Start your trip in Hakata | Introducing the charm of Kyushu, a treasure trove of experiences, and recommended places to stay in Hakata!
Kyushu, a region rich in diverse attractions, is highly recommended for travelling to Japan. The ideal base for your visit is Hakata, the gateway to the region. We will introduce you to JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Hakata Chuo, located just a two-minute walk from Hakata Station, and the charms of the vibrant city of Hakata, Kyushu. (Photo courtesy of Fukuoka City)
Written by
JR Kyushu Hotels & Resorts Co., Ltd., a member of the JR Kyushu Group, operates lodging-focused hotels in Tokyo, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Oita, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Kagoshima and Naha, as well as hot spring inns in Beppu and Ureshino, two of Japan's leading hot spring resorts.
This service includes sponsored advertisements.
Not just Tokyo and Kyoto! Your next travel destination is Kyushu
For many travelers visiting Japan, Tokyo and Kyoto come to mind, but in recent years, Kyushu, located southwest of Tokyo and just an hour by plane, has been gaining attention as a new travel destination.
Kyushu has so many famous hot springs that it is called the "hot spring kingdom," and some of Japan's leading hot spring resorts are scattered throughout the region, from Saga/ Ureshino and Oita/ Beppu in the north to Kagoshima/ Ibusuki in the south.
Additionally, each prefecture is close to a port town, where you can enjoy fresh seafood such as sushi, sashimi, and local cuisine at a more affordable price than in the city, making it an attractive destination for gourmet travelers.
Furthermore, Kyushu has strong ties to world-famous anime, with the locations of series such as "One Piece," "Attack on Titan," and "Natsume's Book of Friends" scattered throughout the region, making it a popular destination for travelers who are interested in anime culture.
Ohata Station (Kumamoto), featured in Natsume's Book of Friends (Courtesy of the Kumamoto Prefecture Tourism Federation)
Another attraction is the ease of travel. The Shinkansen bullet train runs north and south, allowing for smooth travel between major cities. By renting a car or using the JR Kyushu sightseeing train, you can freely visit hot spring resorts and small towns in the mountains, and multi-day road trips around Kyushu are also popular.
Deep and warm travel memories that are a little different from those of Tokyo or Kyoto. Kyushu is sure to have a special experience that will stay in your heart.
▼If you're looking for a base for your Kyushu trip, we recommend JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Hakata Chuo!
The charm of Kyushu, a treasure trove of experiences nurtured by volcanoes and the sea
Compared to Tokyo's skyscrapers and Kyoto 's ancient capital atmosphere, Kyushu's appeal lies in the wide range of experiences it offers. Dynamic natural beauty, including hot springs, volcanoes, and remote islands, is concentrated in a compact area, allowing you to encounter completely different scenery even on a day trip, which is a unique pleasure of Kyushu.
What's even better is that you won't be overwhelmed by crowds. It's easy to move around even at popular spots, and you can enjoy the journey at a leisurely pace.
Kyushu's Charm ① - Hot Spring Paradise × Spectacular Views of the Earth
When talking about Kyushu, hot springs are a must.
In Beppu and Yufuin in Oita , you can experience a tour of the hells of hot springs as a visual treat, with rising steam and the ridge of Mount Yufu in the background. In Aso , Kumamoto , you can see one of the world's largest calderas and the vast landscape of Kusasenri, and on a drive around the outer rim of the volcano, you can feel the majestic topography created by volcanic activity and the scale of the vibrantly spreading grasslands, truly experiencing the "heartbeat of the earth."
Mount Aso(Kumamoto) (Photo provided by: © Kumamoto Prefecture Tourism Federation)
At the beach in Kagoshima, Ibusuki, you can experience the sand bath hot springs that are unique to Kyushu, which will make your travel memories even more vivid.
Sand Bath Hall "Saraku" (Kagoshima) (Photo provided by: © Kyushu Tourism Organization)
♦ Beppu/Yufuin (Oita): Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes by express train from Hakata Station ♦ Aso(Kumamoto): Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes by bus and train from Hakata Station ♦ Ibusuki(Kagoshima): Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes by bus and train from Hakata Station
Kyushu's Charm ② - Experience the Depth of History and Traditional Crafts
Kyushu is also a place where you can experience Japanese history and traditional culture. Nagasaki's history as an international port, centered around Izu Island , which opened during the Edo period, is vividly reflected in the area, and in winter the city is adorned with colorful lantern festivals celebrating the Chinese New Year. The elegance of samurai culture can still be felt at Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto and Sengan-en Garden in Kagoshima, while in Saga's Arita and Imari, you can experience traditional techniques through painting at world-famous porcelain workshops.
Arita ware making experience (Saga Prefecture) (Photo provided by: © Kyushu Tourism Organization)
♦ Nagasaki: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by Shinkansen from Hakata Station ♦ Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto): Approximately 1 hour by Shinkansen from Hakata Station ♦ Arita/ Imari(Saga): Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by Shinkansen from Hakata Station
Kyushu's Charm ③ - Experience time surrounded by myth and Mori
Nanbu Kyushu is home to landscapes deeply connected to mythology and nature. At Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki , you can enjoy a boat ride through the gorge created by columnar joints, which takes on a mystical atmosphere at night. On Yakushima in Kagoshima , you can encounter moss-covered Mori and timeless Yakusugi cedars, experiencing the richness of this World Natural Heritage Site with your whole body. The real joy of traveling in Kyushu is not just to see, but to immerse yourself in nature and free your mind.
Kayaking experience on Yakushima(Kagoshima Prefecture) (Photo provided by: © Kyushu Tourism Organization)
♦ Takachiho Gorge (Miyazaki): Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes by car from Hakata Station ♦ Yakushima(Kagoshima): Approximately 1 hour by plane from Hakata Station
The Charm of Kyushu #4 - Savor Kyushu's "UMAI", nurtured by the sea and volcanoes
Food is an essential part of any trip. Kyushu is also a treasure trove of food. Travelers are greeted by Hakata's food stall culture, tonkotsu ramen, and mentaiko (spicy cod roe), while Saga and Nagasaki offer Yobuko squid and fresh seafood from the Goto Islands, and Miyazaki and Kagoshima offer local chicken, Miyazaki beef, black pork, and sweet potato shochu. Each region offers a wealth of unique flavors. One of Kyushu's unique charms is the opportunity to encounter not only prestigious restaurants, but also the simple delicacies that live on in the everyday lives of locals.
Kujukushima oysters (Nagasaki Prefecture) (Photo provided by: © Kyushu Tourism Organization)
The charm of Hakata, the gateway to Kyushu
If you're traveling in Kyushu, we recommend starting your trip in Hakata. Fukuoka is just two subway stops and a mere 10 minutes from the city center, making it a rare destination even on a global scale.
JR Hakata Station is a transportation hub connecting all parts of Kyushu, and various means of transportation are available, including the Shinkansen, conventional trains, subways, and buses. By using the Shinkansen, you can quickly access Kumamoto and Kagoshima, making it possible to visit tourist spots in other prefectures, such as hot springs and castles, on day trips.
Kyushu Shinkansen (Photo courtesy of Fukuoka City)
Hakata is also known as the "City of Food," where you can enjoy unique dining experiences such as rich Hakata ramen, motsunabe (hot pot), and food stall culture.
Food stalls (Photo courtesy of Fukuoka City)
Furthermore, the area around Hakata Station is convenient for shopping and historical strolls, and offers smooth access to Dazaifu and other parts of Kyushu. The charm of Hakata is that you can freely enjoy everything from walking around the city to short trips.
[Recommended tourist spots accessible from Hakata Station]
Dazaifu: About 40 minutes by train from Hakata Station. This famous shrine is dedicated to the god of learning. It is also famous as a plum blossom viewing spot, and you can enjoy the scenery throughout the seasons.
♦Canal City Hakata: About a 10-minute walk from Hakata Station. A Hakata landmark with a huge shopping mall, gourmet food, theaters, and even a fountain show.
This is a spot you'll want to visit at least once during your stay.
♦Hakata Old Town: About a 15-minute walk from Hakata Station. An area with the atmosphere of good old Hakata, including Kushida Shrine, Hakata Sennenmon Gate, and Kawabata-dori Shopping Street.
It's the perfect place to take a stroll and experience history and culture.
Fukuoka Tower and Momochihama: Approximately 30 minutes by subway and bus from Hakata Station. An open area facing the sea. During the day, you can enjoy the blue sky and sea, and at night, the sparkling night view spreads out before you.
You can enjoy the typical Fukuoka scenery where city and nature coexist.
From historic cityscapes to stunning natural scenery and captivating food culture, Kyushu has countless attractions worth visiting. Enjoy the diverse Kyushu in your own way.
Hakata Sennenmon Gate, the symbol of Hakata Old Town (Photo courtesy of Fukuoka City)
If you're planning a trip to Kyushu, we recommend JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Hakata Chuo, located right next to Hakata Station!
The key to making a trip special is not only where you go, but also where you stay.
We recommend JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Hakata Chuo as your base of operations when traveling around Kyushu.
With an excellent location just a two-minute walk from Hakata Station, a sophisticated atmosphere, and a breakfast that lets you enjoy the flavors of Kyushu, this is a place that will elevate your trip.
▼For more information about JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Hakata Chuo, click here
A hotel that gives you the freedom to travel, just 2 minutes from Hakata Station
The hotel is located in an excellent location, just a 2-minute walk from the Hakata Exit of JR Hakata Station, and within a 30-second walk if you use West Exit 18 (stairs), so you can enjoy walking around Hakata city immediately after arriving. In addition to being a great starting point for sightseeing, it is also a great point that you can leave your luggage before check-in or after check-out. Just being able to move around easily without luggage will greatly increase the freedom of your trip.
A relaxing space to suit any travel style
The hotel's interior is characterized by a high-quality space based on the theme of Hakata's "iki." The clean, stylish design exudes a sense of calm, yet urban.
All rooms are spacious, measuring over 19㎡, and equipped with Simmons beds to ensure a good night's sleep. They will soothe your tired body after a day of sightseeing and recharge your energy for the next day. The guest rooms are mainly double and twin, with some rooms also available for triple use, making them suitable for a wide range of guests, from couples traveling together to large groups.
This hotel is flexible and can accommodate any travel style.
Deluxe twin room for up to 3 people
Start your day with a vibrant breakfast from Kyushu and Hakata
One of the joys of traveling is, without a doubt, a morning feast. This hotel offers a Japanese and Western buffet featuring an abundance of seasonal ingredients delivered from all over Kyushu, making for a vibrant start to your day.
One of the most popular dishes is Hakata's famous tonkotsu ramen. Simply boil the noodles to your preferred firmness, pour the hot, rich tonkotsu soup over them, and top with condiments to create your own bowl in no time. The luxury of being able to enjoy freshly made ramen in the morning is an experience you can only get at this hotel.
[Summary] To enjoy Kyushu even more: A comfortable trip starting from Hakata
Kyushu is a region overflowing with diverse attractions, including nature, history, culture, and cuisine. Fukuoka /Hakata, its gateway, combines easy access with a lively atmosphere, making it the perfect starting point for your trip.
And the JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Hakata Chuo will make your stay in Fukuoka /Hakata even more comfortable and special.
In addition to its convenient location near the station, the hotel offers sophisticated guest rooms, a breakfast featuring seasonal Kyushu ingredients, and comfortable hospitality, making it a safe choice as a base for your trip.
You can enjoy the charm of Hakata by sightseeing in the city, or you can go a little further and take a short trip to various parts of Kyushu. With so much freedom in how you spend your time, you can make your own travel style come true.
Kyushu is a place where you can discover something new every time you visit.
Please use JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Hakata Chuo as your base and enjoy your trip to Kyushu to your heart's content.
Sakura at Maizuru Park (Photo courtesy of Fukuoka City)
JR Kyushu Hotels & Resorts Co., Ltd., a member of the JR Kyushu Group, operates lodging-focused hotels in Tokyo, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Oita, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Kagoshima and Naha, as well as hot spring inns in Beppu and Ureshino, two of Japan's leading hot spring resorts.
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
Special Features
More
