Kyushu Highlights – Super Cheap Japan

Ibusuki

Ibusuki (指宿) is a great day-trip location from Kagoshima, most famous for hot sand baths. It is a great location for flower viewing and coastline hot springs. It is also a good spot to take the ferry to Yakushima. Budget travel tips When you arrive, head into the Tourist Information Center in the station. TheyContinue reading “Ibusuki”

Yakushima

Yakushima (屋久島) is a World Heritage listed subtropical island in southern Kyushu. It is usually accessed from Kagoshima and is a great way for tourists to get away from the bustling and busy streets of most Japanese cities. Budget travel tips Buses go every hour our so, but be sure to check your bus timesContinue reading “Yakushima”

Yufuin

Yufuin (由布院) is Beppu’s little sister, a smaller and quieter hot spring town with a bit more class and sophistication. While Yufuin has many tourists these days, the long shopping district full of interesting foods and stunning country side stop it from feeling like a tourist trap (which some say of Beppu!). Full of cheapContinue reading “Yufuin”

Beppu

Do you want to experience the most crazy, odd and extreme hot springs in Japan? Beppu (別府) is the place to come. Beppu has the most variety of any hot spring area in western Japan, with all types of water properties and minerals. Budget travel tips For the Eight Hells, get a combination ticket forContinue reading “Beppu”

Fukuoka

Fukuoka (福岡) is the biggest city in Kyushu and where most international flights to this prefecture will arrive. Due to it’s closeness to the Asian mainland, it has been an important harbour town for centuries. Expect your experience here to be a little different fro other big Japanese cities, with strong Korean and Chinese influences.Continue reading “Fukuoka”

Kumamoto

Kumamoto (熊本) is a medium sized city in Kyushu well known for it’s wonderful castle, and now also famous for its mascot, Kumamon. Thousands come here to pick up Kumamon souvenirs and to enjoy this quiet city. Budget travel tips A useful Information Center is located in the main Kumamoto train station. They have various dealsContinue reading “Kumamoto”

Unzen Onsen

Unzen Onsen (雲仙温泉) is the most famous hot spring resort near Nagasaki. After experiencing city life, it’s a great place to spend a few days, relaxing in the baths and going on some interesting walks. Budget travel tips Book as early as possible, as prices can get super pricey. If the weather looks bad, beContinue reading “Unzen Onsen”

Nagasaki

Nagasaki (長崎), just like Hiroshima, is an extremely emotional place to visit, but well worth seeing. Nagasaki also experienced a nuclear bomb and there are some places related to this, as well as to the cities rich history of foreign influences. At the time of writing many of the sites are up for becoming WorldContinue reading “Nagasaki”