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I spent three weeks in Kyushu so I know the best places to use as your base to maximize your time. This is a self-drive itinerary as it is just too hard with public transport to see all of the tourist hotspots in a short amount of time. 

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CREATING A KYUSHU TRAVEL ITINERARY

What is included in this Kyushu itinerary blog post?

• In this Kyushu itinerary blog post I will first detail how you should structure your five-day itinerary to make the most of your time.
• In each location, I will suggest how to extend the itinerary to 7-days or 10-days or even longer like myself.
• Finally, at the bottom of the blog post, I will share my tips on things to know before you travel to Kyushu (specific information for adventurous travelers)

So, let’s get into it.

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN KYUSHU

• Ultimate Luxury: Amane Resort Seikai best location and view
• My Favorite: Sankara Hotel & Spa – Natural Forest, Pool & Beautiful surroundings.
• Budget Hostel in Kyushu: WeBase Hakata Hostel is easily the top hostel in Kyushu

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HOW TO GET AROUND KYUSHU FOR ADVENTURERS

The Kyushu Itinerary I am creating for you here is based on exploring by rental car. I just didn’t find Kyushu to be a place easy to explore by public transport or even with one base and tour groups etc. It’s spread out and not well linked, especially when we are talking about the hikes, mountains, and waterfalls rather than the city attractions. While the train may suit those in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and even in Fukuoka, it won’t cut it out here on Kyushu.

When I rent a car in Kyushu, I recommend and I always use Discover Cars, and you can see why below. The best part about Discover Cars? You can add full coverage insurance for only about $8 per day.

The trains will get you from major towns and even into some regional areas with bus connections but almost all of the adventure spots I visited had no bus connection. When I searched on Google Maps and clicked the public transport option it would just say ‘not available’. It was very clear, very quickly that Kyushu island is best to explore by rental car, especially if you are doing hikes and activities outside of the city (literally everything on this list).

INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE FOR KYUSHU

*** It is extremely important to know that you MUST HAVE an international driver’s license to rent a car in Japan. In fact, they won’t even look at your actual driver’s license and only want to see the international driver’s license. Take that seriously as they genuinely will not give you the car and likely no refund if you don’t have that. To get one you need to be in your country of residence and you can get one on the spot or order online and receive it in a week or so. Make sure you organize that in advance as I almost got caught out not knowing that. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT KYUSHU

I visited in February, which was winter and freezing. I don’t advise it but it was still epic. The best time to visit Kyushu is most definitely not winter. It’s not really a ski destination so likely you will be freezing and all of the leaves will be dead so the landscapes will not be as beautiful as at other times of the year. There are a few drawcards for each season so I will go through them below.

• Fall/Autumn: The temperature is mild and comfortable making it great for hikes and adventuring. If you time things right, you will get the beautiful fall colors out on the trails!
• Spring: This is definitely the most popular season to travel to Kyushu with sunny days and comfortable temperatures. It is very popular at this time due to the cherry blossoms and flowers that are in full swing at this time of year.
• Summer: While not known for its beaches, Kyushu does offer a number of great swimming spots and beaches to explore. For hiking, it may get a little hot but (up to 30 degrees Celsius) never reaching temperatures that would limit your adventures. 

KYUSHU ITINERARY

The way I am breaking this itinerary up is into two locations if you have 5 days and three locations if you have 7 days. The 10-day itinerary will have four locations but will explore more from each base location. So, let’s start with the ideal 5-day itinerary for explorers.

5-DAY KYUSHU ITINERARY

Kumamoto and Beppu will be the home bases for this five-day itinerary so that you can cover the most popular spots and get to all the iconic places in under a week. This is a packed itinerary so don’t be afraid to erase an activity or take a rest day but it is possible with planning to fit them all in. They are all great spots and you won’t be disappointed at any of these locations. I’ve been to them all personally and had an epic adventure. At the bottom of this blog post, I’m going to add a small snippet about each location with a link to the individual blog post I have written for each spot.

Kumamoto

Day 1: Mount Aso Day Tour or Mount Aso Hiking/Mount Eboshi

Day 2: GorogoTaki Waterfall in the morning and Mount Neko Hike in the afternoon

Day 3: Takachiho Gorge Tour

Beppu

Day 4: Onbara Falls mini-hike and Mount Taharamaya/Magaibutsu Buddha

Day 5: Onsen experience and Mount Yufu or Mount Tsurumi

Optional Day 6: Optional extra day in Fukuoka exploring the city and venturing down to Keya No Oto hike in Itoshima 

7-DAY KYUSHU ITINERARY

Kumamoto, Beppu, and Kirishima will be the home bases for this seven-day itinerary. You’ll probably need a rest day unless you are a machine but see how you go. I’ve been to all of the spots personally and had an epic adventure. At the bottom of this blog post, I’m going to add a small snippet about each location with a link to the individual blog post I have written for each spot.

Kumamoto

Day 1: Mount Aso Day Tour or Mount Aso Hiking/Mount Eboshi

Day 2: GorogoTaki Waterfall in the morning and Mount Neko Hike in the afternoon

Day 3: Takachiho Gorge Tour

Beppu

Day 4: Onbara Falls mini-hike and Mount Taharamaya/Magaibutsu Buddha

Day 5: Onsen experience and Mount Yufu or Mount Tsurumi

Kirishima

Day 6: Drive to Kirishima in the morning and on the way hike Mount Karakuni

Day 7: Mount Kaimondake hike, Ryumon, and Inukai Waterfall

10-DAY KYUSHU ITINERARY

Kumamoto, Beppu, and Kirishima will be the home bases for this seven-day itinerary. You’ll probably need a rest day unless you are a machine but see how you go. I’ve been to all of the spots personally and had an epic adventure. At the bottom of this blog post, I’m going to add a small snippet about each location with a link to the individual blog post I have written for each spot.

Kumamoto

Day 1: Mount Aso Day Tour or Mount Aso Hiking/Mount Eboshi

Day 2: GorogoTaki Waterfall in the morning and Mount Neko Hike in the afternoon

Day 3: Takachiho Gorge Tour

Day 4: Mount Kuju Hiking circuit and transit from Kumamoto to Beppu

Beppu

Day 5: Onbara Falls mini-hike and Mount Taharamaya/Magaibutsu Buddha

Day 6: Onsen experience and cable car or hike to Mount Tsurumi

Kirishima

Day 6: Drive to Kirishima in the morning and on the way hike Mount Karakuni

Day 7: Mount Kaimondake hike, Ryumon, and Inukai Waterfall

Day 8: Visit Sakurajima (active volcano) 

Day 9 & 10: Overnight trip to Yakushima with two day-hikes.

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So, those are the three different Kyushu itineraries I’ve put together. I hope you have a great time in Kyushu and enjoy it as much as I did! Remember these are just suggestions and if you don’t like hiking so much, you can change the activities around and do more cultural activities, visit historical sites and castles, or do food-focused tours.

Below are the snippets of all the activities I suggested in the itineraries above so you can see what I am adding to each itinerary.

ONBARA FALLS

The journey to Onbara Falls is a very, very short trek but will remove you from the town of Beppu and immerse you in the jungle making you feel lost beneath the falls. Onbara Falls is a bit of a hidden gem just outside the town of Beppu in Oita Prefecture of Kyushu, Japan. Beppu is one of the most famous Onsen towns in Japan and even the world. However, amidst all of the hot springs and Onsens are some truly epic waterfalls and Onbara Falls is up there with the most beautiful and most accessible.

The trail is short and well-defined with a dirt/rock path leading you up to the falls. With the morning sun shining through it was actually a beautiful little walk, which is only about 2km return.

Read the full blog post for details: ONBARA FALLS IN KYUSHU, JAPAN

HIKING TO MOUNT KARAKUNI IN KIRISHIMA

Mount Karakuni is the highest peak in the Kirishima Mountain Range of Kyushu Island in Japan with a height of 1,700 meters. Mount Karakuni has a volcanic crater, which is 900 meters and 300 meters deep. The hike up from the visitor center is relatively short with just a few kilometers in distance but quite steep. From the summit, you can look over to the ‘Ring of Fire’, which is the off-limits 

The total hike distance for me was 9.6km for my entire lap of the Kirishima area but there are many ways to make it shorter. If you just go up and down Mount Karakuni from the visitor center it will be about 5-6km in total. I added on the lap of Lake Rokkannonmiike and Lake Byakashiike.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: MOUNT KARAKUNI HIKE (KARAKUNIDAKE) IN KIRISHIMA

MOUNT TAHARAYAMA

The Mount Taharayama hike leads you on a steep ascent up to an epic, rocky ridgeline before you descend down into the forest to discover a 10th century stone buddha carving into the cliff wall. It’s an adventure with a tomb-raider vibe and is definitely sure to have you off-the-beaten-path and out there amongst the adventure in the Oita Prefecture of Kyushu Island, Japan.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: MT. TAHARAYAMA HIKE TO KUMANO MAGAIBUTSU (BUDDHA STATUE)

INUKAI FALLS

Inukai Falls was probably my favorite waterfall that I visited while based in Kirishima. It was a booming waterfall but I really loved the gorge that led up to the falls, which was lined by woodland and forest giving it a Pacific Northwest vibe. I actually had to wait a while here for the fog to clear enough to see the falls but when it cleared a little, I was able to record a little video on the drone to show you just how epic this gorge is.

HIKE MOUNT ASO 

In the Aso region of the Kumamoto Prefecture in the center of Kyushu Island is the Mount Aso region, which is one of the largest calderas in the entire world. Hiking in Mount Aso Region is one of the most incredible adventures you can have in Japan. Mount Aso is a volcanic depression, which is essentially a huge crater that has a number of peaks within this region that can be trekked. There are numerous craters within the crater such as the very active Nakadake Crater. 

The Caldera spans 17 kilometers from east to west and 25 kilometers from south to north with a total area of 350 square kilometers. When we talk about this caldera it is a huge area but at the center of the caldera is where all of the action is when it comes to volcanic activity, hiking, museums, and tourism. In the middle of the caldera is the central crater group which consists of the five Aso peaks which are Mt. Taka (Takadake), Mt. Naka (Nakadake), Mt. Eboshi (Eboshidake), Mt. Kijima (Kijimadake), and Mt. Neko (Nekodake).

I hiked all of the peaks except for Kijima. The Nakadake and Takadake loop (when open) is my favorite hike in Kyushu… by far. It looks down on the active volcano crater and makes you feel like you are in outer space or trekking through a post-apocalyptic world.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: HIKING MOUNT ASO VOLCANO – A COMPLETE GUIDE

MOUNT EBOSHI HIKE

Mount Eboshi is one of the five peaks of the central cone group of the famous Mount Aso. It’s the easiest peak and probably the safest peak to climb taking just over an hour to get up and down from the summit. The view from the top is quite remarkable as it looks out over the Nakadake Crater, which is where the active volcano of Mount Aso is found.

The Mount Eboshi hike is a great little trail not because of the views or the adventure but because it is usually open! Because Nakadake Crater and the active volcano within it are often spewing ash high into the air, the surrounding trails are often closed. This leaves adventurous hikers feeling a bit stuck. Luckily Eboshi is a bit further away but you still have nice views of the erupting volcano. 

At the summit, you have a view out to Nakadake Crater, which is where the eruptions, smoke, and all the action takes place. In the other directions, you can witness the entire caldera and the various rock formations and craters that are scattered throughout the region. I visited Mount Eboshi as part of the ‘Around Aso Tour‘, which was the perfect way to explore this region on a full-day trip from Fukuoka.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: MOUNT EBOSHI HIKE (EBOSHIDAKE) IN MOUNT ASO

MOUNT NEKO (NEKODAKE) HIKE

Mount Neko is the second tallest peak in the Mount Aso region at 1,443m high for the Tengu Peak and the opposite Toho Peak is 1,408m high. It’s called Nekodake because from Aso it looks like two cat ears when you see both of the peaks. It was an awesome but steep hike and the jagged peaks were just incredible at the summit during sunset.

As well as the numerous ropes to help you up the summit of Nekodake, you will also encounter several ladders, helping you ascend through the forest. None of the ropes, ladders or bouldering is technical or very difficult but be prepared for a bit of action along the trail.

At the summit, you will look out across to the Tengu Peak, which is the most prominent peak and you really can’t miss it. In the late afternoon, the sun sets behind this peak so it’s a really magical spot to take in the whole ridge.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: MOUNT NEKO HIKE (NEKODAKE) IN KYUSHU

GOROGA TAKI FALLS

The Gorogotaki Waterfall is the largest falls in Yamato, Kumamoto with a 50m drop into the basin below. The beauty of this waterfall on Kyushu Island is that often it is crowned by a rainbow as the water crashed down onto the rocks, spraying up and catching the light perfectly in a stream of color. My favorite part about this waterfall is that you view it from the suspension bridge. There is also a really nice walk around the region through the rice fields and through the gorge to the base of the falls.

Read the full blog post here: GOROGOTAKI WATERFALL NEAR KUMAMOTO

HIKING IN THE KUJU MOUNTAINS

The stunning Kuju Mount range is part of the Aso-Kuju National Park and while Mount Kuju might be the most famous it is actually the nearby Nakadake Peak that is the highest peak in the park, which makes it the highest point on Kyushu Island. These mountains are connected by a series of hiking trails so you can kind of make it up as you go, pushing on to ‘one more peak’ time and time again or following a set route. I did a bit of both.

It’s straight up from the get-go so don’t put too many jackets on you will be working that incline straight away. Once you reach the ridge it’s time for the adventure to start. The trail turns into a rocky ridgeline with a number of ladders and some very low-key bouldering required.

The total day of climbing was 1,026m so it’s always an effort when you grab a vertical kilometer. The trail was rocky but quite well defined and we never had too many difficulties finding our way. At the top of Mount Kuju, we could watch over the erupting Mount Aso in the distance and admire the valley below.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: HIKING THE KUJU MOUNTAIN RANGE

VISIT THE BEPPU HELLS

The ‘Hells’ of Beppu, as they are known, are seven incredible hot springs all in one area. Unlike many of the onsens or hot springs in the area, these specific hot springs are for viewing only as they are far too hot for bathing. They are quite a tourist attraction and it almost looks like zoo enclosures but instead of almost there is a bubbling, steaming pool of volcanically heated water. The reason these ‘Hells’ are so unique is that they each have a different feature such as the orange Hell or the deep blue Hell. I thought the experience of visiting the Hells of Beppu was quite cool but very touristy. I visited the Beppu Hells as part of this full-day tour from Fukuoka including the Beppu Hells and Yufuin Spa Town.

TAKACHIHO GORGE WATERFALL (Minainotaki Waterfall)

Takachiho Gorge is one of the most incredible natural attractions on Kyushu Island, Japan. In the forest of Miyazaki, the Gokase River runs through a gorge comprised of volcanic basalt columns where the 17-meter high Minainotaki Waterfall pours down on the awe-struck tourists below who are paddling the iconic rowboats through the narrow chasm. 

Kyushu Island is beautiful in the summer and the fall, which are the most popular times for tourists. In the fall you get the beautiful tinged orange and different colors on the trees and in the summer you are blessed with the best weather. I visited in the winter, which was not the prettiest time as lots of the leaves were dead so there were plenty of sparse trees. However, Takachiho Gorge was at a lower elevation and in a spot that was still beautiful and green in the winter. The conclusion is pretty much that it is a year-round attraction, which will only differ slightly at various times throughout the year.

The first way to enjoy Takachio gorge and the Minaionotaki Waterfall is to paddle underneath the stone bridge and then alongside the Minainotaki Waterfall. It sprayed us a little but mostly we just enjoyed the stunning gorge, which is made of volcanic basalt columns. The columns are said to resemble the scales of a dragon where the stones were twisted when the river flowed in the formation of the gorge.

The second way to enjoy the Takachiho Gorge is from one of the many viewing points. My two favorites were the bridge and the lower (most popular) viewpoint. The bridge gives you a very elevated view of the boats and the waterfall below, framed nicely by the overhanging trees and the walls of the gorge.

TAKACHIHO GORGE DAY TOUR

As I said above, Takachiho Gorge is a bit hard to get to with public transport so unless you have rented a car, the best way to get there is on the Takachiho Gorge Day Tour. The tour includes drop-off and pickup from your hotel, an English-speaking guide for while you are at the gorge. Helen the guide is an absolute legend and we loved this tour and this epic location.

CLICK HERE to check rates and availability for the Takachiho Gorge Day Tour

MOUNT KAIMON (KAIMONDAKE) HIKE

Mount Kaimon (Kaimondak) is an inactive volcano along the coast in the south of Kyushu known for its conical shape. The Mount Kaimon hike leads you through the forest on a steep, rocky trail up ladders and boulders to the summit where you are rewarded with coastal views from the top of the volcano.

The trail begins with an incline from the very first moment as you wind your way through the woodlands at the base of the volcano. It was a very beautiful part of the trail as the sunlight shone through the trees and into the mini canyons created by erosion on the path. At some points, the walls on either side of the trail were above head height, which added a unique atmosphere to the trail.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: MOUNT KAIMON HIKE (KAIMONDAKE) IN KAGOSHIMA

ENJOY AN ONSEN EXPERIENCE

Kyushu is famous for its hot springs and it is one of the most volcanic places in the world. It is Beppu that is at the center of this volcanic activity when it comes to onsens and hot springs with hundreds of different onsens, spa-resorts and hot springs to test out. It’s definitely an experience you want to try at least once. The general premise of an onsen experience is that you will arrive fully clothed, strip down to naked and then bathe in the hot spring water with the other locals and visitors. The minerals, temperature and meditative experience are said to be very beneficial for your health. I visited Hoyoland Onsen as they allowed people with tattoos to bathe whereas many do not due to traditional laws. There are lots of very scenic onsens to choose from but make sure you try it at least once as this is the most cultural experience you can have and one of the best things to do in Kyushu.

I didn’t take a photo at the onsen as it isn’t allowed and would be very weird as everyone is naked so I’ve added in a stock photo below to show you what it looks like. 

KEYA NO OTO HIKE IN ITOSHIMA

Keya no Oto is a beautiful coastal viewpoint of Itoshima, which has incredible views of the beach from the ominous ridgeline and a 64m cave below! You can hike all the way up onto the top of the ridge as there is a bit of a trail, which includes some basic bouldering/rock climbing. It isn’t a trail I would recommend unless you are athletic and adept at bouldering and climbing. 

Atop the ridge, it was a very narrow path. A 50m+ drop on either side meant we had to focus on our steps until we reached a safer, wider spot on top of the ridge. We took a moment to relax up here, taking in the view of the beach and down to the volcanic cone at the other end of the coastline.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: KEYA NO OTO HIKE IN ITOSHIMA

MOUNT YUFU HIKE

While I was based in Beppu I headed up for sunrise one morning to hike Mount Yufu. It’s known as being quite a tough hike due to the consistent incline and relentless switchbacks that lead you up to the two peaks at the summit. However, on the day I visited, it was covered in the cloud at the top. We saw deer along the way and really enjoyed the hike. I know the view from the summit is pretty epic so I’ve added it onto this list with a photo from a day with better weather. It was a 7km round trip with more than 700m of an incline up the switchbacks. I’ve included a photo below of the view from the top and the view from below on a day in better conditions than when I hiked. Keep in mind, it is known for being a peak that is hard to catch on a clear day so do pick the best day of the week regarding weather.

RYUMON FALLS

If you are staying near Kirishima then Ryumon Falls is definitely a spot I would recommend. It isn’t too far from Kirishima town and is a pretty epic waterfall. There is a small parking lot and then you walk about 500 meters to the viewing platform. You can go down closer to the base of the falls as well but it was a stormy, misty day when I visited and I was the only one there. I decided to just enjoy the view from the platform and snapped a photo from right there.

MOUNT TSURUMI HIKE

When you stay in the town of Beppu, you will always notice the mountains looming at the back of the valley. The highest point is called Mount Tsurumi and it’s actually possible to reach by cable car. However, there is a trail to the top if you are up for the very steep challenge.

Of course, if you are just in it for the view, take the cable car but for those who love the adventure and want to spot some deer along the way the trail starts just around the backside of the cable car parking. Drive an extra half mile up the road past the cable car parking and you will find the trail entrance on the right side of the road. It’s on maps.me if you can’t find it.

At the summit, you have a beautiful view down over the town of Beppu and the entire beach. Just like Mount Yufu, on the day I visited, the weather was quite poor visibility with heavy fog so I have included a photo from a clearer day so you can decide if this is a hike you are keen to add to your Kyushu bucket list.

WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU

• Best Luxury Place to Stay in Fukuoka: Hotel WBF Grande Hakata (Value): This is by far the most popular hotel and one of the most luxurious in Fukuoka.
• Best Value Place to Stay in Kumamoto: Hotel The Gate Kumamoto (Value): Hotel The Gate is a well-situated accommodation in the heart of Kumamoto, just across the train station and within walking distance to shops and restaurants.
• Best Luxury Place to Stay in Kumamoto: Kumamoto Hotel Castle (Luxury): Set near the infamous Kumamoto Castle, this luxury hotel features a wide range of carpeted rooms from standard rooms to suites fitted with plush amenities.

For a full list of the top-rated places to stay in Kyushu, you can check out my comprehensive guide: WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU: BEST REGIONS & HOTELS

ARE YOU FOLLOWING MY KYUSHU BLOG SERIES?

I spent over three weeks exploring Kyushu and visited some incredible waterfalls, hiked some amazing trails, and visited a number of epic volcanoes. I created a number of guides to help travelers find the best spots in Kyushu. You can explore the articles by clicking on the links below.

• The Ultimate Kyushu Bucketlist: 30 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KYUSHU
• The best places to stay in Kyushu in each region: WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU: BEST REGIONS & HOTELS
• How to plan your Kyushu vacation: THE ULTIMATE KYUSHU ITINERARY: 5-DAY, 7-DAY & 10-DAY
• Interested in chasing waterfalls?: 12 AWESOME WATERFALLS IN KYUSHU
• Keen for some epic hiking?: 11 AWESOME HIKES IN KYUSHU
• Everything you need to know about Oita: 11 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN OITA
• Your Ultimate Guide to Kumamoto: 13 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KUMAMOTO
• My favorite waterfall in Kyushu: TAKACHIHO GORGE – MOST BEAUTIFUL WATERFALL IN JAPAN

Throughout this Kyushu photo gallery, I will write a small explanation above each image to give you some background on where I was, how the image came about, or any interesting points regarding the location.

50 AWESOME PHOTOS OF KYUSHU, JAPAN

Our first day in Kyushu started with a hike around the back of Mt. Aso. Turns out it’s highly illegal, highly dangerous, and probably shouldn’t have done that had I known how quickly a volcano can destroy everything in its vicinity. Live and learn but we survived just fine, nothing erupted and we had an epic adventure.

This is Mt. Aso erupting but it’s in a pretty normal state. When it really erupts it is going wild.

When the official trail to Mt. Aso is closed, things get a little crazy

Shooting down on Mt. Aso and in the next frame, you can see the photograph I took from here.

This is the best shot I have of the entire volcanic crater at Mt. Aso as it was blowing pretty hard.

This is probably the other nice shot I have of the entire volcano. This one was shot on the drone. We were hiking up on those ridges to the left.

Pema wondering why she was dragged out to the edge of a volcano.

One of the most epic adventures of the year so far for sure as the backdrop was everchanging and always threatening.

Looking out over the volcano as the sun started to set. Not another person in sight.

This was definitely the shot of the day, which I captured on my 100-400mm lens. It’s a heavy thing to lug around but it’s shots like this that make it worth it.

I snapped a few other shots from this same spot on the 100-400 as the volcano plumed in the background.

This is the winding road to Mt. Aso. I didn’t expect snow in this region but it actually snows alot in the winter here in Kyushu.

This is Gorogo Taki Waterfall, famous for the rainbow that appears at its base. A little gem in the inner mountains of Kyushu.

This gorge near the waterfall above reminded me a lot of canyon treks in Cebu, Philippines.

Another epic little waterfall that we lucked out on as the golden light was hitting perfectly just as we arrived in the late afternoon. Sometimes you get lucky and other days it rains on you nonstop. Take ’em while you can.

This is a 10th century stone buddha found out in the jungle in Oita, Kyushu. it involves a little hike but it felt a bit like Indiana Jones or Tomb Raider to find such a relic covered in trees, roots and vines.

The golden light while hiking up Mount Neko, a series of ridges I spotted days earlier while up on Mt. Aso nearby.

Everything is quite dead here during the winter, which makes me wish I had visited in the summer, spring or even fall for the autumn colors. 

Another shot of the golden light shooting over the peak of Mount Neko. I was freezing cold at this point if you can’t tell.

Pema pushing on up to the summit of Mount Neko. How’s the color coordination?

These next three shots are from one of the most touristy and popular waterfalls on Kyushu Island. However, it is probably the most picturesque and beautiful waterfall so it makes sense that tourists flock here. I got lucky again with the golden light and tried to make the most of it.

Getting up high in the Kuju Mountains over a glacier lake.

Made it to the top of Mount Kuju and that is Mount Aso erupting in the background.

And finally, there was this beautiful trail to the waterfall you see below.

Onbara Falls, probably my favorite waterfall in Oita. Tucked in away around the corner we almost missed it thinking the falls on the left were the actual main attraction, but thankfully, we had the adventurous spirit and found it hidden around the bend.

I loved this view from Mount Taharayam overlooking the rolling hills in Oita prefecture.

At the top of the windy Mount Kaimon, I threw the drone up to capture the coast and the top of the hill in one shot.

How scenic was my parking spot for the Mount Kaimon hike?

The trail on the Mount Kaimon hike was probably my favorite throughout the three weeks, which was due to how green and tropical it looked!

To be honest, I wasn’t stoked with this shot I got from atop Mount Kaimon but it was just so damn huge it was hard to capture even after flying 2-kilometers away in the wind. I think it would have been better to drive away and fly it up from further away to truly capture the scenery. However, I did my best and still came out with this shot.

Golden hour in the Kuju mountains was just incredible. Look at the colors on the ridge and then that last bit of light hitting the mountain in the background. This is why getting back to the car in the dark is always worth it!

I struggled a bit with the lighting in the middle of the day but I wanted to get a nice, wide landscape shot of these mountain ranges as they truly are stunning. It didn’t turn out perfectly lighting wise but it still sums up the scene well.

It was super harsh lighting but probably the best view I had of the active Sakurajima volcano throughout my trip. I quickly pulled into the Susuhara viewpoint on my way to a waterfall to snap this on my 24-105mm with a bit of foreground in play.

Keya No Oto was an epic little coastal hike we came across while based in Fukuoka. We didn’t know what to expect but it was one of the most photogenic spots in Kyushu.

As enticing as this hot spring looks it as actually referred to as a ‘Hell’ due to the fiery temperature that would basically burn you alive.

This is the largest suspension bridge in Japan both in length and in height over the gorge. The security didn’t love our drones, to be honest, but a bit of hide-and-seek and I managed to come away with these two shots that I thought were not bad considering the lighting and the rush of the situation.

On the edge of the Mount Aso crater (caldera), there are lots of viewpoints. With it being winter the grass was all dead, which didn’t help for photography and nor did visiting at 1 pm but we made the most of the beautiful scene to capture these shots.

The Kamoshikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine is hidden in the forests near Takamori, which is a little town in the Aso region of Kumamoto. It’s a very spiritual spot with lots of different spots to make prayers, receive good luck and perform a ritual.

These are a few more of the waterfall snaps I shot on my last gloomy day down south in Japan. To be honest, I almost prefer no light when I’m shooting waterfalls so things don’t get blown out. It obviously depends on the location but a canyon with harsh lighting is a nightmare.

The next set of photos is from the lake viewpoint in Kirishima looking back out over Mount Karakuni on the other side of the lakes. It was just before sunset and I was all alone up here feeling pretty free and wild in this volatile environment.

Up on top of Mount Karakuni, I had a view of the ‘Ring of Fire’, which is an active volcano. You can’t hike on it cause it really blew it’s lid just recently but you can fly your drone out there (probably, maybe) and I ended up with some ripper shots in perfect conditions. These were the luckiest conditions with blue skies but atmospheric clouds.

I’d carried the 100-400mm with me on most treks in Kyushu so being able to play around with it and shoot birds and animals whenever I encountered them was the reward for the heavy load.

It seems unfair for these photos to be at the bottom of the blog post, but it was one of the last spots I visited. This set of photos is from Takachiho Gorge, the most popular spot in Kyushu with a beautiful gorge that has a stunning waterfall inside. I was super stoked to get great conditions here and I was really happy with the photos I managed to create at this spot.

That’s about it! I hope you enjoyed this gallery of my favorite Kyushu photos from my 3-week adventure around this incredible island in the south of Japan.

In this article, I’ve handpicked at least five distinctively different prefectures (regions) in Kyushu to help you choose which is the best area for you to visit in Kyushu, Japan. I’ll detail why you should pick on the region over the others depending on your preferences and what type of activities you are interested in.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN KYUSHU – COMPARISON TABLE

WHICH REGION IS BEST FOR YOU?

Here’s a checklist for you to start:

• Fukuoka: If you want to be in a vibrant city scene and a central base, you may want to stay in Fukuoka.
• Kumamoto (my pick): If you’re looking to get away from the bustling city life and be centrally positioned for all hotspot tourist locations then visit and stay in Kumamoto.
• Beppu: If you want to check out a lot of hot springs, mud baths, and sand baths, Beppu in Oita prefecture is the best place for you.
• Kagoshima: If you are eager to go hiking in Kirishima and see Mt. Sakurajima, head to Kagoshima prefecture.
• Yakushima (Separate Island): If you want to hike through the stunning Shiratani Unsuikyo Valley, see ancient cedar trees, and waterfalls, Yakushima is the best place for you.

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN JAPAN

When you book your Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use Klook for car rentals in Japan. They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!

Book now with Klook

WHERE TO STAY ON KYUSHU ISLAND, JAPAN

Accommodation in Kyushu ranges from business hotels, ryokans (Japanese-style inns), bed and breakfasts, lodges, and hostels. While some of the business hotels are relatively cheap, most ryokans can stretch your budget as they often come with luxurious spas, two exquisite meals, onsens, and beautiful tatami accents. 

REGION: FUKUOKA

Fukuoka is the major city and a vibrant hub of Kyushu Island. Most visitors access Kyushu via Fukuoka as it has a well-connected airport and it lies at the very end of the bullet train line. Ramen lovers would love to stay in the city because it is home to Tonkotsu ramen. This prefecture is not just about food, but it’s a great place to start your journey in Kyushu and a handy base for most adventures and tourist hot spots.

My personal favorites to stay at are Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk for its luxurious rooms and five restaurants and Hotel WBF Grande Hakata for its spa and wellness center.

HILTON FUKUOKA SEA HAWK

Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk (Luxury): Boasting spectacular views of Hakata Bay, this luxury hotel features a wide range of luxurious rooms with bathtubs. Each room is spacious, modern, and immaculately clean. The hotel has indoor and outdoor pools with Jacuzzi, state-of-the-art fitness center, five restaurants, strong Wi-Fi access, and hi-tech meeting spaces for business travelers. If that’s not enough, Fukuoka’s baseball dome is next to the hotel so if you pick a room on the upper level, you can take advantage of the view. 

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk

Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk

• Luxurious rooms
• Indoor and outdoor pools
• Five restaurants

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MIYAKO HOTEL HAKATA

Miyako Hotel Hakata (Luxury): Miyako Hotel is a brand-new luxury hotel in the heart of Hakata, Fukuoka. The proximity to JR station and bus station is excellent. All rooms are non-smoking and fitted with flat-screen TV and bathtubs in the bathroom. There is a parking space, free Wi-Fi, restaurant, bar, and fitness center. But the highlight in this hotel is the hot springs on the rooftop where guests can refresh. Personally, Miyako Hotel is a perfect place for families and business travelers. 

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Miyako Hotel Hakata

Miyako Hotel Hakata

• Rooms are non-smoking
• Free Wi-Fi
• Restaurant

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HOTEL WBF GRANDE HAKATA

Hotel WBF Grande Hakata (Value): This is by far the most popular hotel in Fukuoka. All rooms have comfy beds and there are a lot of rooms to choose from, such as standard rooms and rooms with open-air baths or with lofts. The hotel also offers a wide range of food and beverages in its restaurant on the second floor. The Club Lounge with Sky Balcony gives the best views of the city. Their Italian dishes, special curry, various cocktails, and Kyushu’s classic shochu are a must-try. There are a large public bath and an open-air bath on the top level of the hotel where guests can relax and enjoy the views.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Hotel WBF Grande Hakata

Hotel WBF Grande Hakata

• Wide range of food
• Sky Balcony
• Spa and wellness centre

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WEBASE HAKATA HOSTEL

WeBase Hakata Hostel (Budget): When it comes to budget, WeBase Hakata Hostel is by far the best option in Fukuoka. This stylish hostel offers a wide range of dorm-type rooms with shared bathrooms, sockets, and safes for your belongings. The hostel has a library where you can read books and relax at the same time. The coin laundry is available for 24 hours. They also have a kitchen, a terrace, and all shared showers are equipped with shampoo, conditioner, and soap. This is popular accommodation as it is walking distance to convenience stores, a subway station, ramen shops, and sightseeing spots.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for WeBase Hakata Hostel

WeBase Hakata Hostel

• Stylish hostel
• Has a library
• Facilities for disabled guests

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REGION: KUMAMOTO

This city is located between the smoking crater of Mt. Aso in the east and remote islands of Amakusa in the west. Kumamoto is one of my personal favorites because of Mount Aso, the island’s most active volcano.  It has a lot of stunning castles and architecture such as Kumamoto Castle and Suizen-ji Joju-en Graden. If you are into the adventure like me this is where you should base for most of your time. I was here for 8 days and never ran out of hikes in the area or these waterfalls nearby to visit.

My personal favorite places to stay at are Kumamoto Hotel Castle for its beautiful views and Hotel Nikko Kumamoto for its fabulous breakfast.

KUMAMOTO HOTEL CASTLE

Kumamoto Hotel Castle (Luxury): Set near the infamous Kumamoto Castle, this luxury hotel features a wide range of carpeted rooms from standard rooms to suites fitted with plush amenities. Some rooms are non-smoking with comfy couches, round tables, chairs, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows showing the beautiful view of the castle. Each room is spacious and equipped with flat-screen TV, a Wi-Fi, a bathtub, and a box of free toiletries. The hotel has four restaurants that serve international dishes and a bar. If comfort and convenience are your priority, You might want to stay at Kumamoto Castle Hotel.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Kumamoto Hotel Castle

Kumamoto Hotel Castle

• Carpeted rooms
• Beautiful view
• Four restaurants

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HOTEL NIKKO KUMAMOTO

Hotel Nikko Kumamoto (Luxury): Kumamoto’s hotels don’t come more central than Hotel Nikko, situated as it is near Torichosuji station. It is close to everything including a large department store and many ramen shops. This luxury hotel offers carpeted rooms with large comfy beds, flat-screen TV, electric kettle, slippers, and hair dryers. From your room, you’ll get a view of the castle. For those who drive or rent a car, there is a large underground garage on site. The breakfast is fabulous which is a bonus.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Hotel Nikko Kumamoto

Hotel Nikko Kumamoto

• Breakfast is fabulous
• Underground garage
• Restaurant

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HOTEL THE GATE KUMAMOTO

Hotel The Gate Kumamoto (Value): Hotel The Gate is a well-situated accommodation in the heart of Kumamoto, just across the train station and walking distance to shops and restaurants. The property offers a wide range of rooms including non-smoking family rooms, budget single rooms, dormitory rooms, and more. The hostel has coin-operated washing machines, 15 shower rooms, and vending machines on-site. Another highlight is the Aquarium Bar lounge where guests can try Kumamoto’s local shochu. There’s a large space next to the bar lounge for guests who want to chill or work. This is definitely the best valuer accommodation in Kumamoto.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Hotel The Gate Kumamoto

Hotel The Gate Kumamoto

• Well-situated accommodation
• Vending machines on-site
• Aquarium Bar lounge

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ASO BASE BACKPACKERS

Aso Base Backpackers (Budget): This hostel is perfect for backpackers and hiking enthusiasts who want to base in Aso City to see one of the largest active volcanoes on the island of Kyushu. The hostel features non-smoking double rooms with shared bathrooms, female dormitory rooms, and mixed dormitory rooms. All rooms are fitted with individual temperature control, hair-dryer to borrow, and Wi-Fi. Guests can also charter a moped and do their laundry in the property. The hostel also provides a free shared kitchen, a communal area to chill, and luggage storage. I definitely recommend this hostel. 

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Aso Base Backpackers

Aso Base Backpackers

• Free shared kitchen
• Luggage storage
• Free parking

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REGION: BEPPU

Have you ever heard of hell-hopping? If not, then check out Beppu in Kyushu, Japan. I actually put together this guide for the region. Beppu is a geothermal town in the heart of Oita prefecture where tourists visit up to eight hot springs a day. There is an abundance of onsens or natural hot springs making it a popular destination in Kyushu. Apart from that, visitors can also try sand bathing by burying their bodies in a large pit of volcanic sand. Beppu Park is also another must-see attraction where tourists can admire the cherry blossom between March to April.

My personal favorite places to stay at are Seaside Hotel Mimatsu Ooetei for its mix of Japanese and Western styles and Amane Resort Seikai for its terrace and ocean views.

SEASIDE HOTEL MIMATSU OOETEI

Seaside Hotel Mimatsu Ooetei (Luxury): Blending modern luxury with the traditional ryokan charm, this 4-star accommodation features open-air baths overlooking Beppu Bay. Not only does this ryokan have two separate open-air baths for men and women, but it also offers a mix of Japanese-Western style rooms. Its restaurant serves high-quality traditional Japanese food, while guests can also enjoy free private parking on-site. The rooms are fitted with Japanese-style seating areas, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, and Wi-Fi. I can’t recommend Seaside Hotel enough!

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Seaside Hotel Mimatsu Ooetei

Seaside Hotel Mimatsu Ooetei

• Modern luxury
• Mix of Japanese-Western style
• Restaurant

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AMANE RESORT SEIKAI

Amane Resort Seikai (Luxury): For a unique, personalized experience, look no further than Amane Resort Sekai. This 5-star ryokan is only a few minutes’ walk from the train station. Blending Japanese and Western-style, Amane has a wide range of luxurious guest rooms and some rooms boast a terrace and ocean views. The resort has excellent amenities including private hot spring baths, a spa, and a bar. There is a large communal bath on the first floor facing the ocean and one on the top floor with a view of Beppu Bay. The resort has three in-house restaurants serving delicious Japanese seafood and Western dishes. 

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Amane Resort Seikai

Amane Resort Seikai

• Japanese and Western-style
• Terrace and ocean views
• Three in-house restaurants

Check price

BEPPU KAMENOI HOTEL

Beppu Kamenoi Hotel (Value): This hotel offers great value for money. The property has a wide variety of room options including spacious family rooms. The hotel rate comes with breakfast, serving a mix of Japanese and Western dishes. Amenities include free parking, fitness center, a souvenir shop, and a large hot spring bath on-site. This is quite a huge hotel in Beppu with 17 floors and just near to JR Beppu station. This is one of the best-seller properties in Beppu. Location wise, it is close to everything including the popular attractions of Beppu.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Beppu Kamenoi Hotel

Beppu Kamenoi Hotel

• Great value for money
• Fitness center
• Free parking

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GUEST HOUSE ROJIURA

Guest House Rojiura (Budget): This hostel is set in a great location. There are lockers provided for each guest in the reception and in each room. Everything is tidy and clean and the hostel staff are very nice and friendly. The property provides a bicycle rental on-site with a parking space, spacious common area, and lots of comics to read that allows book-loving guests to live out their ultimate fantasy. For $18 a night, you can get a comfy bunk bed with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Guest House Rojiura

Guest House Rojiura

• Great location
• Bicycle rental on-site
• Comics to read

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REGION: KAGOSHIMA

Kagoshima lies in the southern part of Kyushu. It’s a seaside city where Mt. Sakurajima, one of the active volcanoes in Japan, can be found. If you visit this prefecture, don’t miss the natural steam sand baths, hike to the ancient forest, and explore white sand beaches on Amami Oshima Island. I stayed nearby Kagoshima in the town of Kirishima, which also worked fine but Kagoshima has lots more accommodation options. The Tenmonkan district is best for dining and shopping. 

My personal favorite places to stay at are Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kagoshima for its spacious and soundproof rooms and Richmond Hotel Kagoshima Kinseicho for its breakfast buffet.

SOLARIA NISHITETSU HOTEL KAGOSHIMA

Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kagoshima (Luxury): This 4-star hotel is perfect for business and leisure. It is conveniently situated in front of Kagoshima-Chuo station. Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel features lavish and spacious rooms with excellent views of the city and beautiful Sakurajima volcano. Each room is soundproofed and has a private bathroom with a bathtub and free luxurious toiletries. There is a conference room, dry cleaning, a restaurant, and laundry facilities on site. It also offers easy access to a shopping center and restaurants. 

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kagoshima

Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kagoshima

• Lavish and spacious rooms
• Soundproof rooms
• Sakurajima volcano view

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RICHMOND HOTEL KAGOSHIMA KINSEICHO

Richmond Hotel Kagoshima Kinseicho (Value): Richmond Hotel is another modern hotel option– only steps away from the tram stop and close to the port. The hotel offers various types of rooms that come equipped with everything you need, including a fridge, electric kettle, flat-screen TV, and en-suite bathroom. There are vending machines, free microwave usage, and coin laundry. The hearty breakfast buffet was amazing. For the price, it’s great value for money.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Richmond Hotel Kagoshima Kinseicho

Richmond Hotel Kagoshima Kinseicho

• Various types of rooms
• Free microwave usage
• Breakfast buffet

Check price

HOTEL MYSTAYS KAGOSHIMA TENMONKAN

Hotel Mystays Kagoshima Tenmonkan (Budget): This 3-star hotel features cozy and cheap rooms for couples, solo travelers, and backpackers. Some rooms are non-smoking that can accommodate up to five people with free breakfast. The hotel is only a few minutes walk from the tram stop. Amenities include three laundry machines, vending machines, luggage storage, plugs beside the bed, and Wi-Fi. They have tasty grilled dishes, burgers, and craft beers on-site. There is a banquet hall, convenience store, and massage service. Definitely recommended to those traveling in a tight budget.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Hotel Mystays Kagoshima Tenmonkan

Hotel Mystays Kagoshima Tenmonkan

• Cozy and cheap rooms
• Free breakfast
• Luggage storage

Check price

REGION: YAKUSHIMA

An island off the south coast of the Japanese main island of Kyushu, Yakushima showcases rich flora and several key features such as impressive mountains, wildlife, waterfalls, and beaches. I didn’t make it to Yakushima because if I did go, I wanted at least 4 days on the island and it just didn’t fit my schedule. I was dying to go because it looked just like Oahu in Hawaii where I lived for two years. Hiking is the most popular activity in this prefecture, which also boasts some spectacular beaches.

My personal favorite places to stay at are Sankara Hotel & Spa for its luxurious rooms and Cottage Morinokokage for its Japanese hospitality.

SANKARA HOTEL & SPA

Sankara Hotel & Spa (Luxury): If you are looking for a place to rejuvenate and relax off the city, then you’ve come to the right place. Sankara Hotel & Spa offers a free shuttle service from Yakushima airport provided that you notify the hotel in advance. A hearty combined Japanese and French breakfast is also included in your stay. There are 29 luxurious rooms and I definitely suggest you book a room with an ocean view. The rooms are spacious and comfortable with lots of amenities such as a fully-equipped gym and infinity pool with canopy and sun loungers. 

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Sankara Hotel & Spa

Sankara Hotel & Spa

• Luxurious rooms
•  Swimming pool
•  Airport shuttle

Check price

COTTAGE MORINOKOKAGE

Cottage Morinokokage (Value): This wooden cottage offers a typical Japanese hospitality experience, featuring tatami floors, comfy futon beds, hammocks, Wi-Fi, washing machines, and dryers. There are approximately 8 cottages on site. Some cottages have shared bathrooms with bathtubs. The air-conditioned cottages have a lounge room with a flat-screen TV. Guests can also rent a bike for an hour. I’d say this accommodation is value for money.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Cottage Morinokokage

Cottage Morinokokage

• Japanese hospitality
• Rent a bike
• English-speaking staff 

Check price

YAKUSHIMA YOUTH HOSTEL

Yakushima Youth Hostel (Budget): Yakushima Youth Hostel is an international guest house set near the 

port and the bus stop. This seaside hostel offers basic rooms with air conditioning that can accommodate up to four guests. Guests can take advantage of their hot bath, washing machines, and a terrace overlooking the port. Location wise, it is close to supermarkets and a couple of good cafes. Rental services such as car and trekking gear are also available.

Click Here to check the current rates and availability for Yakushima Youth Hostel

Yakushima Youth Hostel

• Seaside
• Rental services
• Close to supermarkets

Check price

KYUSHU TRAVEL TIPS

WHICH REGION IS BEST FOR YOU?

Here’s a checklist for you to start:

• Fukuoka: If you want to be in a vibrant city scene and a central base, you may want to stay in Fukuoka.
• Kumamoto (my pick): If you’re looking to get away from the bustling city life and be centrally positioned for all hotspot tourist locations then visit and stay in Kumamoto.
• Beppu: If you want to check out a lot of hot springs, mud baths, and sand baths, Beppu in Oita prefecture is the best place for you.
• Kagoshima: If you are eager to go hiking in Kirishima and see Mt. Sakurajima, head to Kagoshima prefecture.
• Yakushima (Separate Island): If you want to hike through the stunning Shiratani Unsuikyo Valley, see ancient cedar trees, and waterfalls, Yakushima is the best place for you.

For a full article about how to split up your time between the popular regions in Kyushu, check out my guide about how to plan your Kyushu Itinerary: THE ULTIMATE KYUSHU ITINERARY: 5-DAY, 7-DAY & 10-DAY

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN JAPAN

When you book your Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use Klook for car rentals in Japan. They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!

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ARE YOU FOLLOWING MY KYUSHU BLOG SERIES?

I spent over three weeks exploring Kyushu and visited some incredible waterfalls, hiked some amazing trails, and visited a number of epic volcanoes. I created a number of guides to help travelers find the best spots in Kyushu. You can explore the articles by clicking on the links below.

• The Ultimate Kyushu Bucketlist: 30 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KYUSHU
• A guide to the best places to stay in Kyushu in each region: WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU: BEST REGIONS & HOTELS
• How to plan your Kyushu vacation: THE ULTIMATE KYUSHU ITINERARY: 5-DAY, 7-DAY & 10-DAY
• Interested in chasing waterfalls?: 12 AWESOME WATERFALLS IN KYUSHU
• Keen on some epic hiking?: 11 AWESOME HIKES IN KYUSHU
• Everything you need to know about Oita: 11 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN OITA
• Your Ultimate Guide to Kumamoto: 13 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KUMAMOTO
• My favorite waterfall in Kyushu: TAKACHIHO GORGE – MOST BEAUTIFUL WATERFALL IN JAPAN

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN JAPAN

When you book your Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use Klook for car rentals in Japan. They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!

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30 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KYUSHU

I’ve written individual guides for many of the specific locations in this article, which means you can click on the link and view the detailed guide for each individual location, which includes how to get there, all the photos, and what to expect. At the bottom of this post, I will add a few sections of things you need to know before exploring Kyushu such as how to get around, where to stay, and other logistical and travel tips to help you out before your visit.

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN KYUSHU

• Ultimate Luxury: Amane Resort Seikai best location and view
• My Favorite: Sankara Hotel & Spa – Natural Forest, Pool & Beautiful surroundings.
• Budget Hostel in Kyushu: WeBase Hakata Hostel is easily the top hostel in Kyushu

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ONBARA FALLS

The journey to Onbara Falls is a very, very short trek but will remove you from the town of Beppu and immerse you in the jungle making you feel lost beneath the falls. Onbara Falls is a bit of a hidden gem just outside the town of Beppu in Oita Prefecture of Kyushu, Japan. Beppu is one of the most famous Onsen towns in Japan and even the world. However, amidst all of the hot springs and Onsens are some truly epic waterfalls and Onbara Falls is up there with the most beautiful and most accessible.

The trail is short and well-defined with a dirt/rock path leading you up to the falls. With the morning sun shining through it was actually a beautiful little walk, which is only about 2km return.

Read the full blog post for details: ONBARA FALLS IN KYUSHU, JAPAN

HIKING TO MOUNT KARAKUNI IN KIRISHIMA

Mount Karakuni is the highest peak in the Kirishima Mountain Range of Kyushu Island in Japan with a height of 1,700 meters. Mount Karakuni has a volcanic crater, which is 900 meters and 300 meters deep. The hike up from the visitor center is relatively short with just a few kilometers in distance but quite steep. From the summit, you can look over to the ‘Ring of Fire’, which is the off-limits

The total hike distance for me was 9.6km for my entire lap of the Kirishima area but there are many ways to make it shorter. If you just go up and down Mount Karakuni from the visitor center it will be about 5-6km in total. I added on the lap of Lake Rokkannonmiike and Lake Byakashiike.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: MOUNT KARAKUNI HIKE (KARAKUNIDAKE) IN KIRISHIMA

MOUNT TAHARAYAMA

The Mount Taharayama hike leads you on a steep ascent up to an epic, rocky ridgeline before you descend down into the forest to discover a 10th century stone buddha carving into the cliff wall. It’s an adventure with a tomb-raider vibe and is definitely sure to have you off-the-beaten-path and out there amongst the adventure in the Oita Prefecture of Kyushu Island, Japan.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: MT. TAHARAYAMA HIKE TO KUMANO MAGAIBUTSU (BUDDHA STATUE)

INUKAI FALLS

Inukai Falls was probably my favorite waterfall that I visited while based in Kirishima. It was a booming waterfall but I really loved the gorge that led up to the falls, which was lined by woodland and forest giving it a Pacific Northwest vibe. I actually had to wait a while here for the fog to clear enough to see the falls but when it cleared a little, I was able to record a little video on the drone to show you just how epic this gorge is.

HIKE MOUNT ASO

In the Aso region of the Kumamoto Prefecture in the center of Kyushu Island is the Mount Aso region, which is one of the largest calderas in the entire world. Hiking in Mount Aso Region is one of the most incredible adventures you can have in Japan. Mount Aso is a volcanic depression, which is essentially a huge crater that has a number of peaks within this region that can be trekked. There are numerous craters within the crater such as the very active Nakadake Crater.

The Caldera spans 17 kilometers from east to west and 25 kilometers from south to north with a total area of 350 square kilometers. When we talk about this caldera it is a huge area but at the center of the caldera is where all of the action is when it comes to volcanic activity, hiking, the museums, and tourism. In the middle of the caldera is the central crater group which consists of the five Aso peaks which are Mt. Taka (Takadake), Mt. Naka (Nakadake), Mt. Eboshi (Eboshidake), Mt. Kijima (Kijimadake) and Mt. Neko (Nekodake).

I hiked all of the peaks except for Kijima. The Nakadake and Takadake loop (when open) is my favorite hike in Kyushu… by far. It looks down on the active volcano crater and makes you feel like you are in outer space or trekking through a post-apocalyptic world.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: HIKING MOUNT ASO VOLCANO – A COMPLETE GUIDE

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NABEGETAKI FALLS

Found on the border between Oita and Kumamoto, Nabegataki Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls on the island of Kyushu in Japan. With hundreds of waterfalls on Kyushu, what makes this one so special? You can actually walk behind the wide cascade, underneath the rock face that the waterfalls pour down over. It’s a pretty magical spot.

I did my best to shoot the waterfall without any tourists but it is quite difficult as most people do a little lap underneath the waterfall viewing it from in front, each side and behind. It’s a bit of experience and going behind the waterfall was super cool. The waterfall itself is only 10m high but spans 20m across in width and pours down over the ledge, which is what makes it so unique.

Read the full blog post here: NABEGATAKI FALLS IN KYUSHU

MOUNT EBOSHI HIKE

Mount Eboshi is one of the five peaks of the central cone group of the famous Mount Aso. It’s the easiest peak and probably the safest peak to climb taking just over an hour to get up and down from the summit. The view from the top is quite remarkable as it looks out over the Nakadake Crater, which is where the active volcano of Mount Aso is found.

The Mount Eboshi hike is a great little trail not because of the views or the adventure but because it is usually open! Because Nakadake Crater and the active volcano within it are often spewing ash high into the air, the surrounding trails are often closed. This leaves adventurous hikers feeling a bit stuck. Luckily Eboshi is a bit further away but you still have nice views of the erupting volcano.

At the summit, you have a view out to Nakadake Crater, which is where the eruptions, smoke, and all the action takes place. In the other directions, you can witness the entire caldera and the various rock formations and craters that are scattered throughout the region.  I visited Mount Eboshi as part of the ‘Around Aso Tour‘, which was the perfect way to explore this region on a full-day trip from Fukuoka.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: MOUNT EBOSHI HIKE (EBOSHIDAKE) IN MOUNT ASO

HIGASHI SHIIYA FALLS

Higashi Shiiya Falls is a pretty epic waterfall just out of Beppu Town. When you arrive you will park in the parking lot of the information center and pay your entrance/parking fee and then make the 800m along the river and through the gorge to reach the waterfall. It’s a really pretty walk and I can’t imagine how scenic it would be with the fall colors. At the end of the gorge is a massive waterfall flowing into a giant circular pool.

MOUNT NEKO (NEKODAKE) HIKE

Mount Neko is the second tallest peak in the Mount Aso region at 1,443m high for the Tengu Peak and the opposite Toho Peak is 1,408m high. It’s called Nekodake because from Aso it looks like two cat ears when you see both of the peaks. It was an awesome but steep hike and the jagged peaks were just incredible at the summit during sunset.

As well as the numerous ropes to help you up the summit of Nekodake, you will also encounter several ladders, helping you ascend through the forest. None of the ropes, ladders or bouldering is technical or very difficult but be prepared for a bit of action along the trail.

At the summit, you will look out across to the Tengu Peak, which is the most prominent peak and you really can’t miss it. In the late afternoon, the sun sets behind this peak so it’s a really magical spot to take in the whole ridge.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: MOUNT NEKO HIKE (NEKODAKE) IN KYUSHU

GOROGA TAKI FALLS

The Gorogotaki Waterfall is the largest falls in Yamato, Kumamoto with a 50m drop into the basin below. The beauty of this waterfall on Kyushu Island is that often it is crowned by a rainbow as the water crashed down onto the rocks, spraying up and catching the light perfectly in a stream of color. My favorite part about this waterfall is that you view it from the suspension bridge. There is also a really nice walk around the region through the rice fields and through the gorge to the base of the falls.

Read the full blog post here: GOROGOTAKI WATERFALL NEAR KUMAMOTO

DAIKANBO VIEWPOINT

Daikanbo Viewpoint is probably the most impressive views in the Mount Aso Region with epic views across the valley within the caldera to the active volcano within Nakadake Crater. There are lots of little trails and a number of viewing platforms to explore at the viewpoint. It can be a great spot for sunrise on a day with low-lying fog so if you are good at weather predictions try and make that happen. I visited when the grass was dead in the winter but the colors change all throughout the year.

HIKING IN THE KUJU MOUNTAINS

The stunning Kuju Mount range is part of the Aso-Kuju National Park and while Mount Kuju might be the most famous it is actually the nearby Nakadake Peak that is the highest peak in the park, which makes it the highest point on Kyushu Island. These mountains are connected by a series of hiking trails so you can kind of make it up as you go, pushing on to ‘one more peak’ time and time again or follow a set route. I did a bit of both.

It’s straight up from the get-go so don’t put too many jackets on you will be working that incline straight away. Once you reach the ridge it’s time for the adventure to start. The trail turns into a rocky ridgeline with a number of ladders and some very low-key bouldering required.

The total day of climbing was 1,026m so it’s always an effort when you grab a vertical kilometer. The trail was rocky but quite well defined and we never had too many difficulties finding our way. At the top of Mount Kuju we could watch over the erupting Mount Aso in the distance and admire the valley below.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: HIKING THE KUJU MOUNTAIN RANGE

SHIRAITONO FALLS

Hidden in the foothills on the way to Mount Aso region on the way from Kumamoto is Shiraitono Falls. It isn’t a hike or a big adventure and you can actually just drive and park only fifty meters away from the waterfall. The golden light was hitting the waterfall in the late afternoon, which created an epic little scene where everything was in shade except for the golden stream of water flowing down.

VISIT THE BEPPU HELLS

The ‘Hells’ of Beppu, as they are known, are seven incredible hot springs all in one area. Unlike many of the onsens or hot springs in the area, these specific hot springs are for viewing only as they are far too hot for bathing. They are quite a tourist attraction and it almost looks like zoo enclosures but instead of almost there is a bubbling, steaming pool of volcanically heated water. The reason these ‘Hells’ are so unique is that they each have a different feature such as the orange Hell or the deep blue Hell. I thought the experience of visiting the Hells of Beppu was quite cool but very touristy.

I visited the Beppu Hells as part of this full-day tour from Fukuoka including the Beppu Hells and Yufuin Spa Town.

TAKACHIHO GORGE WATERFALL (Minainotaki Waterfall)

Takachiho Gorge is one of the most incredible natural attractions on Kyushu Island, Japan. In the forest of Miyazaki, the Gokase River runs through a gorge comprised of volcanic basalt columns where the 17-meter high Minainotaki Waterfall pours down on the awe-struck tourists below who are paddling the iconic rowboats through the narrow chasm.

Kyushu Island is beautiful in the summer and the fall, which are the most popular times for tourists. In the fall you get the beautiful tinged orange and different colors on the trees and in the summer you are blessed with the best weather. I visited in the winter, which was not the prettiest time as lots of the leaves were dead so there were plenty of sparse trees. However, Takachiho Gorge was at a lower elevation and in a spot that was still beautiful and green in the winter. The conclusion is pretty much that it is a year-round attraction, which will only differ slightly at various times throughout the year.

TAKACHIHO GORGE DAY TOUR

As I said above, Takachiho Gorge is a bit hard to get to with public transport so unless you have rented a car, the best way to get there is on the Takachiho Gorge Day Tour. The tour includes drop-off and pickup from your hotel, an English-speaking guide for while you are at the gorge. Helen the guide is an absolute legend and we loved this tour and this epic location.

CLICK HERE to check rates and availability for the Takachiho Gorge Day Tour

MOUNT KAIMON (KAIMONDAKE) HIKE

Mount Kaimon (Kaimondak) is an inactive volcano along the coast in the south of Kyushu known for its conical shape. The Mount Kaimon hike leads you through the forest on a steep, rocky trail up ladders and boulders to the summit where you are rewarded with coastal views from the top of the volcano.

The trail begins with an incline from the very first moment as you wind your way through the woodlands at the base of the volcano. It was a very beautiful part of the trail as the sunlight shone through the trees and into the mini canyons created by erosion on the path. At some points, the walls on either side of the trail were above head height, which added a unique atmosphere to the trail.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: MOUNT KAIMON HIKE (KAIMONDAKE) IN KAGOSHIMA

KAMISHIKIMI KUMANOIMASU SHRINE

The Kamoshikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine is hidden in the forests near Takamori, which is a little town in the Aso region of Kumamoto. It’s a very spiritual spot with lots of different spots to make prayers, receive good luck and perform a ritual. For example, you can touch the Hogeto Iwa Stone and you are said to be granted good luck, and the shrines sacred Nagi Tree is said to protect relationships. The Kamoshikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine is the inspiration of the manga ”Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light” which was written by Yuki Midorikawa.

It’s an incredibly beautiful place with a forest stairway leading up to the shrine and then a huge underpass/cave where you can throw a coin onto the ledge for good luck.

YAESONO FALLS

Yaesono Falls is a sweet little roadside waterfall, which you will find on the way to the Mount Karakuni hike in Kirishima. It’s probably not worth an adventure all on its own because you just park next to the road and check it out without needing to hike. However, if you are heading up to the Kirishima mountains for a hike it is only a small detour and is quite a nice waterfall surrounded by trees.

ENJOY AN ONSEN EXPERIENCE

Kyushu is famous for its hot springs and it is one of the most volcanic places in the world. It is Beppu that is at the center of this volcanic activity when it comes to onsens and hot springs with hundreds of different onsens, spa-resorts, and hot springs to test out. It’s definitely an experience you want to try at least once. The general premise of an onsen experience is that you will arrive fully clothed, strip down to naked, and then bathe in the hot spring water with the other locals and visitors. The minerals, temperature, and meditative experience are said to be very beneficial for your health.

I visited Hoyoland Onsen as they allowed people with tattoos to bathe whereas many do not due to traditional laws. There are lots of very scenic onsens to choose from but make sure you try it at least once as this is the most cultural experience you can have and one of the best things to do in Kyushu.

I didn’t take a photo at the onsen as it isn’t allowed and would be very weird as everyone is naked so I’ve added in a stock photo below to show you what it looks like.

KEYA NO OTO HIKE IN ITOSHIMA

Keya no Oto is a beautiful coastal viewpoint of Itoshima, which has incredible views of the beach from the ominous ridgeline and a 64m cave below! You can hike all the way up onto the top of the ridge as there is a bit of a trail, which includes some basic bouldering/rock climbing. It isn’t a trail I would recommend unless you are athletic and adept at bouldering and climbing.

Atop the ridge, it was a very narrow path. A 50m+ drop on either side meant we had to focus on our steps until we reached a safer, wider spot on top of the ridge. We took a moment to relax up here, taking in the view of the beach and down to the volcanic cone at the other end of the coastline.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: KEYA NO OTO HIKE IN ITOSHIMA

SUGARUGA FALLS

This is a bit of a strange one because the access was limited due to construction going on. There is usually a viewing point but I’m not sure if it will still be closed or not. We managed to fly the drone to still check out the waterfall but normally you can view it from the platform. Nevertheless, it was one of the most powerful waterfalls I came across on Kyushu Island.

MOUNT YUFU HIKE

While I was based in Beppu I headed up for sunrise one morning to hike Mount Yufu. It’s known as being quite a tough hike due to the consistent incline and relentless switchbacks that lead you up to the two peaks at the summit. However, on the day I visited, it was covered in the cloud at the top. We saw deer along the way and really enjoyed the hike. I know the view from the summit is pretty epic so I’ve added it onto this list with a photo from a day with better weather. It was a 7km round trip with more than 700m of an incline up the switchbacks. I’ve included a photo below of the view from the top and the view from below on a day in better conditions than when I hiked. Keep in mind, it is known for being a peak that is hard to catch on a clear day so do pick the best day of the week regarding weather.

RYUMON FALLS

If you are staying near Kirishima then Ryumon Falls is definitely a spot I would recommend. It isn’t too far from Kirishima town and is a pretty epic waterfall. There is a small parking lot and then you walk about 500 meters to the viewing platform. You can go down closer to the base of the falls as well but it was a stormy, misty day when I visited and I was the only one there. I decided to just enjoy the view from the platform and snapped a photo from right there.

MOUNT TSURUMI HIKE

When you stay in the town of Beppu, you will always notice the mountains looming at the back of the valley. The highest point is called Mount Tsurumi and it’s actually possible to reach by cable car. However, there is a trail to the top if you are up for the very steep challenge. Of course, if you are just in it for the view, take the cable car but for those who love the adventure and want to spot some deer along the way the trail starts just around the backside of the cable car parking. Drive an extra half mile up the road past the cable car parking and you will find the trail entrance on the right side of the road. It’s on maps.me if you can’t find it.

At the summit, you have a beautiful view down over the town of Beppu and the entire beach. Just like Mount Yufu, on the day I visited, the weather was quite poor visibility with heavy fog so I have included a photo from a clearer day so you can decide if this is a hike you are keen to add to your Kyushu bucket list.

SEKINOO WATERFALL

Sekinoo is a pretty popular waterfall that has a suspension bridge viewing point. I visited it on the same day as Ryumon, Inukai, and the Kinzan Bridge so they are all within reaching distance of each other. This waterfall has a short walk down a forest path, which leads you to the suspension bridge where you can get up close enough to feel a bit of spray on a day with a heavy flow!

KINZAN BRIDGE WATERFALL

While the Kinzan Bridge waterfall is the biggest falls on Kyushu Island, it is a pretty unique little spot. The bridge is actually a serviceable road I used several times while exploring Kirishima and you can get down to river level for photos. I did take this shot from the drone as I floated it under the bridge while a meter or so above the water. There’s a small trail along the side of the river but parking is right next to the bridge so it is a good little pit stop but not the highlight of the day with Ryumon, Sekinoo and Inukai the bigger waterfalls in the area.

LA PUTA ROAD

La Puta Road was a bit of a local secret until a few years ago when the location gained some serious popularity. All around the edge of Mount Aso caldera are some epic viewpoints but the La Puta Road is really a sight to behold. There is a winding road that just needs to be seen to be believed as it snakes its way along the precarious cliff edge. It’s important to note that technically this site is now closed due to a landslide and it is simply not possible for cars to drive this route anymore. You can just walk up the hill for a bit of a look from a safe spot though although there were some temporary blockages to the walkway. Enter at your own risk on this one as it is technically closed although walking to the hill viewpoint is not of high danger compared to going down near the road where the landslides were. I’ve seen some epic, epic photos here when the grass is green and low-lying fog makes it look like the road is simply floating on clouds.

KUMAMOTO CASTLE

Kumamoto Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in all of Japan with it’s large, scenic grounds and a variety of buildings it offers visitors a complete castle experience. It is one of a few structures that have survived the centuries since it’s construction in 1607. There have been a number of maintenance and reconstructions but it is one of the most well-preserved castles in Japan. It’s best to visit the castle from March to April when the 800+ cherry blossoms are in full bloom making the entire area a fairytale location.

SUSUHARA VIEWPOINT

There are lots of great places to view Sakurajima Volcano but I really enjoyed the little Susuhara viewpoint all to myself as I watched the plumes come out of the very active volcano near Kagoshima. I actually stopped off here on the way to the Mount Kaimon hike but there were lots of different viewpoints with great views of Sakurajima Volcano so if not Susuhara, make sure you stop somewhere along the way to observe this epic volcano.

KOKONOE YUME OTSURIHASHI SUSPENSION BRIDGE

The Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi Suspension Bridge is in the west of Oita and is the longest and highest pedestrian bridge in all of Japan! From the bridge, you look down 173-meters below to the Naruko River which sits in the steep gorge. From the bridge, you can see the Kuju Mountains and the Handa highlands as well as several waterfalls nearby.

KUNIMIGAOKA VIEWPOINT OF BEPPU TOWN

Just before you get into Beppu make sure you stop at the Kunimigaoko Viewpoint where you will have the best views over this famous hot spring region. I was there in the middle of the day so the lighting was a bit tough but if you came up here for sunrise or sunset you would be in for an absolute treat as you will see the beautiful colors of the ocean as the light peaks over the mountains.

HOW TO GET AROUND KYUSHU FOR ADVENTURERS

While the train may suit those in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and even in Fukuoka, it won’t cut it out here on Kyushu. The trains will get you from major towns and even into some regional areas with bus connection but almost all of the adventure sports I visited had no bus connection. When I searched on Google Maps and clicked the public transport option it would just say ‘not available’. It was very clear, very quickly that Kyushu island is best to explore by car, especially if you are doing hikes and activities outside of the city (literally everything on this list).

*** It is extremely important to know that you MUST HAVE an international driver’s license to rent a car in Japan. In fact, they won’t even look at your actual driver’s license and only want to see the international driver’s license. Take that seriously as they genuinely will not give you the car and likely no refund if you don’t have that. To get one you need to be in your country of residence and you can get one on the spot or order online and receive it in a week or so. Make sure you organize that in advance as I almost got caught out not knowing that.

BEST TIME TO VISIT KYUSHU

I visited in February, which was winter and freezing. I don’t advise it but it was still epic. The best time to visit Kyushu is most definitely not winter. It’s not really a ski destination so likely you will be freezing and all of the leaves will be dead so the landscapes will not be as beautiful as other times of the year. There are a few drawcards to each season so I will go through them below.

• Fall/Autumn: The temperature is mild and comfortable making it great for hikes and adventuring. If you time things right, you will get the beautiful fall colors out on the trails!
• Spring: This is definitely the most popular season to travel to Kyushu with sunny days and comfortable temperatures. It is very popular at this time due to the cherry blossoms and flowers that are in full swing at this time of year.
• Summer: While not known for its beaches, Kyushu does offer a number of great swimming spots and beaches to explore. For hiking, it may get a little hot but (up to 30 degrees celsius) never reaching temperatures that would limit your adventures.

WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU

• Best Luxury Place to Stay in Fukuoka: Hotel WBF Grande Hakata (Value): This is by far the most popular hotel and one of the most luxurious in Fukuoka.
• Best Value Place to Stay in Kumamoto: Hotel The Gate Kumamoto (Value): Hotel The Gate is a well-situated accommodation in the heart of Kumamoto, just across the train station and within walking distance to shops and restaurants.
• Best Luxury Place to Stay in Kumamoto: Kumamoto Hotel Castle (Luxury): Set near the infamous Kumamoto Castle, this luxury hotel features a wide range of carpeted rooms from standard rooms to suites fitted with plush amenities.

For a full list of the top-rated places to stay in Kyushu, you can check out my comprehensive guide: WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU: BEST REGIONS & HOTELS

ARE YOU FOLLOWING MY KYUSHU BLOG SERIES?

I spent over three weeks exploring Kyushu and visited some incredible waterfalls, hiked some amazing trails, and visited a number of epic volcanoes. I created a number of guides to help travelers find the best spots in Kyushu. You can explore the articles by clicking on the links below.

• The Ultimate Kyushu Bucketlist: 30 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KYUSHU
• The best places to stay in Kyushu in each region: WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU: BEST REGIONS & HOTELS
• How to plan your Kyushu vacation: THE ULTIMATE KYUSHU ITINERARY: 5-DAY, 7-DAY & 10-DAY
• Interested in chasing waterfalls?: 12 AWESOME WATERFALLS IN KYUSHU
• Keen for some epic hiking?: 11 AWESOME HIKES IN KYUSHU
• Everything you need to know about Oita: 11 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN OITA
• Your Ultimate Guide to Kumamoto: 13 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KUMAMOTO
• My favorite waterfall in Kyushu: TAKACHIHO GORGE – MOST BEAUTIFUL WATERFALL IN JAPAN

11 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN OITA, KYUSHU

I’ve written individual guides for many of the specific locations in this article, which means you can click on the link and view the detailed guide for each individual location, which includes how to get there, all the photos, and what to expect. At the bottom of this post, I will add a few sections of things you need to know before exploring the region of Oita in Kyushu such as how to get around, where to stay, and other logistical and travel tips to help you out before your visit.

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ONBARA FALLS (SHORT) HIKE

The journey to Onbara Falls is a very, very short trek but will remove you from the town of Beppu and immerse you in the jungle making you feel lost beneath the falls. Onbara Falls is a bit of a hidden gem just outside the town of Beppu in Oita Prefecture of Kyushu, Japan. Beppu is one of the most famous Onsen towns in Japan and even the world. However, amidst all of the hot springs and Onsens are some truly epic waterfalls and Onbara Falls is up there with the most beautiful and most accessible.

The trail is short and well-defined with a dirt/rock path leading you up to the falls. With the morning sun shining through it was actually a beautiful little walk, which is only about 2km return.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: ONBARA FALLS IN KYUSHU, JAPAN

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN KYUSHU

• Ultimate Luxury: Amane Resort Seikai best location and view
• My Favorite: Sankara Hotel & Spa – Natural Forest, Pool & Beautiful surroundings.
• Budget Hostel in Kyushu: WeBase Hakata Hostel is easily the top hostel in Kyushu

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HIKING IN THE KUJU MOUNTAINS

The stunning Kuju Mount range is part of the Aso-Kuju National Park and while Mount Kuju might be the most famous it is actually the nearby Nakadake Peak which is the highest peak in the park, which makes it the highest point on Kyushu Island. These mountains are connected by a series of hiking trails so you can kind of make it up as you go, pushing on to ‘one more peak’ time and time again or following a set route. I did a bit of both.

It’s straight up from the get-go so don’t put too many jackets on you will be working that incline straight away. Once you reach the ridge it’s time for the adventure to start. The trail turns into a rocky ridgeline with a number of ladders and some very low-key bouldering required.

The total day of climbing was 1,026m so it’s always an effort when you grab a vertical kilometer. The trail was rocky but quite well-defined and we never had too many difficulties finding our way. At the top of Mount Kuju, we could watch over the erupting Mount Aso in the distance and admire the valley below.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: HIKING THE KUJU MOUNTAIN RANGE

 MOUNT TAHARAYAMA

The Mount Taharayama hike leads you on a steep ascent up to an epic, rocky ridgeline before you descend down into the forest to discover a 10th-century stone buddha carved into the cliff wall. It’s an adventure with a tomb-raider vibe and is definitely sure to have you off-the-beaten path and out there amongst the adventure in the Oita Prefecture of Kyushu Island, Japan.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: MT. TAHARAYAMA HIKE TO KUMANO MAGAIBUTSU (BUDDHA STATUE)

HIGASHI SHIIYA FALLS

Higashi Shiiya Falls is a pretty epic waterfall just out of Beppu Town. When you arrive you will park in the parking lot of the information center and pay your entrance/parking fee and then make the 800m along the river and through the gorge to reach the waterfall. It’s a really pretty walk and I can’t imagine how scenic it would be with the fall colors. At the end of the gorge is a massive waterfall flowing into a giant circular pool.

 TAKACHIHO GORGE WATERFALL (Minainotaki Waterfall)

Takachiho Gorge is one of the most incredible natural attractions on Kyushu Island, Japan. In the forest of Miyazaki, the Gokase River runs through a gorge comprised of volcanic basalt columns where the 17-meter high Minainotaki Waterfall pours down on the awe-struck tourists below who are paddling the iconic rowboats through the narrow chasm. 

Kyushu Island is beautiful in the summer and the fall, which are the most popular times for tourists. In the fall you get the beautiful tinged orange and different colors on the trees and in the summer you are blessed with the best weather. I visited in the winter, which was not the prettiest time as lots of the leaves were dead so there were plenty of sparse trees. However, Takachiho Gorge was at a lower elevation and in a spot that was still beautiful and green in the winter. The conclusion is pretty much that it is a year-round attraction, which will only differ slightly at various times throughout the year.

The first way to enjoy Takachio gorge and the Minaionotaki Waterfall is to paddle underneath the stone bridge and then alongside the Minainotaki Waterfall. It sprayed us a little but mostly we just enjoyed the stunning gorge, which is made of volcanic basalt columns. The columns are said to resemble the scales of a dragon where the stones were twisted when the river flowed in the formation of the gorge.

The second way to enjoy the Takachiho Gorge is from one of the many viewing points. My two favorites were the bridge and the lower (most popular) viewpoint. The bridge gives you a very elevated view of the boats and the waterfall below, framed nicely by the overhanging trees and the walls of the gorge.

TAKACHIHO GORGE DAY TOUR

As I said above, Takachiho Gorge is a bit hard to get to with public transport so unless you have rented a car, the best way to get there is on the Takachiho Gorge Day Tour. The tour includes drop-off and pickup from your hotel, an English-speaking guide for while you are at the gorge. Helen the guide is an absolute legend and we loved this tour and this epic location.

CLICK HERE to check rates and availability for the Takachiho Gorge Day Tour

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 MOUNT YUFU HIKE

While I was based in Beppu I headed up for sunrise one morning to hike Mount Yufu. It’s known as being quite a tough hike due to the consistent incline and relentless switchbacks that lead you up to the two peaks at the summit. However, on the day I visited, it was covered in the cloud at the top. We saw deer along the way and really enjoyed the hike. I know the view from the summit is pretty epic so I’ve added it onto this list with a photo from a day with better weather. It was a 7km round trip with more than 700m of an incline up the switchbacks. I’ve included a photo below of the view from the top and the view from below on a day in better conditions than when I hiked. Keep in mind, it is known for being a peak that is hard to catch on a clear day so do pick the best day of the week regarding weather.

MOUNT TSURUMI HIKE

When you stay in the town of Beppu, you will always notice the mountains looming at the back of the valley. The highest point is called Mount Tsurumi and it’s actually possible to reach by cable car. However, there is a trail to the top if you are up for the very steep challenge. Of course, if you are just in it for the view, take the cable car but for those who love the adventure and want to spot some deer along the way the trail starts just around the backside of the cable car parking. Drive an extra half mile up the road past the cable car parking and you will find the trail entrance on the right side of the road. It’s on maps.me if you can’t find it.

At the summit, you have a beautiful view down over the town of Beppu and the entire beach. Just like Mount Yufu, on the day I visited, the weather was quite poor visibility with heavy fog so I have included a photo from a clearer day so you can decide if this is a hike you are keen to add to your Kyushu bucket list.

BEPPU HELLS

The ‘Hells’ of Beppu, as they are known, are seven incredible hot springs all in one area. Unlike many of the onsens or hot springs in the area, these specific hot springs are for viewing only as they are far too hot for bathing. They are quite a tourist attraction and it almost looks like zoo enclosures but instead of almost there is a bubbling, steaming pool of volcanically heated water. The reason these ‘Hells’ are so unique is that they each have a different feature such as the orange Hell or the deep blue Hell. I thought the experience of visiting the Hells of Beppu was quite cool but very touristy.

I visited the Beppu Hells as part of this full-day tour from Fukuoka including the Beppu Hells and Yufuin Spa Town.

 KOKONOE YUME OTSURIHASHI SUSPENSION BRIDGE

The Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi Suspension Bridge is in the west of Oita and is the longest and highest pedestrian bridge in all of Japan! From the bridge, you look down 173-meters below to the Naruko River which sits in the steep gorge. From the bridge, you can see the Kuju Mountains and the Handa highlands as well as several waterfalls nearby.

ENJOY AN ONSEN EXPERIENCE

Kyushu is famous for its hot springs and it is one of the most volcanic places in the world. It is Beppu that is at the center of this volcanic activity when it comes to onsens and hot springs with hundreds of different onsens, spa-resorts and hot springs to test out. It’s definitely an experience you want to try at least once. The general premise of an onsen experience is that you will arrive fully clothed, strip down to naked and then bathe in the hot spring water with the other locals and visitors.

The minerals, temperature and meditative experience is said to be very beneficial for your health. I visited Hoyoland Onsen as they allowed people with tattoos to bathe whereas many do not due to traditional laws. There are lots of very scenic onsens to choose from but make sure you try it at least once as this is the most cultural experience you can have and one of the best things to do in Kyushu.

I didn’t take a photo at the onsen as it isn’t allowed and would be very weird as everyone is naked so I’ve added in a stock photo below to show you what it looks like. 

KUNIMIGAOKA VIEWPOINT OF BEPPU TOWN

Just before you get into Beppu make sure you stop at the Kunimigaoko Viewpoint where you will have the best views over this famous hot spring region. I was there in the middle of the day so the lighting was a bit tough but if you came up here for sunrise or sunset you would be in for an absolute treat as you will see the beautiful colors of the ocean as the light peaks over the mountains.

HOW TO GET AROUND KYUSHU FOR ADVENTURERS

While the train may suit those in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and even in Fukuoka, it won’t cut it out here on Kyushu. The trains will get you from major towns and even into some regional areas with bus connection but almost all of the adventure sports I visited had no bus connection. When I searched on Google Maps and clicked the public transport option it would just say ‘not available’. It was very clear, very quickly that Kyushu island is best to explore by car, especially if you are doing hikes and activities outside of the city (literally everything on this list).

*** It is extremely important to know that you MUST HAVE an international driver’s license to rent a car in Japan. In fact, they won’t even look at your actual driver’s license and only want to see the international driver’s license. Take that seriously as they genuinely will not give you the car and likely no refund if you don’t have that. To get one you need to be in your country of residence and you can get one on the spot or order online and receive in a week or so. Make sure you organize that in advance as I almost got caught out not knowing that. 

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN JAPAN

When you book your Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use Klook for car rentals in Japan. They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!

Book now with Klook

BEST TIME TO VISIT KYUSHU

I visited in February, which was winter and freezing. I don’t advise it but it was still epic. The best time to visit Kyushu is most definitely not winter. It’s not really a ski destination so likely you will be freezing and all of the leaves will be dead so the landscapes will not be as beautiful as other times of the year. There are a few drawcards to each season so I will go through them below.

• Fall/Autumn: The temperature is mild and comfortable making it great for hikes and adventuring. If you time things right, you will get the beautiful fall colors out on the trails!
• Spring: This is definitely the most popular season to travel to Kyushu with sunny days and comfortable temperatures. It is very popular at this time due to the cherry blossoms and flowers that are in full swing at this time of year.
• Summer: While not known for its beaches, Kyushu does offer a number of great swimming spots and beaches to explore. For hiking, it may get a little hot but (up to 30 degrees celsius) never reaching temperatures that would limit your adventures. 

WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU

• Best Luxury Place to Stay in Fukuoka: Hotel WBF Grande Hakata (Value): This is by far the most popular hotel and one of the most luxurious in Fukuoka.
• Best Value Place to Stay in Kumamoto: Hotel The Gate Kumamoto (Value): Hotel The Gate is a well-situated accommodation in the heart of Kumamoto, just across the train station and within walking distance to shops and restaurants.
• Best Luxury Place to Stay in Kumamoto: Kumamoto Hotel Castle (Luxury): Set near the infamous Kumamoto Castle, this luxury hotel features a wide range of carpeted rooms from standard rooms to suites fitted with plush amenities.

For a full list of the top-rated places to stay in Kyushu, you can check out my comprehensive guide: WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU: BEST REGIONS & HOTELS

ARE YOU FOLLOWING MY KYUSHU BLOG SERIES?

I spent over three weeks exploring Kyushu and visited some incredible waterfalls, hiked some amazing trails, and visited a number of epic volcanoes. I created a number of guides to help travelers find the best spots in Kyushu. You can explore the articles by clicking on the links below.

• The Ultimate Kyushu Bucketlist: 30 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KYUSHU
• The best places to stay in Kyushu in each region: WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU: BEST REGIONS & HOTELS
• How to plan your Kyushu vacation: THE ULTIMATE KYUSHU ITINERARY: 5-DAY, 7-DAY & 10-DAY
• Interested in chasing waterfalls?: 12 AWESOME WATERFALLS IN KYUSHU
• Keen for some epic hiking?: 11 AWESOME HIKES IN KYUSHU
• Everything you need to know about Oita: 11 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN OITA
• Your Ultimate Guide to Kumamoto: 13 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KUMAMOTO
• My favorite waterfall in Kyushu: TAKACHIHO GORGE – MOST BEAUTIFUL WATERFALL IN JAPAN

Kumamoto is the region I suggest for anyone visiting Kyushu Island. It’s near Mount Aso region, which has lots of hikes and is a central area on the entire island. If you base in Fukuoka, you will have a long drive every day just to get anywhere. I was based in Kumamoto for 8 days and it was the perfect spot for waterfalls, hikes, volcanoes, and sightseeing. 

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN JAPAN

When you book your Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use Klook for car rentals in Japan. They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!

Book now with Klook

13 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KUMAMOTO

In this blog post, I will share with you all of the activities I did while staying in Kumamoto. Some of them may be a little drive away but that is the nature of Kyushu as there is always some lengthy driving involved. For many of the activities below, you can click on the ‘read more’ links to head to the individual blog post for a specific location to read a more detailed review of that adventure. At the end of the blog post, I will share with you a few other activities that I didn’t personally do but that are highly recommended things to do in Kumamoto.

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN KYUSHU

• Ultimate Luxury: Amane Resort Seikai best location and view
• My Favorite: Sankara Hotel & Spa – Natural Forest, Pool & Beautiful surroundings.
• Budget Hostel in Kyushu: WeBase Hakata Hostel is easily the top hostel in Kyushu

View on Booking.com

I’ve broken this blog post up into sections for hiking, waterfalls, and general sightseeing so it is easier to digest and you can skip to the category of adventures that you are most interested in.

HIKES NEAR KUMAMOTO

HIKE MOUNT ASO 

In the Aso region of the Kumamoto Prefecture in the center of Kyushu Island is the Mount Aso region, which is one of the largest calderas in the entire world. Hiking in Mount Aso Region is one of the most incredible adventures you can have in Japan. Mount Aso is a volcanic depression, which is essentially a huge crater that has a number of peaks within this region that can be trekked. There are numerous craters within the crater such as the very active Nakadake Crater. 

The Caldera spans 17 kilometers from east to west and 25 kilometers from south to north with a total area of 350 square kilometers. When we talk about this caldera it is a huge area but at the center of the caldera is where all of the action is when it comes to volcanic activity, hiking, the museums, and tourism. In the middle of the caldera is the central crater group which consists of the five Aso peaks which are Mt. Taka (Takadake), Mt. Naka (Nakadake), Mt. Eboshi (Eboshidake), Mt. Kijima (Kijimadake) and Mt. Neko (Nekodake).

I hiked all of the peaks except for Kijima. The Nakadake and Takadake loop (when open) is my favorite hike in Kyushu… by far. It looks down on the active volcano crater and makes you feel like you are in outer space or trekking through a post-apocalyptic world. Mount Aso region is a must-visit attraction in the Kumamoto Region.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: HIKING MOUNT ASO VOLCANO – A COMPLETE GUIDE

MOUNT EBOSHI HIKE

Mount Eboshi is one of the five peaks of the central cone group of the famous Mount Aso. It’s the easiest peak and probably the safest peak to climb taking just over an hour to get up and down from the summit. The view from the top is quite remarkable as it looks out over the Nakadake Crater, which is where the active volcano of Mount Aso is found. It is one of the most popular things to do in Kumamoto and takes about 1-1.5 hours to reach by car from Kumamoto town.

The Mount Eboshi hike is a great little trail not because of the views or the adventure but because it is usually open! Because Nakadake Crater and the active volcano within it are often spewing ash high into the air, the surrounding trails are often closed. This leaves adventurous hikers feeling a bit stuck. Luckily Eboshi is a bit further away but you still have nice views of the erupting volcano. 

At the summit, you have a view out to Nakadake Crater, which is where the eruptions, smoke, and all the action takes place. In the other directions, you can witness the entire caldera and the various rock formations and craters that are scattered throughout the region. I visited Mount Eboshi as part of the ‘Around Aso Tour‘, which was the perfect way to explore this region on a full-day trip from Fukuoka.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: MOUNT EBOSHI HIKE (EBOSHIDAKE) IN MOUNT ASO

MOUNT NEKO (NEKODAKE) HIKE

Mount Neko is the second tallest peak in the Mount Aso region at 1,443m high for the Tengu Peak and the opposite Toho Peak is 1,408m high. It’s called Nekodake because from Aso it looks like two cat ears when you see both of the peaks. It was an awesome but steep hike and the jagged peaks were just incredible at the summit during sunset.

As well as the numerous ropes to help you up the summit of Nekodake, you will also encounter several ladders, helping you ascend through the forest. None of the ropes, ladders or bouldering is technical or very difficult but be prepared for a bit of action along the trail.

At the summit, you will look out across to the Tengu Peak, which is the most prominent peak and you really can’t miss it. In the late afternoon, the sun sets behind this peak so it’s a really magical spot to take in the whole ridge.

Mount Neko is one of the lesser-known things to do in Kumamoto but it’s good to get off-the-beaten-path and visit a quieter attraction in Kumamoto rather than the busy Mount Aso.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: MOUNT NEKO HIKE (NEKODAKE) IN KYUSHU

HIKING IN THE KUJU MOUNTAINS

The stunning Kuju Mount range is part of the Aso-Kuju National Park and while Mount Kuju might be the most famous it is actually the nearby Nakadake Peak that is the highest peak in the park, which makes it the highest point on Kyushu Island. These mountains are connected by a series of hiking trails so you can kind of make it up as you go, pushing on to ‘one more peak’ time and time again or follow a set route. I did a bit of both.

It’s straight up from the get-go so don’t put too many jackets on you will be working that incline straight away. Once you reach the ridge it’s time for the adventure to start. The trail turns into a rocky ridgeline with a number of ladders and some very low-key bouldering required.

The total day of climbing was 1,026m so it’s always an effort when you grab a vertical kilometer. The trail was rocky but quite well defined and we never had too many difficulties finding our way. At the top of Mount Kuju, we could watch over the erupting Mount Aso in the distance and admire the valley below.

Mount Kuju is a bit of a drive from Kumamoto but it is awkwardly situated between Kumamoto and Oita. I actually visited this mountain range while transitting from Kumamoto to Oita so you can visit it from either side.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: HIKING THE KUJU MOUNTAIN RANGE

KOMEZUKA VOLCANIC HILL

Komezuka is a volcanic cone in the Aso region of Kyushu Island in Japan. It’s only 50-meters tall and because of its small height and grass coverage, it is often referred to as the cutest volcano in Japan. 

In the summer and warmer periods of the year, the volcanic cone is covered in a blanket of green grass. On mornings with some low-level fog and golden lighting, it can be a truly spectacular landscape. I visited in the winter and it was still pretty epic, although it was a golden coverage of the entire caldera.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: KOMEZUKA VOLCANIC HILL ‘CUTEST VOLCANO IN JAPAN’

 WATERFALLS NEAR KUMAMOTO

GOROGA TAKI FALLS

The Gorogotaki Waterfall is the largest falls in Yamato, Kumamoto with a 50m drop into the basin below. The beauty of this waterfall on Kyushu Island is that often it is crowned by a rainbow as the water crashed down onto the rocks, spraying up and catching the light perfectly in a stream of color. My favorite part about this waterfall is that you view it from the suspension bridge. There is also a really nice walk around the region through the rice fields and through the gorge to the base of the falls.

I’d highly recommend this waterfall if you are looking for things to do in Kumamoto that aren’t too strenuous of a hike but you still want to get out for a walk or trail adventure near Kumamoto.

Read the full blog post here: GOROGOTAKI WATERFALL NEAR KUMAMOTO

NABEGETAKI FALLS

Found on the border between Oita and Kumamoto, Nabegataki Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls on the island of Kyushu in Japan. With hundreds of waterfalls on Kyushu, what makes this one so special? You can actually walk behind the wide cascade, underneath the rock face that the waterfalls pour down over. It’s a pretty magical spot.

I did my best to shoot the waterfall without any tourists but it is quite difficult as most people do a little lap underneath the waterfall viewing it from in front, each side and behind. It’s a bit of experience and going behind the waterfall was super cool. The waterfall itself is only 10m high but spans 20m across in width and pours down over the ledge, which is what makes it so unique.

Read the full blog post here: NABEGATAKI FALLS IN KYUSHU

SHIRAITONO FALLS

Hidden in the foothills on the way to Mount Aso region on the way from Kumamoto is Shiraitono Falls. It isn’t a hike or a big adventure and you can actually just drive and park only fifty meters away from the waterfall. The golden light was hitting the waterfall in the late afternoon, which created an epic little scene where everything was in shade except for the golden stream of water flowing down.

This is another one of the lesser-known things to do in Kumamoto but it’s a great little spot to seek out on a sunny afternoon.

SUGARUGA FALLS 

This is a bit of a strange one because the access was limited due to construction going on. There is usually a viewing point but I’m not sure if it will still be closed or not. We managed to fly the drone to still check out the waterfall but normally you can view it from the platform. Nevertheless, it was one of the most powerful waterfalls I came across on Kyushu Island.

SIGHTSEEING IN KUMAMOTO

DAIKANBO VIEWPOINT

Daikanbo Viewpoint is probably the most impressive viewpoints in the Mount Aso Region with epic views across the valley within the caldera to the active volcano within Nakadake Crater. There are lots of little trails and a number of viewing platforms to explore at the viewpoint. It can be a great spot for sunrise on a day with low-lying fog so if you are good at weather predictions to try and make that happen. I visited when the grass was dead in the winter but the colors change all throughout the year.

 LA PUTA ROAD

La Puta Road was a bit of a local secret until a few years ago when the location gained some serious popularity. All around the edge of the Mount Aso caldera are some epic viewpoints but the La Puta Road is really a sight to behold. There is a winding road that just needs to be seen to be believed as it snakes its way along the precarious cliff-edge. It’s important to note that technically this site is now closed due to a landslide and it is simply not possible for cars to drive this route anymore.

You can just walk up the hill for a bit of a look from a safe spot though although there were some temporary blockages to the walkway. Enter at your own risk on this one as it is technically closed although walking to the hill viewpoint is not of high danger compared to going down near the road where the landslides where. I’ve seen some epic, epic photos here when the grass is green and low-lying fog makes it look like the road is simply floating on clouds.

KAMISHIKIMI KUMANOIMASU SHRINE

The Kamoshikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine is hidden in the forests near Takamori, which is a little town in the Aso region of Kumamoto. It’s a very spiritual spot with lots of different spots to make prayers, receive good luck and perform a ritual. For example, you can touch the Hogeto Iwa Stone and you are said to be granted good luck, and the shrines sacred Nagi Tree is said to protect relationships. The Kamoshikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine is the inspiration of the manga ”Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light” which was written by Yuki Midorikawa.

It’s an incredibly beautiful place with a forest stairway leading up to the shrine and then a huge underpass/cave where you can throw a coin onto the ledge for good luck.

KUMAMOTO CASTLE

Kumamoto Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in all of Japan with its large, scenic grounds and a variety of buildings it offers visitors a complete castle experience. It is one of a few structures that have survived the centuries since its construction in 1607. There have been a number of maintenance and reconstructions but it is one of the most well-preserved castles in Japan. It’s best to visit the castle from March to April when the 800+ cherry blossoms are in full bloom making the entire area a fairytale location.

WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU

• Best Luxury Place to Stay in Fukuoka: Hotel WBF Grande Hakata (Value): This is by far the most popular hotel and one of the most luxurious in Fukuoka.
• Best Value Place to Stay in Kumamoto: Hotel The Gate Kumamoto (Value): Hotel The Gate is a well-situated accommodation in the heart of Kumamoto, just across the train station and within walking distance to shops and restaurants.
• Best Luxury Place to Stay in Kumamoto: Kumamoto Hotel Castle (Luxury): Set near the infamous Kumamoto Castle, this luxury hotel features a wide range of carpeted rooms from standard rooms to suites fitted with plush amenities.

For a full list of the top-rated places to stay in Kyushu, you can check out my comprehensive guide: WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU: BEST REGIONS & HOTELS

ARE YOU FOLLOWING MY KYUSHU BLOG SERIES?

I spent over three weeks exploring Kyushu and visited some incredible waterfalls, hiked some amazing trails, and visited a number of epic volcanoes. I created a number of guides to help travelers find the best spots in Kyushu. You can explore the articles by clicking on the links below.

• The Ultimate Kyushu Bucketlist: 30 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KYUSHU
• The best places to stay in Kyushu in each region: WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU: BEST REGIONS & HOTELS
• How to plan your Kyushu vacation: THE ULTIMATE KYUSHU ITINERARY: 5-DAY, 7-DAY & 10-DAY
• Interested in chasing waterfalls?: 12 AWESOME WATERFALLS IN KYUSHU
• Keen for some epic hiking?: 11 AWESOME HIKES IN KYUSHU
• Everything you need to know about Oita: 11 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN OITA
• Your Ultimate Guide to Kumamoto: 13 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KUMAMOTO
• My favorite waterfall in Kyushu: TAKACHIHO GORGE – MOST BEAUTIFUL WATERFALL IN JAPAN

I’ve listed all twelve of the Kyushu waterfalls below and split them up into the region I was staying in when I visited them so you can plan which waterfall to visit depending on where you are staying. There are, of course, lots more waterfalls on Kyushu Island to explore and these twelve are just scraping the surface.

12 AWESOME WATERFALLS ON KYUSHU ISLAND

A few of the waterfalls detailed below will have a link to a more comprehensive guide I’ve written about that waterfall. You can click on that link for more photos, directions, and details about what to expect at that specific location.

KUMAMOTO REGION

GOROGA TAKI FALLS

The Gorogotaki Waterfall is the largest falls in Yamato, Kumamoto with a 50m drop into the basin below. The beauty of this waterfall on Kyushu Island is that often it is crowned by a rainbow as the water crashed down onto the rocks, spraying up and catching the light perfectly in a stream of color. My favorite part about this waterfall is that you view it from the suspension bridge. There is also a really nice walk around the region through the rice fields and through the gorge to the base of the falls.

Read the full blog post here: GOROGOTAKI WATERFALL NEAR KUMAMOTO

NABEGETAKI FALLS

Found on the border between Oita and Kumamoto, Nabegataki Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls on the island of Kyushu in Japan. With hundreds of waterfalls on Kyushu, what makes this one so special? You can actually walk behind the wide cascade, underneath the rock face that the waterfalls pour down over. It’s a pretty magical spot.

I did my best to shoot the waterfall without any tourists but it is quite difficult as most people do a little lap underneath the waterfall viewing it from in front, each side, and behind. It’s a bit of experience and going behind the waterfall was super cool. The waterfall itself is only 10m high but spans 20m across in width and pours down over the ledge, which is what makes it so unique.

Read the full blog post here: NABEGATAKI FALLS IN KYUSHU

SHIRAITONO FALLS

Hidden in the foothills on the way to Mount Aso region on the way from Kumamoto is Shiraitono Falls. It isn’t a hike or a big adventure and you can actually just drive and park only fifty meters away from the waterfall. The golden light was hitting the waterfall in the late afternoon, which created an epic little scene where everything was in shade except for the golden stream of water flowing down.

SUGARUGA FALLS 

This is a bit of a strange one because the access was limited due to construction going on. There is usually a viewing point but I’m not sure if it will still be closed or not. We managed to fly the drone to still check out the waterfall but normally you can view it from the platform. Nevertheless, it was one of the most powerful waterfalls I came across on Kyushu Island.

OITA

ONBARA FALLS

The journey to Onbara Falls is a very, very short trek but will remove you from the town of Beppu and immerse you in the jungle making you feel lost beneath the falls. Onbara Falls is a bit of a hidden gem just outside the town of Beppu in Oita Prefecture of Kyushu, Japan. Beppu is one of the most famous Onsen towns in Japan and even the world. However, amidst all of the hot springs and Onsens are some truly epic waterfalls and Onbara Falls is up there with the most beautiful and most accessible.

The trail is short and well-defined with a dirt/rock path leading you up to the falls. With the morning sun shining through it was actually a beautiful little walk, which is only about 2km return.

Read the full blog post for details: ONBARA FALLS IN KYUSHU, JAPAN

HIGASHI SHIIYA FALLS

Higashi Shiiya Falls is a pretty epic waterfall just out of Beppu Town. When you arrive you will park in the parking lot of the information center and pay your entrance/parking fee and then make the 800m along the river and through the gorge to reach the waterfall. It’s a really pretty walk and I can’t imagine how scenic it would be with the fall colors. At the end of the gorge is a massive waterfall flowing into a giant circular pool.

TAKACHIHO GORGE WATERFALL (Minainotaki Waterfall)

Takachiho Gorge is one of the most incredible natural attractions on Kyushu Island, Japan. In the forest of Miyazaki, the Gokase River runs through a gorge comprised of volcanic basalt columns where the 17-meter high Minainotaki Waterfall pours down on the awe-struck tourists below who are paddling the iconic rowboats through the narrow chasm. 

Kyushu Island is beautiful in the summer and the fall, which are the most popular times for tourists. In the fall you get the beautiful tinged orange and different colors on the trees and in the summer you are blessed with the best weather. I visited in the winter, which was not the prettiest time as lots of the leaves were dead so there were plenty of sparse trees. However, Takachiho Gorge was at a lower elevation and in a spot that was still beautiful and green in the winter. The conclusion is pretty much that it is a year-round attraction, which will only differ slightly at various times throughout the year.

TAKACHIHO GORGE DAY TOUR

As I said above, Takachiho Gorge is a bit hard to get to with public transport so unless you have rented a car, the best way to get there is on the Takachiho Gorge Day Tour. The tour includes drop-off and pickup from your hotel, an English-speaking guide for while you are at the gorge. Helen the guide is an absolute legend and we loved this tour and this epic location.

CLICK HERE to check rates and availability for the Takachiho Gorge Day Tour

KAGOSHIMA

YAESONO FALLS 

Yaesono Falls is a sweet little roadside waterfall, which you will find on the way to the Mount Karakuni hike in Kirishima. It’s probably not worth an adventure all on its own because you just park next to the road and check it out without needing to hike. However, if you are heading up to the Kirishima mountains for a hike it is only a small detour and is quite a nice waterfall surrounded by trees.

RYUMON FALLS

If you are staying near Kirishima then Ryumon Falls is definitely a spot I would recommend. It isn’t too far from Kirishima town and is a pretty epic waterfall. There is a small parking lot and then you walk about 500 meters to the viewing platform. You can go down closer to the base of the falls as well but it was a stormy, misty day when I visited and I was the only one there. I decided to just enjoy the view from the platform and snapped a photo from right there.

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INUKAI FALLS

Inukai Falls was probably my favorite waterfall that I visited while based in Kirishima. It was a booming waterfall but I really loved the gorge that led up to the falls, which was lined by woodland and forest giving it a Pacific Northwest vibe. I actually had to wait a while here for the fog to clear enough to see the falls but when it cleared a little, I was able to record a little video on the drone to show you just how epic this gorge is.

I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best waterfalls in Kysuhu and have some great adventures of your own.

KINZAN BRIDGE WATERFALL

While the Kinzan Bridge waterfall is the biggest falls on Kyushu Island, it is a pretty unique little spot. The bridge is actually a serviceable road I used several times while exploring Kirishima and you can get down to river level for photos. I did take this shot from the drone as I floated it under the bridge while a meter or so above the water. There’s a small trail along the side of the river but parking is right next to the bridge so it is a good little pit stop but not the highlight of the day with Ryumon, Sekinoo and Inukai the bigger waterfalls in the area.

SEKINOO WATERFALL 

Sekinoo is a pretty popular waterfall that has a suspension bridge viewing point. I visited it on the same day as Ryumon, Inukai, and the Kinzan Bridge so they are all within reaching distance of each other. This waterfall has a short walk down a forest path, which leads you to the suspension bridge where you can get up close enough to feel a bit of spray on a day with a heavy flow!

WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU

• Best Luxury Place to Stay in Fukuoka: Hotel WBF Grande Hakata (Value): This is by far the most popular hotel and one of the most luxurious in Fukuoka.
• Best Value Place to Stay in Kumamoto: Hotel The Gate Kumamoto (Value): Hotel The Gate is a well-situated accommodation in the heart of Kumamoto, just across the train station and within walking distance to shops and restaurants.
• Best Luxury Place to Stay in Kumamoto: Kumamoto Hotel Castle (Luxury): Set near the infamous Kumamoto Castle, this luxury hotel features a wide range of carpeted rooms from standard rooms to suites fitted with plush amenities.

For a full list of the top-rated places to stay in Kyushu, you can check out my comprehensive guide: WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU: BEST REGIONS & HOTELS

ARE YOU FOLLOWING MY KYUSHU BLOG SERIES?

I spent over three weeks exploring Kyushu and visited some incredible waterfalls, hiked some amazing trails, and visited a number of epic volcanoes. I created a number of guides to help travelers find the best spots in Kyushu. You can explore the articles by clicking on the links below.

• The Ultimate Kyushu Bucketlist: 30 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KYUSHU
• The best places to stay in Kyushu in each region: WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU: BEST REGIONS & HOTELS
• How to plan your Kyushu vacation: THE ULTIMATE KYUSHU ITINERARY: 5-DAY, 7-DAY & 10-DAY
• Interested in chasing waterfalls?: 12 AWESOME WATERFALLS IN KYUSHU
• Keen for some epic hiking?: 11 AWESOME HIKES IN KYUSHU
• Everything you need to know about Oita: 11 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN OITA
• Your Ultimate Guide to Kumamoto: 13 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KUMAMOTO
• My favorite waterfall in Kyushu: TAKACHIHO GORGE – MOST BEAUTIFUL WATERFALL IN JAPAN

I’ve written individual hiking guides for each of the specific hikes below except a couple so you can click on the link to head to the detailed guide for each hike, which includes how to get there, all the photos, and what to expect. At the bottom of this post, I will add a few sections of things you need to know before hiking in Kyushu. These sections will be:

• How to get around Kyushu
• Where to stay in Kyushu for hiking
• Best time to visit Kyushu
• What hiking gear do you need for the trails in Kyushu

So, let’s get into the list of 11 awesome hikes on the volcanic island of Kyushu in southern Japan. 

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN JAPAN

When you book your Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use Klook for car rentals in Japan. They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!

Book now with Klook

11 AWESOME HIKES IN KYUSHU, JAPAN

HIKE MOUNT ASO 

In the Aso region of the Kumamoto Prefecture in the center of Kyushu Island is the Mount Aso region, which is one of the largest calderas in the entire world. Hiking in Mount Aso Region is one of the most incredible adventures you can have in Japan. Mount Aso is a volcanic depression, which is essentially a huge crater that has a number of peaks within this region that can be trekked. There are numerous craters within the crater such as the very active Nakadake Crater. 

The Caldera spans 17 kilometers from east to west and 25 kilometers from south to north with a total area of 350 square kilometers. When we talk about this caldera it is a huge area but at the center of the caldera is where all of the action is when it comes to volcanic activity, hiking, museums, and tourism. In the middle of the caldera is the central crater group which consists of the five Aso peaks which are Mt. Taka (Takadake), Mt. Naka (Nakadake), Mt. Eboshi (Eboshidake), Mt. Kijima (Kijimadake) and Mt. Neko (Nekodake).

I hiked all of the peaks except for Kijima. The Nakadake and Takadake loop (when open) is my favorite hike in Kyushu… by far. It looks down on the active volcano crater and makes you feel like you are in outer space or trekking through a post-apocalyptic world.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: HIKING MOUNT ASO VOLCANO – A COMPLETE GUIDE

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN KYUSHU

• Ultimate Luxury: Amane Resort Seikai best location and view
• My Favorite: Sankara Hotel & Spa – Natural Forest, Pool & Beautiful surroundings.
• Budget Hostel in Kyushu: WeBase Hakata Hostel is easily the top hostel in Kyushu

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MOUNT EBOSHI HIKE

Mount Eboshi is one of the five peaks of the central cone group of the famous Mount Aso. It’s the easiest peak and probably the safest peak to climb taking just over an hour to get up and down from the summit. The view from the top is quite remarkable as it looks out over the Nakadake Crater, which is where the active volcano of Mount Aso is found.

The Mount Eboshi hike is a great little trail not because of the views or the adventure but because it is usually open! Because Nakadake Crater and the active volcano within it are often spewing ash high into the air, the surrounding trails are often closed. This leaves adventurous hikers feeling a bit stuck. Luckily Eboshi is a bit further away but you still have nice views of the erupting volcano. 

At the summit, you have a view out to Nakadake Crater, which is where the eruptions, smoke, and all the action takes place. In the other directions, you can witness the entire caldera and the various rock formations and craters that are scattered throughout the region. I visited Mount Eboshi as part of the ‘Around Aso Tour‘, which was the perfect way to explore this region on a full-day trip from Fukuoka.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: MOUNT EBOSHI HIKE (EBOSHIDAKE) IN MOUNT ASO

MOUNT NEKO (NEKODAKE) HIKE

Mount Neko is the second tallest peak in the Mount Aso region at 1,443m high for the Tengu Peak and the opposite Toho Peak is 1,408m high. It’s called Nekodake because from Aso it looks like two cat ears when you see both of the peaks. It was an awesome but steep hike and the jagged peaks were just incredible at the summit during sunset.

As well as the numerous ropes to help you up the summit of Nekodake, you will also encounter several ladders, helping you ascend through the forest. None of the ropes, ladders or bouldering is technical or very difficult but be prepared for a bit of action along the trail.

At the summit, you will look out across to the Tengu Peak, which is the most prominent peak and you really can’t miss it. In the late afternoon, the sun sets behind this peak so it’s a really magical spot to take in the whole ridge.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: MOUNT NEKO HIKE (NEKODAKE) IN KYUSHU

ONBARA FALLS (SHORT) HIKE

The journey to Onbara Falls is a very, very short trek but will remove you from the town of Beppu and immerse you in the jungle making you feel lost beneath the falls. Onbara Falls is a bit of a hidden gem just outside the town of Beppu in Oita Prefecture of Kyushu, Japan. Beppu is one of the most famous Onsen towns in Japan and even the world. However, amidst all of the hot springs and Onsens are some truly epic waterfalls and Onbara Falls is up there with the most beautiful and most accessible.

The trail is short and well-defined with a dirt/rock path leading you up to the falls. With the morning sun shining through it was actually a beautiful little walk, which is only about 2km return.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: ONBARA FALLS IN KYUSHU, JAPAN

HIKING IN THE KUJU MOUNTAINS

The stunning Kuju Mount range is part of the Aso-Kuju National Park and while Mount Kuju might be the most famous it is actually the nearby Nakadake Peak that is the highest peak in the park, which makes it the highest point on Kyushu Island. These mountains are connected by a series of hiking trails so you can kind of make it up as you go, pushing on to ‘one more peak’ time and time again or follow a set route. I did a bit of both.

It’s straight up from the get-go so don’t put too many jackets on you will be working that incline straight away. Once you reach the ridge it’s time for the adventure to start. The trail turns into a rocky ridgeline with a number of ladders and some very low-key bouldering required.

The total day of climbing was 1,026m so it’s always an effort when you grab a vertical kilometer. The trail was rocky but quite well defined and we never had too many difficulties finding our way. At the top of Mount Kuju we could watch over the erupting Mount Aso in the distance and admire the valley below.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: HIKING THE KUJU MOUNTAIN RANGE

MOUNT TAHARAYAMA

The Mount Taharayama hike leads you on a steep ascent up to an epic, rocky ridgeline before you descend down into the forest to discover a 10th century stone buddha carving into the cliff wall. It’s an adventure with a tomb-raider vibe and is definitely sure to have you off-the-beaten-path and out there amongst the adventure in the Oita Prefecture of Kyushu Island, Japan.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: MT. TAHARAYAMA HIKE TO KUMANO MAGAIBUTSU (BUDDHA STATUE)

HIKING TO MOUNT KARAKUNI IN KIRISHIMA

Mount Karakuni is the highest peak in the Kirishima Mountain Range of Kyushu Island in Japan with a height of 1,700 meters. Mount Karakuni has a volcanic crater, which is 900 meters and 300 meters deep. The hike up from the visitor center is relatively short with just a few kilometers in distance but quite steep. From the summit, you can look over to the ‘Ring of Fire’, which is the off-limits. This is just one of the many hikes in Kyushu that needs to be added to your Japan bucket list.

The total hike distance for me was 9.6km for my entire lap of the Kirishima area but there are many ways to make it shorter. If you just go up and down Mount Karakuni from the visitor center it will be about 5-6km in total. I added on the lap of Lake Rokkannonmiike and Lake Byakashiike.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: MOUNT KARAKUNI HIKE (KARAKUNIDAKE) IN KIRISHIMA

MOUNT KAIMON (KAIMONDAKE) HIKE

Mount Kaimon (Kaimondak) is an inactive volcano along the coast in the south of Kyushu known for its conical shape. The Mount Kaimon hike leads you through the forest on a steep, rocky trail up ladders and boulders to the summit where you are rewarded with coastal views from the top of the volcano.

The trail begins with incline from the very first moment as you wind your way through the woodlands at the base of the volcano. It was a very beautiful part of the trail as the sunlight shone through the trees and into the mini canyons created by erosion on the path. At some points, the walls on either side of the trail were above head height, which added a unique atmosphere to the trail.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: MOUNT KAIMON HIKE (KAIMONDAKE) IN KAGOSHIMA

KEYA NO OTO HIKE IN ITOSHIMA

Keya no Oto is a beautiful coastal viewpoint of Itoshima, which has incredible views of the beach from the ominous ridgeline and a 64m cave below! You can hike all the way up onto the top of the ridge as there is a bit of a trail, which includes some basic bouldering/rock climbing. It isn’t a trail I would recommend unless you are athletic and adept at bouldering and climbing. 

Atop the ridge, it was a very narrow path. A 50m+ drop on either side meant we had to focus on our steps until we reached a safer, wider spot on top of the ridge. We took a moment to relax up here, taking in the view of the beach and down to the volcanic cone at the other end of the coastline.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: KEYA NO OTO HIKE IN ITOSHIMA

 MOUNT YUFU HIKE

While I was based in Beppu I headed up for sunrise one morning to hike Mount Yufu. It’s known as being quite a tough hike due to the consistent incline and relentless switchbacks that lead you up to the two peaks at the summit. However, on the day I visited, it was covered in the cloud at the top. We saw deer along the way and really enjoyed the hike. I know the view from the summit is pretty epic so I’ve added it onto this list with a photo from a day with better weather. It was a 7km round trip with more than 700m of an incline up the switchbacks. I’ve included a photo below of the view from the top and the view from below on a day in better conditions than when I hiked. Keep in mind, it is known for being a peak that is hard to catch on a clear day so do pick the best day of the week regarding weather.

MOUNT TSURUMI HIKE

When you stay in the town of Beppu, you will always notice the mountains looming at the back of the valley. The highest point is called Mount Tsurumi and it’s actually possible to reach by cable car. However, there is a trail to the top if you are up for the very steep challenge. Of course, if you are just in it for the view, take the cable car but for those who love the adventure and want to spot some deer along the way the trail starts just around the backside of the cable car parking. Drive an extra half mile up the road past the cable car parking and you will find the trail entrance on the right side of the road. It’s on maps.me if you can’t find it.

At the summit, you have a beautiful view down over the town of Beppu and the entire beach. Just like Mount Yufu, on the day I visited, the weather was quite poor visibility with heavy fog so I have included a photo from a clearer day so you can decide if this is a hike you are keen to add to your Kyushu bucket list.

Okay, so those are my top ten recommendations for hikes on Kyushu Island. Now let’s talk about a few of the logistical factors to consider if you are planning your trip to Kyushu with hiking and adventure in mind.

HOW TO GET AROUND KYUSHU FOR ADVENTURERS

While the train may suit those in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and even in Fukuoka, it won’t cut it out here on Kyushu. The trains will get you from major towns and even into some regional areas with bus connections but almost all of the adventure sports I visited had no bus connection. When I searched on Google Maps and clicked the public transport option it would just say ‘not available’. It was very clear, very quickly that Kyushu island is best to explore by car, especially if you are doing hikes and activities outside of the city (literally everything on this list).

*** It is extremely important to know that you MUST HAVE an international driver’s license to rent a car in Japan. In fact, they won’t even look at your actual driver’s license and only want to see the international driver’s license. Take that seriously as they genuinely will not give you the car and likely no refund if you don’t have that. To get one you need to be in your country of residence and you can get one on the spot or order online and receive in a week or so. Make sure you organize that in advance as I almost got caught out not knowing that. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT KYUSHU

I visited in February, which was winter and freezing. I don’t advise it but it was still epic. The best time to visit Kyushu is most definitely not winter. It’s not really a ski destination so likely you will be freezing and all of the leaves will be dead so the landscapes will not be as beautiful as other times of the year. There are a few drawcards to each season so I will go through them below.

• Fall/Autumn: The temperature is mild and comfortable making it great for hikes and adventuring. If you time things right, you will get the beautiful fall colors out on the trails!
• Spring: This is definitely the most popular season to travel to Kyushu with sunny days and comfortable temperatures. It is very popular at this time due to the cherry blossoms and flowers that are in full swing at this time of year.
• Summer: While not known for its beaches, Kyushu does offer a number of great swimming spots and beaches to explore. For hiking, it may get a little hot but (up to 30 degrees celsius) never reaching temperatures that would limit your adventures. 

WHICH REGION IS BEST FOR YOU?

Here’s a checklist for you to start:

• Fukuoka: If you want to be in a vibrant city scene and a central base, you may want to stay in Fukuoka.
• Kumamoto (my pick): If you’re looking to get away from the bustling city life and be centrally positioned for all hotspot tourist locations then visit and stay in Kumamoto.
• Beppu: If you want to check out a lot of hot springs, mud baths, and sand baths, Beppu in Oita prefecture is the best place for you.
• Kagoshima: If you are eager to go hiking in Kirishima and see Mt. Sakurajima, head to Kagoshima prefecture.
• Yakushima (Separate Island): If you want to hike through the stunning Shiratani Unsuikyo Valley, see ancient cedar trees, and waterfalls, Yakushima is the best place for you.

For a full article about how to split up your time between the popular regions in Kyushu, check out my guide about how to plan your Kyushu Itinerary: THE ULTIMATE KYUSHU ITINERARY: 5-DAY, 7-DAY & 10-DAY

WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU

• Best Luxury Place to Stay in Fukuoka: Hotel WBF Grande Hakata (Value): This is by far the most popular hotel and one of the most luxurious in Fukuoka.
• Best Value Place to Stay in Kumamoto: Hotel The Gate Kumamoto (Value): Hotel The Gate is a well-situated accommodation in the heart of Kumamoto, just across the train station and within walking distance to shops and restaurants.
• Best Luxury Place to Stay in Kumamoto: Kumamoto Hotel Castle (Luxury): Set near the infamous Kumamoto Castle, this luxury hotel features a wide range of carpeted rooms from standard rooms to suites fitted with plush amenities.

For a full list of the top-rated places to stay in Kyushu, you can check out my comprehensive guide: WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU: BEST REGIONS & HOTELS

ARE YOU FOLLOWING MY KYUSHU BLOG SERIES?

I spent over three weeks exploring Kyushu and visited some incredible waterfalls, hiked some amazing trails, and visited a number of epic volcanoes. I created a number of guides to help travelers find the best spots in Kyushu. You can explore the articles by clicking on the links below.

• The Ultimate Kyushu Bucketlist: 30 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KYUSHU
• The best places to stay in Kyushu in each region: WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU: BEST REGIONS & HOTELS
• How to plan your Kyushu vacation: THE ULTIMATE KYUSHU ITINERARY: 5-DAY, 7-DAY & 10-DAY
• Interested in chasing waterfalls?: 12 AWESOME WATERFALLS IN KYUSHU
• Keen for some epic hiking?: 11 AWESOME HIKES IN KYUSHU
• Everything you need to know about Oita: 11 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN OITA
• Your Ultimate Guide to Kumamoto: 13 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KUMAMOTO
• My favorite waterfall in Kyushu: TAKACHIHO GORGE – MOST BEAUTIFUL WATERFALL IN JAPAN

MOUNT KARAKUNI AND KIRISHIMA HIKE DETAILS

• Hike Distance: The total hike distance for me was 9.6km for my entire lap of the Kirishima area but there are many ways to make it shorter. If you just go up and down Mount Karakuni from the visitor center it will be about 5-6km in total. I added on the lap of Lake Rokkannonmiike and Lake Byakashiike.
• Hike Duration: The total moving time for me was 2 hours and 20 minutes but I really tried to hit this one pretty fast. I also chilled at the top for an additional 45-minutes. I’d imagine it would take most people 3 hours minimum of moving time and 1.5 hours of time at the viewpoints so bargain for 5 hours for your adventure.
• Hike Difficulty: This hike is not difficult nor dangerous in my opinion but there are some rocky sections navigate so it isn’t necessarily a well-defined path. There were no real dangerous drop-offs if you stay on the path but expect to do some strenuous uphill sections on the way up Mount Karakuni.
• Hike Incline: The total hike incline was 764m for me including the lap of the aforementioned lakes.

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN JAPAN

When you book your Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use Klook for car rentals in Japan. They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!

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HOW TO GET TO KIRISHIMA AND MOUNT KARAKUNI

Mount Karakuni is one of the many peaks in the Kirishima region. There’s a huge visitor center and complex at the base of the routes in the region so you can park yourself up and check out the maps to figure out what spots you want to check out, which is exactly what I did.

The visitor center is located at Ebino Plateau and there were actually quite a few buildings in the area with restaurants, souvenir shops, and galleries surrounding a large parking lot. I didn’t explore inside but it was definitely more built-up than I thought and similar in size to the Mount Aso Visitor Center.

The road up to the visitor center is incredibly winding and often quite narrow but paved all the way and quite a beautiful drive. I’ll add the Google Map pin location for the parking lot. The parking fee was 500 Yen but the parking lot stayed open all night so you don’t have to worry about getting locked in.

MY MOUNT KARAKUNI HIKING MAP

Below is the route I hiked including up and down Mount Karakuni where you get a view of the ‘Ring of Fire’. The route also includes the lap of Lake Rokkannonmiike and Lake Byakashiike, which was super pretty. If you want to download this map as a GPX file for your smartwatch or Garmin by clicking here.

Below is a screenshot of the map route but if you want to view the interactive version of the map below you can click here.

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN KYUSHU

• Ultimate Luxury: Amane Resort Seikai best location and view
• My Favorite: Sankara Hotel & Spa – Natural Forest, Pool & Beautiful surroundings.
• Budget Hostel in Kyushu: WeBase Hakata Hostel is easily the top hostel in Kyushu

View on Booking.com

MY EXPERIENCE HIKING UP MOUNT KARAKUNI IN THE KIRISHIMA MOUNTAINS

The drive up to Kirishima is a winding route through the forest. Along the way, you will pass a number of hot springs and Onsen complexes. However, I wasn’t here for a bath, I was on the mission to explore some volcanoes and do some hiking in the Kirishima Mountains.

I arrived at the Ebino-Eco Museu Parking Lot, which cost 500 Yen and studied the map. It was a little confusing as to what was where and which peaks were off-limits due to eruptions so I decided to head up Mount Karakuni and get my bearings once I was up the top. It was less than 3km to the summit of Mount Karakuni and from there I would have a view of the. ‘Ring of Fire’, which is more formally known as Shinemoedake.

I set off up the trail, which was largely roped off from the normal route as it diverted hikers a safe distance from the erupting volcanoes. The trail started off with a constant incline and would remain the same the entire way to Mount Karakuni. It was a consistent ascent along the rocky path.

After about 15 minutes, you get a nice view of one of the lower volcanoes on the way. Because it was spurting sulfur gas non-stop, it is roped off from quite a distance away.

After about 45-minutes, I made it up to the summit of Mount Karakuni. The final few hundred meters are along the rim of the huge crater. It was actually quite popular among tourists because it provides great panoramic views of many different spots in the region and also because it is a relatively short and achievable hike for most tourists.

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The great part about reaching the top of Mount Karakuni is that you have an epic view of the ‘Ring of Fire’ (Shinmoedake). This volcano is still smoking today and has had some insane eruptions over the year with full lava flow, lightning, and a massive outburst making for a spectacular show. Because of this, there is a 2km no-go zone from the center of the volcano so you are advised to go no closer than Mount Karakuni. I flew the drone over Shinmoedake to see what the region looked like and also took a shot of the nearby Ohnami Lake. This is a lake a lot of people also hike to but I thought it was okay to just see it from a distance as it didn’t look too exciting compared to the other options in the region.

While sitting atop Mount Karakuni, I took half an hour to just enjoy the unobstructed views and even had a while where I was the only person up there. Crows came and went hoping I was their next snack or at least leaving them such. It was a truly phenomenal spot to have all to myself to take in the epic landscapes.

Now that I could see the entire region, I decided to head all the way back to the parking lot and then continue directly to the other side of the parking lot (refer to my hiking map above) to visit several volcanic lakes. Lake Rokkannonmiike and Lake Byakashiike have great viewpoints and look back towards Mount Karakuni from the other direction so it would be a completely new perspective. With the sun dropping, I rushed down Mount Karakuni and powered up the short walk to the lake viewpoints.

It’s only a 1.5km trek up to the viewpoint from the parking lot so it is another popular viewpoint in peak season. From the top, you can see the lakes, surrounding volcanoes and all the way out to Mount Karakuni. It was a perfect spot for sunset and, once again,  I had the entire spot all to myself. These shots below are all taken on my drone from the viewpoint.

As the sun faded, I scurried back down to the parking lot. Mine was the last car there and I now had a long, dark, winding drive home out of the Kirishima Mountains. I really recommend my route or you could combine Mount Karakuni with Lake Ohnami instead. Either way, the Kirishima Mountains are an epic region to explore.

WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU

• Best Luxury Place to Stay in Fukuoka: Hotel WBF Grande Hakata (Value): This is by far the most popular hotel and one of the most luxurious in Fukuoka.
• Best Value Place to Stay in Kumamoto: Hotel The Gate Kumamoto (Value): Hotel The Gate is a well-situated accommodation in the heart of Kumamoto, just across the train station and within walking distance to shops and restaurants.
• Best Luxury Place to Stay in Kumamoto: Kumamoto Hotel Castle (Luxury): Set near the infamous Kumamoto Castle, this luxury hotel features a wide range of carpeted rooms from standard rooms to suites fitted with plush amenities.

For a full list of the top-rated places to stay in Kyushu, you can check out my comprehensive guide: WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU: BEST REGIONS & HOTELS

ARE YOU FOLLOWING MY KYUSHU BLOG SERIES?

I spent over three weeks exploring Kyushu and visited some incredible waterfalls, hiked some amazing trails, and visited a number of epic volcanoes. I created a number of guides to help travelers find the best spots in Kyushu. You can explore the articles by clicking on the links below.

• The Ultimate Kyushu Bucketlist: 30 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KYUSHU
• The best places to stay in Kyushu in each region: WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU: BEST REGIONS & HOTELS
• How to plan your Kyushu vacation: THE ULTIMATE KYUSHU ITINERARY: 5-DAY, 7-DAY & 10-DAY
• Interested in chasing waterfalls?: 12 AWESOME WATERFALLS IN KYUSHU
• Keen for some epic hiking?: 11 AWESOME HIKES IN KYUSHU
• Everything you need to know about Oita: 11 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN OITA
• Your Ultimate Guide to Kumamoto: 13 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KUMAMOTO
• My favorite waterfall in Kyushu: TAKACHIHO GORGE – MOST BEAUTIFUL WATERFALL IN JAPAN

The team was Matt the campaign manager from Klook and my old mate Jorden Tually and another Aussie creator, Jake Rich. It was a pretty lowkey campaign were we based in Fukuoka at a nice hotel and did an activity offered on the Klook app each day. After two crazy weeks and a lot of driving, I was stoked to be based in one hotel for six days with a slower-paced schedule. It was also refreshing to have someone else in charge of the schedule and logistics. It’s nice to be in control and do things on your own terms but can be pretty draining to figure it all out in a new country for every single move, meal and moment of the day.

It turned out to be quite a strange week because the Corona Virus had now spread globally and the chatter and media surrounding the pandemic were starting to infiltrate every conversation and even began to influence a number of key decisions. Japan had quite a few cases already so we were a bit on edge knowing it’s proximity to China.

Klook actually asked us not to post on social media as it didn’t seem appropriate to promote traveling to Japan during this period. It made sense so we created the content but will release it at a time more sensitive to the situation and when travel is considered safe and acceptable once again. That gave the week a bit of a strange vibe as normally we are adventuring hard and then working hard to get that content out each day. Instead, we were just filing it away ready for a few month’s time. This made the week even more cruisy and I was able to get in a few runs, gym sessions and catch up on some other work as well as just hanging out and taking in my last week in Japan.

The highlights of the week were the Mount Aso tour, where we hiked up Mount Eboshi. You can check that blog post out here. My other favorite adventure while based in Fukuoka was our visit to the epic Takachiho Gorge, which is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Japan. I’ve got that blog post up also, which can be viewed by clicking here. Finally, we headed out one day to explore the coastline of Japan and ended up on a short hike to Keya No Oto, which you can check out here.

That wrapped up my three weeks of winter in Japan. It proved to be an epic adventure with lots of hikes, volcanoes, waterfalls and some naked Onsen action. These are my favorite photos from my final week in Japan with the boys based out of Fukuoka.

HOW TO GET TO TAKACHIHO GORGE

Takachiho Gorge is in the Miyazaki Prefecture on Kyushu Island, Japan. While you can base yourself in Miyazaki, it’s much more common to be based in Fukuoka (the biggest city of Kyushu) or Kumamoto. If you are based in either of those two cities it is best to rent a car for the day or as I did, rent a car for your entire trip throughout Kyushu Island.

Having the car made it super easy to visit all of the epic natural attractions and there just wasn’t too much in the way of public transport aside from the lines to and from the major cities. Getting to remote waterfalls or volcanoes is either done on a tour or in a car for the most part.

Takachiho Gorge from Fukuoka: From Fukuoka City, to Takachiho Gorge it is a 178km journey taking 2 hours and 40 minutes. There are a few stops you could make along the way to break the journey up but it is inevitably a long journey. An alternative to driving all that way is to take the train to Kumamoto but then you will need to join a tour from there. 

Takachiho Gorge from Kumamoto: Kumamoto is the best spot to base for your visit to Takachiho Gorge. It’s a 77km journey that will take you 1 hour and 40 minutes from Kumamoto by car.

TAKACHIHO GORGE MAP LOCATION

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN JAPAN

When you book your Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use Klook for car rentals in Japan. They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!

Book now with Klook

TAKACHIHO GORGE DAY TOUR

As I said above, Takachiho Gorge is a bit hard to get to with public transport so unless you have rented a car, the best way to get there is on the Takachiho Gorge Day Tour. The tour includes drop-off and pickup from your hotel, an English-speaking guide for while you are at the gorge. Helen the guide is an absolute legend and we loved this tour and this epic location.

CLICK HERE to check rates and availability for the Takachiho Gorge Day Tour

BEST TIME TO VISIT TAKACHIHO GORGE

Kyushu Island is beautiful in the summer and the fall, which are the most popular times for tourists. In the fall you get the beautiful tinged orange and different colors on the trees and in the summer you are blessed with the best weather. I visited in the winter, which was not the prettiest time as lots of the leaves were dead so there were plenty of sparse trees. However, Takachiho Gorge was at a lower elevation and in a spot that was still beautiful and green in the winter. The conclusion is pretty much that it is a year-round attraction, which will only differ slightly at various times throughout the year.

The time of day that you visit is actually the most important factor rather than the time of year which you visit. This is because the light flows down onto the waterfall creating a golden flow for a brief hour-spell. I arrived at 10 am and then around 11 am the waterfall began to glow as the sun was in the right spot.

This was the best time for photographs and just to enjoy the gorge in the best lighting whether you have a camera or not. Try and get there mid-morning and hang out for a while giving you time to set up and get your rowboat or find a nice spot to take in the gorge.

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN KYUSHU

• Ultimate Luxury: Amane Resort Seikai best location and view
• My Favorite: Sankara Hotel & Spa – Natural Forest, Pool & Beautiful surroundings.
• Budget Hostel in Kyushu: WeBase Hakata Hostel is easily the top hostel in Kyushu

View on Booking.com

ENTRY FEES AND BOAT FEES AT TAKACHIHO GORGE

• There is a 1000 Yen entry fee and the area is open from 8 am to 9 pm every day other than special occasions where the opening times may differ. 
• The fee to rent a boat has risen dramatically recently and as of February 2020, the price to have a 30-minute paddle in a rowboat is 3000 Yen.

MY EXPERIENCE AT TAKACHIHO GORGE

When I visited Takachiho Gorge I was based in Fukuoka but I highly advise visiting while based in Miyazaki, Beppu, or Kumamoto to make the journey much shorter. I caught the train to Kumamoto and then met my tour guide from the Klook Tour I had booked. Helen our driver met us at the train station and off we went in her tour van to Takachiho Gorge. We made some other stops throughout the day but the main focus of the day was to visit Takachiho, which is the most popular attraction on Kyushu.

You don’t necessarily need a guide but it was handy as guides always are. Helen was super chill and helped us get there at the right time for the best lighting and told us how to rent the boats, where to go at specific times for the golden light on the waterfall, and provided some background info on the waterfall and the gorge. The transit to and from Kumamoto station was also super handy. So, getting a guide isn’t necessary but definitely handy and if you have a big group it could make things easier.

We arrived at Takachiho Gorge at around 10 am, which proved to be perfect timing. The golden lighting hit the waterfall about 45 minutes later so we were in prime time for photos once we were in the boats and on the viewing platform.  We straight away headed down to the dock area where all the rental boats are. On the way down you will pass a magnificent waterfall, which is overshadowed by the famous Minainotaki Waterfall, which is the star of the show in the gorge.

I was a little bit shocked to find out the price of renting a boat for 3000 Yen, which at the time I visited equated to about $30 USD or $50 AUD. It seemed a bit steep for a 30-minute wooden rowboat paddle but it’s always booked out and very popular so the demand is there. If you are on a budget, you can just see it all from the platforms and still have a great experience without coughing up $50 Aussie dollars for the boat rental, which isn’t included in the Klook Tour.

We began the very short paddle into the gorge to visit the waterfall. I’ve heard on bus days it is hectic with boats left, right, and center but when we went it was just before the Corona Virus outbreak, and during winter so crowds were very low and only a few boats were on the water. 

The paddle is quite easy and takes just a few minutes to get right up close and personal with the waterfall. In total, you will only have to paddle about 200m one-way and then back to see the entire gorge. It’s a very relaxing and great family activity. First, you will paddle underneath the stone bridge and then alongside the Minainotaki Waterfall. It sprayed us a little but mostly we just enjoyed the stunning gorge, which is made of volcanic basalt columns. The columns are said to resemble the scales of a dragon where the stones were twisted when the river flowed in the formation of the gorge.

The second way to enjoy the Takachiho Gorge is from one of the many viewing points. My two favorites were the bridge and the lower (most popular) viewpoint. The bridge gives you a very elevated view of the boats and the waterfall below, framed nicely by the overhanging trees and the walls of the gorge.

The lower viewpoint is said to be incredibly crowded during popular times of the year but we had it mostly to ourselves. This was when the light really hit the waterfall making it seem like a golden flow down into the river of the gorge. This was my favorite moment out of our entire visit to Takachiho Gorge and I was stoked on the photos I captured as well.

The final little spot we visited was taking a walk further down the gorge where you can get a close-up look of the basalt columns and even cross a few more bridges that look directly down into the chasm below. This entire region is amazing with a surprise around every corner. 

Make sure you try the noodle shops beside the river that deliver your noodles in quite a unique way. They use tubes of bamboo to float your noodles down the table along to you and you need to scoop them up with chopsticks. The stores use naturally cooled water from the waterfall to keep the noodles at the right temperature (yes… cold noodles). It’s a great experience and capped off a beautiful little adventure day for us.

WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU

• Best Luxury Place to Stay in Fukuoka: Hotel WBF Grande Hakata (Value): This is by far the most popular hotel and one of the most luxurious in Fukuoka.
• Best Value Place to Stay in Kumamoto: Hotel The Gate Kumamoto (Value): Hotel The Gate is a well-situated accommodation in the heart of Kumamoto, just across the train station and within walking distance to shops and restaurants.
• Best Luxury Place to Stay in Kumamoto: Kumamoto Hotel Castle (Luxury): Set near the infamous Kumamoto Castle, this luxury hotel features a wide range of carpeted rooms from standard rooms to suites fitted with plush amenities.

For a full list of the top-rated places to stay in Kyushu, you can check out my comprehensive guide: WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU: BEST REGIONS & HOTELS

ARE YOU FOLLOWING MY KYUSHU BLOG SERIES?

I spent over three weeks exploring Kyushu and visited some incredible waterfalls, hiked some amazing trails, and visited a number of epic volcanoes. I created a number of guides to help travelers find the best spots in Kyushu. You can explore the articles by clicking on the links below.

• The Ultimate Kyushu Bucketlist: 30 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KYUSHU
• The best places to stay in Kyushu in each region: WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU: BEST REGIONS & HOTELS
• How to plan your Kyushu vacation: THE ULTIMATE KYUSHU ITINERARY: 5-DAY, 7-DAY & 10-DAY
• Interested in chasing waterfalls?: 12 AWESOME WATERFALLS IN KYUSHU
• Keen for some epic hiking?: 11 AWESOME HIKES IN KYUSHU
• Everything you need to know about Oita: 11 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN OITA
• Your Ultimate Guide to Kumamoto: 13 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KUMAMOTO
• My favorite waterfall in Kyushu: TAKACHIHO GORGE – MOST BEAUTIFUL WATERFALL IN JAPAN

MOUNT KAIMON HIKE DETAILS

• Hike Distance: The total hike distance for me was a 6.5km return trip.
• Hike Duration: The total moving time was 1 hour and 51 minutes but I really tried to hit this one pretty fast. I also chilled at the top for an additional 45 minutes. I’d imagine it would take most people 3 hours up and down and then 30 minutes at the top. 
• Hike Difficulty: This hike is not difficult nor dangerous but there are some ladders and boulders to navigate so it isn’t necessarily a flat path. There were no real dangerous drop-offs.
• Hike Incline: The total hike incline was 730m.

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN KYUSHU

• Ultimate Luxury: Amane Resort Seikai best location and view
• My Favorite: Sankara Hotel & Spa – Natural Forest, Pool & Beautiful surroundings.
• Budget Hostel in Kyushu: WeBase Hakata Hostel is easily the top hostel in Kyushu

View on Booking.com

HOW TO GET TO THE MOUNT KAIMON TRAILHEAD

Getting to the trailhead for the Mount Kaimon (Kaimondake) hike it’s not too difficult. There is a clear trail entrance and public parking. However, public parking is about 400m before the trailhead. Lots of people park in the trees right near the trailhead so I copied them. I’ve attached the pin below so you can see exactly where to head for the trailhead. The pin is to a soba noodle shop but by that stage, you will have seen the signs so you are on track and just keep following the signs. I’ve also attached photos below of where I parked my car and the trail entrance so you should be set. It took me about 80 minutes to drive to the trail entrance while I was staying in Kirishima so it’s a bit of a long haul but worth it. 

I’ve also attached my hiking map at the bottom of this blog post, which I recorded on my Garmin during the hike. If you want to download that map as a GPX file you can download it by clicking here.

A scenic drive of almost 1.5 hours brought me right down to the southern coastline in Kyushu. In the last 15 minutes of driving you get a good view of Mount Kaimon so that was a fun way to head towards my challenge as it loomed ever larger.

I found the parking lot on the pin recommended but decided to drive all the way to the trail and park beside it in the trees as others had done. It was a very picturesque parking space with Mount Kaimon as a backdrop so I had to take a step back to admire it and take a snap.

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I walked down to the trailhead, which is signed with quite a bit of fanfare. It’s hard to miss this one for sure.

The trail begins with an incline from the very first moment as you wind your way through the woodlands at the base of the volcano. It was a very beautiful part of the trail as the sunlight shone through the trees and into the mini canyons created by erosion on the path. At some points, the walls on either side of the trail were above head height, which added a unique atmosphere to the trail.

The trail quickly intensifies as the dirt paths transition into a boulder-laden trail, which requires agility and concentration. Lots of old hikers were on the trail so it’s by no means too challenging but it will certainly slow you down somewhat. I was trying to power through so I did my best to keep upright as I passed through the ladders and rocky terrain in the latter part of the journey to the summit.

With about one kilometer left before reaching the summit, you will get your first taste of the view that awaits you when you reach the final destination on top of this inactive volcano. The coastline is quite beautiful as it curves around the bay of vibrant blue water.

I was trying to make it up in an hour and missed my goal by just a couple of minutes. It wasn’t to matter I made it up on the way down to go under two hours in total. The end of the trail is marked by a Tori Gate and a shrine. Once you reach the gate you can breathe a sigh of relief as you have all but made it to the summit after 730m of incline on tough terrain.

The viewpoint at the top extends from coast to coast as you have a view of more than 180 degrees to really take in this southern region of Kyushu. One downside to this summit is that the viewpoint isn’t too elevated compared to the thick coverage of trees so you can’t see in every direction and some of the views is covered. On the other hand, it is nice that it isn’t overdeveloped and it’s been left pretty natural apart from a summit marker and a couple of signs.

It was super windy up at the summit so I ate a few bananas, had a very limited conversation with some old Japanese retirees (our mutual word beyond hello was kangaroo), and had a quick little fly of the drone to check out the area. The old Japanese man insisted on taking my photo. I’ve said it before but Japanese hikers are the most polite in the world … by far.

The trek back down was a quick one for me taking just 45 minutes or so before I was back to the car. This is a great little hike in the southern region of Kyushu and I suggest giving it a crack if you are based in Kagoshima or even Kirishima like me.

Happy hiking!

WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU

• Best Luxury Place to Stay in Fukuoka: Hotel WBF Grande Hakata (Value): This is by far the most popular hotel and one of the most luxurious in Fukuoka.
• Best Value Place to Stay in Kumamoto: Hotel The Gate Kumamoto (Value): Hotel The Gate is a well-situated accommodation in the heart of Kumamoto, just across the train station and within walking distance to shops and restaurants.
• Best Luxury Place to Stay in Kumamoto: Kumamoto Hotel Castle (Luxury): Set near the infamous Kumamoto Castle, this luxury hotel features a wide range of carpeted rooms from standard rooms to suites fitted with plush amenities.

For a full list of the top-rated places to stay in Kyushu, you can check out my comprehensive guide: WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU: BEST REGIONS & HOTELS

ARE YOU FOLLOWING MY KYUSHU BLOG SERIES?

I spent over three weeks exploring Kyushu and visited some incredible waterfalls, hiked some amazing trails, and visited a number of epic volcanoes. I created a number of guides to help travelers find the best spots in Kyushu. You can explore the articles by clicking on the links below.

• The Ultimate Kyushu Bucketlist: 30 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KYUSHU
• The best places to stay in Kyushu in each region: WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU: BEST REGIONS & HOTELS
• How to plan your Kyushu vacation: THE ULTIMATE KYUSHU ITINERARY: 5-DAY, 7-DAY & 10-DAY
• Interested in chasing waterfalls?: 12 AWESOME WATERFALLS IN KYUSHU
• Keen for some epic hiking?: 11 AWESOME HIKES IN KYUSHU
• Everything you need to know about Oita: 11 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN OITA
• Your Ultimate Guide to Kumamoto: 13 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KUMAMOTO
• My favorite waterfall in Kyushu: TAKACHIHO GORGE – MOST BEAUTIFUL WATERFALL IN JAPAN