There are 8 prefectures designated in the Kyushu Region: Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Saga, Oita, Kagoshima, Miyazaki, and Okinawa.
Fukuoka Prefecture (福岡県) is home to many large festivals throughout the year. The most famous being the Hakata Dontaku (traditional performances and float parades held over the Golden Week holidays) and the Hakata Gion Yamakasa (held for two weeks in July; adults and children carry large floats around the city wearing shimekomi – traditional loincloths). During the summer, you can find many firework festivals going on throughout the prefecture, including large firework festivals near Chikugo River, Yanagawa, Ohori Park, and the Kanmon Kaikyo Bridge in Mojiko.
Nagasaki Prefecture (長崎県) is located in Northwest Kyushu, with its capital city just under 2 hours from Fukuoka City by train. From its architectural and cultural influence from China in Nagasaki City, to its Dutch themed park near Sasebo City, you can visually see its long history with other countries. Nagasaki is also home to islands including the Goto Islands, Iki, Tsushima and Hashima. With foods such as Chinese sweet and sour pork, buttery Portuguese castella cake, and champon (Nagasaki-born noodle dish) all in reach, you are sure to enjoy a trip there. Nagasaki City is small; you can do a lot of sight-seeing in one day with the aid of the convenient and cheap ‘street cars’ (trams) which provide easy access to all popular tourist locations.
Saga Prefecture (佐賀県) is known for its Arita-ware (porcelain pottery works) and excellent agricultural conditions for making Japanese wine (nihonshu) and raising cows. Many ALTs and others alike around Japan gather in Saga during late October/ early November for the Saga International Balloon Fiesta to see hot air balloons in an international competition. Saga is also home to Karatsu Castle, and the surrounding area was the motivation for the location of the well-known anime Yuri!!! On Ice. You can even visit the bathhouse that inspired that of Yuri’s family in the show. Finally, Saga is a great place for fruit picking: with its fantastic agricultural lands comes the opportunities to pick fruits yourself in farms throughout the prefecture.
Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県) is where you can find its beautiful castle currently under renovation (after it sustained damage during the 2016 earthquake), the calm Suizenji Park, or the natural theme park, Aso Farm Land. The city feels bigger than it is, allowing you the pleasures of shopping and entertainment without the hassle of getting lost. Kumamoto is also known for Mount Aso and its associated onsen hot springs such as Kurokawa Onsen, a romantic and idyllic hot spring town!
Oita Prefecture (大分県) is perhaps best known for its steaming hot springs. Beppu, one of the most famous onsen spots in Japan, features upwards of 2,000 hot spring sources! Looking towards the mountains, the hillsides show white tufts of volcanic steam and tourists can enjoy looking at the brightly colored, jigoku onsen (hell hot springs). You can also view the historic castle town of Kitsuki (where you can also wakeboard!) and Usuki, and take a visit to see a cluster of 60 stone Buddha images carved into a rock. If you fancy an overnight hot spring trip, Yufuin is a must!
Kagoshima Prefecture (鹿児島県) is the Southernmost prefecture on Kyushu Island. The capital city, Kagoshima-shi, rank as one of Japan’s most attractive cities and boasts one of the world’s most impressive sights: Sakurajima, an active volcano that faces the city from across the sea. When the volcano is calm, you can walk or cycle around the island and take a break at the occasional footbath found along the route. Kagoshima abounds with scenic spots, including the famous Ibusuki sunamushi onsen (sand hot springs). Also home to many historic sites associated with the Shimazu Clan, as well as the Chiran Peace Museum which displays the final letters of Kamikaze Pilots to their families and loved ones. There is also a famous aquarium in Kagoshima which is praised by locals and tourists alike.
Miyazaki Prefecture (宮崎県) is considered by some to be the “birthplace of Japan” and the home to Japan’s first Emperor, Emperor Jimmu. Miyazaki Shrine is dedicated to the emperor, while Heiwadai Park contains the Peace Tower which was built to commemorate the 2600-year anniversary of the mythological founding of Japan. Those interested in outdoor activities, visit Takachiho Gorge to take in some breathtaking views while rowing a riverboat down the stream. Try surfing some of the best waves in Japan, or visit Sun Messe Nichinan, Japan’s own replica Easter Island.
Okinawa Prefecture (沖縄県), Japan’s southernmost prefecture, is home to subtropical temperatures, giving you a taste of Japan amongst the tropics. Abundant in marine wildlife and coral reefs, visiting Okinawa any time of the year is sure to prove worthwhile. Okinawa is also known as the Ryukyu Islands, named after its native culture which differs from that of Japan in food, language, and arts. Enjoy a relaxing time surrounded by its unique culture by having habushu (snake awamori – Okinawan alcohol) and listening to the beautiful sounds of the sanshin (Okinawan precursor of the Japanese shamisen).