Enjoy Nature and Hot Springs! Kyushu Travel Guide | Top Attractions, Recommended Onsen & Event Info

Kyushu is one of Japan's leading tourist destinations, combining abundant nature, hot springs, and unique culture. The region's dynamic volcanic landscapes, beautiful coastlines, famous hot springs, and regional traditions attract many travelers. Whether you're visiting the cityscapes of Fukuoka and Nagasaki, the magnificent natural beauty of Kumamoto and Kagoshima, or the mythical land of Miyazaki, there's something new to discover at every destination.

• Table of Contents
• Kyushu is one of Japan's leading tourist areas, offering nature, hot springs, and culture.
• Famous tourist destinations in Kyushu
• Recommended performances in Kyushu
• Hot Springs in Kyushu
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Kyushu is one of Japan's leading tourist areas, offering nature, hot springs, and culture.

©KPVB

Kyushu, located in the southwestern part of the Japanese archipelago, is a fascinating region where magnificent nature, hot springs, and unique cultures blend together. Dynamic landscapes created by volcanoes such as Mount Aso and Sakurajima, beautiful coastlines, and famous hot springs such as Yufuin, Kurokawa, and Ibusuki soothe visitors.

You can enjoy street food and shopping in Fukuoka, exotic cityscapes in Nagasaki , and Kumamoto Castle and the natural beauty of Aso in Kumamoto . Kyushu, where nature, hot springs, food, and history come together in harmony, is a tourist area that condenses the charm of Japan, and is a popular region even for first-time visitors to Japan.

Why is it so popular among visitors to Japan?

Kyushu is popular among tourists visiting Japan because it offers an experience of the "original Japanese landscape" that cannot be found in Tokyo or Osaka. The region's attractions include the magnificent natural beauty of places like Aso and Unzen, hot springs known for their skin-beautifying properties, and the warm hospitality that comes from interacting with the local people.

Nagasaki and Kagoshima offer a unique history and cultural experience, while Fukuoka and Kumamoto offer local cuisine. Kyushu is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and an experience that blends nature and culture.

Enjoy Kyushu in Every Season

Famous tourist destinations in Kyushu

Kyushu is home to many tourist destinations that offer a variety of attractions, including not only nature and hot springs, but also history, culture, and cuisine. Here we will introduce the main tourist spots in Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima.

Dazaifu(Fukuoka)

© Fukuoka Prefecture Tourism Association

Dazaifuis the head Motomiya of all Tenmangu shrines across Japan, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, known as the god of learning. Built during the Heian period, it has a history of over 1,100 years. The shrine grounds include the main hall, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, as well as the adjacent Treasure Hall and Kyushu National Museum, making it a spot where you can experience the fusion of culture and art.

Marine World Uminonakamichi (Fukuoka)

Photograph(s) provided by Fukuoka City.

Marine World Uminonakamichi is an aquarium in Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, with a theme of "Kyushu's Seas," exhibiting approximately 350 species and 30,000 creatures. The dolphin show, held with Hakata Bay as a backdrop, is popular for its dynamic and open feel.

Yoshinogari Historical Park (Saga)

© Saga Prefecture Tourism Federation

Yoshinogari Historical Park is a historical park that preserves and restores the Yoshinogari Ruins, one of Japan's largest moated settlements from the Yayoi period. Within the park, raised storehouses, watchtowers, pit dwellings, and more have been recreated in their original form, allowing visitors to experience the lifestyle of the Yayoi people.

Peace Park and Peace Memorial Statue (Nagasaki)

© Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Association

Peace Park is located on a hill north of the hypocenter of the atomic bombing in Nagasaki City, and was developed as a place filled with the hope for lasting world peace. The 9.7m-tall Peace Statue that stands in the center is the work of Nagasaki-born sculptor Seibo Kitamura, with its right hand representing the threat of the atomic bomb, its left hand representing peace, and its closed eyelids symbolizing the repose of the souls of the victims.

Kujukushima (Nagasaki )

© Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Association

Kujuku Islands, consisting of 208 islands scattered off the coast of Sasebo City , Nagasaki Prefecture Prefecture, is one of Japan's most beautiful and picturesque islands. "Kujuku" means "too many to count," and the contrast between the intricately indented ria coastline and the islands captivates visitors.

Discover More Places to Visit in Nagasaki

Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto)

Kumamoto Prefectural Tourism Promotion Division

Kumamotois a magnificent castle that is counted as one of Japan's three most famous castles, and is a representative castle of the Sengoku period that was built by Kato Kiyomasa in 1607. The castle took about seven years to complete, boasting a circumference of 5.3 km and a total area of ​​98 hectares, and its sturdy Ishigaki and ingenious defensive structure are notable features.

Takachiho Gorge (Miyazaki)

Miyazaki Prefecture Tourism Association

Takachiho Gorge, located in Takachiho Town in northern Miyazaki Prefecture , is one of Japan's most famous gorges and is designated as a national scenic spot and natural monument. The 80-100m high cliffs stretch for about 7km, and the natural beauty of the gorge was created by the erosion of the Gokase River flows from Mount Aso .

Sakurajima ( Kagoshima Prefecture)

©Kagoshima City

Sakurajima is an active volcano known nationwide as the symbol of Kagoshima . It is a majestic composite volcano consisting of two Mine , Mount Kitadake and Minamidake. It is 1,117m high, has a circumference of approximately 52km, and an area of ​​approximately 80km², and continues to emit smoke even today. During the Taisho eruption in 1914, a large amount of lava flowed out, forming a land mass connected to the Osumi Peninsula.

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Recommended performances in Kyushu

We will introduce recommended performances in Kyushu.

DRUM TAO "Beyond THE BEST"

・Performance dates

From December 12, 2025

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Book Tickets for DRUM TAO “Beyond THE BEST”

Hot Springs in Kyushu

Kyushu is home to some of the nation's leading hot springs, where you can feel soothed by the sight of rising steam and abundant nature. Here, we will introduce Kyushu's hot springs, each unique in terms of water quality, scenery, history, and more.

Beppu Hot Springs (Oita Prefecture)

Beppu Onsen is the hot spring area that boasts the highest number of hot springs and the largest volume of hot spring water in Japan, and is made up of eight hot spring villages known as the Beppu Hatto. The area is characterized by the abundant geothermal energy generated by volcanic activity about 30,000 years ago, which continues to produce a wide variety of hot spring water qualities.

Beppu Onsen

〒874-0935 Ekimaecho, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture

Beppu Onsen, located in Oita Prefecture, is a hot spring area that boasts the highest volume of water discharged and the largest number of hot springs in Japan. On the "Hell Tour," you can enjoy unique hot spring scenery such as Sea Hell and Pond of Blood Hell. There are a variety of hot spring facilities, and you can enjoy unique bathing experiences such as sand baths and mud baths. The hot spring town has a Showa-era atmosphere, and you can also enjoy the local food culture. If you visit on your graduation trip, you will be able to refresh both body and mind and spend a special time deepening bonds with friends. (Photo by AC)

Kurokawa Onsen (Kumamoto Prefecture)

Kumamoto Prefectural Tourism Promotion Division

Kurokawa Onsen is an atmospheric hot spring resort nestled in the valley of the Aso Mountains, and is known for its unified townscape, based on the concept that "the entire town is one inn." Around 20 inns line the valley, and the scenery created by the wooden architecture and steam from the hot springs is like something out of a fairy tale. There are no flashy signs or entertainment facilities, and the town maintains a calm atmosphere in harmony with nature.

Ibusuki Onsen (Kagoshima)

Ibusuki Onsen is a hot spring resort located in the southeastern part of the Satsuma Peninsula, brimming with tropical charm, and is known for its unique "natural sand bath hot springs." You can experience sand baths at Surigahama Onsen and other locations around the city, and enjoying the pleasant relaxation of being wrapped in warm sand.

Ureshino Onsen (Saga Prefecture )

Located in western Saga Prefecture , Ureshino Onsen is one of Japan's three great hot springs for beautiful skin, and is known nationwide for its thick, viscous spring water. The source temperature is 85-90 degrees, and the clear, colorless water of the sodium bicarbonate chloride spring gently envelops the skin, leaving it moisturized and smooth after bathing.

Ureshino Onsen

Ureshinomachi Oazajuku, Ureshino City, Saga Prefecture 843-0301

Discover More Hot Springs in Kyushu

*Photo source: Miyazaki Prefecture Tourism Association