21 Top Attractions to Visit on Japan’s Southwesternmost Kyushu Island

Get to know Japan’s southern Kyushu Region

Kyushu, the third-largest of Japan’s four main islands, comprises the prefectures of Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Oita, Saga, Kagoshima, and Miyazaki. Excluding outlying islands, the region covers an area of about 36,750 square kilometers. Kyushu, also referred to as the "Kingdom of Hot Springs," is home to the renowned resorts of Beppu, Kurokawa, and Yufuin. Here, you can rejuvenate in the high-quality hot springs and enjoy mesmerizing scenery.

Climate of Kyushu

Known for its warm, humid summers and mild winters, Kyushu is a great destination to visit year-round. Cherry blossom season starts in late March, a bit earlier than in other parts of Japan. The subtropical climate brings rainy summers, with typhoons possible from July to October.

How far is Kyushu from Tokyo?

The easiest way to access Kyushu is via Fukuoka Airport, serving domestic and international flights throughout Asia, Europe, and the US.

If you’re traveling from Tokyo to Fukuoka Airport, the journey takes 2 hours and 10 minutes from Narita Airport, and 1 hour 55 minutes from Haneda Airport.

Alternatively, you can also opt for the shinkansen bullet train, but keep in mind that the one-way trip will take around five hours.

Travel across Kyushu with these budget-friendly transport tickets

There are several budget-friendly transport tickets to explore the Kyushu Region, all available for purchase on WAmazing Transport. If you’re planning to visit multiple destinations across the island, opt for the JR Kyushu Rail Pass (All of Kyushu,) available for either three, five, or seven consecutive days. If you’re planning to visit only northern Kyushu, including Fukuoka, Oita, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, and Saga prefectures, consider booking the JR Kyushu Rail Pass (Northern Kyushu.) To explore only the southern part of Kyushu, the JR Kyushu Rail Pass (Southern Kyushu) is your best option, covering Oita, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima prefectures.

Kyushu's local specialties

Kyushu takes pride in its rich food culture, bolstered by nutrient-packed volcanic soil and a warm temperate climate, making the region an agricultural paradise. Additionally, as a major trading port during times when the rest of Japan was closed off to foreign countries, Kyushu developed a unique food culture that seamlessly blends Japanese, Chinese, and Western influences.

Fukuoka: Hakata Ramen

Hakata ramen, originating from Fukuoka on the northern shore of Kyushu, is a famous noodle dish with a creamy white broth made from pork bones, particularly local kurobuta (Berkshire pork.) The bones are simmered until they become gelatinous, and the soup is then enhanced with thin straight noodles and topped with chopped scallions and slices of char-siu pork.

Nagasaki: Champon

Champon is a local dish from Nagasaki, located on the northwestern coast of Kyushu, which was originally created for Chinese students studying there during the Meiji period (1868-1912.) The rich flavor is developed by frying meat, seafood, and vegetables together before adding the soup, in which the egg noodles are then boiled.

Miyazaki: Chicken Nanban

The local specialty of Miyazaki, located on Kyushu's southeastern coast, is chicken nanban. It’s made with the area’s famed free-range chicken. The chicken pieces are first coated in sweet and tangy vinegar, fried, and then topped with tartar sauce.

Kagoshima: Tonkatsu

When in Kagoshima, on the southwestern tip of Kyushu, opt for tonkatsu pork cutlet. The prefecture is popular for producing Kyushu's kurobuta Berkshire pork, of which pieces are coated in crisp panko bread crumbs and fried to perfection. There are mainly two types of meat to choose from, hire (pork fillet) and rosu (pork loin,) with hire being leaner and rosu being juicier with more marbling.

Kumamoto: Basashi raw horse-meat sashimi

While horse meat is not a common ingredient in Japanese cuisine, it’s actually one of Kumamoto Prefecture’s most famous local specialties. Basashi, sashimi-style pieces of raw horse meat are served together with different seasonings like garlic, ginger, spring onions, red onions, and lemon to bring out the meat’s special flavor. If you’re not keen on trying it raw, opt for horse meat hotpot to get a taste of this local specialty.

Saga: Onsen yudofu

A local specialty of Ureshino in Saga Prefecture, onsen yudofu is tofu boiled in local hot spring water. The alkaline water is believed to make the tofu more soft and smooth. It’s traditionally served in a ceramic bowl and can be enjoyed together with kamaboko fishcake, shrimp, and vegetables. To enhance the flavor, you can also add ginger, onion, or a special sauce.

Oita: Toriten chicken tempura

Oita Prefecture is famous for toriten chicken tempura. These deep-fried bite-sized chicken pieces are best enjoyed by dipping them in ponzu, a sauce made from soy sauce and citrus juice. You’ll find this dish in almost every local restaurant across Oita Prefecture. 

3 best tourist attractions in Fukuoka Prefecture

Fukuoka Prefecture, located on the northern edge of Kyushu, is the main access point for visitors to the region through Fukuoka International Airport. Popular tourist attractions include Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine in Dazaifu City, and Nanzoin Temple in Sasaguri, known for its Reclining Budha statue. When visiting Fukuoka City, the prefectural capital, explore the many different yatai food stalls. Here, you can sample several dishes, while chatting with the locals. 

Get around Fukuoka City with the Fukuoka City Subway One-day Pass, which allows unlimited rides on Kuko, Hakozaki, and Nanakuma subway lines. By showing the one-day pass, you’ll receive discounts and other benefits at participating facilities in Fukuoka City.

Opt for the JR Kyushu Mobile Pass to explore Fukuoka and its suburbs with this two-day e-ticket.

Fukuoka Tower

The 234-meter-tall Fukuoka Tower is the city’s tallest and most iconic building. It has three viewing decks, the highest at 123 meters, offering mesmerizing views of Fukuoka City and beyond. On the second viewing deck, you’ll find a restaurant, offering lunch and dinner options along with views of the scenery. Come evening, enjoy the night view, being one of Japan’s best 100 nightscapes. The tower is beautifully illuminated at night, with changing shows based on the season.

Fukuoka Tower
Address: 2-3-26 Momochihama, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access: 20-min walk from Nishijin Station

Marine World Uminonakamichi

Kyushu’s largest aquarium focuses on the local marine life, where you can enjoy watching 30,000 specimens of 350 species across ten areas. Highlights include tanks displaying jellyfish of Kyushu, coral reefs of Amami, a large tank with sharks, plus a dolphin and sea lion show.

Take a break at restaurant Reilly on the first floor and enjoy a fish burger made with hammerhead shark from Miyazaki Prefecture or Hakata udon noodles topped with a penguin-shaped tempura. While savoring your food, you can watch dolphins swimming by as the restaurant faces the show pool.

Marine World Uminonakamichi
Address: 18-28 Saitozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access: 5-min walk from Uminonakamichi Station (JR Kashii Line)

Suigo Yanagawa River Boat Ride

Located in southern Fukuoka Prefecture, Yanagawa prospered as a castle town during the Edo period (1603-1868,) and is known as a "city of water" due to its extensive network of waterways. With a combined length of 930 kilometers, these canals were once built as irrigation channels for farming and daily life, but later expanded for defensive purposes in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Now, you can enjoy scenic cruises down these waterways in traditional donkobune boats, pushed by boatmen in traditional attire. Watch weeping willows, seasonal flowers, and the white-walled town from the water’s surface.

Yanagawa River Boat Ride Boarding Terminal Reception
Address: 1-6 Shimohyaku-cho, Mitsuhashi-machi, Yanagawa-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture
Access: 3-min walk from Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station

3 best things to do in Kumamoto Prefecture

Kumamoto Prefecture, situated in the heart of Kyushu along the coast of the Ariake Sea, is home to Mount Aso. This is the largest active volcano in Japan with a height of 1,592 meters. The prefecture is also highly popular for its mascot character, Kumamon, which was created in 2010 to attract tourists to the area after the Kyushu Shinkansen line was opened, providing convenient access from Hakata in Fukuoka Prefecture.

Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle, known for its striking black exterior, was initially constructed in 1467 and expanded throughout the centuries, using cutting-edge construction methods of its time. The castle is known for its distinctive architectural design, including underground passageways and unique curved stone walls. The castle suffered severe damage in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, leading to restricted access during the ongoing restoration and reconstruction efforts. Fortunately, the main keep has been completely restored and reopened in June 2021.

Kumamoto Castle
Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto Prefecture
Access: Short walk from the Kumamoto Castle Ninomaru Parking Lot bus stop
Official website: https://castle.kumamoto-guide.jp/en/

Mount Aso

Mount Aso is a stunning volcanic caldera, located within Aso-Kuju National Park in central Kyushu and a landmark of Kumamoto Prefecture. The area is great for hiking and trekking, with five routes available. After exploring the volcanic terrain, you can also visit the Aso Volcano Museum, or visit the surrounding ranches to enjoy horseback riding. Note that the volcano is active, and access to the caldera may be restricted on short notice.

Mount Aso
Address: Aso-shi, Kumamoto Prefecture
Access: Board the Asosan Loop Shuttle bus from Asosan Nishi bus stop and get off at Mount Aso Crater bus stop
Official website: https://www.asocity-kanko.jp/en/

Kurokawa Onsen

Kurokawa Onsen boasts about 30 hot spring inns, along with a number of souvenir shops and restaurants. Enjoy the picturesque mountain town by strolling the streets in a traditional yukata (light cotton kimono) and visiting the many different baths. Get your hands on the Nyuto Tegata, a special pass for onsen hopping, which lets you bathe at three open-air baths out of 26 participating bathhouses. The pass is available at the tourist information center. Kurokawa Onsen has seven different types of hot springs, each with different properties. 

Kurokawa Onsen
Address: Kurogawa, Manganji, Minamioguni-machi, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture
Access: 2hr 47mins direct Kyushu Oudan bus ride from Kumamoto Station bus stop 7
Official website: https://www.kurokawaonsen.or.jp/eng_new/

3 best things to do in Nagasaki Prefecture

During the Edo period (1603-1868,) relations and trade with other countries were restricted, with Nagasaki Port serving as Japan’s only gateway for trade with the West. This influence remains visible throughout Nagasaki City, featuring European-style residences and beautiful churches for its large Christian population.

Huis Ten Bosch

Huis Ten Bosch, a massive park located in Sasebo in Nagasaki Prefecture, is a renowned tourist destination, themed on the Netherlands, complete with replicas of historical Dutch buildings. It is the largest theme park in Japan, covering an area of ​​1.52 million square meters.

Come spring, the site features over a million pink, red, orange, white, and yellow tulips. In the evening, you can admire illuminated fields, outfitted with artificial OLED tulips, making for a one-of-a-kind scenery. Hop on the Ferris Wheel for the best views of this mesmerizing light show. In May, Huis Ten Bosh hosts its Rose Festival, the biggest in Asia with 1.11 million roses of 1,000 different varieties.

Huis Ten Bosch
Address: 1-1 Huis Ten Bosch-machi, Sasebo-shi, Nagasaki Prefecture
Access: Short walk from JR Huis Ten Bosch Station; 1hr 45 mins by express train Huis Ten Bosch from JR Hakata Station

Hashima Island (Gunkanjima)

Gunkanjima (Battleship Island,) officially known as Hashima Island, was designated a World Cultural Heritage in 2015. It’s widely known for being the filming location of the James Bond movie Skyfall (2012) and the live-action film of the manga series Attack on Titan (2015.) 

The small island is located about 20 kilometers off the coast of Nagasaki. It was once home to 5,000 residents who worked in its coal mine until 1974. The tiny space was filled with towering concrete buildings, resembling a battleship, hence its nickname.

To get a closer view of the eerie site, book a boat tour that brings you to the island, on which you can visit three observation decks on its southern end. Some of the tours are even conducted by former residents of Gunkanjima, making it even more exciting. Note that during the tour, you are not allowed to get close to the structures due to safety measures and in case of strong wind, the boat will only circle the island as landing would be too dangerous. The boat ride from Nagasaki Port to Gunkanjima takes about 50 minutes. 

There’s also the Gunkanjima Digital Museum near the Oura Cathedral and Glover Garden, which provides additional information on Gunkanjima through digital installations and augmented reality.

Hashima Island (Gunkanjima)
Address: Hashima, Takashima-machi, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki Prefecture
Access: 50-min boat ride from Nagasaki Port
Official website: https://www.discover-nagasaki.com/en/sightseeing/51797

Mount Inasa Night View

The night view from Mount Inasa is one of the world’s top three night views, alongside those of Hong Kong and Monaco. In Japanese, it's called the "10-million-dollar night view." Visitors can reach the summit via ropeway, bus, or car. At 333 meters above sea level, the summit offers panoramic views of Nagasaki City.

Mount Inasa Observation Deck
Address: Inasayama Park, Inasa-machi, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki Prefecture
Access: 6-min bus ride from Nagasaki Ekimae bus stop to Ropeway-mae Teiryujo bus stop, from there it’s a 3-min walk to Ropeway Fuchi-jinja-shita station. The ropeway ride takes about five minutes.
Official website: https://www.inasayama.com/observatory/

3 best things to do in Oita Prefecture

Oita Prefecture is known as one of the places across Japan to enjoy and experience the country’s onsen (hot spring) culture with famous hot spring towns like Yufuin Onsen and Beppu Onsen.

Yufuin Onsen

Yufuin Onsen is a popular destination at the foot of the twin-peaked Mount Yufu, located inland from the larger Beppu hot spring resort area. It offers a unique experience amidst lush greenery and majestic views of Lake Kinrin. The odorless hot water of Yufuin Onsen is comfortable for those new to onsen. The water is believed to alleviate symptoms such as rheumatoid arthritis, neuralgia, stiff shoulders, fatigue, and diabetes. Be sure to board the Yufuin no Mori limited express train for a scenic travel experience.

Yufuin Onsen
Address: Address: 8-2 Kawakita, Yufuin-cho, Yufu-shi, Oita Prefecture
Access: 60-min train ride from Oita Station (JR Kyudai Line) to Yufuin Station 
Official website: https://www.visit-kyushu.com/en/see-and-do/spots/yufuin-onsen/

Beppu Onsen

Beppu Onsen stands out with its hot springs that exude an otherworldly atmosphere. It boasts hundreds of hot springs collectively known as Beppu Hatto, or the "Eight Hot Springs of Beppu," which comprises the eight hot spring districts of Beppu, Hamawaki, Kankaiji, Myoban, Kannawa, Shibaseki, Kamegawa, and Horita.

Make sure to join the Beppu Jigoku Meguri, or "Beppu Hell Tour," when visiting the hot spring town. This area constantly releases gasses, hot mud, and boiling water, hence its unusual name due to its otherworldly appearance. Notably, Umi-jigoku (Sea Hell,) Chinoike-jigoku (Blood Pond Hell,) Tatsumaki-jigoku (Whirlpool Hell,) and Shiraike-jigoku (White Pond Hell) are recognized as areas of National Scenic Beauty.

Beppu Hell Tour (Beppu Jigoku Meguri)
Address: 559-1 Tsurumi, Beppu, Oita Prefecture
Access: 20-min Kame-no-i Bus ride from JR Beppu Station towards Tetsunohara, get off at Umi Jigoku-mae bus stop
Official website: http://www.beppu-jigoku.com/

Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago

At Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago, you can interact with dolphins, walruses and other sea creatures. Don’t miss the different events, with the dolphin and walrus shows being one of the highlights. 

But that’s not all, there are even special fish performances by parrotfish and pufferfish performing acrobatics, electric eels hunting, and an archerfish shooting water at a target. Don’t forget to drop by the souvenir stores and stock up on plush toys, T-shirts, sweets, and more.

Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago
Address: 3078-22 Kanzaki-uto, Oita-shi, Oita Prefecture
Access: 11-min bus ride from Beppu Station to Takasakiyama bus stop

3 best things to do in Saga Prefecture

Saga is a coastal prefecture with numerous islets and a rich history as an important trading hub. It is renowned as the birthplace of Japanese ceramics, particularly in the pottery towns of Arita, Imari, and Karatsu, which were influenced by Chinese and Korean cultures. Saga Prefecture is also a popular hot spring destination, with Takeo Onsen and Ureshino Onsen being favored spots for relaxation.

Takeo Onsen

Located in the western part of Saga Prefecture, Takeo Onsen boasts a history of over 1,300 years. The town’s hot spring water is alkaline and known for its clear and silky smooth texture. It’s believed to relieve neuralgia, joint pain, and fatigue, as well as improving blood circulation.

One of the most popular attractions in Takeo Onsen is the Romon, a vermilion two-story gate designated as a National Important Cultural Property. It resembles the Palace of the Dragon King from the Japanese fairytale "Urashima Taro."

Takeo Onsen
Address: Takeo-cho, Takeo-shi, Saga Prefecture
Access: JR Takeo Onsen Station (Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen, Sasebo Line)
Official website: https://www.takeo-kk.net/

Kankyo Geijutsu No Mori Park

The Kankyo Geijutsu No Mori Park in Karatsu City is situated at an altitude of 887 meters, halfway up Mount Sakureizan. Created by environmental artist Masaaki Tsuruda, this 10-hectare forest minimizes man-made structures to preserve its natural atmosphere. Home to 10,000 maple trees—the largest concentration in Saga Prefecture—the park bursts into vibrant colors in mid-November.

Relax at Fuyu Sanso, a 150-year-old traditional structure, where the second floor is a popular photo spot due to the natural scenery reflected on the lacquered tables. The park is picturesque year-round, showcasing cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant leaves in fall, and the serene silence of the highlands in winter.

Kankyo Geijutsu No Mori Park
Address: 667 Hirano, Kyuragi-machi, Karatsu-shi, Saga Prefecture
Access: 20-min car ride from Taku Interchange on the Nagasaki Expressway

Arita

Arita is known as the birthplace of Japanese porcelain, originally produced exclusively for Japan's elite, with a significant portion exported to Europe. Before exploring this quaint town, stop by the Kyushu Ceramic Museum to learn about the history and evolution of ceramic production.

As you wander through the town, you'll notice ceramic elements everywhere. Visit Tozan Shrine—officially known as Sueyama Shrine—where many features typically made from stone are crafted from porcelain, including a beautiful torii gate, lanterns, and even lion-dog statues.

Don’t miss the Arita Porcelain Park, which features a beautiful garden and a palace designed in 18th-century German Baroque architecture. This tribute is a nod to Arita's influence on European ceramic design.

Arita
Address: Honmachi-hei, Arita-cho, Nishimatsuura-gun, Saga Prefecture
Access: Arita Station (Sasebo Line, Nishi-Kyushu lines)
Official website: https://www.arita.jp/

3 best things to do in Kagoshima Prefecture

Kagoshima, also known as the "Naples of the East" for its bay and pleasant climate, is geologically active and home to the volcanoes of Mount Kirishima and Mount Sakurajima. This geological activity provides an abundance of fantastic hot spring facilities, ranging from traditional baths to beachside sand baths. Kagoshima is also home to the ancient forests of Yakushima, Japan’s first forest to be registered as a World Heritage Site, as well as the beaches and coral reefs around the Amami-Oshima Islands.

Ibusuki Onsen

Ibusuki is a hot spring town on the Satsuma Peninsula in Kagoshima Prefecture, located at the southwestern tip of Japan's Kyushu Island. Surrounded by mountains and remote islands, it’s often referred to as the "Hawaii of East Asia" due to its tropical vibe, mild climate and abundant natural beauty. 

Along the coast, you'll find numerous hot spring inns overlooking the beautiful Kinko Bay, where you can experience unique hot sand baths, known as sunamushi onsen. During this special bathing experience, you’ll be buried in warm sand on the beach, heated by natural hot spring water. For safety, you'll wear a yukata (light cotton kimono) over your underwear and a towel wrapped around your neck. In just a brief 10 to 15-minute session, you’ll sweat significantly, leaving you feeling revitalized. As you relax in the warm sand, you can enjoy stunning ocean views right in front of you.

Ibusuki Onsen
Address: Ibusuki-shi, Kagoshima Prefecture
Access: JR Ibusuki Station (Ibusuki Makurazaki Line)
Official website: https://www.ibusuki.or.jp/spa/

Yakushima Island

Yakushima, Japan’s seventh-largest island, lies 60 kilometers south-southwest of Cape Sata, the southernmost tip of Kyushu. About 21 percent of the island is designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site. Yakushima is famous for its Jomon Sugi, a cedar tree estimated to be over 7,000 years old, and Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine, which is said to have inspired the forest in the Studio Ghibli movie Princess Mononoke (1997.)

On the island you can enjoy trekking amidst the beautiful and tranquil nature, where you can also encounter wild deer and monkeys in their natural habitat.

Yakushima Island
Address: Yakushima, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture
Access: 35-min by airplane from Kagoshima Airport; 4 hrs by ferry or 1 hr 50 mins by jetfoil from Kagoshima Shinko Port
Official website: https://yakukan.jp/

Kagoshima City Aquarium

At the Kagoshima City Aquarium, you can explore a diverse array of marine life from the seas around Kagoshima. Housing 30,000 marine creatures of about 500 species in various tanks, the aquarium offers an immersive experience into the region's aquatic ecosystems. The highlight is the Kuroshio Sea, the largest tank, home to whale sharks, skipjack tuna, and other fish from the Kuroshio Current. For those intrigued by the deep sea, Kagoshima no Shinkai provides a glimpse into the mysterious world of deep-sea creatures unique to Kagoshima.

Don’t miss the daily dolphin and seal shows. By scanning the QR codes placed throughout the museum, you’ll have access to detailed explanations and videos of these marine creatures in English.

Kagoshima City Aquarium
Address: 3-1 Honko-shinmachi, Kagoshima-shi, Kagoshima Prefecture
Access: 16-min walk from Kagoshima Station (Kagoshima Main Line, Nippo Main Line)

3 best things to do in Miyazaki Prefecture

Located along the southeastern coast of Kyushu, Miyazaki Prefecture is renowned for its stunning mountainous landscapes, picturesque coastal scenery, and mild climate. It’s a haven for outdoor sports fans, offering breathtaking coastal drives, and being home to remarkable seaside shrines.

Aoshima Island

Aoshima, situated near the resort beaches south of Miyazaki City, is a small and picturesque island connected to the mainland by a bridge. In the middle of the island you’ll find Aoshima Jinja, a beautiful shrine amidst a dense jungle known for bringing luck to couples. During low tide, shallow waters unveil a geological formation called Oni no Sentakuita, or "Devil's Washboard." These perfectly aligned basalt rock formations are natural formations also found along the Nichinan Coast further south.

Aoshima Island
Address: Aoshima, Miyazaki-shi, Miyazaki Prefecture
Access: 10-min walk from JR Aoshima Station (Nichinan Line)
Official website: https://visitmiyazaki.com/place_to_go/aoshima/

Sun Messe Nichinan

Sun Messe Nichinan is a seaside park perched on a hill with stunning views overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Along the coastline, you'll discover seven Moai statues, each towering 5.5 meters high and weighing 18 tons. These replicas were erected with special permission from Easter Island. The park also features shops and restaurants, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing getaway.

Sun Messe Nichinan
Address: 2650 Miyaura, Nichinan-shi, Miyazaki Prefecture
Access: 80-min bus ride from Miyazaki Station to Sun Messe Nichinan bus stop
Official website: https://www.sun-messe.co.jp/ (in Japanese only)

Udo Jingu Shrine

Just a 12-minute drive from Sun Messe Nichinan, Udo Jingu Shrine is a stunning sacred site nestled inside a cave on the cliffside, offering beautiful views of the ocean. The long pilgrimage path along the coastline leading to the main shrine evokes a sense of mystery and tranquility. It’s renowned for its efficacy in prayers for marriage and smooth childbirth.

Udo Jingu Shrine
Address: 3232 Miyaura, Nichinan-shi, Miyazaki Prefecture
Access: 20-min bus ride from either Ibii Station (Nichinan Line) or Aburatsu Station (Nichinan Line) to Udo Jingu bus stop; from there it’s a 10-min walk
Official website: https://www.udojingu.or.jp/ (in Japanese only)

Travel across Kyushu in one of the ten sightseeing trains

While Japan’s railway system is known for its speed and convenience, the country also features a unique category of sightseeing trains, locally referred to as "D&S" trains, standing for "design and story." These special trains are crafted to enhance passengers' enjoyment of the journey itself, featuring luxurious carriages that traverse some of Japan’s most scenic rail routes. Each train is designed to showcase the distinctive characteristics of the region it travels through, offering passengers an opportunity to immerse themselves in local culture and landscapes.

One of the most popular sightseeing trains is the Yufuin no Mori, which journeys from Hakata in Fukuoka Prefecture to Yufuin and Beppu. This train stands out as one of Kyushu's oldest sightseeing trains, boasting a classical interior design. Since all seats are reserved and tickets go on sale a month in advance, it's best to make reservations early.

You can board the Yufuin no Mori sightseeing train with the All Kyushu Area Pass and the Northern Kyushu Area Pass.

For more information on Kyushu’s sightseeing trains, see here (in Japanese only.)

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*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.