All Destinations
From volcanic onsen towns to historic port cities — Kyushu's destinations each have a completely unique character. Here's where to go and why.
Featured Destinations
Fukuoka
Kyushu's Vibrant Gateway City
Fukuoka is Kyushu's largest city, blending ultramodern architecture with ancient shrines. Famous for its ramen, fresh seafood, and the UNESCO-listed Hakata culture, it's the perfect entry point to explore the island.
Nagasaki
Where East Meets West
A city shaped by centuries of foreign trade, Nagasaki's charming hillside streets, historic churches, and emotional peace memorials create an experience unlike anywhere else in Japan.
Beppu
The Hot Spring Capital of Japan
Beppu is famous for its otherworldly 'hells' — boiling, colourful hot spring pools — and an almost limitless variety of onsen experiences, from sand baths to steam baths to mud pools.
Kumamoto
Castles, Ramen & Sacred Volcanoes
Home to one of Japan's finest castle keeps and the gateway to the massive Aso caldera, Kumamoto blends samurai history with jaw-dropping natural landscapes.
Kagoshima
The Naples of the East
Overlooked by the perpetually smoking Sakurajima volcano, Kagoshima is a spirited city with excellent black pork cuisine, the gateway to subtropical Yakushima Island, and the proud Satsuma samurai legacy.
Kyushu by Train
Kyushu's excellent Shinkansen and limited express network connects all major destinations. The JR Kyushu Rail Pass is the most cost-effective way to travel and covers all routes below.
- Fukuoka → Kumamoto 35 min (Shinkansen)
- Fukuoka → Nagasaki 2h (Limited Express)
- Fukuoka → Yufuin 1h 45min (Yufuin no Mori)
- Fukuoka → Beppu 2h 30min (Sonic Express)
- Kumamoto → Kagoshima 45 min (Shinkansen)
JR Kyushu Rail Pass
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