Kyushu

Kyushu is one of Japan’s four main islands, located in the southwest of the country and noted for its active volcanism and historic port cities. It is the island nearest to mainland Asia and has long served as a gateway for trade and cultural exchange.

Principal attractions include large modern cities, volcanic landscapes and numerous hot-spring districts. The island contains an active volcanic complex whose central peak reaches about 1,592 m, extensive onsen resorts, and port cities with distinct historical neighborhoods.

Historically the island played an important role in foreign trade and in the feudal period under regional domains that influenced Japan’s modernisation in the 19th century. Today it combines industrial centres with agricultural areas and tourism focused on natural features and hot springs.

Geographically Kyushu sits southwest of Honshu and across the Kanmon Straits from the Chugoku region, with maritime links to the rest of Japan and to nearby countries.

• Geographic role: The island is the southernmost of Japan's four main islands and forms the gateway to routes toward Kyushu's volcanic and hot-spring regions.

What to See #

• Fukuoka: Prefectural capital and largest city on the island, serving as an economic and transport hub on the northern coast.
• Nagasaki: Port city with a historic role in regional trade and a modern urban centre located on the northwest coast.
• Mount Aso: Volcanic complex with one of the largest calderas in Japan; the active central cone rises to around 1,592 m and the area contains extensive hiking routes.
• Kumamoto: Castle city rebuilt after wartime damage and a cultural centre with reconstructed historic buildings and gardens.