Kyushu with Kids

The short flying time (under three hours from Hong Kong) is a bonus, and, once you’re there, the short distances between attractions makes Kyushu a familyfriendly road trip. Here are some of the other highlights.

#1 Wide, green, open spaces

Little ones will love the green open spaces to run around in. There are beaches and parks galore, and many attractions, like Sengan-en Gardens and Kirishima Shrine, have beautiful grounds where kids can run wild.

#2 Family-friendly sightseeing

Sightseeing at places like shrines can be a challenge with little people, but Japan makes this easy. Many shrines have activities to do, like throwing rocks into the coil at Udo, or writing a love message at Aoshima, and there are little toys you can buy too. November is a great time to go because lots of Japanese families are visiting with their own children.

#3 Natural history

Beyond history and culture, there’s an enormous amount of natural history to explore in Kyushu. Kids of all ages will love the thrill of visiting volcanoes and seeing craters smoke on the horizon for days. It’s a wonderful real-world geology excursion.

#4 Mobile munchies and easy meals

When it comes to mealtimes, mums with fussy eaters will be happy to hear many places have menus that include pictures of each dish – a good way to see exactly what you’re ordering. There are endless opportunities for snacks. Soft-serve ice cream abounds, and most tourist shops allow you to taste Japanese sweets and treats before you buy. Vending machines take on a whole new identity, delivering hot coffee and even ice cream by the side of the road; you can pull over in even the most remote place to stock up on road-trip munchies.