Fly into Fukuoka City from Tokyo or Osaka, or catch the shinkansen instead, and prepare to visit a slice of Japan you’ll savour forever.
Kyushu is Japan’s third-largest, and in our opinion, most beautiful island. Here, the volcanic character of the archipelago is up front and centre, and you’ll find some of the country’s most amazing onsen here.
It’s also an island of incredible food, stunning nature and some of the friendliest folk you’ll ever meet.
Read on to find out why a visit to Kyushu is a must on any Japanese itinerary.
Visit a traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring)
Of course, a visit to Kyushu isn’t a visit at all sans a relaxing soak (or three) in a traditional onsen, or hot spring.
Now, you’re absolutely spoiled for choice here, and they’re all good, but there’s something even more special about the Yamaga-Onsen Kazenosato ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in Kitsuki, Ōita Prefecture.
This onsen, for some strange reason, mysteriously turns brown as it’s exposed to air, and is considered one of the most unique onsens in Japan – there are only a few like it, anywhere.
The water is also especially mineral-rich and great for your skin and health.
Eat some of the best ramen in the country in Fukuoka’s Nakasu District
Sitting on the northern shore of the island, Fukuoka has always been an important trading port between Japan, China and Korea.
And this cultural exchange has definitely influenced the culinary landscape of the city, culminating in the city’s excellent ramen restaurants.
For a taste of the best, head to the Nakasu District and go for a walk along the river where you’ll pass stall after stall serving piping-hot and delicious ramen.
It’s definitely some of the most delicious ramen you’ll find in Japan – period! Make sure you try the city’s speciality broth: a milky-white tonkotsu ramen.
Learn about Japanese ceramics, buy some unique porcelain
Just a few hours from Fukuoka takes you to the three villages of Arita, Imari and Karatsu, which are famous in Japan for being the birthplace of Japanese pottery.
Dating back to the early 1600s, it was here, in Saga Prefecture, that Japanese artists first laid their skills to the ceramic arts. Japanese porcelain has been produced here ever since – you should totally take some home with you.
Look out over a sea of clouds on Mount Yaki
Image Credit: Kyushu Tourism
Pay a visit to the Mount Yaki Observation Park in Iizuka City early in the morning (usually in autumn) to gaze at a sea of clouds.
It’s a beautiful spot to watch the sunrise too and a worthy stop on the drive from Fukuoka City to Iizuka.
And if the clouds don’t appear? No worries: this viewing platform affords stunning views of Iizuka City down below.
Hike Along the Takachiho Gorge
The gorge was formed after a series of ancient volcanic eruptions caused a lava stream to carve its way through rocks. Now, the Gokase River flows through this grey, moss-covered gorge, surrounded by basalt cliffs and columns and lush vegetation.
There’s also a mystical, 17-metre-high waterfall inside the gorge and plenty of opportunities to sit and admire the beauty of it all. Apart from hiking, it’s also possible to get on a rowboat on the river and admire the gorge from the water.
To discover more of Kyushu, visit the website here.
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