Nagasaki
Walker House in Glover Garden is filled with artefacts donated by the Glover and Walker families. Look for both Japanese and Western design touches.
Must-see attractions in Kyūshū
Kyūshū
This is a unique opportunity to see contemporary potters working in a large studio crafting stunning examples of Arita ware, in a building from the early…
Nagasaki
Built in 1865, this is the largest of the several historic houses in the hillside Glover Garden and one of the few still in its original location.
Kyūshū
This cable car gets you close to a shrine and the summit of Myōken-dake (1333m), from where the hike via Kunimi-wakare takes just under two hours to…
Beppu
One of the Kannawa group's hells, Shira-ike has blue-white water and a Japanese garden. It tends to be the quietest of the neighbourhood's jigoku (hells;…
Kyūshū
Hirado-jō presides over the town. The castle has an enormous number of rebuilt structures, and inside you'll see traditional armour and clothing, and…
Beppu
Umi is a steamy blue due to iron oxide in its 98°C water. It's said to be about 200m down to the source. One of the Kannawa group's jigoku (hells; boiling…
Kyūshū
At this temple near the entrance to the Kumano Magaibutsu, monks will give you stickers to put on the statue of your Chinese birth year.
Kumamoto
Exhibits in this museum include the crown and other personal items of daimyō Katō Kiyomasa. The museum was closed at the time of writing due to earthquake…
Kyūshū
Across the middle of the island, this remote, small museum displays items including a Maria-Kannon statue that the hidden Christians used in place of the…
Beppu
So named because it was once used for cooking (kamado means stove in Japanese). One of the Kannawa group's jigoku (hells; boiling hot springs).
Kyūshū
The hall displays finds from local archaeological excavations. Nearby are the Tofurō ruins (都府楼) of ancient government buildings.
Beppu
One of the Kannawa group's jigoku (hells; boiling hot springs), Oniishibōzu has bubbling grey mud that looks like a monk's shaved head.
Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art
Kumamoto
On the grounds of Ninomaru park, this art museum has ancient Buddhist sculptures, modern paintings and a recreation of an ancient burial mound.
Beppu
Set in Beppu's smaller group of jigoku (hells; boiling hot springs), Tatsumaki has a geyser that shoots off about every 35 minutes.
Kyūshū
On the mainland across from Aoshima island, this manicured garden is home to 64 species of fruit tree.
Fukuoka
Inside this unique building are a tourist-information centre (1st floor), cultural-information centre (2nd floor) and craft gallery. The building itself…
Fukuoka
Although it doesn't compare in scale or offerings to larger food markets in Japan, Yanagibashi presents the opportunity to browse for fresh fish, seafood,…
Beppu
Chi-no-ike is named for its photogenic waters, said to be red like blood (chi). The colour comes from iron oxide and magnesium oxide. This is said to be…
Kumamoto
The castle's soaring black Tenshūkaku (main building, 29.5m tall) is today a historical museum with 6th-storey lookouts. The tower was closed at the time…
Fukuoka
This popular Shintō shrine is set right in the midst of the city, steps from Tenjin Station. While it's not as grand as some other religious sites in town…
Kagoshima
This statue and landmark commemorates the students from Satsuma (the feudal name for Kagoshima) who went to study Western technology in the UK in 1865…
Kagoshima
Kagoshima's most famous historical figure, Saigō Takamori has been called the 'last samurai' and was known as both a loyalist and a rebel. His statue is…
Fukuoka
There's no particular reason to visit Fukuoka's boxy skyscraper of a city hall, but the large building is good for orientation, just west of Tenjin-chūō…
Kagoshima
This monument honours the Kagoshima samurai turned statesman (1830–78) who helped overthrow the feudal regime and pave the way for the modernisation of…
Beppu
Built in 1957, this erector-set-style tower near the bay has an observation deck with 360-degree views. It's a popular visit for couples.
Kagoshima
This landmark church, originally built in 1908 but rebuilt in 1999, honors the first Christian missionary to visit Japan.
Fukuoka
Also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Victory, the church holds AA meetings and religious ceremonies.
Kagoshima
Kagoshima's large city hall, in a tan brick building, is a handy landmark.
