If you've been to Japan a few times and feel like you know the country quite well, I think you should try going south.
Kyushu gave me a very different feeling about Japan.
The first time I saw pictures of Takachiho Gorge, I had a feeling: I absolutely had to go there.
And when I actually set foot in Kyushu, I realized that the most attractive thing about this place wasn't just the scenery.
It was the feeling of a more liberal, open Japan, less constrained by familiar rules. The pace of life was also more relaxed. And the nature… was truly breathtaking.
Kyushu is a geological area with many active volcanoes, so it has mountain ranges, gorges, lakes, hot springs, and magnificent landscapes created by millions of years of Earth's movement.
Mount Aso (Kumamoto Prefecture) and Sakurajima (Kagoshima Prefecture) are two of Japan's most active volcanoes.
Thanks to its intense volcanic and geothermal activity, Kyushu also accounts for approximately 35% of Japan's total hot spring (onsen) sources, with famous hot spring towns like Beppu and Yufuin.
Much of the island is covered by hills and giant caldera formations created after ancient eruptions.
In particular, it's a land steeped in Japanese mythology. There are places where you can not only admire the scenery but also feel like you're stepping into an ancient tale.
Initially, I planned to use the Seishun 18 Kippu pass to explore Kyushu by local trains, traveling through different regions. However, after researching, I discovered that the most beautiful places in Kyushu are often not located near train stations or with convenient public transportation.
The Takachiho Gorge, mountainous areas, valleys, and volcanic landscapes are often located deep within nature, requiring additional local buses or taxis for transportation, making it quite complicated. Therefore, I chose a day tour with private transportation.
If you're looking for a more unique Japan than Kyoto, Tokyo, or Osaka, try Kyushu. You might discover a Japan you've never known before.
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