A Trip Through Nature On The Island Of Kyushu, In Japan
The island of Kyushu is the third largest in Japan. It has seven prefectures: Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Nagasaki, Oita, and Saga. All of them offer great tourist possibilities related to nature. We show you the greatest charms of each of them. Do not stay without discovering them!
Fukuoka, the heart of the island of Kyushu
In this prefecture you must visit the parks of the capital, Fukuoka. Highlights include the Ohori Park, with a large pond and a beautiful Japanese garden, and the Minami, located on a hill with a zoo and a botanical garden. And be sure to stroll through the flower fields of Nokono Island or visit the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park.
Another plan is to move to Itoshima to admire its incredible maritime landscapes. But there’s so much more, from enjoying the outdoors at Forest Adventure Itoshima sports facility to viewing wisteria vines at Kawachi Fuji Garden or visiting Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
Kagoshima
It is one of the prefectures with the most natural attractions. Here the natural forest of Shiroyama, on the side of a hill, is worth discovering. In it there is a viewpoint from which to get spectacular views of the city and Sakurajima, a volcano that remains active and is the authentic symbol of Kagoshima.
Sakurajima was an island, but a large eruption caused a lava channel to form that solidified and joined the Osumi Peninsula. Converted today into a tourist attraction, here is the highest-level volcanology observatory in Japan.
In addition, in Kagoshima you should visit the Sengaku-en, a great example of a Japanese garden dating back to 1658. If you are traveling with children, here is one of the largest aquariums in the country. Or you can walk with them through Minato Odori Park, a true green oasis in the middle of the city.
Kumamoto and Oita
Aso-Kuju, a national park in which Mount Aso is located, stretches across both prefectures. This is a volcano that is still active and around which are green meadows, lakes, forests and hot springs converted into thermal baths.
In this park it is mandatory to visit the chain of volcanoes and Mount Komezuja, covered with grass. If you prefer to relax, here are the Kurokawa and Nagayu Spas. Also waiting for you are Cuddly Dominion Zoo and Aso Farm, Kyushu’s largest theme park.
Miyazaki and the coastline of the island of Kyushu
One of the natural beauties that can be found in Miyazaki Prefecture is the Nichinan coast, facing the Pacific Ocean. It is a coastline that treasures a spectacular landscape, with places as incredible as the small island of Aoshima or Cape Toi, habitat of wild horses called misaki-uma.
From Nichinan we moved to Takachiho, where the homonymous canyon through which the turquoise waters of the Gokase River flow is located. The best way to get to know it and get into it is by renting a boat. So we can also get closer to the Manai Falls.
Nagasaki, history and nature on the island of Kyushu
It is known for the city of the same name that suffered a nuclear attack in World War II. Beyond this terrible episode, it hides interesting naturals. In Unzen, the Obama Onsen hot springs and Mount Unzen, a dormant volcano since 1996, are known for hiking.
Other wonders in Nagasaki are its groups of islands: those of Goto, famous for their beaches with turquoise waters; Tushima, with a lush virgin forest that bewitches anyone; and Iki, a paradise for lovers of nautical sports.
Saga
Finally, in Saga prefecture you can go to Hamatama beach to watch the sunset or to Uroshino Onsen, where you can enjoy its hot springs and tranquility. And it is also possible to enjoy strolling through its many parks, such as Houmansan Park, in Taku.
