hero media

5 Kyushu experiences you don’t want to miss

International Traveller
Your essential itinerary for exploring the best bits of Kyushu, Japan’s southern paradise.

Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands, is home not only to the country’s onsen capital and the birthplace of Japanese mythology, but to a unique fusion culture of religions and a magnificent landscape carved by volcanic activity too. Here are the highlights you can’t miss.

Here are the five best things to do on Kyushu.

1. Experience Rokugo Manzan culture

Fly into Oita Airport before driving to the Kunisaki Peninsula – a remote corner of Oita Prefecture – for a glimpse into its local religious culture of Rokugo Manzan, a blend of Buddhism, Shintoism and ancient mountain worship. Two of the best places to experience it are the 12th-century temple of Fukiji, the oldest wooden structure in Kyushu, and the majestic Usa Jingu Shrine, where this intriguing culture originated over 1300 years ago.

Smoking hot Kurokawa Onsen, Kyushu, Japan
Wonder at nature’s brutal beauty at Beppu’s evocatively-named Blood Pond Jigoku (hell or hot springs), a boiling blood-red cauldron. (Image: Tetsuya Takahashi)

2. Beppu’s hot springs and beyond

The seaside town of Beppu in Oita Prefecture is famous for being the hot spring capital of Japan – with its seven ‘hells’, or jigoku, creating colourful photo opportunities and its old district Kannawa, where steam rises from the streets to atmospheric effect, perfect for discovering on foot. On top of this, visitors will encounter a town with a thriving culinary and cultural scene.

Omi Shrine, Kyushu
Omi Shrine in Miyazaki hugs the sea.

3. Miyazaki’s myths and legends

Leave Oita for Miyazaki Prefecture, stopping at Omi Shrine in the port city of Hyuga. Dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, this small but beautiful shrine is built on columnar rocks overlooking the sea and is associated with Japanese legend and identity.

Continue on to Takachiho, a picturesque mountain town and the birthplace of Japanese mythology. Visit the spectacular Takachiho Gorge – formed long ago by lava from nearby Mt Aso – and relax with a boat ride on the water below a cascading waterfall.

Nabegataki Falls, Mt Aso
The impressive dimensions of Nabegataki Falls create a wide sheet of water

Then, head to Amano Iwato Shrine, where Amaterasu herself is said to have hidden in a cave – plunging the world into darkness – before being lured out by her fellow deities; it’s one of the most famous stories in Shinto lore. Later, watch this legend reenacted in a traditional Yokagura dance at the peaceful Takachiho Shrine.

Mt Aso Nakadake Crater, Kyushu
The caldera lake of Mt Aso Nakadake Crater is another must-see in Kumamoto.

4. Mt Aso and more

The landscape changes dramatically as you drive out of Miyazaki into Kumamoto Prefecture to the fringes of Mt Aso: this active volcano, one of Japan’s largest, is surrounded by lush farmland. This unique region is vast and deserves plenty of time to explore, but don’t miss the grand Mt Aso Nakadake Crater, with its smouldering emerald-green caldera lake and the scenic and surprising Nabegataki Falls. Overnight in Aso City and fly out of nearby Kumamoto Airport.

Luxury train, seven stars kyushu, Japan
The name of the luxury train Seven Stars refers to the seven prefectures of Kyushu – although it does live up to the implied luxury standard.

5. Cruise the rails with Seven Stars

The Seven Stars rail cruise around Kyushu is not named for its luxury (although it does reach that level of comfort) but for the seven prefectures of Kyushu. The onboard suites are sumptuous works of Japanese art (the hand basins in the suites are limited edition) which explains the popularity of the three night tour (there is a one night version). The suites come with private lounge, bedroom and shower. Enjoy a predinner drink at the Blue Moon lounge and bar before dining on some of the Kyushu’s greatest dishes in the Jupiter Dining Room. The train is so popular, guests enter a lottery for tickets. The lotteries are conducted twice a year every April and October.

Discover more about Kyushu, the Japanese island you have never heard of but will love.

Want to see more stories from International Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set International Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "International Traveller". That's it.
International Traveller

International Traveller

View profile and articles
Diamond Princess from Glover Garden
Japan

This cruise along Japan’s coast visits volcanoes, temples and atomic bomb sites

What does it mean to rebuild beauty in the shadow of catastrophe? A springtime cruise along Japan’s southern coast reveals the answer.

Read more
ANA aircraft flying
Japan

Win return flights for 2 to Tokyo with ANA, worth $9334

Win return economy flights for two to Tokyo from Sydney or Perth with All Nippon Airways.

Read more
temple with a view of Mount Fuji japan
Japan

7 reasons why Japan is the ultimate destination for multi-generational travel

Japan is one of those rare destinations that appeals across generations. And while travelling here is not without its challenges, thoughtful planning and the right accommodation can make the experience easier.

Read more
Aerial view of Hilton Okinawa Sesoko Resort, one of the destinations when you visit 3 of the best island-hopping destinations in Okinawa.
Okinawa

3 of the best island-hopping destinations in Okinawa

White-sand beaches, UNESCO-listed history and wellness as a way of life: it’s time to explore Japan’s tropical dreamscape.

Read more
hero media

This is why cruising is the best way to see Asia

    Dilvin Yasa Dilvin Yasa
    Continue
    Iconic destinations, unforgettable adventures and thrilling onboard adventures; say hello to your next Asia holiday with Royal Caribbean.

    When you want to explore the gleaming skyscrapers of Shanghai and the bars of Singapore, but also embrace centuries-old traditions in Japan before traipsing through the lush jungles of Malaysia, a conundrum presents itself: how do you do it all seamlessly without the stress of flying (or repacking)? Enter, Royal Caribbean.

    With a brand designed around maximising your holiday time, sip cocktails by the pool or watch Broadway-style performances on board as the ship glides effortlessly from one atmospheric port to the next.

    Now that you have Asia at your fingertips with minimal effort, the big question is: which all-inclusive experience (and itinerary) is best for you?

    Japan

    The itinerary

    Spectras Cabaret royal caribbean
    Prepare for a show, on and off the ship.

    The Land of the Rising Sun has never been hotter, and Royal Caribbean has a vast array of unforgettable Japanese itineraries – these range from eight-night adventures to 14-night holidays circumnavigating the country’s islands.

    The eight-night Best of Japan sailing is memory-making perfection, kicking off in Shanghai (Baoshan) on 24 October 2026. Stop at fascinating ports to soak in the sweeping landscapes and seascapes of Saikaiminato, Kyoto, Niigata and Hakodate while enjoying incredible dining and adventurous activities onboard Spectrum of the Seas®. Complete your journey back in Shanghai, ‘the Paris of the East’.

    Port highlights

    mt fuji in japan
    See iconic vistas of Japan.

    Off the ship, hike the dramatic volcanic peaks of Sakaiminato’s Daisen-Oki National Park, explore the iconic temples of Kyoto, enjoy traditionally brewed sake made in Niigata (the birthplace of many quality sake brands), and taste local flavours at Kanemore Red Brick Warehouse, a premier dining and shopping district in Hakodate.

    Don’t miss Royal Caribbean’s Amanohashidate Highlights shore excursion in Kyoto, an exhilarating experience that features a cable car ride up to Kasamatsu Park and includes a visit to Nariaiji Temple, a hillside Buddhist site.

    The ship

    Spectrum Of The Seas in Singapore
    Step on board Spectrum of the Seas®.

    Aboard Spectrum of the Seas®, days at sea are just as action-packed as those on land. Here, 17 dining venues, along with eight bars and lounges, take guests on the ultimate global dining tour. Stop into Sichuan Red, designed specially for this ship, where you can savour a rich tapestry of authentic spices and Asian-influenced flavours. Start with the chef-recommended royal sea cucumber, then move on to a hot and savoury bowl of mapo tofu simmered in a traditional spicy sauce, or authentic pickled radish and duck soup.

    Fancy a little post-dinner entertainment? Talk salsa lessons, or book front row seats to Showgirl, a multisensory spectacular that pays homage to the ultimate siren of the stage. You can also take a visual journey into the exotic cultures of the Far East with The Silk Road at Two70®.

    Kids (and kidults), as always, are well-catered for, with aqua park Splashaway Bay℠ and the largest indoor active space at sea, SeaPlex®, which offers everything from laser tag to bumper cars. Those looking to relax can find peace in the adults-only solarium, as well as a wealth of treatments at Vitality℠ Spa.

    Thailand and Malaysia

    The itinerary

    Izumi Teppanyaki on ovation of the seas royal caribbean
    Sit down to hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki℠.

    Royal Caribbean’s Southeast Asia sailings deliver the perfect fusion of culture, cuisine and coastlines, and the four-night Penang & Phuket cruise is proof that short escapes can still feel spectacularly rich.

    Kick off with Royal Caribbean’s iconic Sail Away Party as Ovation of the Seas® departs from Singapore on 27 February 2026. The itinerary then weaves through two of the region’s most mesmerising destinations: Malaysia’s melting pot of cultures in Penang and Thailand’s sun-soaked island of Phuket.

    Each port stop is layered with history, flavour and natural beauty, while each moment spent onboard Ovation of the Seas® is filled with fun and excitement.

    Port highlights

    iconic ‘James Bond Island’ made famous in The Man with the Golden Gun thailand
    Zoom around the ‘James Bond Island’.

    In Penang’s George Town, a maze of heritage architecture, vibrant murals and street stalls serving sizzling char kway teow and aromatic laksa come together, blending past and present. Visit the Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple to soak up its peaceful energy, ride the century-old funicular to the forested summit of Penang Hill for panoramic views, and wander Batu Feringhi Beach, where the Andaman Sea laps gently against golden sand. Jet skis? Why not?

    Then it’s north to Phuket, where both adventure and relaxation beckon. Make the most of the local beach scene at Kata Noi and wander up Monkey Hill for sweeping vistas (and mischievous company). Be sure to book Royal Caribbean’s thrilling shore excursion here – you’ll zip along in a three-engine speedboat to the iconic ‘James Bond Island’ made famous in The Man with the Golden Gun. After a day of exploration, you’ll have enough time to enjoy a sunset cocktail on the waterfront before returning to your ship for another unforgettable evening.

    The ship

    Ovation of the Seas®, royal caribbean
    Experience thrills aboard Ovation of the Seas®.

    Of course, life on board Ovation of the Seas® is just as exhilarating as your adventures off it. Sit down to 16 flavoursome finds, from Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver® to theatrical hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki℠.

    Build up an appetite with Royal Caribbean’s iconic onboard activities, from the FlowRider® surf simulator to soaring sky-high on RipCord® by iFLY® and zipping around in bumper cars in SeaPlex®. You can really choose your own adventure.

    End the night with Spectra’s Cabaret at Two70®, a fascinating fusion of music, robotics and light that redefines entertainment at sea.

    The result? A holiday brimming with discovery, indulgence and Royal Caribbean’s signature magic: Asia, perfectly packaged.

    Start planning a cruise around Asia that you’ll never forget at royalcaribbean.com.