Kyushu: A Week of Nature, Culture, and Crafts
Source:
@The World Hiker
24 attractions in Japan featured in a youtube post by The World Hiker, verified on Google Maps: Kirishima Jingu, Udo Jingu, Sun Messe Nichinan, and 21 more.
Kirishima Jingu
Place of worship
4.5
Kirishima Shrine is a historically significant Shinto shrine nestled amidst lush greenery. The shrine features striking red gates (torii) and traditional Japanese architecture, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere. It serves as a cultural and spiritual destination for visitors seeking to experience traditional Japanese religious practices.
Udo Jingu
Shinto shrine
4.5
Udo Shrine is a famous Shinto shrine uniquely built into a seaside cave, offering a dramatic backdrop of ocean views and crashing waves. Visitors can walk along paths lined with stunning red torii gates and explore the shrine within the cave. It's a popular cultural and spiritual destination with legends associated with Japan's first emperor.
Sun Messe Nichinan
Amusement center
4.0
Sun Messe Nichinan is a coastal park famous for its full-scale replicas of the Moai statues found on Easter Island. The park sits on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, providing spectacular views and unique photo opportunities. Visitors can explore gardens, observation areas, and cultural exhibits without having to travel to Easter Island itself.
Nanzoin
Buddhist temple
4.4
Nanzoin Temple is a famous Buddhist temple known for its enormous reclining bronze Buddha statue, one of the largest in the world at 41 meters long and 11 meters high. Surrounded by forested hills, peaceful walking paths, and numerous smaller Buddha statues, it offers a calm atmosphere for pilgrims and travelers seeking a spiritual experience. The temple grounds feature various statues and a red bridge over a koi pond.
Beppu Onsen
Place
Beppu Onsen is one of Japan's most famous geothermal regions, renowned for its abundant hot springs powered by underground volcanic activity. The area features a variety of thermal attractions, including steaming vents, bubbling pools, mud baths, and colorful hot springs known as the 'Hells of Beppu.' A common admission pass grants access to several unique 'hells,' each with distinct characteristics and colors.
Umi Jigoku
Landmark
4.2
Umi Jigoku, or 'Sea Hell,' is famous for its vivid blue water, reminiscent of the ocean, but boiling hot due to geothermal activity. This 'hell' is part of the Beppu Onsen experience, offering a striking visual contrast to the surrounding greenery and steam. Visitors can admire the unique color and powerful steam, as well as enjoy a footbath.
Amanoiwato Shrine Nishi Hongu
Shinto shrine
4.5
Amanoiwato Shrine is a sacred Shinto shrine in Takachiho, revered as the site where the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami hid herself in a cave, plunging the world into darkness. The shrine complex includes several structures and a cave filled with stone stacks left by worshipers. It offers a deeply spiritual and historic experience for visitors.
Sogi Waterfall.
Scenic spot
4.4
Sogi Falls, often called the 'Niagara of the East,' is a wide and dramatic waterfall flowing across the Sendai River. Surrounded by beautiful forests and rocky terrain, it offers spectacular views and photographic opportunities. Visitors can enjoy the powerful cascades and the natural beauty of the area from various viewpoints.
Chinoike Jigoku
Landmark
4.0
Chinoike Jigoku, or 'Blood Pond Hell,' is famous for its striking red-colored water, which is caused by iron-rich clay. This 'hell' is one of the most visually distinctive in Beppu Onsen and is believed to be the oldest natural hot spring in Japan. The vibrant red color provides a dramatic photo opportunity.
Oniyama Jigoku
Landmark
3.6
Oniyama Jigoku, sometimes called the 'Crocodile Hell,' is home to numerous crocodiles that are raised in the hot spring water. This unique attraction within Beppu Onsen offers a glimpse into a less conventional use of geothermal energy. Visitors can observe the crocodiles in their thermal environment.
Kamado Jigoku
Landmark
4.1
Kamado Jigoku, or 'Cooking Pot Hell,' features several different types of hot springs and steam vents, allowing visitors to experience the diverse geothermal activity of Beppu Onsen. This 'hell' is known for its cooking pot theme and offers various experiences like drinking hot spring water and steaming treats. It's a lively and interactive part of the Beppu 'hell巡り' tour.
Nyoirinji Frog Temple
Buddhist temple
4.4
Nyoirinji Frog Temple is a unique and playful Buddhist temple renowned for its thousands of frog statues and decorations collected from around the world. In Japanese culture, frogs are associated with good fortune and safe returns due to a pun, making this temple a charming and fun place to visit. Visitors can explore pathways and gardens adorned with various frog-themed ornaments.
TOTO Museum
Museum
4.5
The TOTO Museum showcases the evolution of toilet and bathroom technology, featuring interactive exhibits, vintage products, and displays explaining modern innovations in hygiene. Highlights include a road-tripped toilet motorcycle and a sumo-sized toilet for visitors to try. It's a fun and quirky stop for those interested in Japanese high-tech toilets and the history of plumbing.
Shiraike Jigoku
Landmark
3.7
Shiraike Jigoku, or 'White Pond Hell,' is a milky blue hot spring surrounded by traditional Japanese landscape gardens. The pond's unique color is due to the calcium-rich water, and it creates a serene and picturesque setting. This 'hell' also houses an aquarium with tropical fish that thrive in the warm waters.
Mt. Komonji
Hiking area
4.5
Mount Komonji offers panoramic views of Kitakyushu and its surrounding bays, making it a popular spot for hikers and sightseers. The hike to the summit provides a rewarding experience with expansive vistas of the urban landscape and the sea. It's a great way to gain perspective on the region's geography and enjoy nature.
Oniishi Bozu Jigoku
Landmark
4.1
Onishibozu Jigoku, or 'Monk's Head Hell,' is known for its bubbling gray mud pools, resembling the bald heads of monks. This unique 'hell' is part of the Beppu Onsen complex, offering a mesmerizing and somewhat eerie natural phenomenon. Visitors can observe the thick, gray mud bubbling and releasing steam.
Tatsumaki Jigoku
Landmark
3.9
Tatsumaki Jigoku, or 'Spout Hell,' is a geyser that erupts at regular intervals, showcasing the raw power of Beppu's geothermal activity. Visitors can witness the impressive spout of boiling water and steam, making it a thrilling part of the 'hell tour.' Eruptions typically occur every 30-40 minutes and last about 6-10 minutes.
Miyazaki Heiwadai Park
Park
4.1
Miyazaki Heiwadai Park is an unusual attraction featuring over 400 small terracotta figures known as Haniwa, which are replicas of ancient clay sculptures placed on Japanese burial mounds during the Kofun Period. The park also boasts a large peace tower, allowing for unique auditory experiences when clapping your hands at its base. It's a fascinating blend of history and quirky art in a natural setting.
Maruo Falls
Scenic spot
4.1
Maruo Falls is a beautiful waterfall cascading down into a pretty blue pool, offering a scenic and tranquil stop. The vibrant colors of the water and surrounding greenery make it an ideal spot for a quick photo opportunity or a moment of relaxation. It's a picturesque natural attraction worth a visit.
Takachiho Gorge
Scenic spot
4.5
Takachiho Gorge is a spectacular river gorge formed by volcanic activity and erosion over thousands of years, known for its sheer cliffs and lush greenery. Its most famous feature is the Manai Falls, a waterfall that plunges into the emerald green river below, where visitors can paddle in boats. It's one of Kyushu's most beautiful natural landscapes, offering scenic walking paths and boat rides.
Fake Food Hasami - Nihon Bijutsu
Store
4.4
Fake Food Hasami is a fun art store displaying a wide array of realistic fake food replicas of popular Japanese dishes. This shop offers a unique insight into Japanese culture, where plastic food models are commonly used in restaurant displays. It's an interesting stop for foodies and those curious about the art of food replication.
Saga Balloon Museum
Museum
4.0
The Saga Balloon Museum celebrates the history and culture of hot air ballooning in Japan, particularly the famous Saga International Balloon Fiesta. Located in Saga City, the museum features interactive exhibits and flight simulators, allowing visitors to learn about balloon technology. It's an engaging stop for families and aviation enthusiasts.
Sekinoo Falls
Scenic spot
4.2
Sekinoo Falls is a scenic waterfall known for its wide cascade and beautiful natural surroundings, making it a popular spot for nature lovers. A bridge offers a great vantage point to admire the powerful flow of water and the rugged landscape. The area around the falls provides opportunities for peaceful contemplation and photography.
Toho Village
Place
Toho Village is known for its traditional pottery and ceramics, crafted using techniques passed down through generations. Visitors can explore shops displaying a wide variety of beautifully made pottery, from everyday bowls to decorative pieces. It's a great place to appreciate Japanese craftsmanship and perhaps purchase unique souvenirs.