Searching for exciting experiences to add to your Japan itinerary? We have the perfect list of the best things to do in Kyushu, a beautiful and culturally distinct region of southern Japan just two hours by flight from Tokyo!
Of all of Japan’s main islands, the third-largest, Kyushu, is always the region that makes people fall in love with Japan. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a professional back-backer, you may be surprised to find that there are many things to do in Kyushu.
Kyushu is home to seven of Japan’s forty-seven prefectures: Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Nagasaki, Oita, and Saga. Okinawa, the most southern of all Japan’s prefectures, is sometimes associated with Kyushu despite being on an entirely separate island. Okinawa is one of the top travel destinations for Japanese tourists and deserves its own dedicated itinerary, so we’ll save it for later.
Kyushu covers an area of land that is slightly larger than Taiwan and is home to many national parks, famous statues, and local delicacies that you simply won’t find to be as good anywhere else.
From unique dishes to outdoor experiences, there’s so much to discover in Kyushu that you may even want to consider staying for a week. Without further ado, let’s take a look at 20 of the best things to do in Kyushu.
Here are the 20 best things to check out if you’re wondering what to do in Kyushu:
In the centre of Hakata Bay, there’s an island called Nokonoshima that takes only 10 minutes by ferry to reach. Nokonoshima is the perfect day trip if you need to spend a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of Kyushu’s largest city.
One of the most popular Kyushu attractions is Nokonoshima Island Park, an outdoor flower garden that blooms with thousands of seasonal flowers throughout the year. For Cosmos, the best time to visit is in early October, while the best time to catch the sunflowers would be August.
The park is also near a goat-petting zoo and a popular swimming beach called Nokonoshima Camp Village. By the port, there are some local cafes and restaurants that make Nonokoshima the best place to host a summer barbecue.
If you’re looking for a fun place to explore and take aesthetic photos just beyond the city limits, definitely give Nokonoshima a try!
Kyushu is home to many famous shrines, but you may have already heard of Koura Taisha Shrine. Often featured in TikTok videos and Instagram reels that show off a colorful, highly romanticised version of Japan, Koura Taisha Shrine is famous for having one of the best views of Fukuoka City’s iconic skyline.
Just 60 minutes by car or public transport from downtown Hakata, Koura Taisha Shrine is located in Kurume City and is near Kumamoto prefecture. At first glance, Koura Taisha looks like any other Shinto shrine in Japan, but come sunset, when the city lights turn on, you’ll have a front row seat to one of the best views of the city from the top of the shrine’s stone stairs.
Kurume is known for being the home of tonkotsu ramen, so while you’re there, be sure to stop by Taiho Ramen Shop for some truly authentic Japanese ramen.
One of the best things to do in Kyushu would be visiting the famous Reclining Buddha at Nanzoin Temple. This Buddha statue houses the remains of several important figures in the Buddhist faith that were donated by the Buddhist Congress of Myanmar in 1988. When visiting, please try to remember that it is a memorial site and be as respectful as possible if you decide to take photos.
Nanzoin Temple is only 30 minutes by train from Hakata Station, but if you’re interested in trying a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I would recommend staying at the Dainichiya Inn. The Dainichiya is a Buddhist temple where monks stay while partaking in the Sasaguri Pilgrimage. Tourists are also welcome to stay as long as there is availability. There’s also a cafe that’s open to the public, which makes the Dainichya the perfect place to eat lunch before heading back to the city.
If you love visiting Japanese shrines, then Yutoku Inari Shrine will be right up your alley. This shrine has many intricate buildings made of red lacquer that are reminiscent of the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away.
The shrine itself rests on the face of a small mountain that offers scenic views if you’re able to climb to the top. It takes around thirty minutes if you are a quick climber to reach the shrine, but be prepared as the stairs are quite uneven and the path, at times winding, can be a little steep.
Yutoku Inari was built in 1687 by a Daimyo to honour the god of foxes, agriculture, and swordsmiths, Inari Okami. One of the many festivals held at the shrine is the Shunki Taisai Festival, where attendees can admire azaleas and cherry blossoms while priests perform a dance asking the gods for a good planting season.
Established in the town of Imari around the late 17th century, Okawachiyama Village was once the central hub of all Japanese porcelain production until the end of the 19th century. Today, there are only a few kilns still in operation in the village and they are easily recognised by their tall brick chimneys.
If you’re looking for things to do, Okawachiyama is a historic village that is the perfect place to walk around and take photos of pottery art on display in various places around the village. You can peruse the many shops along the cobblestone street that sell Nabeshima-style ware, including cups, bowls, and plates, or stop by the Imari Village Exhibition Hall to see some preserved pieces of pottery.
Nearby points of interest include the Nabeshima Kiln Bridge, which is made of thousands of pieces of porcelain and the slightly farther Sueyama Shrine in nearby Arita Town.
If you would like to try a delicious delicacy from Karatsu Town, then we recommend trying Yobuko Squid. From the fishing port of Yobuko, this squid is famous in Kyushu and is revered for its unique texture and sweet flavour.
Yobuko Squid has been sold since the 1970s and continues to be a major selling point for tourists who come to Karatsu to stay in a traditional Japanese inn or “ryokan” and experience fresh sashimi that was harvested from the nearby sea. Yobuko Squid are caught year-round and are definitely worth a try!
The port of Yobuko was once famous for whaling and is now famous for its Morning Market, where vendors sell a variety of seafood. You have the option of jumping on a ferry and taking a ride to the nearby islands of Kakara and Oshima, which have many cosy bed and breakfasts perfect for trying this Yobuko Squid.
In Nagasaki, there is an island called Hirado that is home to many relics of the Hidden Christians, Japanese people who were converted by foreign missionaries and persecuted by the Tokugawa government after Christianity was banned from 1614 to 1873.
There are many churches scattered through the Hirado island that are beautifully preserved and a must-see if you plan on driving around. In most cases, it’s okay to take photos of the outside of the church, but generally, you can only enter if you have special permission or are part of the congregation.
One of these churches is St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church in Hirado City. It was erected next to Komyoji Temple, and tourists often stop to take photos of the two structures side-by-side from a marked spot on the cobblestone street.
Nearby points of interest include Hirado Castle, the Matsūra Historical Museum, and the famous Hirado Suspension Bridge.
About 1.5 hours by car from Nagasaki City is the town of Sasebo, known for its scenic islands and American-style cuisine. The famous Sasebo Burger is a popular dish to try for tourists. If you’d like to take photos of Nagasaki’s surrounding islands, the Yumihari Park Observation Deck is a great place to visit.
We highly recommend checking out the “Married and Glasses Rocks,” which is a short drive away from downtown Sasebo. There is also a botanical garden with many varieties of flowers that can be enjoyed year-round. The popular theme park Huis Ten Bosch, modelled to look like a real Dutch town, is perhaps the most visited theme park in all of Kyushu.
All of these places are great choices when finding things to do in Kyushu and are within reasonable driving distance of Fukuoka if you’re looking for a nice day trip.
Castella can be found in convenience stores across Japan, and you may have even tried it before if you’ve been to Japan. However, we’re here to break the news that the only place to try truly authentic Castella is none other than Nagasaki City, where this cake was first introduced to Japan by the Portuguese.
There are countless confectionery shops scattered throughout Nagasaki that sell Castella. You really can’t go wrong when it comes to selecting the right shop, but if you just so happen to be in downtown Nagasaki City, we recommend buying some cake from the Bunmeido Flagship store. The first store in Japan opened in Nagasaki City in the year 1900 and is now considered one of the city’s top premier castella shops. We promise it will be better than the castella at the convenience store.
Mount Aso is a popular destination for nature-lovers and is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Kyushu due to its location inside the Aso-Kuju National Park. We recently covered Mount Nakadake and the Daikanbo lookout point in our one-day Kumamoto itinerary, but this time we’ll be focusing on the vast grassland known as Kusasenri-ga-hama.
During the summer, the entire park turns into a sea of green grass and it is through the heart of this park that you can hike a trail from the fields of Kusasenri-ga-hama to the summit of Mount Nakadake. The hike has many places where you can catch unforgettable views of Kyushu’s most active volcano before heading back down to the start at the Aso Volcano Museum. There is also a nearby ranch where you can go for a horseback ride and rest at the nearby Kusasenri Coffee Roastery.
From base to summit and back to base, the Mount Aso Loop takes around 4.5 hours. This is a recommended trail for more experienced hikers, but it should absolutely be added to your next itinerary if you love the outdoors.
This breathtaking waterfall is about 40 minutes by car from Kumamoto City in the village of Nishihara. Shiraito or “white strings” is the name of a 20-meter-high waterfall that is set in a rural town southwest of the Aso-Kuju National Park. A bit off the beaten path, Shiraito Falls is a peaceful sightseeing activity that is easy to access if you are getting around by car.
There are some beginner-friendly trails around the falls and access costs only 100 yen. Shiraito is known as a power spot, and there is a nearby shrine named Myouken that is said to house the god of the waterfall.
If you’re a fan of the Japanese manga One Piece, Shiraito is close to Nami’s statue, and if you’re a motorsports fan, the falls are also close by an attraction called “Kenny Road,” a winding road that is popular amongst motorcyclists.
Kumamoto’s most famous dish is basashi or “raw-horse meat,” which can be a bit of a culture shock to some foreigners. If you aren’t ready to try basashi, don’t worry, we have another tasty alternative.
Similar to the fusion cuisine of Nagasaki’s Champon, in Kumamoto, you can try a Chinese-style soup called Taipien. Composed of seafood and various vegetables that swim in a flavorful broth filled with bean thread vermicelli, Taipien is a popular dish served in Chinese restaurants throughout Kumamoto and is a great example of an authentic local dish.
Dagojiru, sometimes known as Dago soup, is another soup that is rich with vegetables and made with dumplings, which makes Dagojiru a comforting addition to any meal. Dagojiru has different names in Kumamoto, and we highly recommend giving it a try if you’re looking for more vegetarian-friendly options.
Resting on the face of Mount Takachiho at the foot of the Kirishima Kinkowan National Park, Kirishima Jingu was built to enshrine Ninigi-no-Mikoto, an important figure in Japanese mythology and great-grandfather of the first emperor of Japan, Emperor Jimmu.
According to legend, Ninigi no Mikoto is believed to have brought with him the three sacred treasures of Japan after his grandmother, the sun goddess Amaterasu, sent him down to the untamed land of Japan.
Built in 1715, Kirishima Jingu is a great place to receive your omikuji and get your fortune read. There is a tall sacred tree guarding the main building. The mystical atmosphere can be felt at every step at this prestigious shrine, especially if you follow the path to the left of the shrine’s main building and visit the smaller yama or “mountain” shrine, which is surrounded by trees that are hundreds of years old.
The Kaimondake Volcano is a stratospheric volcano which sits on the southwestern peninsula of Kagoshima. Often referred to as the “Mount Fuji of Satsuma,” this fantastic geopark is also where you will find Lake Ikeda, which was formed due to the high volcanic activity in the region and is said to be home to a lake monster named “Issie.”
Kaimondake tends to be overshadowed by Kagoshima’s most famous and active volcano, Sakurajima, but you will thank us later if you decide to spend some time finding the best things to do in Ibusuki City!
Points of interest for this Ibusuki include: Cape Nagasakibana, the Saraku Sand Bath Hall, where you can try a sand bath, Hirakiki Shrine, the Golden Torii gate, and the Ibusuki ferry terminal, where you can take a boat to nearby islands, including Yakushima, which inspired the setting for the Studio Ghibli film Princess Mononoke.
Kyushu Island attracts thousands of surfers each year, and most will agree that some of the best places to catch a wave are in Miyazaki.
If you’re new to surfing and still trying to learn the basics, we recommend checking out our one-day guide to Miyazaki to see where you can take lessons that are beginner-friendly. If you’re a pro, then we recommend checking out the Okuragahama Surf Point in the town of Hyuga. Known for having consistent waves and beautiful sunrises, Okuragahama is a popular hangout spot for surfers. If you like swimming, locals often head up to nearby Isagahama Beach.
Hyuga is famous for the Sea Cross Overlook, which has an aerial view of a unique rock formation that resembles a cross. If you head to the edge of the park, the Umagase observation deck has some truly unforgettable views of the cliffs and the sea.
If you’re a serious Hayao Miyazaki fan, then you may have heard of one of his earlier works, a film called Laputa: The Castle In The Sky. Miyazaki (the prefecture) is no stranger to Studio Ghibli’s most beloved characters. Going on a treasure hunt to find all of the different art installations of some of Miyazaki’s (the director) most famous characters might just be the best thing to do in Kyushu.
The Laputa Robot is just outside Nobeoka City in a quiet park, surrounded by trees, which is quite befitting of the Laputa Robot Troopers from the film. The Laputa Robot is joined by other characters from different Ghibli films, including Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and even Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.
Miyazaki prefecture alone has at least four life-sized Totoro Bus Stops, but there are many more statues to be found throughout Kyushu.
One of the most underrated Kyushu attractions is Heiwadai and its impressive-looking “Tower of Peace” which stands at the centre of Heiwadai Park. Built only 5 years before the end of WWII, the tower was once a symbol of Japanese imperialism and transformed into a symbol for peace after Princess Shimazu visited Heiwadai and other places in Miyazaki during her honeymoon.
There are many hiking trails surrounding Heiwadai if you want to see more besides the tower. Just be prepared for lots of stairs and sudden inclines or declines! If you’re an art history lover, the Haniwa Park has many statues that are free to look at and admire up close. If you’re wondering what to do in Kyushu that doesn’t require a lot of strenuous activity, the Haniwa Park will be perfect for you.
Considered to be one of the most beautiful caves in Japan, the Furen Limestone Cave system is a network of caves 60 minutes by car and 1.5 hours by train southeast of Oita City in the town of Usuki. For 1,000 yen, visitors can go on self-guided tours of this fantastic cave and admire the impressive examples of stalagmites and stalactites.
The best part of Furen Limestone Cave is an area about 500 meters in called the “Palace of the Dragon,” which marks the end of the cave. Temperatures inside the cave tend to be around 15 degrees Celsius, even in the summer, so be sure to dress appropriately and expect to climb lots of stairs. The ceiling height also changes dramatically depending on where you are. Lastly, if you’re an animal lover, there are bats that live in the cave, but they’re harmless.
Oita prefecture’s most famous sightseeing spots are often cited as being the Jigoku Seven Hells of Beppu City or the Floral Village in Yufuin, but today we’ll be focusing on Nakatsu City. From the heart of the city to the northeast, to Mount Hiko to the west, there are lots of fun things to do that make Nakatsu the perfect day trip from Oita City and Fukuoka City.
The autumn foliage atop Mount Hiko is a popular attraction and is a beloved sightseeing spot for hikers. There are a handful of shrines on Mount Hiko, the most famous of which is Hikosan Jingu. Nearby is the Onta Pottery Village, the origin of Onta-style pottery and the former residence of the famous British potter, Bernard Leach.
More scenic locations include Sarutobi Sentsubo and the Bakeibashi Bridge. In town, there’s Nakatsu Castle, a botanical garden, and the Nakasu City History Museum.
There’s no simple answer when it comes to recommending the perfect dish to try in Oita, as there are too many options to choose from. It’s best to start with Oita prefecture’s most famous dish, Toriten Fried Chicken.
Toriten is considered a culinary juggernaut and is quite literally sold at almost every restaurant in Oita. It’s the perfect marriage of tempura-style batter and chicken. To create an even better dish, you can add toriten on top of a bowl of soba noodles and try something called “Toriten Soba.”
Toriten has been around since the 1960s and is a protein-rich dish that is perfect for your next trip to Oita.
Kyushu is a destination that is a must-visit for anyone looking to see a different side to Japan. We hope this guide has given you some inspiration for finding the best things to do in Kyushu.
Of all of Japan’s main islands, the third-largest, Kyushu, is always the region that makes people fall in love with Japan. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a professional back-backer, you may be surprised to find that there are many things to do in Kyushu.
Kyushu is home to seven of Japan’s forty-seven prefectures: Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Nagasaki, Oita, and Saga. Okinawa, the most southern of all Japan’s prefectures, is sometimes associated with Kyushu despite being on an entirely separate island. Okinawa is one of the top travel destinations for Japanese tourists and deserves its own dedicated itinerary, so we’ll save it for later.
Kyushu covers an area of land that is slightly larger than Taiwan and is home to many national parks, famous statues, and local delicacies that you simply won’t find to be as good anywhere else.
From unique dishes to outdoor experiences, there’s so much to discover in Kyushu that you may even want to consider staying for a week. Without further ado, let’s take a look at 20 of the best things to do in Kyushu.
Best Things To Do In Kyushu
Here are the 20 best things to check out if you’re wondering what to do in Kyushu:
Fukuoka
1. Nokonoshima Island Park
In the centre of Hakata Bay, there’s an island called Nokonoshima that takes only 10 minutes by ferry to reach. Nokonoshima is the perfect day trip if you need to spend a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of Kyushu’s largest city.
One of the most popular Kyushu attractions is Nokonoshima Island Park, an outdoor flower garden that blooms with thousands of seasonal flowers throughout the year. For Cosmos, the best time to visit is in early October, while the best time to catch the sunflowers would be August.
The park is also near a goat-petting zoo and a popular swimming beach called Nokonoshima Camp Village. By the port, there are some local cafes and restaurants that make Nonokoshima the best place to host a summer barbecue.
If you’re looking for a fun place to explore and take aesthetic photos just beyond the city limits, definitely give Nokonoshima a try!
2. Koura Taisha Shrine
Kyushu is home to many famous shrines, but you may have already heard of Koura Taisha Shrine. Often featured in TikTok videos and Instagram reels that show off a colorful, highly romanticised version of Japan, Koura Taisha Shrine is famous for having one of the best views of Fukuoka City’s iconic skyline.
Just 60 minutes by car or public transport from downtown Hakata, Koura Taisha Shrine is located in Kurume City and is near Kumamoto prefecture. At first glance, Koura Taisha looks like any other Shinto shrine in Japan, but come sunset, when the city lights turn on, you’ll have a front row seat to one of the best views of the city from the top of the shrine’s stone stairs.
Kurume is known for being the home of tonkotsu ramen, so while you’re there, be sure to stop by Taiho Ramen Shop for some truly authentic Japanese ramen.
3. Nanzoin’s Reclining Buddha
One of the best things to do in Kyushu would be visiting the famous Reclining Buddha at Nanzoin Temple. This Buddha statue houses the remains of several important figures in the Buddhist faith that were donated by the Buddhist Congress of Myanmar in 1988. When visiting, please try to remember that it is a memorial site and be as respectful as possible if you decide to take photos.
Nanzoin Temple is only 30 minutes by train from Hakata Station, but if you’re interested in trying a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I would recommend staying at the Dainichiya Inn. The Dainichiya is a Buddhist temple where monks stay while partaking in the Sasaguri Pilgrimage. Tourists are also welcome to stay as long as there is availability. There’s also a cafe that’s open to the public, which makes the Dainichya the perfect place to eat lunch before heading back to the city.
Saga
4. Yūtoku Inari Shrine
If you love visiting Japanese shrines, then Yutoku Inari Shrine will be right up your alley. This shrine has many intricate buildings made of red lacquer that are reminiscent of the bathhouse in Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away.
The shrine itself rests on the face of a small mountain that offers scenic views if you’re able to climb to the top. It takes around thirty minutes if you are a quick climber to reach the shrine, but be prepared as the stairs are quite uneven and the path, at times winding, can be a little steep.
Yutoku Inari was built in 1687 by a Daimyo to honour the god of foxes, agriculture, and swordsmiths, Inari Okami. One of the many festivals held at the shrine is the Shunki Taisai Festival, where attendees can admire azaleas and cherry blossoms while priests perform a dance asking the gods for a good planting season.
5. Okawachiyama Village
Established in the town of Imari around the late 17th century, Okawachiyama Village was once the central hub of all Japanese porcelain production until the end of the 19th century. Today, there are only a few kilns still in operation in the village and they are easily recognised by their tall brick chimneys.
If you’re looking for things to do, Okawachiyama is a historic village that is the perfect place to walk around and take photos of pottery art on display in various places around the village. You can peruse the many shops along the cobblestone street that sell Nabeshima-style ware, including cups, bowls, and plates, or stop by the Imari Village Exhibition Hall to see some preserved pieces of pottery.
Nearby points of interest include the Nabeshima Kiln Bridge, which is made of thousands of pieces of porcelain and the slightly farther Sueyama Shrine in nearby Arita Town.
6. Yobuko Squid
If you would like to try a delicious delicacy from Karatsu Town, then we recommend trying Yobuko Squid. From the fishing port of Yobuko, this squid is famous in Kyushu and is revered for its unique texture and sweet flavour.
Yobuko Squid has been sold since the 1970s and continues to be a major selling point for tourists who come to Karatsu to stay in a traditional Japanese inn or “ryokan” and experience fresh sashimi that was harvested from the nearby sea. Yobuko Squid are caught year-round and are definitely worth a try!
The port of Yobuko was once famous for whaling and is now famous for its Morning Market, where vendors sell a variety of seafood. You have the option of jumping on a ferry and taking a ride to the nearby islands of Kakara and Oshima, which have many cosy bed and breakfasts perfect for trying this Yobuko Squid.
Nagasaki
7. Path of Temples & A Church
In Nagasaki, there is an island called Hirado that is home to many relics of the Hidden Christians, Japanese people who were converted by foreign missionaries and persecuted by the Tokugawa government after Christianity was banned from 1614 to 1873.
There are many churches scattered through the Hirado island that are beautifully preserved and a must-see if you plan on driving around. In most cases, it’s okay to take photos of the outside of the church, but generally, you can only enter if you have special permission or are part of the congregation.
One of these churches is St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church in Hirado City. It was erected next to Komyoji Temple, and tourists often stop to take photos of the two structures side-by-side from a marked spot on the cobblestone street.
Nearby points of interest include Hirado Castle, the Matsūra Historical Museum, and the famous Hirado Suspension Bridge.
8. Yumihari Park Observation Deck
About 1.5 hours by car from Nagasaki City is the town of Sasebo, known for its scenic islands and American-style cuisine. The famous Sasebo Burger is a popular dish to try for tourists. If you’d like to take photos of Nagasaki’s surrounding islands, the Yumihari Park Observation Deck is a great place to visit.
We highly recommend checking out the “Married and Glasses Rocks,” which is a short drive away from downtown Sasebo. There is also a botanical garden with many varieties of flowers that can be enjoyed year-round. The popular theme park Huis Ten Bosch, modelled to look like a real Dutch town, is perhaps the most visited theme park in all of Kyushu.
All of these places are great choices when finding things to do in Kyushu and are within reasonable driving distance of Fukuoka if you’re looking for a nice day trip.
9. Castella Cake
Castella can be found in convenience stores across Japan, and you may have even tried it before if you’ve been to Japan. However, we’re here to break the news that the only place to try truly authentic Castella is none other than Nagasaki City, where this cake was first introduced to Japan by the Portuguese.
There are countless confectionery shops scattered throughout Nagasaki that sell Castella. You really can’t go wrong when it comes to selecting the right shop, but if you just so happen to be in downtown Nagasaki City, we recommend buying some cake from the Bunmeido Flagship store. The first store in Japan opened in Nagasaki City in the year 1900 and is now considered one of the city’s top premier castella shops. We promise it will be better than the castella at the convenience store.
Kumamoto
10. Hike Around Mount Aso
Mount Aso is a popular destination for nature-lovers and is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Kyushu due to its location inside the Aso-Kuju National Park. We recently covered Mount Nakadake and the Daikanbo lookout point in our one-day Kumamoto itinerary, but this time we’ll be focusing on the vast grassland known as Kusasenri-ga-hama.
During the summer, the entire park turns into a sea of green grass and it is through the heart of this park that you can hike a trail from the fields of Kusasenri-ga-hama to the summit of Mount Nakadake. The hike has many places where you can catch unforgettable views of Kyushu’s most active volcano before heading back down to the start at the Aso Volcano Museum. There is also a nearby ranch where you can go for a horseback ride and rest at the nearby Kusasenri Coffee Roastery.
From base to summit and back to base, the Mount Aso Loop takes around 4.5 hours. This is a recommended trail for more experienced hikers, but it should absolutely be added to your next itinerary if you love the outdoors.
11. Shiraito Falls
This breathtaking waterfall is about 40 minutes by car from Kumamoto City in the village of Nishihara. Shiraito or “white strings” is the name of a 20-meter-high waterfall that is set in a rural town southwest of the Aso-Kuju National Park. A bit off the beaten path, Shiraito Falls is a peaceful sightseeing activity that is easy to access if you are getting around by car.
There are some beginner-friendly trails around the falls and access costs only 100 yen. Shiraito is known as a power spot, and there is a nearby shrine named Myouken that is said to house the god of the waterfall.
If you’re a fan of the Japanese manga One Piece, Shiraito is close to Nami’s statue, and if you’re a motorsports fan, the falls are also close by an attraction called “Kenny Road,” a winding road that is popular amongst motorcyclists.
12. Taipien & Dagojiru
Kumamoto’s most famous dish is basashi or “raw-horse meat,” which can be a bit of a culture shock to some foreigners. If you aren’t ready to try basashi, don’t worry, we have another tasty alternative.
Similar to the fusion cuisine of Nagasaki’s Champon, in Kumamoto, you can try a Chinese-style soup called Taipien. Composed of seafood and various vegetables that swim in a flavorful broth filled with bean thread vermicelli, Taipien is a popular dish served in Chinese restaurants throughout Kumamoto and is a great example of an authentic local dish.
Dagojiru, sometimes known as Dago soup, is another soup that is rich with vegetables and made with dumplings, which makes Dagojiru a comforting addition to any meal. Dagojiru has different names in Kumamoto, and we highly recommend giving it a try if you’re looking for more vegetarian-friendly options.
Kagoshima
13. Kirishima Shrine
Resting on the face of Mount Takachiho at the foot of the Kirishima Kinkowan National Park, Kirishima Jingu was built to enshrine Ninigi-no-Mikoto, an important figure in Japanese mythology and great-grandfather of the first emperor of Japan, Emperor Jimmu.
According to legend, Ninigi no Mikoto is believed to have brought with him the three sacred treasures of Japan after his grandmother, the sun goddess Amaterasu, sent him down to the untamed land of Japan.
Built in 1715, Kirishima Jingu is a great place to receive your omikuji and get your fortune read. There is a tall sacred tree guarding the main building. The mystical atmosphere can be felt at every step at this prestigious shrine, especially if you follow the path to the left of the shrine’s main building and visit the smaller yama or “mountain” shrine, which is surrounded by trees that are hundreds of years old.
14. Kaimondake Volcanic Park & Lake Ikeda
The Kaimondake Volcano is a stratospheric volcano which sits on the southwestern peninsula of Kagoshima. Often referred to as the “Mount Fuji of Satsuma,” this fantastic geopark is also where you will find Lake Ikeda, which was formed due to the high volcanic activity in the region and is said to be home to a lake monster named “Issie.”
Kaimondake tends to be overshadowed by Kagoshima’s most famous and active volcano, Sakurajima, but you will thank us later if you decide to spend some time finding the best things to do in Ibusuki City!
Points of interest for this Ibusuki include: Cape Nagasakibana, the Saraku Sand Bath Hall, where you can try a sand bath, Hirakiki Shrine, the Golden Torii gate, and the Ibusuki ferry terminal, where you can take a boat to nearby islands, including Yakushima, which inspired the setting for the Studio Ghibli film Princess Mononoke.
Miyazaki
15. Go Surfing in Hyuga
Kyushu Island attracts thousands of surfers each year, and most will agree that some of the best places to catch a wave are in Miyazaki.
If you’re new to surfing and still trying to learn the basics, we recommend checking out our one-day guide to Miyazaki to see where you can take lessons that are beginner-friendly. If you’re a pro, then we recommend checking out the Okuragahama Surf Point in the town of Hyuga. Known for having consistent waves and beautiful sunrises, Okuragahama is a popular hangout spot for surfers. If you like swimming, locals often head up to nearby Isagahama Beach.
Hyuga is famous for the Sea Cross Overlook, which has an aerial view of a unique rock formation that resembles a cross. If you head to the edge of the park, the Umagase observation deck has some truly unforgettable views of the cliffs and the sea.
16. Visit the Studio Ghibli Spots
If you’re a serious Hayao Miyazaki fan, then you may have heard of one of his earlier works, a film called Laputa: The Castle In The Sky. Miyazaki (the prefecture) is no stranger to Studio Ghibli’s most beloved characters. Going on a treasure hunt to find all of the different art installations of some of Miyazaki’s (the director) most famous characters might just be the best thing to do in Kyushu.
The Laputa Robot is just outside Nobeoka City in a quiet park, surrounded by trees, which is quite befitting of the Laputa Robot Troopers from the film. The Laputa Robot is joined by other characters from different Ghibli films, including Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and even Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.
Miyazaki prefecture alone has at least four life-sized Totoro Bus Stops, but there are many more statues to be found throughout Kyushu.
17. Heiwadai & The Haniwa
One of the most underrated Kyushu attractions is Heiwadai and its impressive-looking “Tower of Peace” which stands at the centre of Heiwadai Park. Built only 5 years before the end of WWII, the tower was once a symbol of Japanese imperialism and transformed into a symbol for peace after Princess Shimazu visited Heiwadai and other places in Miyazaki during her honeymoon.
There are many hiking trails surrounding Heiwadai if you want to see more besides the tower. Just be prepared for lots of stairs and sudden inclines or declines! If you’re an art history lover, the Haniwa Park has many statues that are free to look at and admire up close. If you’re wondering what to do in Kyushu that doesn’t require a lot of strenuous activity, the Haniwa Park will be perfect for you.
Oita
18. Furen Limestone Cave
Considered to be one of the most beautiful caves in Japan, the Furen Limestone Cave system is a network of caves 60 minutes by car and 1.5 hours by train southeast of Oita City in the town of Usuki. For 1,000 yen, visitors can go on self-guided tours of this fantastic cave and admire the impressive examples of stalagmites and stalactites.
The best part of Furen Limestone Cave is an area about 500 meters in called the “Palace of the Dragon,” which marks the end of the cave. Temperatures inside the cave tend to be around 15 degrees Celsius, even in the summer, so be sure to dress appropriately and expect to climb lots of stairs. The ceiling height also changes dramatically depending on where you are. Lastly, if you’re an animal lover, there are bats that live in the cave, but they’re harmless.
19. Sightseeing in Nakatsu
Oita prefecture’s most famous sightseeing spots are often cited as being the Jigoku Seven Hells of Beppu City or the Floral Village in Yufuin, but today we’ll be focusing on Nakatsu City. From the heart of the city to the northeast, to Mount Hiko to the west, there are lots of fun things to do that make Nakatsu the perfect day trip from Oita City and Fukuoka City.
The autumn foliage atop Mount Hiko is a popular attraction and is a beloved sightseeing spot for hikers. There are a handful of shrines on Mount Hiko, the most famous of which is Hikosan Jingu. Nearby is the Onta Pottery Village, the origin of Onta-style pottery and the former residence of the famous British potter, Bernard Leach.
More scenic locations include Sarutobi Sentsubo and the Bakeibashi Bridge. In town, there’s Nakatsu Castle, a botanical garden, and the Nakasu City History Museum.
20. Toriten Fried Chicken
There’s no simple answer when it comes to recommending the perfect dish to try in Oita, as there are too many options to choose from. It’s best to start with Oita prefecture’s most famous dish, Toriten Fried Chicken.
Toriten is considered a culinary juggernaut and is quite literally sold at almost every restaurant in Oita. It’s the perfect marriage of tempura-style batter and chicken. To create an even better dish, you can add toriten on top of a bowl of soba noodles and try something called “Toriten Soba.”
Toriten has been around since the 1960s and is a protein-rich dish that is perfect for your next trip to Oita.
Conclusion – 20 Unique Things To Do In Kyushu
Kyushu is a destination that is a must-visit for anyone looking to see a different side to Japan. We hope this guide has given you some inspiration for finding the best things to do in Kyushu.