Lonely PlanetAug 25, 2026
7 things to do in Kyūshū and the best way to do them
Take your pick of adventurous activities, therapeutic soaks and a laid-back vibe in Kyūshū, Japan
22 things in this story
- Oniishibōzu JigokuSightBubbling mud resembles a monk's head.
- Kamado JigokuSightOnce used for cooking; savor pudding or enjoy a footbath.
- Umi JigokuSightNational site of scenic beauty with lake, gardens, steamy pool.
- Kannawa OnsenMuseumOne of Beppu's eight onsen districts, known for steam baths.
- Myoban OnsenSightOne of Beppu's eight onsen districts, known for milky sulfur water.
- Kankaiji OnsenSightOne of Beppu's eight onsen districts, offering bay views.
- Elsewhere
- Gokase RiverSightTakachiho, JapanEmerald-green river flowing through Takachiho gorge.
- Devil’s WashboardSightNichinan, JapanNatural phenomenon of striated basalt carved by waves and tides.
- Udo-jingūPlace of worshipNichinan, JapanColorful shrine squeezed into a deep cavern at end of coastal path.
- Sun Messe NichinanSightNichinan, JapanRow of seven moai statues with backs to the ocean.
- Manai FallsSightTakachiho, Japan17m-high waterfall cascading over cliff face in V-shaped gorge.
- Ama-no-Iwato-jinjaSightTakachiho, JapanLearn about the cave where the sun goddess Amaterasu hid.
- Ama-no-YasukawaraSightTakachiho, JapanCave where thousands of deities gathered to plan Amaterasu's return.
- Kagoshima PrefectureNeighborhoodKagoshima, JapanKagoshima Prefecture has a population of 1,527,019 and has a geographic area of 9,187 km2.
- Kagomma Furusato YataimuraMarketKagoshima, Japan18 tiny stalls offering dishes and drinks from across Kagoshima.
- SakurajimaSightKagoshima, JapanOne of the world's most active volcanoes.
- Shiroyama Park ObservatorySightKagoshima, JapanOffers the most photographed panorama of Sakurajima and Kinkō Bay.
- Yunihira ObservatorySightKagoshima, JapanProvides the closest view of Sakurajima's active crater.
- KurokamiSightKagoshima, JapanSite where a torii was buried under 2m of ash in 1914.
- Arimura Lava Observation DeckSightKagoshima, JapanSits on black lava fields from Sakurajima's 1914 eruption.
- Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park footbathSightKagoshima, Japan100m-long footbath offers a relaxing moment under the peak.
- ChiringashimaSightIbusuki, JapanForested island accessible by sandbar during low tide.