{"id":15686,"date":"2021-08-20T09:29:34","date_gmt":"2021-08-20T07:29:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?page_id=15686"},"modified":"2021-09-10T08:34:50","modified_gmt":"2021-09-10T06:34:50","slug":"kyushu","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kyushu","title":{"rendered":"Kyushu region: Japan travel guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Kyushu region of Japan largely covers <strong>the third-largest of the country\u2019s main islands<\/strong>. The southernmost region of Japan, Kyushu is a historically significant area that long served as a gateway between Asia and the rest of the world.<\/p>\n<p>Separated from the island of Honshu by the Kanmon Straits, Kyushu is <strong>defined by vast areas of mountainous terrain and varied natural landscapes<\/strong>. It also experiences significant tectonic activity and is home to Japan\u2019s most active volcano, Mount Aso.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>The eastern part of the island around the city of Beppu is also <strong>renowned for its natural hot springs<\/strong> and wealth of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-onsen-in-japan\">onsen resort towns<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_white no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Kyushu_prefectures\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">1<\/span> Kyushu prefectures<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Top_destinations_in_Kyushu\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">2<\/span> Top destinations in Kyushu<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Best_things_to_do_in_Kyushu\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">3<\/span> Best things to do in Kyushu<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Main_train_lines_and_transportation_in_Kyushu\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">4<\/span> Main train lines and transportation in Kyushu<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Other_regions_of_Japan\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">5<\/span> Other regions of Japan<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"Kyushu_prefectures\">Kyushu prefectures<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Historically, the region of Kyushu was known as Saikaid\u014d<\/strong>, which was made up of 9 ancient provinces. The meaning of Kyushu is literally &#8220;Nine Provinces&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Today, the Kyushu region is <strong>made up of 8 prefectures, 7 of which are located on the main island.<\/strong> It also includes the Okinawa prefecture, located on the Ryukyu islands to the south.<\/p>\n<p>Kyushu is <strong>home to roughly 10% of the total population of Japan<\/strong>, although most of this is concentrated in the northwestern prefecture of Fukuoka. Nevertheless, the southernmost prefectures are a popular tourist destination due to their subtropical climate.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>8 prefectures of the Kyushu region<\/strong> are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><strong>Fukuoka<\/strong><\/strong> &#8211; Located on the northern tip of Kyushu island, this prefecture is home to the major cities of Fukuoka and Kitakyushu, and is famous across Japan for its wealth of delicious seafood.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Kumamoto<\/strong> &#8211; A mountainous prefecture shaped by volcanic activity, Kumamoto offers some of Kyushu\u2019s best natural hot springs as well as a range of historically significant sites.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nagasaki<\/strong> &#8211; Comprises the important port city of the same name as well as a number of forested offshore islands surrounded by crystal-clear waters.<\/li>\n<li><strong>\u014cita<\/strong> &#8211; Known for the abundance of mud hot springs around the city of Beppu and the mountainous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan.travel\/destinations\/kyushu\/oita\/kunisaki-hanto-peninsula-and-around\">Kunisaki Peninsula<\/a>, home to numerous important spiritual sites.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Saga<\/strong> &#8211; A historic coastal prefecture, Saga is defined by its feudal past, numerous castles, and reputation as the birthplace of ceramics in Japan.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Kagoshima<\/strong> &#8211; The southernmost prefecture on the main island, Kagoshima boasts a varied landscape that includes large swathes of ancient forests, the active volcano of Sakurajima, and the tropical islands of Amamai Oshima.<\/li>\n<li><strong><strong>Miyazaki <\/strong><\/strong>&#8211; Offers some of the best beaches in Kyushu, ample surfing opportunities, and one of Japan\u2019s most beautiful waterfalls.<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\"><\/li>\n<li><strong>Okinawa<\/strong> &#8211; A subtropical chain of islands that boasts coral-rich coastlines, white-sand beaches, and a rich cultural heritage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Top_destinations_in_Kyushu\">Top destinations in Kyushu<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Kyushu region is <strong>home to several major Japanese cities<\/strong> that each offer a range of enticing attractions for visitors to explore.<\/p>\n<p>The modern city of <strong>Fukuoka<\/strong><strong> is a major draw due to its famous seafood delicacies <\/strong>and the colorful annual Gion Yamagata festival, while Nagasaki offers visitors the chance to explore the Peace Park commemorating the infamous atomic blast.<\/p>\n<p>Some of the <strong>best destinations in Kyushu <\/strong>include:<\/p>\n<div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio--wrap\">\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-1516\"\n            class=\"post-1516 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/fukuoka-travel-guide\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Fukuoka                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/fukuoka-travel-guide\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/fukuoka-tower-e1498210630484.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Fukuoka Tower\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/fukuoka-tower-e1498210630484.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/fukuoka-tower-e1498210630484-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>The <strong>city of Fukuoka<\/strong> is one of the main tourist destinations in southern Japan. It's the largest city on the island of Kyushu, and is a must-see for travelers visiting the region.<\/p>\n<p>Fukuoka is known for its <strong>cultural landmarks and events<\/strong>, including Japan\u2019s largest wooden Great Buddha statue, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO-listed<\/a> Hakata Gion Yamakasa float festival, which takes place every July.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/fukuoka-travel-guide\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-3607\"\n            class=\"post-3607 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nagasaki-travel-guide\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Nagasaki                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nagasaki-travel-guide\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/nagasaki-e1526629688897.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Nagasaki city\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/nagasaki-e1526629688897.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/nagasaki-e1526629688897-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Nagasaki, capital of the prefecture of the same name, is a port city on the <strong>island of Kyushu<\/strong>. It has been a prominent Japanese city for centuries due to its proximity to mainland Asia. <strong>Nagasaki also holds an unenviable role in world history<\/strong>, that of being the second city to endure an atomic weapon.<\/p>\n<p>In the years since that tragic event, Nagasaki has recovered and flourished. Today, tourists flock to Nagasaki to see breathtaking scenery, historic reminders, and religious relics. Start planning your next trip to Nagasaki with the help of this handy travel guide.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nagasaki-travel-guide\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-13891\"\n            class=\"post-13891 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kagoshima-travel-guide\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Kagoshima                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kagoshima-travel-guide\">\n                        <img width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/kagoshima-city.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Kagoshima city\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/kagoshima-city.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/kagoshima-city-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/kagoshima-city-800x400.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/kagoshima-city-768x384.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Located in Kagoshima prefecture at the southwestern tip of the island of Kyushu, <strong>Kagoshima is the largest southernmost city on the main islands<\/strong> of Japan and is often considered the friendliest Japanese city for visitors.<\/p>\n<p>Kagoshima <strong>has a long history as an important commercial port<\/strong>, especially during the medieval period and the Edo period from 1603\u20131868, is widely regarded as the birthplace of the industrial revolution in Japan. It was officially inaugurated as a city in 1889.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kagoshima-travel-guide\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-7653\"\n            class=\"post-7653 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/okinawa-travel-guide\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Okinawa                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/okinawa-travel-guide\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/okinawa-island.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Okinawa Island\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/okinawa-island.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/okinawa-island-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/okinawa-island-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Okinawa Prefecture consists of more than 150 distinct islands, all of which lie <strong>400 miles from mainland Japan<\/strong>. This sets Okinawa apart as a world unto itself.<\/p>\n<p>In Okinawa, you can explore deserted <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-japanese-beaches\">beaches<\/a>, swim with sea turtles, or snorkel in crystal clear waters. <strong>One hundred and eleven of Okinawa\u2019s islands are uninhabited, pristine and untouched<\/strong>, making them prime real estate for adventure. Okinawa is home to rare creatures, such as the Iriomote wild cat, and cuisine unique and <strong>different from the rest of Japan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/okinawa-travel-guide\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n    <\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"Best_things_to_do_in_Kyushu\">Best things to do in Kyushu<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>From the healing waters of Beppu Onsen, to the slopes of the smoking Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima, to the vibrant coral reefs of Okinawa, there are plenty of unique <strong>natural attractions to explore in Kyushu. <\/strong>The region is also home to several significant historic sites.<\/p>\n<p>Some <strong>top attractions in Kyushu <\/strong>include:<\/p>\n<div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio--wrap\">\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-14311\"\n            class=\"post-14311 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kumamoto-castle\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Kumamoto Castle                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kumamoto-castle\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/kumamoto-castle-e1611305430336.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"kumamoto castle\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/kumamoto-castle-e1611305430336.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/kumamoto-castle-e1611305430336-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/travel-guides\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Travel Guides                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Located in Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Kumamoto Castle (\u718a\u672c\u57ce, Kumamoto-j\u014d) is <strong>one of the largest and most impressive <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-castles-in-japan\">castles in Japan<\/a><\/strong>. During its heyday, it was considered one of the most impenetrable fortresses in the country.<\/p>\n<p>Designed with strategic defense firmly in mind, the castle originally boasted over 49 turrets, 29 gates, and a <strong>number of unique defensive measures<\/strong> including holes in the walls for dropping boiling water, rocks, or excrement onto attackers.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kumamoto-castle\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n    <\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"Main_train_lines_and_transportation_in_Kyushu\">Main train lines and transportation in Kyushu<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The island of Kyushu is<strong> linked to Honshu by a variety of train lines<\/strong>, including the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sanyo-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Sanyo Shinkansen<\/a> and a number of other non-bullet train services which operate via the Kanmon Tunnels.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>services that operate within the region<\/strong> itself include the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyushu-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Kyushu Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/seven-stars-kyushu-luxury-train\">Seven Stars Kyushu<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Ibusuki-makurazaki line<\/li>\n<li>Hisatsu line<\/li>\n<li>Kitto line (Ebino Kogen Line)<\/li>\n<li>Hisatsu line (Ebino Kogen line)<\/li>\n<li>Nichinan line<\/li>\n<li>Nippo line<\/li>\n<li>Mitsumi line (Amakusa Misumi line)<\/li>\n<li>Hohi line<\/li>\n<li>Kyudai line<\/li>\n<li>Nagasaki line<\/li>\n<li>Sasebo line<\/li>\n<li>Karatsu line<\/li>\n<li>Gotoji line<\/li>\n<li>Chikuho line<\/li>\n<li>Sasaguri line<\/li>\n<li>Karatsu line<\/li>\n<li>Chikihi line<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Other_regions_of_Japan\">Other regions of Japan<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Japan is typically divided into 8<\/strong> <strong>areas<\/strong>, although Okinawa is sometimes classified as a 9th region. Nevertheless, it is traditionally considered to be a part of the Kyushu region.<\/p>\n<p>If we include Okinawa within Kyushu, <strong>the other 7 regions of Japan <\/strong>are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/tohoku\">Tohoku<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/chubu\">Chubu<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Shikoku<\/li>\n<li>Hokkaido<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kansai\">Kansai<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/chugoku\">Chugoku<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kanto\">Kanto<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Kyushu region of Japan largely covers the third-largest of the country\u2019s main islands. The southernmost region of Japan, Kyushu is a historically significant area that long served as a gateway between Asia and the rest of the world. Separated from the island of Honshu by the Kanmon Straits, Kyushu is defined by vast areas of mountainous terrain and varied natural landscapes. It also experiences significant tectonic activity and is home to Japan\u2019s most active volcano, Mount Aso.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1073,"parent":1909,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"acf":{"bread_1":false,"bread_2":false,"bread_3":false,"bread_4":false,"bread_5":false,"bread_6":false,"bread_7":false,"bread_last":false,"custom_guide":"","shortcodes":[{"post_id":"destinations","tag_h":"H3","post_selector":[{"ID":1516,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2019-09-10 10:00:19","post_date_gmt":"2019-09-10 08:00:19","post_content":"The <strong>city of Fukuoka<\/strong> is one of the main tourist destinations in southern Japan. It's the largest city on the island of Kyushu, and is a must-see for travelers visiting the region.\r\n\r\nFukuoka is known for its <strong>cultural landmarks and events<\/strong>, including Japan\u2019s largest wooden Great Buddha statue, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO-listed<\/a> Hakata Gion Yamakasa float festival, which takes place every July.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nAt a 5-hour distance from Tokyo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains\">Shinkansen<\/a>, many visitors choose to make Fukuoka a key stop on their itinerary. This guide explains the best ways to get to Fukuoka and the <strong>top attractions<\/strong> <strong>to see on<\/strong> your visit.\r\n<h2>How To Get to Fukuoka<\/h2>\r\nGetting to Fukuoka is simple, thanks to the city\u2019s key transport hubs, like <strong>Hakata Station<\/strong>. It\u2019s the largest station in the region and has two Shinkansen bullet train lines.\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s the Northern terminus station for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyushu-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Kyushu Shinkansen<\/a>, which connects Fukuoka with <strong>Kagoshima-Chuo<\/strong>. Hakata is also the Western terminus station of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sanyo-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Sanyo Shinkansen<\/a>, which connects to<strong> Osaka<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nFukuoka is also well connected for air passengers. Hakata Station is less than 2 miles from <strong>Fukuoka Airport (FUK)<\/strong>, which carries international and domestic flights.\r\n<h2>Tokyo to Fukuoka by train<\/h2>\r\nTo get from Tokyo to Fukuoka, first take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokaido-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tokaido Shinkansen<\/a> to <strong>Shin-Osaka Station<\/strong>, where you will transfer trains before continuing to Hakata Station. This leg of the journey takes between 2.5 and 4 hours, depending on which type of train you take. In order to use your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">JR Pass<\/a>, ride either the a Hikari or Kodama train.\r\n\r\nThere are <strong>2 to 3 departures per hour <\/strong>of Hikari and Kodama trains for Shin-Osaka. Non-reserved seat tickets for Hikari trains are around \u00a513,900 for an almost 3-hour journey. The fee is similar for Kodama trains, but the journey takes around 3 hours and 4 minutes.\r\n\r\nNext, take the <strong>Sanyo Shinkansen to Hakata Station<\/strong>. It takes around 2.5 hours to reach Fukuoka if you take one of the faster services on this line. Sakura trains are covered by the JR Pass, but other fast lines, like the Nozomi or Mizuho require a supplementary ticket.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d3362722.297469028!2d132.4492970979892!3d34.60647291135846!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x60188bfbd89f700b%3A0x277c49ba34ed38!2sTokyo%20Station%2C%201%20Chome-9%20Marunouchi%2C%20Chiyoda%20City%2C%20Tokyo%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d35.681299599999996!2d139.76706579999998!4m5!1s0x354191c7e6f9b375%3A0x2ee22b3d45b98b90!2zSGFrYXRhIFN0YXRpb24sIOS4reWkruihly0xIOWNmuWkmumnhSBIYWthdGEgV2FyZCwgRnVrdW9rYSwgSmFwYW4!3m2!1d33.589727499999995!2d130.4207274!5e0!3m2!1sen!2ses!4v1761750255242!5m2!1sen!2ses\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nSakura trains depart for Fukuoka from Shin-Osaka approximately <strong>once or twice per hour<\/strong>. If you\u2019re traveling without a JR Pass, a non-reserved seat ticket for this service is around \u00a514,800.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Kyoto to Fukuoka<\/h2>\r\nMuch like travelers coming from Tokyo, you take the <strong>Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen trains <\/strong>to reach Fukuoka from Kyoto.\r\n\r\nAll services on the Tokaido bullet line from Kyoto take around <strong>12 minutes to Shin-Osaka<\/strong>. If you\u2019re using a JR Pass, take a Hikari or Kodama train to avoid paying a supplementary ticket fee. Two to four trains on these services depart per hour.\r\n\r\nWhen you arrive at Osaka, change to the Sanyo bullet line and take a <strong>Sakura service to Hakata Station <\/strong>with your JR Pass. There\u2019s at least one train on this service per hour, from around 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.\r\n\r\nSakura trains take <strong>2.5 hours to Fukuoka<\/strong>. Other services are available, but they have a longer journey time, or require an extra ticket purchase. Without a JR Pass, ticket prices from Kyoto to Fukuoka average around \u00a516,000.\r\n<h2>Osaka to Fukuoka<\/h2>\r\nIf you\u2019re traveling from Osaka, you can reach Fukuoka with just one train. You can board a <strong>Sanyo Shinkansen train at <\/strong>Shin-Osaka Station, with multiple departures per hour.\r\n\r\nThe fastest services (Nozomi and Mizuho) require JR Pass holders to buy an add-on ticket for around \u00a55,000. If you take a <strong>Sakura service<\/strong> (2.5 hours), <strong>or Kodama service<\/strong> (4 hours), there\u2019s no need to pay the supplement fee.\r\n<h2><strong>Things To Do in Fukuoka<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<strong>Modern day Fukuoka<\/strong> is made up of Hakata, an international trading port since the 8th century, and Fukuoka, the castle town built around the samurai stronghold from the 1600s.\r\n\r\nThough the city is renowned for its <strong>key historical and cultural sites<\/strong>, in more recent years, it\u2019s also become known as one of Japan\u2019s leading \u2018Startup Cities\u2019. This is thanks to its growing clean energy innovation and technology sectors.\r\n\r\nThat\u2019s what makes Fukuoka the <strong>perfect mix between the old and new<\/strong>, meaning there\u2019s plenty to see and do during your visit.\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re planning your itinerary and wondering what to do in Fukuoka, here are some of the <strong>top attractions and best places to visit<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1522\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"700\"]<img class=\"wp-image-1522\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/kushida-shrine-fukuoka-e1498210909817-800x427.jpg\" alt=\"Kushida Shrine in Fukuoka\" width=\"700\" height=\"374\" \/> Kushida Shrine is where the protective god of Hakata ward resides[\/caption]\r\n<h3>Sample new tastes at Yatai food stalls<\/h3>\r\nFukuoka is well known for its <strong>yatai<\/strong>, small open-air food stalls. The tradition dates back to the postwar period, when street vendors began setting up portable kitchens to serve street food and quick, affordable meals.\r\n\r\nToday, around 100 yatai can still be found across the city, especially in areas like <strong>Nakasu<\/strong> <strong>and Tenjin<\/strong>. You can reach them by subway from Hakata Station in around 10 minutes.\r\n\r\nFrom stand to stand, you\u2019ll find people sampling ramen, yakitori, oden, gyoza, and many others. Each stall has its own specialties, including <strong>traditional Japanese staples and local dishes<\/strong>. Most have regular customers, giving them a friendly and social spirit that\u2019s welcoming to visitors.\r\n<h3>Observe worshipers at the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine<\/h3>\r\nDazaifu is one of Japan\u2019s <strong>most important Tenmangu Shrines<\/strong>, located around 40 minutes from Fukuoka City. To get there, take the Nishitetsu train from Fukuoka Tenjin Station to Dazaifu Station, with one easy transfer at Futsukaichi.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_10212\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"700\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-10212\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/daizafu-tenmangu-shrine.jpg\" alt=\"Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine\" width=\"700\" height=\"500\" \/> Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine - Photo by JoshBerglund19 under <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\">CC<\/a>[\/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>Tenmangu Shrines<\/strong> are dedicated to <strong>Sugawara Michizane<\/strong>, a scholar and politician of the Heian Period who is associated with Tenjin (the Shinto deity of education). Hiss career was remarkable and his influence quickly grew until he was head of the <strong>Fujiwara clan<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nFollowing exile by his rivals, Michizane died in 903 and shortly after the country was hit by a string of <strong>natural disasters<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nPeople thought the <strong>spirit of Michizane<\/strong> was responsible for disasters so they began building shrines and making offerings to calm his vengeful spirit. Dazaifu is built on the <strong>site of his grave<\/strong>.\r\n<h3>Reflect on the Nanzoin Temple reclining Buddha<\/h3>\r\n<strong>Nanzoin Temple<\/strong> is famous for its giant, bronze, reclining Buddha and its connection to the Sasaguri Pilgrimage. The site is located in the Sasaguri area of the Fukuoka Prefecture, around 20 minutes from the city.\r\n\r\nTo get there, take the JR Fukuhoku Yutaka Line from Hakata Station to <strong>Kido Nanzoin-mae Station<\/strong>. The temple is just a short walk from the station.\r\n\r\nThe site\u2019s <strong>giant Buddha<\/strong> (known as Nehanzo) is 135 feet long, 36 feet tall, and weighs roughly 300 tons. It was built in 1995 to house the ashes of the Buddha and two of his followers, Ananda and Maudgalyayana.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_10217\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"700\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-10217\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/nanzo-in-temple-nenhanzo-buddha.jpg\" alt=\"Reclining Buddha at Nanzoin Temple\" width=\"700\" height=\"390\" \/> Reclining Buddha at Nanzoin Temple - Photu by travel oriented under <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\">CC<\/a>[\/caption]\r\n\r\nMost Buddha statues in Japan show him sitting in meditation, but the one at Nanzo-in Temple is <strong>reclining<\/strong>. This pose represents the moment the Buddha entered Nirvana, or final peace. It\u2019s not a common sight in Japan, which is a key reason why this site is so significant.\r\n\r\nWhen visiting the statue, visitors are meant to <strong>hold the colored ropes<\/strong> which hang from the bronze statue\u2019s left hand and say a prayer. It\u2019s also considered <strong>lucky to place a coin<\/strong> on the decorations.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h3>Join in the fun at Nintendo Fukuoka<\/h3>\r\nNintendo Fukuoka will open at the end of 2025 as Japan\u2019s fourth official Nintendo store. It\u2019ll be located in <strong>AMU Plaza Hakata<\/strong>, part of the JR Hakata City complex, directly connected to JR Hakata Station.\r\n\r\nMuch like its sister stores, Nintendo Fukuoka will feature displays of <strong>Nintendo\u2019s most popular franchises<\/strong>, including Super Mario, Zelda, and Pok\u00e9mon. It\u2019ll also be a place to pick up consoles and software, as well as character-themed goods.\r\n\r\nKeep an eye out for announcements from Nintendo about their new store.","post_title":"Fukuoka Travel Guide: How To Get There and Attractions","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"fukuoka-travel-guide","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-10-29 16:15:04","post_modified_gmt":"2025-10-29 15:15:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=1516","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":3607,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2018-06-14 07:37:35","post_date_gmt":"2018-06-14 05:37:35","post_content":"Nagasaki, capital of the prefecture of the same name, is a port city on the <strong>island of Kyushu<\/strong>. It has been a prominent Japanese city for centuries due to its proximity to mainland Asia. <strong>Nagasaki also holds an unenviable role in world history<\/strong>, that of being the second city to endure an atomic weapon.\r\n\r\nIn the years since that tragic event, Nagasaki has recovered and flourished. Today, tourists flock to Nagasaki to see breathtaking scenery, historic reminders, and religious relics. Start planning your next trip to Nagasaki with the help of this handy travel guide.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<h2>How to get to Nagasaki with the JR Pass<\/h2>\r\nTravel throughout Japan is easy with the help of your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">JR Pass<\/a>. Use yours to travel for free between the following cities and Nagasaki.\r\n<h3><strong>From Tokyo to Nagasaki<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nFrom any Tokyo train station offering access to the southbound\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains\">Shinkansen<\/a> bullet trains, take the JR Tokaido\/Sanyo Shinkansen to Hakata Station in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/fukuoka-travel-guide\">Fukuoka<\/a>. Then, transfer to the <strong>JR Kamome Limited Express<\/strong> bound for Nagasaki.\r\n\r\nThis journey will last around 7 and a half hours. Note that your JR Pass is valid on Sakura and Hakari strains, but the use of Nozomi trains will incur an additional fee.\r\n<h3>From Kyoto to Nagasaki<\/h3>\r\nFrom Kyoto Station, you must also take the JR Tokaido\/Sanyo Shinkansen to Hakata Station in Fukuoka.\r\n\r\nFrom there, you should transfer to the JR Kamome Limited Express. This train will take you to Nagasaki. The whole trip from Kyoto takes 4.5 to 5 hours.\r\n<h3>From Osaka to Nagasaki<\/h3>\r\nFrom Shin-Osaka Station, take the JR Sanyo Shinkansen to Hakata Station in Fukuoka. There, transfer to the JR Kamome Limited Express train bound for Nagasaki. This trip takes about 4.5 hours.\r\n\r\nWhen traveling from Hakata Station to Nagasaki, sit on the train\u2019s left side in order to experience <strong>views of the Ariake Sea<\/strong>. You may also visit some interesting stops along the way, such as the onsen town of Futsukaichi or the historical houses and museum of Saga.\r\n\r\nYou may also want to experience a luxury ride on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/seven-stars-kyushu-luxury-train\">Seven Stars Kyushu<\/a>, whose 2-day itinerary runs from Hakata to Nagasaki Station, passing by Fukuoka and Japan's largest volcano: Mount Aso.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2><strong>Getting around Nagasaki<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nOnce you arrive <strong>in Nagasaki, you will likely wish to travel by tram or on foot<\/strong>. Most popular attractions are located about a kilometer from Nagasaki Station. Those that are located farther away can be reached in as little as ten minutes by tram.\r\n\r\n<strong>Four electric tram lines serve the city<\/strong>. From 6 am to 11 pm, the trams run every five to eight minutes. Riding the tram incurs a flat rate of \u00a5120 per ride, or a one day pass can be purchased for \u00a5500. If transferring from one tram to another, ask for a transfer pass to avoid paying for two rides. Remember to enter the vehicle through the rear door and exit using the front door.\r\n\r\n<strong>Local buses are also available<\/strong>. Buses are most useful for reaching Mount Inasa or the Nagasaki Airport.\r\n<h2><strong>Things to do in Nagasaki<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nOne of the most popular attractions is the <strong>Nagasaki Peace Park<\/strong>, which commemorates the 1945 bombing of the city (like in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hiroshima-travel-guide\">Hiroshima<\/a>). On a nearby hill, you can visit the <strong>Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum<\/strong>, which proclaims the mission \u201cto inform future generations about the horror of war.\u201d\r\n\r\nTake the ropeway to the summit of <strong>Mount Inasa<\/strong>, where you will find an observation deck and restaurant. The view of the city at night is acclaimed as particularly stunning.\r\n\r\nThere are also a number of religious sites in the city, including the <strong>Sofukuji Obaku Zen temple<\/strong>, the Kofukuji Buddhist temple, the Confucian Shrine, and the <strong>Oura Church, the most famous Christian church in Japan<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nOne of the most interesting ways to see the city may be the <strong>Nagasaki Beer Train<\/strong>, which departs from Shokakuji-shita Station. This streetcar runs at 7 pm daily from July 3 to September 19, excluding Sundays and holidays. This \u201cmoving bar car\u201d offers unlimited beer, whiskey, and snacks. The round trip lasts 90 minutes, with a brief stop at the Urakami Terminus.\r\n\r\nSo, what will you do in Nagasaki? Where will your adventures take you? With your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">JR Pass<\/a> in hand, you\u2019ll be ready to experience all that this coastal gem has to offer.","post_title":"Nagasaki travel guide: Access and what to do","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"nagasaki-travel-guide","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-03-01 11:55:41","post_modified_gmt":"2023-03-01 10:55:41","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=3607","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":13891,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2020-10-09 10:12:35","post_date_gmt":"2020-10-09 08:12:35","post_content":"Located in Kagoshima prefecture at the southwestern tip of the island of Kyushu, <strong>Kagoshima is the largest southernmost city on the main islands<\/strong> of Japan and is often considered the friendliest Japanese city for visitors.\r\n\r\nKagoshima <strong>has a long history as an important commercial port<\/strong>, especially during the medieval period and the Edo period from 1603\u20131868, is widely regarded as the birthplace of the industrial revolution in Japan. It was officially inaugurated as a city in 1889.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nDue to the <strong>dramatic backdrop of Sakurajima, an active volcano<\/strong> located just across Kagoshima Bay, as well as its temperate climate, the city is often compared to Naples in Italy.\u00a0The city, as well as the rest of Kagoshima prefecture, is <strong>well connected by public transport<\/strong> and is easy to access using the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">JR Pass<\/a>.\r\n<h2>How to get to Kagoshima<\/h2>\r\nBordering Kumamoto Prefecture to the north and Miyazaki Prefecture to the northeast, <strong>Kagoshima Prefecture is well connected by public transportation<\/strong> and can easily be reached on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyushu-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Kyushu Shinkansen bullet train<\/a> from a number of major cities.\r\n\r\nTo get to <strong>Kagoshima City from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\/tokyo-travel-guide\">Tokyo<\/a> by Shinkansen<\/strong>, it\u2019s necessary to transfer trains along the route, either at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shin-osaka-station\">Shin-Osaka<\/a> or Hakata Station. The entire journey takes around 7 hours to complete.\r\n\r\nGetting to Kagoshima from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/fukuoka-travel-guide\">Fukuoka<\/a> by Shinkansen takes between 80-100 minutes and is <strong>fully covered by the JR Pass<\/strong>, as well as the All Kyushu Rail Pass.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" tabindex=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d1721300.6007569362!2d129.3735632865692!3d32.581784576944465!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x3541eda1e9848429%3A0xf60a729936398783!2sFukuoka%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d33.5901838!2d130.4016888!4m5!1s0x353e615200e3c53d%3A0x9adcfdad5d5c5885!2sKagoshima%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d31.5968539!2d130.5571392!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1602229290562!5m2!1sen!2sus\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" aria-hidden=\"false\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nThose <strong>arriving at Kagoshima airport<\/strong> can get to Kagoshima-Chuo Station by taking a short bus ride, which lasts approximately 40 minutes.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>Things to do in Kagoshima City<\/h2>\r\nThere are a number of enticing attractions scattered across Kagoshima city, but all are easy to access using the various public transportation options available, including city trams, local trains, and buses.\r\n\r\nSome of the <strong>most popular attractions in Kagoshima<\/strong> include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Sengan-en gardens<\/strong> - This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-gardens-japan\">magical Japanese garden<\/a> was constructed in 1658 by the ruling Shimazu lord and boasts a wealth of tropical trees and plants as well as stunning views over the Sakurajima volcano. It <strong>takes approximately 45 minutes to stroll around this green space<\/strong> and enjoy its many impressive features, including ceremonial gardens, ancient shrines, and symbolic sculptures. Visitors are also advised to take a tour of the on-site Goten villa, the former home of the powerful Shimazu clan. The garden and villa are open daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. <strong>Admission to the garden costs 1000 yen per person<\/strong>, or 1500 yen if the visitor wishes to tour the inside of the residence.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_13898\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-13898\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/sengan-en-gardens-kagoshima.jpg\" alt=\"Sengan-en Gardens, Kagoshima\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> Sengan-en Gardens, Kagoshima[\/caption]<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Museum of the Meiji Restoration<\/strong> - This popular museum in Kagoshima is dedicated to exploring the traditional education system and samurai codes of the historic Satsuma province, and <strong>provides a detailed breakdown of the infamous Satsuma Rebellion<\/strong>. The museum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and the cost of admission is 300 yen per person.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Nishi Hongan-ji Kagoshima Betsuin<\/strong> - A Buddhist temple <strong>built by the J\u014dd\u014d Shinsh\u016b sect<\/strong>, which was banned by the Satsuma regime, and destroyed during World War II air raids, only to be reconstructed in 1982 and renovated in 2013. Although the rather vanilla interior design does not help it rank among the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-temples-in-japan\">best temples to visit in Japan<\/a>, it\u2019s<strong> well worth a visit for its gilded, carved altar<\/strong> and collection of maritime-inspired fusuma-e paintings. Admission to the temple is free and it is open daily from 6.30 am to 4 pm.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Terukuni-jinja<\/strong> - This famous shrine<strong> boasts an uniquely shaped roof resembling a bird in flight<\/strong> and was erected in memory of Shimazu Nariakira, the leader of the Satsuma clan in the late Edo period who opened the area to Western influences. Entry to the shrine is free and it is open daily from 8.30 am to 5 pm.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_13905\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-13905\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/terukuni-shrine-kagoshima.jpg\" alt=\"terukuni jinja shrine kagoshima\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> Terukumi-Jinja, Kagoshima - Photo by z tanuki under CC[\/caption]<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Sh\u014dko Sh\u016bseikan<\/strong> - Constructed in 1850 as Japan's first modern factory, this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">Japanese UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a> has since been converted into a museum with a large collection of <strong>over 10,000 artefacts relating to the Satsuma clan<\/strong> and the art of Satsuma kiriko (cut glass). The museum is open daily from 8.30 am -5.30 pm and admission is free with a ticket for the Sengan-en gardens.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Reimeikan<\/strong> - Located behind Kagoshima City Hall inside Tsurumaru-j\u014d, an ancient <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-castles-in-japan\">Japanese castle<\/a>, Reimeikan is a museum offering <strong>a range of exhibitions exploring Satsuma history<\/strong> and ancient sword-making. It\u2019s open from 9:00 am to 18:00 pm daily, with the exception of Mondays, or Tuesdays if that Monday is a national holiday, as well as the 25th of every month unless it falls on a Saturday or Sunday, The price of admission is 400 yen per person.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Side trips in Kagoshima Prefecture<\/h2>\r\nWhile visiting Kagoshima city, travelers also have the opportunity to <strong>discover some of the awe-inspiring natural attractions in the surrounding prefecture<\/strong>, including the Sakurajima volcano and the nearby island nature reserves of Amami Oshima and Yakushima.\r\n\r\nMany of these attractions can be accessed by travelling by train using the <strong>South Kyushu Rail Pass<\/strong>.\r\n<h3>Sakurajima volcano<\/h3>\r\n<strong>Sakurajima is Japan\u2019s most active volcano<\/strong>, and although formerly an island, has been connected to the Osumi Peninsula by lava flows since a powerful eruption in 1914. Despite regular eruptions and daily ash falls, disaster prevention measures are in place to allow the <strong>population of over 4,600<\/strong> to live on the volcano without too much to worry about.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_13910\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-13910\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/sakurajima-volcano.jpg\" alt=\"Sakurajima volcano\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> Sakurajima view from Shiroyama Park[\/caption]\r\n\r\nLocated in the middle of Kinko Bay, the volcano can <strong>easily be reached on a cheap, 15-minute ferry ride<\/strong> from Kagoshima ferry terminal in Kagoshima City. It takes approximately 1 hour to get around the entire circumference of the volcano if traveling by car.\r\n\r\nThe majority of <strong>attractions on the volcano<\/strong>, such as the visitor center, the Tsikiyomi Shrine, and the Yunohira Observatory, the highest point accessible to visitors, are located in the western part of Sakurajima.\r\n<h3>Ibusuki hot springs<\/h3>\r\nWidely considered to be one of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-onsen-in-japan\">the best onsen hot spring towns in Japan<\/a>, Ibusuki stands out for its idyllic seaside setting and the <strong>unique geothermally heated sand baths<\/strong> on its beaches.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-3938\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/ibusuki-onsen.jpg\" alt=\"ibusuki onsen\" width=\"700\" height=\"468\" \/>\r\n\r\nAn experience in these natural steam baths involves being covered in hot sand up to the neck, in a process that is said to cleanse the blood. However, <strong>there are also more conventional open-air onsen springs nearby<\/strong> for those who don\u2019t find the notion of being buried on the beach too appealing!\r\n<h3>Yakushima island<\/h3>\r\nOften considered among the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-national-parks-in-japan\">10 best national parks in Japan<\/a>, Yakushima island has been <strong>designated as UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site because of its unique ecosystem<\/strong>, and offers the chance to see native species, including Yaku monkeys and Yaku deer, in their natural habitat.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13917\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/yakushima-island.jpg\" alt=\"Yakushima Island\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/>\r\n\r\n<strong>Major attractions on Yakushima<\/strong> include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>The Ohko-no taki waterfall, one of Japan\u2019s highest<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Hirauchi Sea Onsen Hot Spring, which only appears for 2 hours every day<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Nagata Inakahama Beach, where sea turtles regularly come ashore between May to July.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThe majority of Yakushima, over 90%, is covered by lush forests made up of rare local plant species, and it\u2019s well worth taking the <strong>3-hour drive around the 100km circumference of the island<\/strong> to explore it all.\r\n<blockquote><strong>Read more<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/renting-a-car-in-japan\">Renting a car in Japan<\/a><\/blockquote>\r\n<h3>Amami Oshima Island<\/h3>\r\nLocated roughly 500 kilometres to the south in the Amami archipelago, the island of Amami Oshima is still technically part of Kagoshima Prefecture, and <strong>can be reached via an 11-hour ferry ride from Kagoshima City<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-13922\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/amami-oshima-island.jpg\" alt=\"Amami Oshima Island\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/>\r\n\r\nLike Yakushima, <strong>most of Amami Oshima is designated as a national park<\/strong>, and the sub-tropical island is full of extensive mangrove forests and filled with protected species and endemic animals.\r\n\r\nThe island also <strong>boasts some beautiful beaches<\/strong> on which visitors can relax, including Tomori, Tokuhama, and the pebble-filled Honohoshi Shore.","post_title":"Kagoshima: Access and what to see","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"kagoshima-travel-guide","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-10-30 11:51:36","post_modified_gmt":"2020-10-30 10:51:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=13891","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7653,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2019-04-19 07:00:20","post_date_gmt":"2019-04-19 05:00:20","post_content":"Okinawa Prefecture consists of more than 150 distinct islands, all of which lie <strong>400 miles from mainland Japan<\/strong>. This sets Okinawa apart as a world unto itself.\r\n\r\nIn Okinawa, you can explore deserted <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-japanese-beaches\">beaches<\/a>, swim with sea turtles, or snorkel in crystal clear waters. <strong>One hundred and eleven of Okinawa\u2019s islands are uninhabited, pristine and untouched<\/strong>, making them prime real estate for adventure. Okinawa is home to rare creatures, such as the Iriomote wild cat, and cuisine unique and <strong>different from the rest of Japan<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nWhether you\u2019ll be reclining in an all-inclusive resort, or whether backpacking through campgrounds and hostels is more your style, <strong>Okinawa offers something for every traveler on every sort of budget<\/strong>. Dive in to this travel guide and discover the many ways in which the islands are calling you.\r\n<h2>Brief history of Okinawa<\/h2>\r\nOkinawa is a region rich in history. For centuries, the islands\u2019 diverse people - who may have originated in China, other parts of Asia, or Australia - were united under the <strong>Ryukyu Kingdom<\/strong>. By the 15th century, this kingdom had become an economic power. The islands were later invaded by a clan from the Japanese mainland, and <strong>officially became part of Japan during the 1800s<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nDuring <strong>World War II<\/strong>, Okinawa was invaded by allied forces. The civilian population was decimated, as was the island\u2019s infrastructure and cultural relics. This battle became known as <em>tetsu no ame<\/em>, or \u201ctyphoon of steel.\u201d Echoes of this hardship are present throughout the prefecture. Yet, like a polished precious stone, Okinawa shines brightly despite these historically recent hardships.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_7664\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-7664\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/shuri-castle-okinawa.jpg\" alt=\"Shuri Castle, Okinawa\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> Shuri Castle in Naha, Okinawa[\/caption]\r\n<h2>How to get to Okinawa<\/h2>\r\nMost travelers to Okinawa do so <strong>by air<\/strong>. Okinawa\u2019s primary <strong>airport of Naha<\/strong> is located on Okinawa Main Island, or Okinawa Honto.\r\n\r\nA flight <strong>from Tokyo\u00a0to Okinawa<\/strong> takes approximately <strong>between 3 and\u00a0 2 and a half hours<\/strong>, departing from<strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-airports#Narita_International_Airport\">Narita Airport<\/a><\/strong>. You can fly from Tokyo to Okinawa from about $220 USD.\r\n\r\nTraveling <strong>from Osaka to Okinawa<\/strong>, via <strong>Kansai International Airport<\/strong>, takes <strong>about 2 hours<\/strong>. The flight to Naha from Osaka may cost you about $110 USD.\r\n\r\nAlternatively, <strong>ferries depart for Okinawa from Kagoshima<\/strong> three to four times weekly. The boat trip takes <strong>about 26 hours<\/strong>, with prices ranging from \u00a515,000 (about $130.00 USD) for fare with no sleeping accommodations, to \u00a537,000 (about $330.00 USD) for first class service with bedding.\r\n\r\n<strong>Peak seasons<\/strong> for travel to Okinawa are during holidays such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/golden-week-travel-tips\">Golden Week<\/a> (late April to early May) and during the month of August. <strong>Tickets during these peak seasons sell out quickly and are more expensive<\/strong> than at other times. Special airfare passes are available to foreigners taking domestic flights in Japan such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-flight-discounts\">Japan Explorer Pass<\/a>. These may reduce round-trip airfare to Okinawa to $115.00 US, or even less.\r\n<h2>Getting around Okinawa<\/h2>\r\nOkinawa is an archipelago formed by several islands:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Okinawa Island<\/strong> (aka Okinawa Hont\u014d) the main island<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Iheya-Izena Islands<\/strong>: Iheya and Izena islands<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Ie Island.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Sesoko Island.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Yokatsu Islands<\/strong>: Yabuchi, Henza, Miyagi, Ikei, Hamahiga, Tsuken, Ukibara, Minamiukibara and Kudaka islands.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Kume Island.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Kerama Islands<\/strong>: Tokashiki, Zamami, Aka and Geruma islands.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Aguni Islands<\/strong>: Aguni and Tonaki islands.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nUnlike the main islands of the Japanese archipelago, <strong>in Okinawa there are not as many transportation options or as convenient as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains\">Shinkansen<\/a><\/strong> or other trains, so getting around in Okinawa will be somewhat more complicated. We recommend, to explore Okinawa several days, <strong>rent a car<\/strong> (remember that in Japan you drive on the left side of the road).\r\n\r\nIn any case, if you arrive to Okinawa <strong>from Naha Airport, you can get to Naha City using the Yui Rail<\/strong>, a monorail that will take you directly from the airport to the city.\r\n\r\nYou will also find other means of transportation such as <strong>taxis and buses<\/strong>, and there is also the possibility of <strong>renting motorcycles and bicycles<\/strong>.\r\n<h2>Things to do in Okinawa<\/h2>\r\nPacked with <strong>beaches and tropical forests<\/strong>, what is there not to do in Okinawa? <strong>Hiking, snorkeling, and scuba diving<\/strong> make the short list, but Okinawa has even more to offer.\r\n\r\nIf Okinawa\u2019s diverse wildlife isn\u2019t enough for you, you can visit the <strong>Churaumi Aquarium<\/strong>, considered <strong>the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-aquariums-in-japan\">best aquarium in Japan<\/a> and one of the best in the world<\/strong>. A highlight is the <strong>Kuroshio Tank, one of the largest fish tanks in the world<\/strong>, which houses the massive whale shark - the largest extant fish in the world. You\u2019ll also enjoy hands-on starfish exhibits; dolphin, sea turtle, and manatee shows; large-scale coral reef exhibits; displays of deep-sea bioluminescent fish; and more.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2448\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/japan-aquarium-whale-shark-e1510316925312.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"480\" \/>\r\n\r\nA favorite historical site is the <strong>Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum and Park<\/strong>, where you can honor the memory of those lost in the Battle of Okinawa. The sobering museum chronicles what led up to the battle, the battle itself, and the subsequent reconstruction.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>Shuri Castle<\/strong>, located in Naha, was built during the 14th century. It was used as a residence by the royal family of Ryukyu Kingdome becoming the political, economic and cultral heart of the Ryukyu Islands for 450 years. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout its history, most recently during World War II. In 1992 it was reconstructed for the last time in its original site.\r\n<h2>Best time to visit Okinawa<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Okinawa\u2019s subtropical weather and climate make it a pleasant place to visit year-round<\/strong>. Even during the winter months, daytime temperatures rarely dip below 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit). During the summer months of July to October, temperatures may reach 32 degrees Celsius (nearly 90 degrees Fahrenheit), with water temperatures peaking at 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit).\r\n\r\nWarm ocean currents facilitate some of the <strong>most diverse coral reef ecosystems in the world<\/strong>. The islands are divided into three major groups - the <strong>Okinawa Shoto which surround the Main Island<\/strong>, the <strong>Miyako Retto Islands<\/strong>, and the <strong>Yaeyama Retto Islands<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nIf you need an escape, the sands and shores of Okinawa are waiting for you. Book your JR Pass and start planning your next international adventure, today.","post_title":"Okinawa travel guide: Visiting the Japanese southwest islands","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"okinawa-travel-guide","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-04-26 13:01:08","post_modified_gmt":"2019-04-26 11:01:08","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=7653","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}]},{"post_id":"attractions","tag_h":"H3","post_selector":[{"ID":14311,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2020-12-11 10:21:05","post_date_gmt":"2020-12-11 09:21:05","post_content":"Located in Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Kumamoto Castle (\u718a\u672c\u57ce, Kumamoto-j\u014d) is <strong>one of the largest and most impressive <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-castles-in-japan\">castles in Japan<\/a><\/strong>. During its heyday, it was considered one of the most impenetrable fortresses in the country.\r\n\r\nDesigned with strategic defense firmly in mind, the castle originally boasted over 49 turrets, 29 gates, and a <strong>number of unique defensive measures<\/strong> including holes in the walls for dropping boiling water, rocks, or excrement onto attackers.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nAnother unique feature of the original castle was the material used for its constructions: dark <strong>wood stained with pine soot and persimmon tannin to repel insects<\/strong> in the summer and withstand seasonal changes.\r\n\r\nNowadays, the castle is <strong>a cherished historic property in Japan<\/strong>, and over 13 of its remaining structures have been designated as Important Cultural Properties.\r\n\r\nKumamoto is considered <strong>one of the 3 premier castles in Japan<\/strong> alongside <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/himeji-castle-travel-guide\">Himeji Castle<\/a> and Matsumoto Castle, all of which can easily be visited on public transportation using the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">JR Pass<\/a>.\r\n<h2>History of Kumamoto Castle<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Fortifications were first established at the site of the current castle in 1467<\/strong>, but it wasn\u2019t until the early 1600s when the local feudal lord and strategist Kato Kiyomasa began design and construction of many of the structures as they appear today.\r\n\r\n<strong>The castle took over 7 years to complete<\/strong> and the fortifications were considered to be some of the most extensive and structurally sound yet completed for a castle in Japan.\r\n\r\n<strong>Kumamoto castle remained largely intact until the Seinan Civil War<\/strong> in the late 1800s, when it served as the main garrison for government troops on Kyushu and was subsequently attacked by famous samurai Saigo Takamori.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_14322\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-14322 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/kumamoto-castle-old-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Kumamoto castle keep between 1871 and 1874\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Kumamoto castle keep between 1871 and 1874[\/caption]\r\n\r\nAlthough the government troops were able to withstand a 2-month siege and eventually repel the rebels, <strong>several key parts of the castle sustained damage<\/strong> during the attack.\r\n\r\nNevertheless, <strong>the Castle keep was eventually reconstructed in the 1960s<\/strong>, while many of the other original 17th-century structures were rebuilt from between 1998 to 2008.\r\n<h2>Restoration after earthquakes<\/h2>\r\nAside from being affected by the ravages of war, Kumamoto castle suffered <strong>extensive damage during the Kyushu earthquakes<\/strong> of April 2016.\r\n\r\nThe <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/earthquakes-in-japan\">earthquakes<\/a> caused a number of roof tiles to dislodge and fall, and several entire structures collapsed, including turrets and walls. Unfortunately, <strong>much of the extensive renovation work completed in the previous years was undone<\/strong> by the tremors.\r\n\r\nNew restoration efforts began soon after the disaster. Although <strong>the entire process is not expected to be completed until 2036<\/strong>, the main tower of the castle has already been restored to its previous condition and is expected to reopen in summer 2021.\r\n\r\nTo allow visitors to view the inner castle grounds during the restoration efforts, <strong>an elevated walkway was opened on June 1st, 2020<\/strong>.\r\n<h2>How to get to Kumamoto Castle<\/h2>\r\nIt\u2019s easy to <strong>get to Kumamoto castle from nearby <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/fukuoka-travel-guide\">Fukuka<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nagasaki-travel-guide\">Nagasaki<\/a> by train<\/strong> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kyushu-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Kyushu Shinkansen<\/a> using either the Japan Rail Pass, the All Kyushu rail pass, the North Kyushu rail pass, or the South Kyushu rail pass.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_13156\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"358\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-13156\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/jr-kyushu-map.jpg\" alt=\"JR Kyushu rail network\" width=\"358\" height=\"493\" \/> JR Kyushu rail network - Image by JR Kyushu[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe castle is <strong>located close to Kumamoto City centre<\/strong> and is just a 15-minute tram ride from <strong>JR Kumamoto Station<\/strong>. The Kumamotojo-mae tram stop is just a short walk from the castle gates.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n\r\nVisitors can also take the <strong>Castle Loop Bus from the Kumamoto Kotsu Bus Center<\/strong>, or even enjoy a 40-minute scenic walk to the castle from Kumamoto Station.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" tabindex=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d13415.05506466529!2d130.6903182386322!3d32.79852253241318!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x3540f458c0ff254d%3A0x832e72f69e10dcdf!2sKumamoto%20Station%2C%20Kumamoto%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d32.790383!2d130.68851279999998!4m5!1s0x3540f40e023aca59%3A0x5e8b66c876cde430!2sKumamoto%20Castle%2C%201-1%20Honmaru%2C%20Chuo%20Ward%2C%20Kumamoto%2C%20860-0002%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d32.806185899999996!2d130.70583349999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1607675913078!5m2!1sen!2sus\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" aria-hidden=\"false\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n<h2>Things to do and what to see<\/h2>\r\n<strong>The Kumamaoto castle complex is one of the largest in Japan<\/strong>, measuring approximately 1.6 kilometres from east to west, and 1.2 kilometers (0.75 mi) from north to south.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>extensive structures include the imposing castle keep<\/strong>, a number of turrets and moats, and even a mysterious underground passage.\r\n<h3>The Castle Keep<\/h3>\r\nThe main wooden tower of Kumamoto castle unfortunately burnt down in 1877 during the civil war, but <strong>in 1960 was replaced with a concrete-based replica<\/strong> which is an impressive facsimile of the original structure.\r\n\r\nMade up of 2 tall interconnected towers, the building now <strong>houses a museum where you can learn about the history of the castle<\/strong> and the various reconstructions over the years.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_14312\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-14312\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/kumamoto-castle-walls.jpg\" alt=\"Kumamoto castle walls\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> The Kumamoto Castle steep stone walls - Photo by 663highland under CC[\/caption]\r\n<h3>Honmaru Goten Palace<\/h3>\r\n<strong>One of the most impressive interiors at the castle<\/strong> can be found at the Honmaru Goten Palace, which was also destroyed during the Seinan Civil War but reconstructed for the 400th anniversary of the castle in 2008.\r\n\r\n<strong>The most lavishly decorated room is the Shokonnoma<\/strong>: most of the surfaces are decorated with gold leaf and the space also boasts a number of paintings by famous Japanese artist Kotonobu Kano.\r\n<h3>Hon-maru Go-ten Ohiroma<\/h3>\r\nAnother unique feature of the Goten Palace is the \u201cThe Lord's Extravagant Inner Palace Reception Hall\", <strong>a series of rooms with sliding doors<\/strong> which can be made into a large unified space.\r\n\r\nAlthough the visiting public can\u2019t actually enter the hall itself, it <strong>can be viewed from the Ohiroma-engawa<\/strong>, a corridor that runs alongside the space and also offers views over the castle\u2019s inner courtyard.\r\n<h3>The Uto Turret<\/h3>\r\nLocated at the front of the castle, the Uto-yagura (<em>yagura<\/em> meaning \u2018tower' or \u2018turret\u2019 in Japanese\u2019) is <strong>one of the few buildings at the castle to have survived the siege<\/strong> of 1877 intact.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_14317\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-14317\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/uto-yagura-kumamoto-castle-turrent.jpg\" alt=\"Uto tower of Kumamoto Castle\" width=\"600\" height=\"636\" \/> Uto tower of Kumamoto Castle as seen from the smaller Tenshu. - Photo by \u540d\u53e4\u5c4b\u592a\u90ce under CC[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThis means that the current structure actually dates back to the Edo period and the time of the initial construction of the castle, and accordingly has been designated as an important cultural property in Japan.\r\n<h3>Ninomaru Park<\/h3>\r\nIf you take a guided tour of the castle, it\u2019s likely to begin and end in Ninomaru Park, <strong>the lush and extensive castle grounds<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<strong>The location of Kumamoto's Prefectural Art Museum<\/strong>, the park is also an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-cherry-blossom-spots-in-japan\">ideal location for Cherry blossom viewing<\/a> in the spring.\r\n<h3>Castle events<\/h3>\r\nIn order to help the restoration effort of the castle following the 2016 earthquakes, supportive locals have held a number of <strong>fund-raising events at the castle<\/strong>, including a marathon held annually in February.\r\n\r\nKumamaoto castle is also well known for its <strong>annual Autumn Festival celebration<\/strong>, which features traditional activities such as a taiko drumming performance and is also an ideal opportunity for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-autumn-leaves-forecast\">fall foliage viewing<\/a> in the castle grounds.\r\n<h2>Opening hours and entrance fee<\/h2>\r\nAlthough it is not currently possible to enter any of the actual structures of Kumamoto Castle due to the ongoing restoration work, the elevated walkway is currently <strong>open to the public from 9am to 5pm every day<\/strong>.\r\n\r\nThe walkway is also open on Sundays, selected Saturdays, and most national holidays. The walkway <strong>entrance fee is 500 yen<\/strong> to enter per person.","post_title":"Visiting Kumamoto Castle: How to get there and what to see","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"kumamoto-castle","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2022-06-15 09:40:26","post_modified_gmt":"2022-06-15 07:40:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=14311","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}]}]},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.10 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Kyushu Region: Japan Travel Guide | JRailPass<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover a complete travel guide to the Kyushu region, which covers the third-largest of Japan\u2019s main islands and includes the major city of Fukuoka.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15686\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Kyushu Region: Japan Travel Guide | JRailPass\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover a complete travel guide to the Kyushu region, which covers the third-largest of Japan\u2019s main islands and includes the major city of Fukuoka.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kyushu\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Japan Rail Pass Travel Blog | JRailPass\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2021-09-10T06:34:50+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/nagasaki-city-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"521\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kyushu\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kyushu\",\"name\":\"Kyushu Region: Japan Travel Guide | JRailPass\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2021-08-20T07:29:34+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2021-09-10T06:34:50+00:00\",\"description\":\"Discover a complete travel guide to the Kyushu region, which covers the third-largest of Japan\u2019s main islands and includes the major city of Fukuoka.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kyushu#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kyushu\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kyushu#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Japan Travel Blog\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Regions of Japan\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Kyushu region: Japan travel guide\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Japan Rail Pass Travel Blog | JRailPass\",\"description\":\"Discover Japan by train with the Japan Rail Pass\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Japan Rail Pass S.L. - JRailPass.com\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/logo.png\",\"width\":214,\"height\":60,\"caption\":\"Japan Rail Pass S.L. - JRailPass.com\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Kyushu Region: Japan Travel Guide | JRailPass","description":"Discover a complete travel guide to the Kyushu region, which covers the third-largest of Japan\u2019s main islands and includes the major city of Fukuoka.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15686","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Kyushu Region: Japan Travel Guide | JRailPass","og_description":"Discover a complete travel guide to the Kyushu region, which covers the third-largest of Japan\u2019s main islands and includes the major city of Fukuoka.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kyushu","og_site_name":"Japan Rail Pass Travel Blog | JRailPass","article_modified_time":"2021-09-10T06:34:50+00:00","og_image":[{"width":800,"height":521,"url":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/nagasaki-city-1.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kyushu","url":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kyushu","name":"Kyushu Region: Japan Travel Guide | JRailPass","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#website"},"datePublished":"2021-08-20T07:29:34+00:00","dateModified":"2021-09-10T06:34:50+00:00","description":"Discover a complete travel guide to the Kyushu region, which covers the third-largest of Japan\u2019s main islands and includes the major city of Fukuoka.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kyushu#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kyushu"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kyushu#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Japan Travel Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Regions of Japan","item":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Kyushu region: Japan travel guide"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/","name":"Japan Rail Pass Travel Blog | JRailPass","description":"Discover Japan by train with the Japan Rail Pass","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Japan Rail Pass S.L. - JRailPass.com","url":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en","@id":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/logo.png","width":214,"height":60,"caption":"Japan Rail Pass S.L. - JRailPass.com"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15686"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15686"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15686\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1909"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1073"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15686"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}