Kyushu

Kyushu, home to the most active volcanoes in Japan, and one of the earliest regions in Japan to receive foreigners, has a very interesting environment and history.

For the nature-inclined, visit the ethereal Yakushima Island with its ancient cedars and moss covered forests where Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke took inspiration from, the Takachiho Gorge with black volcanic cliffs flanking the blue water and Mount Aso National Park where the scenic ropeway affords a view of the world’s largest caldera.

For the history fanatics, the Nagasaki monuments, museums and memorials as well as the abandoned Hashima Island aren’t to be missed. For the cultural aficionados, the magnificent Kumamoto Castle, Yutoku Inari Shrine with a passage of torii gates, Usa Jingu and Saga pottery would be great experiences.

For the whimsical, the picturesque hot spring Yufuin town, Dutch-themed Huis ten Bosch theme park, African Safari and Hells of Beppu are great choices. And to round off your visit, hit Fukuoka City for mega-mall City Canal Hakata.