Top Things to do in Kyushu
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Kyushu That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Kyushu, Japan including Mt. Aso, Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, Mount Sakurajima, Sengan-en, Kumamoto Castle, Kitakyushu Museum of Natural History & Human History, Takachiho Gorge, Aoshima Island, Mt. Kaimondake, Raizan Sennyoji Daihioin.
Restaurants in Kyushu
1. Mt. Aso
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 455 reviews
Reviewed By Wingfield73 - Chiang Mai, Thailand
We hired a taxi from Kumamoto town which took us to the volcano through the mountainous countryside which had been devasted by the earthquake three years earlier and could scarcely imagine the terror that the people living there must have felt. But even more impressive was the gigantic effort being put into repairing the mountains themselves. Arriving at the Aso volcano itself we were first struck by the sulphurous smell and the white smoke emerging from the top. There is a good and informative visitor centre near the foot of the volcano and, a little further on a restaurant area with good parking and excellent views of the volcano. Don't miss the nearby small and friendly town of Aso itself, with one of Japan's most revered shrines now under repair from the earthquake damage.
2. Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,992 reviews
Jarring, horrific reminders of the devastation caused by the August 9, 1945 bombing of Nagasaki fill this historic and educational museum, which traces events preceding the bombing, the resulting destruction and the city’s restoration.
Reviewed By Rumples - Tucson, United States
A friend and I visited this moving museum on a weekday morning in early October. We had come to see how Nagasaki portrayed the effects of the Aug. 9, 1945, atomic bomb drop on the city. The curators have chosen to tell a story, presenting Nagasaki before the bomb fell; immediately after the explosion; and today. They weave explanations of historical details within the story and show what happened through photos, videos, artifacts and much more. The conclusion focuses on the need for peace and the end of nuclear weapons, made abundantly clear by the bomb's destruction of the city and the killing of at least 74,000 people. Those, who survived, would often have to endure physical ailments from the radiation and psychological trauma. As soon as I entered the exhibition hall, I felt uneasy, looking at a giant black-and- white photo of Nagasaki as it appeared before the bomb fell. That's because I knew what would be ahead for the thriving city. A recovered wall clock frozen at 11:02 a.m. soon appeared, marking the exact time that the horrors began. Displays feature English descriptions and include photos of the atomic wasteland that Nagasaki became, along with stories of that fateful day from survivors, including heroic rescue work. Artifacts damaged from the flash of heat range from a 14-year-old girl's lunch box with rice charred from the fire to six green glass bottles melted at the top and stuck together, which were found in a store's ruins. A helmet with the remains of a skull inside is one of the more grisly items. I found information on the bomb itself to be especially interesting. A life-size model of the one used on Nagasaki is displayed and called "Fat Man," because of its appearance. A video shows the military loading Fat Man and transporting it to the plane for the mission. There is also a photo taken from the plane that shows the mushroom cloud rising into the sky after the blast. We went through the relatively small museum in about 1 hour. It cost 200 Y (about $1.89 U.S.) to enter. A corridor leads from the museum to the adjacent Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims. There is no fee to enter the Memorial Hall. Both are located near ground zero for the blast and the Nagasaki Peace Park. To reach the museum, we took the blue line to the Matsuyamamachi tram stop and then walked for about 4 minutes.
3. Mount Sakurajima
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,855 reviews
A 15-minute ferry ride takes you to this smoking volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Japan.
Reviewed By 111gedk - London, United Kingdom
This is an active volcano. It's perpetually smoking and people live on the lower slopes. There's an observation platform in Kagoshima that you can get to by bus for a fantastic view of this natural wonder. It's a live volcano, of course you want to make the effort to see it!
4. Sengan-en
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,276 reviews
Sengan-en is a traditional Japanese garden and stately home that has been passed down in the Shimadzu family for over 350 years. The garden boasts spectacular views of active volcano Sakurajima, and the house provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of a powerful feudal lord. Sengan-en and the surrounding area was fundamentally important in the modernization of Japan. It was here that Western industrial technology was introduced to Japan, studied and used in the creation of modern factories. Shoko Shuseikan is a museum set in a 150 year old stone building originally used as a machine factory. Learn about the 800 year history and culture of the Shimadzu family, and the first steps towards the industrialization of Japan. In July, 2015 Sengan-en and Shoko Shuseikan were recognized as World Cultural Heritage Sites related to Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution.
Reviewed By 1760022 - Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
Driving down from Kumamoto, I chose Sengan-en to view Sakurajima, rather than go to the observatory or the prefectural building and I am glad I did. The gardens were constructed in the 1650's by the Shimazu family, which ruled the area for a considerable time. They couldn't have picked a better spot with its stunning views of Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay. The residence, which was rebuilt in the late 1800's and the rooms show life at it was in those days. There are two restaurants and a matcha cafe, gift shops with local crafts of wood and satsuma kiriko (cut-glass crystal), and snacks, sweets and delicacies. Entrance is 1300 yen for the garden, museum and house (recommended) or just 1000 yen for the garden and museum. My wife and I spent about 3 hours there. This is one place that shouldn't be missed.
5. Kumamoto Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,704 reviews
Reviewed By dlnun - Nebraska, United States
We spent an afternoon with an English guide from the Kumamoto SGG Club—-Mieko Okada who was our personal guide at the Kumamoto Castle & to the Suizenji Jojuen Gardens. If you go to Kumamoto these two sights should be at the top of your list of things to see & places to go. Hopefully in the next few months more of the reconstruction will allow for an actual tour of the castle, but the grounds, walls, and views were amazing none the less.
6. Kitakyushu Museum of Natural History & Human History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By liannac2016
Huge museum with living reptiles and dinosaur skeletons. It is very educational, dinosaur exhibit has a few min show and the dinosaurs were moving. It does that almost 3 hours covering all 3 floors.
7. Takachiho Gorge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,162 reviews
Reviewed By garetjax72 - Singapore, Singapore
Nice walk along the gorge from Mihashi to Shinbashi Bridge with lovely autumn colours along the route. The waterfall beside Mihashi Bridge is pretty, but not very spectacular. Quite interesting to see how the river has carved a route through the basalt columns of the gorge. Note that there are quite a number of stairs along the route, with no slopes for wheelchairs or prams. Parking beside Mihashi Bridge is most convenient, but is very limited. Do come early.
8. Aoshima Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 686 reviews
Reviewed By BuccaneerDave - Nanaimo, Canada
Saw this is a guidebook and decided we must go. So happy we did. The whole community has a great laid back surfer vibe. The gardens in the town are beautiful. Countless people came up to us to have a quick chat. Wish we had stayed a night there. The washboard is fantastic. Such a unique and interesting formation that carries on down the coast for miles. This is the easiest spot to stop and have a look at. As others have done, we timed our visit for low tide to get the best effect. Daytrip from Miyazaki-shi. The temple on the island has a very lovely garden area tucked into the centre. Very interesting. Really enjoyed our day there.
9. Mt. Kaimondake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 413 reviews
Reviewed By xlne - Singapore, Singapore
I wanted to take my time climbing Mt. Kaimondake because I’m almost recovered from my knee injury, so I took the 9.10am bus from Ibusuki to Kaimon Station. While walking to the trail head on my way in from the main road, I was greeted warmly by a lady sweeping in the Shinto shrine at the bottom of the mountain. At about 11am, I started my slow ascent and reached the top of the mountain around 1.20pm. There were not many people on the trek but I adopted a snail pace anyway. Sadly, this is one of those trails that doesn’t have many nice viewpoints enroute, even though the view from the top is indeed marvellous. At the summit, you’ll actually be standing higher than Tokyo Skytree itself! The curious sight of small groups of trekkers sitting around eating their bentos at the summit was accompanied by the fragrance of cooking noodles, making me regret not bringing some food of my own as well. I only had crackers and water, so I made the most of them while waiting in vain for the clouds to clear. At 3.30pm, I started down at a brisk pace because I don’t want to get caught trekking after sundown. I reached the base of the mountain around 6pm. Most of the nearby restaurants seem to be closed so I had to walk out further to find food. End up taking the 9pm train back to Ibusuki after eating a hearty local teppenyaki dinner some way down the main road.
10. Raizan Sennyoji Daihioin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By 387freddiem - Fukuoka, Japan
Since my first visit, I am in love with this wonderful Temple that always takes me to a different era. It is situated in a hidden spot on a mountain with such a wonderful aura and peaceful architecture it is simply a place that I love to visit whenever I can. Definitely on NYE when you get some snow making it even more magical. For those who believe in luck ( I didn't) this place does it for me. Wishing to have financial success or hoping to get a healthy baby just a wish away! Crazy talk? Maybe but all I have wished for at this Temple came true!!! I won't go any further as I know how it sounds to someone who never had this type of experience. For the rest of you, you know what to do :)
