Kyushu
Must see / visit places
Hakata
It is the biggest city in Kyushu and the fifth largest in Japan. Cosmopolitan Fukuoka is renowned for its shopping, nightlife and the culinary scene. One dish in particular stands out as supreme - ramen - noodles in a distinctive, whitish broth made from pork bones: slurping sounds emanate from the 400-plus ramen shops and numerous yatai (food stalls). To slurp is proof of enjoyment in Japan! Fukuoka-natives are reputedly hard drinkers and outstandingly friendly. The city is full of clubs and bars, and it's often possible to drink for free much of the night in exchange for on-the-spot English practice. Oddly, Friday nights can be kind of dead, as many people work six days a week.
Nagasaki
Nagasaki was designated as the only port where trade with foreign countries was permitted during the Edo period. It is only natural then that Christianity was first introduced in this very city. Traces of foreign culture, introduced in those days, remain in many places in the prefecture. It is also well known as the second place where the atomic bomb hit on August 9, 1945. Now the Peace Park commemorates the site of the atomic bomb explosion.
Kumamoto
Once noted as castle town, this city is now the district’s commercial and cultural centre. Visit Kumamoto castle. Originally built in 1607, it now has a beautiful garden and also acts as a museum. Kumamoto is also famous for its Mt. Aso, which is an active volcano today and its five mountain peaks are reputed to be the world’s most beautiful.
OITA (BEPPU)
If you find yourself in Kyushu, you must visit Beppu! Beppu, the largest hot springs resort in Kyushu, is the best in the world. The number of actual hot springs, 2,848, is the highest in the world, and the 136, 571 kilolitre daily output is the highest in Japan. Take the "Jigoku" (Hell) tour that will take you through the hot water, mud and fumes erupting from deep underground. There are a number of "Jigoku" sites in Beppu, such as Umijigoku (hell, the color of the sea) and the vermilion colored Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell).
