A tour for those who are there to discover Kyushu the first time.
We will travel through all of its famous spots across four northern Kyushu prefectures (Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita), and Takachiho gorge in Miyazaki prefecture.

Nokonoshima Island Park, Fukuoka / Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Fukuoka

After a 10 minutes boat ride from Fukuoka, you will find Nokonoshima and its natural garden that offers flowers of all seasons with the ocean as its background.
The Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is idolized for being the God of learning, cultural arts, sincerity, and exorcism. Therefore, lots of tourists and locals visit here to pray for good results in their learning and career.
Both are wonderful sightseeing spots, and also easily accessible spots from Fukuoka.

Yufuin, Oita / Beppu Onsen, Oita

Oita prefecture is a hot spring resort representing Japan. The amount of sources and hot springs is the highest in Japan.
There are hot springs you cannot soak in due to the high water temperature, The Hells; but you can still find the suitable hot spring in Yufuin that relax your body after a whole day travel.
Besides, you can admire the spectacle of steam elevating from the different hot springs of the area from Yukemuri Observatory!

Takachiho Gorge, Miyazaki

Based on the myths from the Kojiki* and the Nihon Shoki*, Takachiho has recently gained popularity with people as a spiritual spot.
The most popular spot there is the Manai Falls, falling between the Takachiho Gorge cliffs. You can visit the gorge either by walking or renting a boat.
[*The Kojiki and Nihon Shoki are the oldest chronicles of Japan myths, legends, songs, genealogy, oral traditions and and semi-historical accounts about the Japanese archipelago, the Kami (spirits and gods), and the Japanese Imperial lines. They are the inspiration behind many current practices in Japan.]
If you choose to stretch your legs in Miyazaki, then you need to go and see its most beautiful spot: Aoshima.
Surrounded with abundant nature, the Aoshima Shrine is located in the center of the island. It’s very popular for it brings good luck to people in matchmaking and marriage.“Oni no Sentakuita” (Devil’s Washboard), a natural wave-like rock formation is also a must-see spot in Aoshima.

Sakitsu village in Amakusa, Kumamoto / Dolphin Watching, Kumamoto

Sakitsu Village was a focal point for Christian propagation during the Christian prohibition period.
The symbol of this village is the Gothic Sakitsu Church, standing atop of this small fishing village.
It was registered as a World Heritage Site in July 2018, as one of the Hidden Christian Sites, and the sacred sites, stone walls, etc. still remain up to this day.
The Amakusa area, surrounded by oceans, is rich in seafood. Sushi, seafood bowls and sashimi here is fresh and delicious!
There are also wild dolphins living amongst the islands and dolphin viewing boat tours are available too.

Oura Cathedral, Nagasaki / Mt. Inasa Night view, Nagasaki / Shippoku Ryori, Nagasaki

Built at the end of the Edo era （A.D.1603～1867）, the Oura Catholic Church is one of Japan’s oldest Gothic-style churches and it has been designated as a national treasure.
When the night falls, let’s head to Mt. Inasa for the Nagasaki night view which is said to worth 10 million dollars. You can access to the top of Mt. Inasa via ropeway.
Shippoku Ryori, a type of Nagasaki traditional cuisine which people are seated around a red round table and able to freely enjoy various dishes at the same time on a platter. It is a perfect example of the historical fusion and mixture of traditional Japanese, Chinese and western dishes. As a combination of foreign culture, cuisine and local ingredients, Shippoku Ryori is a cuisine that perfectly represents the history of Nagasaki.

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