In this article, I will introduce some of the most beautiful sights I have seen around Kyushu – some of which are easily accessible sightseeing spots, while others are special seasonal events that require a bit more planning.
Compared to other parts of Japan, Kyushu is less well-known, but I’m here to show you that this area is a treasure trove of wondrous beauty.
Let’s discover the wonders of Kyushu!
For a larger collection of sights to see around the region, check out my photobook, Abroad in Kyushu!
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Video Guide
Learn about amazing places around Kyushu in the video below!
#1 – Yame Tea Fields (Fukuoka)
Green tea is famous in Japan, but most people, including me just a few years ago, only know of the most popular places like Uji in Kyoto.
It took me a while to learn about Fukuoka’s own tea area, Yame, located outside the city near the mountains.
When I first stared out over the Central Yame Tea Plantation, I was shocked by how beautiful and expansive the sea of green tea leaves was.
This place was in my backyard this whole time, and I didn’t even know it!
For those who haven’t seen tea fields before, it is quite a sight to behold: round bushes of green extending out in neat rows, with large fans overhead to prevent frost in the cooler months.
Beyond the fields, one can see a blurry depiction of the city and mountains in the distance.
At the top of the field, there is a small bench you can sit on to gaze out below. There is also a little cafe that sells packaged tea, delicious desserts, and drinks.
Since the field is far away from most public transportation, it’s easiest to visit via taxi or car. You can also visit by bike as I did in this video, but it can be quite hilly, so I recommend getting an electric bike or crossbike if you can.
Other things to do in Yame? Stay at a Traditional Craft Inn or join a craft experience and tour the workshops of traditional textile makers.
#2 – Tsuetate Onsen (Kumamoto)
Tsuetate Onsen is a small area located in the mountains of Kumamoto Prefecture, situated next to the Tsuetate River.
My favorite time to visit is from late March to late April, when the area is decorated with hundreds of giant fabric carp streamers.
When the wind blows, the fish flutter to life, creating a scene of rippling color and movement above the water.
What is the significance of carp in Japan?
Carp are recognized as a strong fish that can easily swim against currents and overcome great obstacles. Because of this, they’re a symbol of strength, courage, and success through perseverance.
From around March to Early May, many places in Japan are decorated with carp streamers to honor children in the hope they grow up strong and healthy.
Since Tsuetate Onsen is known for its natural hot springs, you can enjoy the view of the carp streamers while soaking in a foot bath or while eating freshly steamed food prepared at a special cooking station.
Outside of the carp streamer festival, Tsuetate Onsen is generally very quiet – a nice place to escape from the crowds.
You can reach Tsuetate Onsen by car or highway bus.
Learn more about Tsuetate Onsen in this guide or in the video below.
#3 – Yakushima (Kagoshima)
If you have seen the video of my recent trip to Yakushima, you’ll already know that this little island blew my mind with its magnificent nature.
The ancient forests breathe with life and the sounds of birds and flowing water, creating an atmosphere of serenity and peace.
Under the canopy of leaves, time seemed to stand still; every view of the forest, from the sunlight peeking through the towering trees to the lush carpet of moss, seems to come straight out of a painting.
Words simply cannot describe how beautiful this place is, so I can only recommend you visit yourself.
Learn more about Yakushima in this guide or join the adventure in the video below.
#4 – Takachiho Gorge (Miyazaki)
People who have searched Kyushu before have likely come across pictures of Takachiho Gorge and the little paddle boats below – and for good reason; this area is exquisite!
Walking by the gorge provides great views of the water, rocks, and waterfall below.
If you’re lucky enough to snag a boat reservation, then you can enjoy views from the water, which are equally mesmerizing. (Boat reservations are done online.)
Not only is Takachiho visually stunning, but this area is enveloped in ancient stories of Japanese myths.
Not far from the gorge is another of my favorite spots: a little cave by a stream that is filled with stacked stones.
It is said that this is where the Japanese gods once gathered to devise a way to coax the Sun god out of hiding.
It can be a bit difficult to get to Takachiho since it is located deep in the mountains, far from public transportation.
My recommendation is to drive yourself or hire a guide. I’ve traveled the area twice on a private tour with Explore Kumamoto and had an exceptional time!
#5 – Izumi (Kagoshima)
Now many people might know of this last spot, but it’s a gem! From November to March (with peak times in December and January), you can witness the great flocks of cranes that migrate from Siberia and China.
A memory that will stay with me forever is waking up before daybreak, walking half an hour to the reclaimed fields, and catching the morning flight of over 10,000 majestic cranes at sunrise – their beating wings creating a powerful thrum that vibrated through the air.
The squawking was quite a ruckus, but seeing the silhouette of the birds against the mountains and morning light was truly something else.
You can learn more about visiting Izumi and seeing the cranes in this video.
You can reach Izumi quite easily by Shinkansen, but the area where the birds roost at night is a bit far from the station, requiring walking or a car.
Final Thoughts
There are so many beautiful places, festivals, and seasonal events to experience in Kyushu that it was so hard to pick only five to share in this article.
If you want to know about more of my favorite places and experiences in Kyushu, then check out my book, Abroad in Kyushu!
Abroad in Kyushu Photobook
This photo book contains places mentioned in this video as well as many other of my favorite spots.
It took over a year to create this book (and even longer to travel to all the places that are featured), so I’m so proud of its completion and the fact that it has sold internationally and is part of the CV Starr East Asian Library at the University of California, Berkeley!
If you want to support my work and learn more about the wonders of Kyushu, then check out this book!
And on a final note, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get updates from Japan straight to your inbox. You can also join my Patreon for exclusive, behind-the-scenes articles about living in Japan.
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