The southernmost of Japan’s main islands may not receive the attention paid to some of Japan’s more central regions, but overlooking this beautiful and exciting destination would be a mistake. Brimming with beautiful beaches, exquisite cuisine, luxurious hot spring retreats, and immersive activities, Kyushu should be at the top of every Japan traveler’s bucket list. If you are unsure of just where to start for the perfect Kyushu trip, feel free to use this sample itinerary and be sure to stop by Kyushu’s official tourism website, Visit Kyushu, for even more things to see and do.
Kagoshima
With easy access by domestic flight from Tokyo and Osaka, Kagoshima is a great place to kick off your Kyushu adventure. For a relaxing retreat with beautiful coastal views, try a stay at Ibusuki Hakusuikan. This hot spring haven is a great place to try Kagoshima’s famed sand bath or sunamushi onsen where guests are covered up to the shoulders in warm sand heated by natural hot springs that is said to have health benefits such as improving circulation, opening the pores, and increasing blood oxygen levels. After your relaxing spa experience, head to the resort’s Satsuma Denshokan Museum which showcases a stunning collection of Satsuma pottery and artwork. The resort also boasts an impressive sake tasting room with a myriad of regionally crafted sake available to try or purchase daily. And don’t forget to indulge in Hakusuikan’s sumptuous kaiseki meal for dinner. The area is best known for succulent Kurobuta pork and delicious regional wagyu that you will not want to miss.
Visitors to Kagoshima would be remiss to leave before taking in the stunning natural scenery, and while World Natural Heritage Yakushima Island has become the more well known of Kagoshima’s natural gems, the volcanic island of Sakurajima is the symbol of Kagoshima. Just a short ferry ride away from Kagoshima City, Sakurajima is an active volcano and geo park where locals live in symbiosis with the volcano that enriches the soil and produces abundant natural hot springs. Sea kayaking is a great way to explore around the island and the abundant wildlife, black sand beaches, and clear waters make for a truly unforgettable experience.
Miyazaki
Travelers looking for a breathtaking mountain escape should look no further than Takachiho. Located in Miyazaki prefecture, Takachiho’s stunning mountain locale is best accessed by private transfer, but the trip is well worth the effort. Surrounded by river gorges and canyons, Takachiho is steeped in Shinto mythology and natural beauty. After a lovely boat ride beside the cascading falls of Takachiho Gorge, check in to the luxurious Ryokan Shinsen and relax in private open-air hot springs in the tranquility of a Japanese garden. The property offers fine dining in the Kyoto kaiseki style, serving Takachiho’s award winning wagyu as well as wine and champagne pairings expertly guided by the resident sommelier-landlady.
Guests staying from November to early February can also enjoy a chauffeured trip to the local Takachiho Evening Kagura performance, a truly special 800-year-old tradition that has been designated as one of Japan's Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. The stories told through the kagura dance are echoed at nearby Takachiho-jinja Shrine, one of Japan’s most sacred with 1,900 years of history, as well as the mystical cave shrine of Amano Iwato-jinja where it is said that the sun goddess Amaterasu hid her light from the world until the kagura dance brought her out of seclusion.
Oita
There is an old adage in Japan that the best mountain is Fuji, the best sea is Setouchi, and the best hot springs are in Beppu. So it goes that Oita’s Beppu, and neighboring Yufuin, hot spring resort is among the most beloved in Japan. To say that everything in Beppu is intertwined with the hot springs would be an understatement. From the conveniently located hand and foot hot springs along the streets, and restaurants where you can soak your feet while you eat, to the impressive hot spring steamer ovens that cook everything from delicious dumplings to fresh seafood, hot springs in Beppu are a way of life. Though there are many wonderful ryokan in Beppu, Hoshino Resorts Kai Beppu really brings that extra touch to experiencing the spirit of hot spring culture in Beppu. Not only does the property offer lovely communal and private baths, the lobby features an outdoor footbath overlooking the ocean as well as fun and immersive evening cultural activities such as pop-up festivals with games and musical performances for guests. Locally sourced seasonal ingredients comprise the exquisite kaiseki cuisine offered as well as a wonderful selection of regional sake and spirits.
In addition to soaking in the mineral springs, a tour of the vibrantly colored pools that make up the famed Seven Hells of Beppu is also a must. The mineral rich, and extremely hot, hells of Beppu can be reached with a ‘Jigoku Meguri’ pass and 2 – 2.5 hour walking tour that also offers opportunities to sample a variety of delicious dishes cooked in the steam of the springs such as sweet buns, vegetables, meat, and hot spring eggs. Be sure to also visit the hot spring green house to see the brilliantly colored flowers and lily pond. Just remember that the hells of Beppu are beautiful to look at, but with temperatures that can reach over 200 degrees, they should never be touched.
Fukuoka
To reach the final leg of your Kyushu journey, hop aboard the quaint sight-seeing train, Yufuin no Mori, which offers direct service from Beppu to Hakata in Kyushu’s northern-most prefecture of Fukuoka. Take in the countryside from stylish observation cars or head to the café car for delectable bento box meals and sweet treats. Once in Hakata, you will want to head to Nakasu and immerse yourself in the city’s foodie culture by visiting a yatai food stall which come to life after dark. Be sure to try Hakata’s famed tonkotsu ramen and bite-sized hitokuchi gyoza.
For accommodations in the city, The Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka will be opening its doors right in the heart of Hakata this summer, offering luxurious amenities and fine dining including six in-house restaurants and bars. Aside from being a bustling port area, Hakata also hosts two of Kyushu’s largest festivals, the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival in early July, and the Hakata Dontaku festival in May which attracts over two million spectators annually. If visiting in May for the festival revelry, the spectacular wisteria tunnels of nearby Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden are also not to be missed.
