Kyushu and Okinawa

Kyushu is the third largest island in Japan, and is located to the southwest of Honshu Island. It consists of the seven prefectures of Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Oita, Miyazaki, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima. In addition to a warm and mild climate, Kyushu is characterized by its hilly terrain. There are many famous hot spring areas on the island, which is blessed with bountiful sea and mountains.
The westernmost Japanese prefecture of Okinawa once prospered as the Ryukyu Kingdom. An original culture evolved in this area under the historical influences of Southeast Asia, China, and later the United States. Located in a subtropical zone, Okinawa is known as one of the finest resort places in the world. Its clear, emerald green sea boasts an outstanding degree of transparency.

Important Places

Fukuoka City (Hakata)

The largest city in Kyushu, and renowned as a gateway to Asia. Fukuoka offers a variety of local delicacies, such as fresh seafood and tonkotsu ramen(Chinese noodles in a pork bone soup), all year round.

Yufuin

A popular hot spring area that sprawls at the foot of beautiful Mt. Yufu-dake, which local people call Bungo Fuji( Mt. Fuji of the Bungo area).Yufuin boasts the second largest supply of hot spring water in Japan. From fall to winter, Yufuin offers fantastic views of mountains enshrouded in morning mist.

Nagasaki City

Nagasaki had a manmade little island called Dejima where Japan traded with Portugal and the Netherlands during the period of national seclusion. Here you can find the oldest wooden Western-style building in Japan, once owned by Thomas Glover, the man who laid a foundation for the Japanese shipbuilding industry.

Moji Port

Shimabara Castle

Mt. Aso

Mt. Aso offers distinctive views of the vast grassy plain and volcanic group in the surrounding area, as well as one of the largest calderas in the world. The spring water known for its great taste and the hot springs are other popular attractions this area offers.

Takachiho Ravine

A gorge formed by eroded lava from Mt. Aso. Cliffs 80 meters(262 feet) to 100 meters (328 feet) high continue for 7 kilometers (4.4 miles) in this valley. Many waterfalls flow into this ravine, where people can enjoy the particularly beautiful sights of fresh leaves in spring and colorful foliage in fall.

Yakushima Isaland

Many climbers visit this island to see the ancient Japanese cedar tree called Jomon sugi, that is said to be more than 4000 years old. The moss- covered primeval forests of this island have been used as the setting for animated films.