a good natural harbor with a flourishing set-net fishing industry. This region overflows with the blessings of the ocean, boasting Miyazaki's largest catch of rock oysters. The port's unloading docks are bustling with fishing vessels landing their catches of fresh marine products. Here at Hososhima Port, amid the scents of the ocean, you will find the wonderful Oyster Hut Kakitei, a stylish eatery that serves freshly caught Hososhima rock oysters.

Culture

Horikawa Canal

This canal was completed in the Edo period after two years and four months of challenging work. There is an arched stone bridge over the canal called Horikawa Bridge. It also functions as a pathway into the neighboring Ahiratsu Shrine. As well as this, there are buildings in the vicinity of the canal such as Aburatsu Red Brick Hall (a nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property) with a Taisho-retro vibe.

Activity

Okuragahama

Everyone from beginners to skilled surfers can enjoy surfing on the plentiful waves off the coast of Okuragahama Beach in Hyuga-shi, Miyazaki. It is also one of Japan's best surfing spots, with international surfing tournaments held year in year out. In September 2017, the beach became Asia's first venue for the World Junior Surfing Championship, where young athletes aiming for the Olympics from 41 countries and regions demonstrated their skills head to head in competition.

Activity

Takachiho Gorge

Takachiho Gorge is a popular place believed to have special powers. It is located in the town of Takachiho in Miyazaki Prefecture's Nishiusuki district. Take a boat cruise to enjoy the beautiful views that change by the season and contemplate the illuminations and colored foliage, depending on the time of year. Take a leisurely moment to enjoy the flowing waterfall, formed by the volcanic activities of Mount Aso.