ONSEN
Kyūshū is Japan’s fiery, dynamic southern island, a land shaped by active volcanoes and blessed with a wealth of natural hot springs (onsen). It is an adventurer’s dream that perfectly blends dramatic landscapes with ancient culture and soothing tradition.
This region is where the raw power of the earth is on constant display. It is a stunning fusion of sweeping calderas, mist-shrouded gorges, and vibrant cities celebrated for their profound, centuries-old bathing culture.
Most Popular Attractions
Volcanic & Geothermal Wonders:
Mount Aso (Aso-san): Japan’s largest active caldera, featuring the dramatic cone of Nakadake and vast grasslands.
Nakadake Crater: The central, active crater of Mount Aso, often viewable from a safe distance, emitting smoke and steam.
Kusasenri: A beautiful, emerald-green grassland plateau within the Aso caldera, often featuring grazing cows and horses.
Daimonji Viewpoint: A popular spot near Aso offering expansive and breathtaking views of the massive caldera’s outer rim.
Beppu’s Hells (Jigoku Meguri): A collection of nine spectacularly colorful, steaming hot springs (onsen) for viewing, not bathing.
Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell): The most famous of Beppu’s Hells, known for its vivid, boiling cobalt blue waters.
Blood Pond Hell (Chinoike Jigoku): A dramatic hell in Beppu famous for its reddish-orange water, often called the oldest of the Hells.
Tsurumi-dake Ropeway: A scenic cable car ride near Beppu that ascends Mount Tsurumi, offering panoramic views of the city and bay.
Mount Kuju: The highest peak in Kyūshū, popular for hiking and its array of volcanic landscapes and seasonal wildflowers.
Onsen Towns & Relaxation:
Beppu Onsen: One of Japan’s most famous onsen resorts, known for its enormous volume of hot spring water and diverse public baths.
Yufuin Onsen: An elegant, tranquil onsen town nestled in a valley, known for the picturesque Mount Yufu backdrop and chic boutiques.
Kinrinko Lake: A small, misty lake in Yufuin where hot spring water bubbles up from the bottom, causing atmospheric steam to rise, especially in the morning.
Kurokawa Onsen: A secluded and atmospheric onsen town known for its rustic, traditional ambiance and numerous outdoor baths (rotenburo).
Takegawara Onsen: A historic onsen in Beppu featuring beautiful architecture and traditional, naturally heated sand baths where bathers are buried.
Historical & Cultural Sites:
Kumamoto Castle: One of Japan’s most impressive and important castles, renowned for its formidable stone walls and elegant main keep.
Suizenji Jōjuen Garden: A stunning, classical Japanese garden in Kumamoto, featuring a miniature representation of Mount Fuji.
Aso Shrine (Aso Jinja): An ancient shrine with a history spanning thousands of years, crucial to the Aso region’s spiritual life.
Tsujunkyo Aqueduct: A spectacular stone arch bridge built in 1854 to carry water for irrigation, a masterpiece of civil engineering.
Takachiho Gorge: A stunning, narrow chasm known for its sheer columnar basalt walls and the Manai Falls, often explored by rowboat.
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine: A remote and highly atmospheric shrine, known for its long, mossy stone staircase lined with lanterns.
Kokonoe “Yume” Grand Suspension Bridge: A massive pedestrian suspension bridge offering spectacular views of waterfalls and the surrounding valleys.
Activities & Experiences
Experience the Beppu Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour): Visit the “Eight Hells” of Beppu, a collection of spectacular, steaming hot springs, some a mesmerizing turquoise or muddy red, which are for viewing rather than bathing.
Hike the Aso Caldera: Explore the vast grasslands of the Mount Aso caldera, one of the world’s largest. Consider an e-biking tour across the scenic plains like Kusasenri for panoramic views of the volcanic landscape.
Take a Volcanic Sand Bath (Sunamushi) in Ibusuki: Experience this unique Kagoshima tradition where you are buried up to your neck in naturally heated volcanic sand, a distinct form of onsen therapy.
Row a Boat through Takachiho Gorge: Glide through the narrow, columnar basalt gorge, passing under the stunning 17-meter-high Manai-no-taki Waterfall, a highlight of Kyūshū’s mythological landscape.
Go Onsen Hopping in Kurokawa: Purchase a Wooden Onsen Pass (Tegata) and enjoy an outdoor bath crawl, sampling three different open-air baths (rotenburo) within the beautiful, traditional village.
Witness the Yokagura Ritual Dance in Takachiho: Attend the nightly performance of this traditional Shinto dance, which tells the ancient legends of the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu, and the origins of Japan.
Visit the Active Nakadake Crater: Get as close as safely possible to the main peak of Mount Aso to see the steaming, active crater (always check current volcanic activity and safety restrictions before visiting).
Stay at a Traditional Ryokan with a Private Onsen: In towns like Yufuin or Beppu, book a room at a traditional Japanese inn that offers a private hot spring bath (kashikiri onsen) for a supremely relaxing and intimate experience.
Explore the Magaibutsu Rock Carvings: On the Kunisaki Peninsula (near Beppu), hike to see ancient Buddhist images carved directly into volcanic rock faces, like the National Treasure of Fuki-ji Temple.
Ride a Scenic Sightseeing Train: Travel between the major onsen towns on one of Kyūshū’s famous design and story (D&S) trains, like the Yufuin no Mori or the Aso Boy, which are experiences in themselves.
Visit a Regional Food Market: Sample local specialties like Toriten (Oita’s tempura chicken) or the area’s rich, mineral-infused spring water, which is often sold in vending machines.
Local Tips & Transport
JR Rail Passes are Highly Recommended: For moving between major volcanic and onsen hubs like Kumamoto, Beppu, Yufuin, and Kagoshima, the Kyūshū JR Rail Pass (All or Northern Kyūshū) is the most efficient and cost-effective option, offering access to the Shinkansen (bullet train) and scenic Limited Express trains.
Car Rental for Rural Exploration: A rental car is the best way to explore highly scenic but remote areas like the Aso caldera’s high roads, Kurokawa Onsen, Takachiho Gorge, and the small villages of Kunisaki Peninsula, where bus service is limited and infrequent.
Highway Buses Connect Onsen Towns: Direct highway buses (such as those connecting Fukuoka, Beppu, and Yufuin) can be a budget-friendly alternative to trains, especially for places like Kurokawa Onsen which are more easily reached by bus than train.
Scenic Trains are an Attraction: Plan your route to include a ride on a D&S Train. These trains require advance reservations and are often fully booked, so book tickets immediately upon activating your rail pass or as soon as they go on sale.
Local Buses and Shuttles are Essential in Town: Once at a station (e.g., Aso Station, Beppu Station), you will likely need to rely on local buses, taxis, or sometimes a Ryokan’s shuttle service to reach the actual hot spring resorts or hiking trailheads. Check local schedules meticulously, as services can be infrequent.
Respect Onsen Etiquette: Onsen (hot springs) are a fundamental part of the culture. Always wash thoroughly before entering the bath. Never wear a swimsuit or street clothes in the bathing area. Tattoos can sometimes be restricted, though many larger or private-bath facilities are becoming more accommodating—look for signs that say “Tattoo-friendly” or choose a private onsen room.
Volcanic Activity is a Factor: Kyūshū is home to active volcanoes like Sakurajima and Aso. Always check the current alert level before traveling to a crater area. Access is restricted for your safety if activity is too high. Pay attention to local signage and announcements.
The Power of Shochu: While sake is common across Japan, Kyūshū is the birthplace of shochu, a distilled spirit typically made from rice, barley, sweet potatoes, or buckwheat. Each prefecture has its own variety; trying local Imo-jochu (sweet potato shochu) in Kagoshima is a must.
Dining on the Earth’s Steam: In the Kannawa district of Beppu, experience Jigoku Mushi (Hell Steaming), a unique cooking style where you steam your own food (vegetables, seafood, meat) using the natural geothermal steam vents.
Embrace the Mythological South: The region of Takachiho is central to Japan’s creation myths. The atmosphere is deeply spiritual. Be mindful of sacred sites like Amano Iwato Shrine and the nearby cave where the sun goddess is said to have hidden.
Top Restaurants
Kotsukotsu-An (Ōita) [$20-$40] – A highly-regarded izakaya (Japanese pub) in Ōita city specializing in local Oita cuisine, including Toriten (tempura chicken) and fresh seafood.
Sugano-ya Kamitori (Kumamoto) [$30-$50] – A classic and well-known restaurant in Kumamoto City famous for its high-quality Basashi (raw horse meat sashimi), a Kumamoto specialty.
Kominka Bairi (Kagoshima) [$25-$45] – A beautiful restaurant housed in a traditional Japanese kominka (old private house) in Ibusuki, offering refined Washoku (Japanese cuisine) in a tranquil setting.
Tontoro Ramen (Kagoshima) [$15-$25] – A popular, no-frills Kagoshima ramen shop known for its rich pork broth, often considered a great example of Kagoshima Ramen, which is lighter than the Hakata style.
Miyachiku (Miyazaki) [$40-$70] – A top-tier local restaurant in Miyazaki for savoring high-grade Miyazaki-gyū (Miyazaki Beef) at teppanyaki or steakhouse settings.
Ajidokoro Naka (Kurokawa Onsen, Kumamoto) [$20-$40] – A cozy restaurant in the heart of the scenic Kurokawa Onsen village, known for local home-style dishes like Dagojiru (miso soup with flour dumplings).
Kamesho Kurukuru Sushi (Beppu, Ōita) [$15-$30] – Extremely popular with locals in Beppu for its delicious and reasonably priced conveyor belt sushi, often with long wait times, but worth it for the quality.
Oyakoan (Aso, Kumamoto) [$20-$35] – A highly-rated countryside restaurant near Mount Aso, serving amazing steak made with local Akaushi Beef at very reasonable prices.
Shirakawa-tei (Kumamoto) [$15-$25] – A local favorite in Kumamoto City for trying Karashi Renkon (lotus root stuffed with spicy mustard) and other regional snacks and small dishes.
Maruman Honten (Miyazaki) [$20-$40] – Considered one of the best places in Miyazaki for Jidori Sumibiyaki (charcoal-grilled local free-range chicken), known for its smoky flavor and chewy texture.
Torihide (Ōita) [$20-$35] – A well-loved local spot in Ōita city specializing in various chicken dishes, often hailed for having some of the best Toriten (Oita’s tempura chicken).
Koshiki no Ryoshiya Kaiseimaru (Kagoshima) [$25-$45] – Located in Kagoshima City, this restaurant is known for its fresh seafood, particularly the local Kibinago (silver-stripe round herring) and delicious Kaisendon (seafood rice bowl).
Ichifuku (Kumamoto) [$15-$25] – A local Kumamoto ramen institution famous for its distinct ramen with a potent garlic oil that sets the Kumamoto Ramen style apart.
Ono no Ie (Beppu, Ōita) [$20-$40] – A well-known local dining spot in Beppu offering the unique Jigoku Mushi (hell-steaming) experience, where you cook your own food using onsen steam.
Satsuma-an (Kagoshima) [$30-$50] – A restaurant focusing on traditional Kagoshima cuisine, including dishes made from Kurobuta (black pork) and fresh local vegetables.
La Table de Yuzu (Yufuin, Ōita) [$40-$70] – A refined French restaurant in the tranquil onsen town of Yufuin, known for its creative use of local Oita ingredients, often incorporating seasonal vegetables and herbs.
Hana Kobo (Kurokawa Onsen, Kumamoto) [$35-$60] – A restaurant that offers a modern take on traditional Japanese set meals (kaiseki-style), utilizing fresh local ingredients from the Aso region in a beautiful setting.
Aoyama (Miyazaki) [$50-$90] – A high-end Teppanyaki restaurant in Miyazaki that offers an intimate dining experience with master chefs preparing exquisite Miyazaki-gyū with modern flair.
Barrel Valley Praha & Gen (Kagoshima) [$30-$50] – A unique spot combining a restaurant with a brewery and museum. The restaurant offers European-inspired cuisine made with local Kagoshima ingredients, often featuring black pork.
Trattoria Kicci (Kumamoto) [$30-$50] – A highly-regarded Italian restaurant in Kumamoto City that uses fresh, local Kumamoto produce to create innovative and authentic Italian dishes.
Kami Fusen (Ōita) [$25-$45] – An upscale izakaya in Ōita city that serves a variety of regional specialties with a creative twist, popular for both its food and lively yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Salut (Kagoshima) [$40-$70] – A highly-praised French restaurant in South Kagoshima, known for its sweet potato soup and excellent French cuisine made with local, seasonal ingredients.
Gomachan Teppanyaki (Ōita) [$35-$60] – A teppanyaki spot known for its amazing food and excellent chef, offering a personalized dining experience with delicious grilled meats and seafood.
Tenku no Mori (Kirishima, Kagoshima) [$100-$250+] – The restaurant at this exclusive ryokan offers a top-tier, farm-to-table dining experience, with exquisite Japanese cuisine focusing on the highest quality local produce and black pork.
Ryotei Sazanka (Kagoshima) [$80-$150] – A renowned Ryotei (traditional high-class Japanese restaurant) in Kagoshima City offering elaborate, multi-course Kaiseki meals featuring seasonal local delicacies and fresh seafood.
Watanabe (Kumamoto) [$70-$120] – A celebrated restaurant in Kumamoto City known for its refined Japanese cuisine, often incorporating local specialties like basashi and Akaushi beef in elegant and artistic presentations.
Mizunone (Ōita) [$60-$100] – The restaurant within the traditional Ryokan “Yamada Bessou” in Beppu, famous for its elegant Kaiseki dinner that utilizes local Oita seafood and ingredients, including the local Bungo Beef.
Ryūgū-tei (Miyazaki) [$50-$90] – Located in a resort or high-end setting, this restaurant offers exquisite dining focused on seafood, including the local Ise-ebi (spiny lobster) when in season.
Wagyu Ota Honten (Kagoshima) [$60-$110] – A premier steakhouse in Kagoshima focusing on the region’s famous Kuroushi (Black Beef), offering perfectly prepared cuts in an upscale atmosphere.
Unagi no Irifune (Miyazaki) [$40-$80] – A renowned high-end specialist for Unadon (grilled eel over rice) in Miyazaki, known for its long tradition and perfectly grilled, flavorful eel.
Shikando (Kumamoto) [$15-$30] – A popular spot for Ikinari Dango, a traditional Kumamoto sweet-potato and red-bean-paste dumpling. They also often offer savory local snacks.
Uemura Unagiya (Kumamoto) [$30-$60] – A classic spot in Kumamoto specializing in Unadon (grilled eel over rice), known for their secret sauce and perfectly grilled eel.
Higashi-shokudō (Beppu, Ōita) [$15-$25] – A well-known local eatery in Beppu famous for its simple but delicious Reimen (cold noodles), a local variation of a Korean dish that is popular in the summer.
Yoshida Shoten (Kirishima Onsen, Kagoshima) [$15-$25] – A local shop and eatery near the onsen area that often sells and serves unique Kirishima-area products, including sweets and simple lunch fare.
Izakaya Yata (Miyazaki) [$25-$45] – A lively local izakaya in Miyazaki City where you can sample a wide range of local Miyazaki dishes, including various preparations of chicken and fresh seasonal fish.
Shiratama-ya (Kumamoto) [$10-$20] – A small, specialized shop in Kumamoto that is famous for its delicious and refreshing shiratama (sweet rice dumplings) desserts with various toppings.
Tori-ten Kajiya (Ōita) [$15-$25] – A casual local restaurant dedicated to perfecting Toriten (Oita’s tempura chicken), serving large portions that are a favorite among locals.
Ashiyu Chronicle Terrace (Ureshino Onsen, Saga/Near Ōita) [$15-$30] – A unique spot that operates as a café/restaurant/bar, allowing guests to relax and enjoy food and drinks while soaking their feet in a complimentary onsen foot bath.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Bar Oscar (Fukuoka – Daimyo): Located in the fashionable Daimyo area, this authentic cocktail bar is renowned for its masterful mixologists and high-quality, classic drinks, a pillar of Fukuoka’s sophisticated bar scene.
Bar Leichhardt (Fukuoka – Tenjin/Kokutai-doro): Evoking the atmosphere of a classic, elegant Bond film set, this traditional whisky bar in the Tenjin area is known for its extensive selection of over 300 whiskies and a wide range of expertly crafted cocktails.
Yakoboku (Kumamoto – Minamitsuboimachi): A stylish, minimalist bar housed in a former storehouse near Kumamoto Castle. This acclaimed spot is celebrated for its inventive, seasonal cocktails featuring fresh, regional ingredients and Japanese flavors like shochu.
Yorozu Bar (Fukuoka – Akasaka): Situated in the upscale Akasaka neighborhood off Keyaki-dori, this beautiful space marries traditional Japanese aesthetics with avant-garde design, offering a refined setting for both tea and creative cocktails.
Bar Fuji (Fukuoka – Daimyo): A cozy and established bar in Fukuoka’s nightlife scene, known for its comfortable atmosphere and skillfully prepared cocktails, making it a reliable choice in the Daimyo district.
Bar Sebek (Fukuoka – Nakasu): Nestled in a tiny alley in the Nakasu district, this intimate spot is run by award-winning bartender Makiko Otsu, who specializes in exquisite cocktails with a personal touch.
MYMON (Fukuoka – Hakata Station): Found in the vibrant complex of Hakata Station, this stylish spot is convenient for travelers, offering a selection of cocktails, wine, and whiskies in a chic, modern setting.
Bar States (Kumamoto – Hanabatacho): Located downtown in Kumamoto City, this classic New York-style bar from the 1930s is known for its dark wood, polished brass, and wide selection, with the owner being a renowned sherry expert.
HONKAKUSHOCHU BAR ISHIZUE (Kagoshima – Tenmonkan): Found in Kagoshima’s main entertainment area, Tenmonkan, this bar is the perfect place to delve into the heart of the region’s drinking culture, specializing in authentic honkaku shochu (distilled spirits).
Vol de Nuit (Night Flight) (Fukuoka – Hakata Station): A sophisticated bar in the Hakata Station area that offers a classy spot for high-quality cocktails and drinks, often catering to a more mature and discerning crowd.
Kagoshima Shochu Bar Roku (Kagoshima – Yamanokuchi-cho): Located in central Kagoshima, this bar offers a relaxed setting to enjoy local shochu, as well as locally-distilled whisky and Kagoshima wine.
Ningyo Shoji Bar Alley (Fukuoka – Nakasu Island): Not a single bar, but an experience—this maze of narrow streets hidden in the backstreets of Nakasu Island is packed with tiny, old-fashioned bars, perfect for a traditional hashigo-zake (bar-hopping) experience.
Carib Soul (Fukuoka – Haruyoshi): A tiny bar located in an unassuming building in the Haruyoshi area, known for its steady flow of reggae, rocksteady, and jazz music to accompany the drinks and conversation.
Bar Ladybird (Kumamoto – Minamitsuboi): Known for its creativity and impressive ambiance in Kumamoto, this spacious yet cozy bar has no set cocktail menu, instead crafting custom drinks based on the customer’s mood and preferences.
Caveman (Fukuoka – Kego): A dark, masculine room in the quieter Kego neighborhood that evokes a 19th-century Mitteleuropean tavern, serving a deep menu of whiskey and craft beer alongside hearty bar snacks.
Bijou (Fukuoka – Nakasu Island): The “mighty” superclub of the Nakasu district, known for its large size, energetic atmosphere, and major DJs, a prime spot for all-night dancing.
Infinity (Fukuoka – Nakasu Island): A popular and modern nightclub also situated in the neon-lit heart of Nakasu, offering a commercial and electronic music experience for a lively crowd.
Coyote Ugly Saloon Fukuoka (Fukuoka – Tenjin/Daimyo): Located near the border of Tenjin and Daimyo, this bar/club is famous for its namesake’s fun performances, dancing on the bar, and a rowdy, party-animal atmosphere.
M8 (Fukuoka – Daimyo): A lively and international bar/club in the Daimyo area with a welcoming vibe, popular with both locals and international visitors looking to party until dawn.
Cheers (Fukuoka – Daimyo): An energetic and popular international bar and club in Daimyo, known for its friendly atmosphere, live music, and DJ nights, making it a great place to meet new people.
Sanctuary (Kumamoto – Tetorihoncho District): A multi-floor venue in Kumamoto City’s entertainment district that is serious about the party, offering regular DJ events and a dedicated dance floor that keeps going until the early morning.
Theatro Club Fukuoka (Fukuoka – Hakata): Located in the Hakata area, this spot offers a high-energy clubbing experience, often featuring live performances and diverse music in an extravagant setting (similar to its namesake in Málaga).
International Bar (Fukuoka – Nakasu): A popular spot in the Nakasu district that caters to a diverse crowd, offering a mix of Japanese and international music and a vibrant atmosphere.
Bambú Club (Fukuoka – Tenjin): A trendy nightclub in the Tenjin area known for its lively scene, house music, and often hosting local and visiting DJs.
Pastrami Club (Fukuoka – Tenjin/Daimyo area): Replicating the hidden, speakeasy-inspired theme, this clandestine club in the central area offers an intimate and exclusive party experience (often hidden behind an unassuming façade).