Kyushu Region
Southern Japanese island known for volcanism and hot springs
Volcanic Kyushu offers Beppu's hot springs, Mount Aso caldera, Hakata ramen in Fukuoka, and historic Nagasaki - a compact island for onsens, volcano walks and regional food.
Kyushu at a Glance#
Kyushu is Japan’s volcanic, onsen-rich south - big cities, steaming hot springs, and lush nature.
Why go / don’t miss: the food-loving city of Fukuoka, the poignant history of Nagasaki, the castle and greenery of Kumamoto, the vast caldera of Mount Aso, the hot-spring resorts of Beppu and Yufuin, and smoking Sakurajima off Kagoshima.
Areas: Fukuoka (the hub); Nagasaki and Kumamoto in the west; Beppu/Yufuin and Mount Aso in the centre; and Kagoshima in the volcanic south.
Getting around: the Kyushu Shinkansen links Fukuoka to Kagoshima; a car is great for Aso and the onsen country.
When to go: spring and autumn are best; the far-south islands are warm year-round.
Where to stay: Fukuoka for the city, or an onsen ryokan in Yufuin/Beppu.
Dining: Hakata tonkotsu ramen, motsunabe, Nagasaki champon, and Kagoshima’s black pork.
Local tips: combine a city (Fukuoka) with volcanoes (Aso/Sakurajima) and an onsen town for a great loop.
