Mount Aso
This active volcano, surrounded by one of the largest calderas in the world, offers green grassland landscapes and the chance to observe a smoking crater up close.
Kyushu
Japan's volcanic southern island, Kyushu stands out for its spectacular landscapes, renowned hot spring resorts and a climate milder than the rest of the country. Between Mount Aso, one of the largest active volcanoes on earth, the hot springs of Beppu and the unique port history of Nagasaki, the region offers a lesser-known and endearing side of Japan.
Why visit Kyushu?
Kyushu holds some of Japan's most intense volcanic activity, with Mount Aso and its vast caldera, alongside an exceptional number of hot springs, notably in Beppu and Yufuin. Nagasaki preserves a unique port history tied to trade with the West, while Fukuoka, the island's largest city, is renowned for its lively street food scene.
What to discover in Kyushu?
Kyushu stands out first for its intense volcanic activity. Mount Aso, whose caldera ranks among the largest in the world, allows visitors to observe an active crater and cross unique landscapes of green grassland found nowhere else in Japan. Sakurajima, a still-active volcano near Kagoshima, constantly reminds visitors of the island's geological nature through smoke plumes visible from the city itself. This underground activity also feeds an exceptional number of hot springs, especially in Beppu, known for its spectacular steam vents, and in Yufuin, more intimate and surrounded by mountains.
Beyond nature, Kyushu carries a singular history: Nagasaki was one of the few ports open to foreigners during Japan's isolation and preserves a unique multicultural heritage, also marked by the memory of the 1945 atomic bombing. Fukuoka, the island's largest city, charms with its yatai, night-time street stalls serving ramen and skewers, while Kumamoto is home to one of the country's most impressive castles. Well connected by plane and Shinkansen, Kyushu is an accessible destination for discovering a more rural, volcanic side of Japan.
Cities to visit in Kyushu
Featured destinations appear first.
Coming soon.
Kyushu in pictures
Kyushu's Must-Sees
Six experiences that capture the spirit of the island, between volcanoes, hot springs and port history.
Beppu Hot Springs
Known for its spectacular steam vents and colorful jigoku bathing pools, this hot spring town remains one of the most active and visited in all of Japan.
Yufuin Hot Spring Village
More intimate than Beppu, this mountain-ringed resort offers peaceful onsen, craft shops and clear views of the neighboring Mount Yufu on sunny days.
Historic Nagasaki
A former port open to foreigners during Japan's isolation, the city preserves a unique multicultural heritage and a memorial dedicated to the 1945 bombing.
Fukuoka's Yatai
These night-time street stalls set up along the canals serve ramen, skewers and local dishes in a lively atmosphere much loved by residents.
Kumamoto Castle
Rebuilt after several major earthquakes, this impressive feudal castle ranks among the largest in Japan and overlooks the city from its central hill.
Practical Information
- Prefectures
- 7 (Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima)
- Main cities
- Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima
- Area
- About 36,750 km²
- Population
- About 12.5 million
- Language
- Japanese
- Currency
- Japanese yen (¥)
- Time zone
- UTC+9 (Japan Standard Time)
- Best season
- Spring and autumn, mild climate year-round
Frequently Asked Questions about Kyushu
How many days should I plan for Kyushu?
A week to ten days allows you to comfortably combine Fukuoka, a hot spring town such as Beppu or Yufuin, along with Nagasaki and Kumamoto, at an unhurried travel pace.
How do you get around Kyushu island?
Train travel, especially the Shinkansen connecting Fukuoka to Kagoshima, efficiently serves the major cities, while a rental car makes it easier to reach more remote rural and volcanic areas nearby.
When is the best time to visit Kyushu?
Spring and autumn offer mild, pleasant weather, while summer can be hot and humid; winter generally stays milder here than in the rest of Japan, making year-round travel quite comfortable.
Is Mount Aso accessible to visitors?
Yes, a road and a ropeway allow visitors to approach the active crater when volcanic activity permits, with occasional closures enforced for obvious and important public safety reasons nearby year-round.
Which hot springs should I visit in Kyushu?
Beppu, with its spectacular steam vents, and Yufuin, calmer and surrounded by green mountains, rank among the whole island's most renowned hot spring resorts for a truly restorative, relaxing stay.
What can I see in Nagasaki in one day?
Peace Park, the Atomic Bomb Museum and the former Dutch trading post of Dejima can easily be visited in a single day, with a scenic view from nearby Mount Inasa.
Plan your trip to Kyushu
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
