Visit amazing Kyushu
SITUATED south-west of Japan is the country’s third largest island, Kyushu. Literally meaning “nine provinces” this island holds a wealth of historical sites and natural beauty, which provides an interesting contrast to the modern cities on that island.
Nothing can be more Japanese than its most famous hot spring resorts in the city of Beppu, in Oita Prefecture. It is said the city produces more hot spring water as compared to other places in Japan.
Beppu also has as many as eight different springs, each featuring public baths and traditional Japanese inns called ryokan with bathing facilities. The many springs available mean you get various choices on how you want to pamper yourself – from simple ordinary hot water to mud baths, sand baths and steam baths.
But if you prefer to just take in the sights of steam rising from these bizarre-looking pools, you can just visit the “Hells of Beppu”, which are several hot springs located in the Kannawa and Shibaseki districts.
The five jigoku or hells in Kannawa include Umi, Oniishimizu, Shiraike, Kamado and Oniyama. While the more remote Shibaseki has Chinoike Jigoku and Tatsumaki Jigoku.
North of the island is the Kitakyushu district, an area that holds an attractive sight for those who are romantic at heart. A visit to the Kawachi Fujien, a private garden adorned with many overhanging wisteria flowers, with a loved one will certainly make the occasion perfect. Some of the floral bunches droop down within a tunnel-like pergola, as if creating a tunnel of love.
The garden is embowered within the surrounding wooded hills south of central Kitakyushu and is open to the public during the wisteria blooming season, which is around late April to mid-May. The garden is also popular in autumn when the maple leaves turn rustic red.
Head south-west to the foothills of Mount Fuji and you will chance upon the Shiraito Falls of Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture – considered one of the most beautiful of waterfalls in Japan.
Spreading across a 150m wide cascade, the falls’ waters are drained from volcanic spring water and as it spills 20m from a tall cliff, streams spread out like diaphanous threads of silk, just like its name in Japanese.
At Okinawa, the must-see sight is at Shuri Castle – which alludes to the age of the Ryukyu kingdom. Built sometime in the 14th century it was the administrative centre and residence for many of the kings in that era.
Currently the castle stands as one of four designated by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. And different from other palaces in Japan, Shuri Castle’s red tiles stand out as uniquely Okinawan.
The current castle is a faithful reconstruction as the original had been destroyed in several wars over the centuries. There are three varying paths to take that will lead visitors over the castle grounds.
The Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki Prefecture is a cleft made by the of the Gokase River and runs through the rock formation wrought by the slow volcanic basalt columns. The effect leaves the cliff face resembling scales of a dragon.
Visitors can rent boats at the southern end of the gorge and traverse the calm waters and it offers a close up view of the cliffs and waterfall. An alternative route is to take a paved path along the edge of the gorge and behold spectacular views along the way for about a kilometer and ending at the Takachiho Shrine.
Along the way down the gorge is a 17m-high waterfall cascading down to the river below, and the Minainotaki Fall makes an impressive backdrop against the dense green foliage and surrounding grey cliffs.
For those who prefer to experience a slice of life in Kyushu should visit Fukuoka, the island’s largest city and one of Japan’s 10 most populated.
Due to its proximity to the Asian mainland, Fukuoka has been an important harbour city for many centuries and was chosen as the landing spot by the Mongol invasion back in the 13th century and was actually formed by merging the port city of Hakata and the old castle town of Fukuoka in 1889.
Some of the many attractions there include the Gion area, which has several historical shrines and Buddhist temples, including an 8th century Kushida Shrine with its 10.8m wooden Great Buddha and Shofukuji, Japan’s first Zen temple.
Travellers should also drop by Maizuru Park, which features ruins of the Fukuoka Castle and a good view of the city. Maizuru Park is also a popular area for cherry blossoms, usually around the end of March to the start of April.
Savour Hakata’s famous Nagahama ramen, with yatai stalls that are set up daily to cater to ramen lovers. Nagahama is northwest of Oyakuko Street and if you visit, just follow your nose for a truly unique gastronomic experience.
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