Welcome to Kyūshū

Japan's southern- and westernmost main island is arguably its warmest, friendliest and most beautiful, with active volcanic peaks, rocky, lush and near-tropical coastlines, and great onsen virtually everywhere. Much Japanese history was made in Kyūshū (九州). Jōmon ruins, Shintō's sun goddess, wealthy trading ports, cloistered foreigners, samurai rebels and one of the earth's greatest wartime tragedies all loom large... Read More

Top experiences in Kyūshū

Recent articles

Visiting Japan's ghost island of Hashima

The small island of Hashima was once bustling with a community of 5000 people, who lived alongside the mines they worked. Abandoned in the 1970s, the island and its buildings had been left to the elements. But calls for its preservation, a cameo role in a Bond movie, and Unesco recognition have all helped make this once-forgotten isle a now popular, ghostly attraction.

Silhouette of Hashima, aka Gunkanjima ('battleship island'). Image by Ray Bartlett / Lonely Planet
Ray Bartlett
Lonely Planet Writer

Kagoshima: the Hawaii of Japan

When most people think of Japan, what comes to mind is raw fish, Mount Fuji, temples and Tokyo. Few step off the tourist path, but those who do will be rewarded: there are entirely new sides to this country waiting to be explored. Among the many is Kagoshima, a volcanic tropical paradise that could easily become known as the 'Hawaii of Japan'.

Sunk into one of the area's largest caldera systems, Kagoshima is one of the easiest places to get up close and personal with live volcanoes - some so active that certain hiking trails are closed, due to ash and releases of toxic gas. Eruptions happen daily: expect to hear a rumble, feel the ground shake for a few seconds, and see giant grey plumes rocket up into the sky.
Ray Bartlett
Lonely Planet Writer

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