As we continue exploring the magical island of Kyushu in the south of Japan, we arrive in Kumamoto Prefecture. The 15th largest prefecture in Japan and with slightly under 1.8 million people, the prefecture has beaches, mountains, castles, and everything you could want from a trip to Japan. Kyushu is only a short flight away from Tokyo and other big cities, so make sure to explore and see all that Kumamoto has to offer!

We know that Japan is made up of four main islands, Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. There is a lifetime of travel between the four islands, from the snowy slopes of Hokkaido to the volcanoes of Kyushu. However, did you know that the total number of islands that comprise the Japanese archipelago total to more than 14,000 islands? With so many islands comprising Japan, there are so many magical places that are worth traveling to and discovering even more of the beauty and charm that Japan has to offer. So let’s take a look at some of the other islands of Japan!

On your way up into Hokkaido from Tokyo by bullet train, you'll stumble across this unassuming port town with oodles of history and culture on offer. A star-shaped fortress, squid fishing, a Michelin-starred night view, onsens, and fantastic food - all this and more is on offer in Hakodate.

With the winds of change bringing in the striking natural phenomenon of changing leaf colours, we take you through the best off-the-beaten-path, 'koyo' viewing destinations the Chubu region has to offer, where you can spend less and get more!

Kagoshima Prefecture is the southernmost prefecture of the island of Kyushu, and a haven for natural beauty, deep history, and immersive culture. With a population of slightly over 1.5 million people, Kagoshima Prefecture is also the 10th biggest prefecture of Japan, and the largest in all of Kyushu. Famous for its pottery that made its way around the world, active volcano that occasionally coats the city in ash, and a revolt during the Meiji Period, Kagoshima is a must see for anyone visiting Kyushu.