Kyushu

Kyushu

Izuhara Some hiking
Kyushu

Tsushima Island: Beyond Ghost of Tsushima

Tsushima. The name alone evokes images of history and mystery, especially for fans of samurai and breathtaking scenery.

Quiet
2 days (good for a short getaway); minimum 1 full day if rushing
Shishi Gongen Hard hike
Autumn

Shishi Gongen: The Sanctuary of Skulls

Explore Shishi Gongen, the mysterious Skull Sanctuary in Usuki. Discover a unique temple where adventure and ancient tradition intertwine.

Quiet
Half day (allow extra time for a slow, careful hike and the chain climb); full day if coming from Oita City and returning the same day
Coastal Serenity: Ouo Shrines Iconic Floating Torii Gates Serene
Kyushu

Floating Torii of Ōuo Shrine

Come and discover the submerged torii of the "big fish shrine" and the legend of the corrupt official.

Lantern Festival
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Octagon Tunnel Off the map
Kumamoto

The Mysterious Octagon Tunnel

Concealed in the heart of the Kumamoto mountain range is a mysterious tunnel with a rather unusual shape. Visit this "door to another dimension" ...

Difficulty
Risk
Tranquil ancient forest path, stone staircase Easy walk
Autumn

Momiyama Shrine’s Millennial Tree

Not far from Nagayu hot springs is a wonderful hidden shrine, as in a Ghibli movie. Guided tour.

Quiet
2–3 hours (half-day if combining with nearby hot springs or countryside sightseeing)
Picturesque Japanese village street, wooden buildings, mountains Gentle
Autumn

Okawachiyama: Pottery Village

The little village of Okawachiyama, in the remote mountains of Saga prefecture, was one of the cradles of Japanese ceramics. Founded by a samurai clan, its manufacturing secrets were well guarded!

Wind Chime Festival
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Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine Some hiking
Autumn

The Incredible Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine

At the foot of Mount Aso stands a small shrine with a mystical atmosphere, lost in the middle of a cypress forest. Take the path with stone torii gates and discover this timeless place.

Some crowds
Half day (about 2–4 hours on site including the climb and visit to Ugetoiwa)
Haunting abandoned mining town overtaken by nature. Off the map
Kyushu

Ikeshima: A Semi-Abandoned Island

Ikeshima is the fallback island for explorers disappointed not to have visited Gunkanjima. But despite the shadow of its neighbour, this is a great island!

Difficulty
Risk
Aerial Mandala-like Vegetation Formation in Japan Some hiking
Japan

The Mysterious Forest Circles of Miyazaki

I didn’t happen across these strange circles of trees while soaring over the Japanese landscape but, like many curious folk, I found them on social networks. As these always show the same photos, I decided to check them out with my very own aerial sensors.

Quiet
Half day (allow extra time if combining with Nichinan/Obi sightseeing); the walk itself is roughly 30 minutes each way plus viewing time.