Things to do in  Kyushu

A UNESCO World Heritage Site garden that once belonged to the ruling Shimazu clan, the Sengan-en Garden in Kagoshima includes the Shoko Shuseikan Museum and the Iso Residence, used as a summer villa by the Shimazu family. The Japanese-style strolling garden, which dates from the mid-17th century, features streams, ponds, and shrines.

One of Japan’s largest and most storied castles, Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto-jo) was constructed by a feudal ruler more than four centuries ago. Comprising dozens of towers and structures across vast grounds, the landmark is best known for repelling Japan’s last great samurai rebellion. Though it suffered extensive earthquake damage in 2016, you can still explore select areas.

Mt. Aso is best known for its rugged, jagged, steaming volcanic landscape, but Kusasenri provides an interesting, mellow contrast. Its grasslands are bright green in the summer, or brown and white with snow at other times of year. From here, admire the views of Aso’s volcanic peaks, visit the observatory and museum, or take a sightseeing ride on horseback.

Most people visit Aso—a town in the middle of a volcanic caldera—for the natural attractions. But for anyone seeking a dose of culture and history, the ancient Aso Shrine (Aso-jinja) is a must-visit. The origins of this Shinto place of worship are believed to date back about 2,000 years, although much of the current complex is new.

The 28-mile (47-kilometer) Aso Milk Road follows the northern edge of the Aso Caldera, a large volcanic depression in the middle of Kyushu. It’s a very scenic route, with mountains and grasslands to admire. You can drive it in one go or stop at strategically located parking lots along the way to take in the views.

Located within the Sengan-en Garden, the Shoko Shuseikan Museum follows the history of the Shimazu clan, who once ruled this part of Japan. The building itself, built in the mid-19th century, was one of the first Western-style buildings in the country. Together, the Sengan-en Garden and Shoko Shuseikan Museum comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On the southeastern outskirts of Fukuoka City, the ancient Dazaifu Tenmangu is one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines. Visitors can stroll through the beautiful grounds filled with cypress trees, visit several shrine buildings, see a classical dance or art performance (often on the schedule), and learn more about Shinto at the two on-site museums.

Fukuoka’s Kushida Shrine, also commonly called Okushida-san by locals, is one of the city’s oldest and most important Shinto shrines. It dates back to the 8th century, though the current building is mostly from the 16th century. Beautiful and ornate, with elegantly pointed roofs and a large ginkgo tree in the shrine yard, it’s a must-visit attraction in central Fukuoka.

Facing Fukuoka’s port from its location on a narrow peninsula, the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is a sprawling area that will appeal to families, picnickers, flower enthusiasts, cyclists, and anyone seeking respite from the city. As the park spans 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from end to end, many visitors like to rent bikes at the entrance and follow the cycle trails.

Explore a recreated 17th-century Dutch village, complete with windmills, canals, and historic buildings, at Huis Ten Bosch in Japan. Located in Nagasaki Prefecture, the largest theme park in Japan offers more than 50 attractions, in addition to museums, shops, restaurants, hotels, live entertainment, and seasonal events.

You’ll see Momochi Seaside Park long before you get there, thanks to the 767-foot (234-meter) high Fukuoka Tower that stands within the waterside development. Created in 1989 for the Asia Pacific Expo, the park contains a sandy beach, an artificial island (Marizon), the Fukuoka City Museum, and more. You can also catch a ferry over to the larger Uminonakamichi Seaside Park from Marizon.

Contrary to its ominous name, the Hells of Beppu is one of Japan’s most attractive spots—in fact, it’s a designated Place of Scenic Beauty. The most popular attraction in the onsen town of Beppu, the "hells" (jigoku) are seven bubbling hot springs that reach temperatures of more than 212°F (100°C). For obvious reasons, the only thing visitors soak in here are the views.

This peaceful park in Fukuoka is centered on a large lake with islands through the middle. Joggers can be seen running around the paths, while other visitors sit to watch the birds gliding on the water. The Ukimi Pavilion adds color to the lake’s shores with its distinctive red railing, while the Ohori Park Japanese Garden is secluded on the park’s southern edge.

The Daikanbo Lookout is a scenic viewpoint off the Aso Milk Road, a 28-mile (47-kilometer) scenic road along the northern edge of the Aso Caldera. From the lookout you can take in wonderful views not only of Mt. Aso’s five peaks and the Kuju Range, but also of the area’s lush grasslands, which have long been used for raising cattle.

Komezuka is a volcanic cone within the border caldera of Mt. Aso, in central Kyushu’s Kumamoto Prefecture. Bright green with grass in the summer and sprinkled with snow in the winter, Komezuka is often called a kawaii, or cute, volcano for its symmetrical cone that rises from surrounding grasslands. You can’t climb it, but it’s a popular subject of photography.