Kyushu

Kyushu

Aerial view of Ogi rice terraces with water-filled paddies reflecting sky on green hills Ethereal
Kyushu

Ogi Rice Terraces: Infinity in an Open Field

At Ogi, the terraced rice fields climb 820 metres above sea level. The sixteen terraces form giant mirrors that reflect the sky and clouds, creating a world upside down. When the sun rises, the flooded plots transform into XXL mirrors, making you feel like you’re walking above the clouds.

Spring Water Mirrors
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Intricately carved multi-armed wooden deity statue at Japanese shrine Easy walk
Kyushu

The Strange Stone Sculptures of Takanabe Daishi

Located on the north coast of Miyazaki Prefecture, the small town of Takanabe is home to an unusual collection of stone sculptures.

Some crowds
2–3 hours (allow half a day if combining with the nearby Mochida tumuli)
Vermilion torii gate path descending hillside at Ukiha Inari Shrine, Japan Some hiking
Kyushu

Ukiha Inari Shrine

Discover Ukiha Inari Shrine in Fukuoka, an enchanting place known for its vermilion torii, its quiet calm, and its panoramic views.

Quiet
2–3 hours (including the torii climb, photos, and time at the viewpoint); half day if combining with nearby sights like Harazuru Onsen
Moss-covered stone statues and markers at Kyu-Sento-ji forest temple ruins in Japan Off the map
Kyushu

Kyu-Sento-ji: At the Crossroads of Beliefs

Discover the mysterious ruins of Kyu-Sento-ji, an ancient mountain temple blending Buddhism and Shinto on the Kunisaki Peninsula.

Difficulty
Risk
Takachiho Gorge
Autumn

Takachiho Gorge: Boats, Gods and Volcanic Walls

Kyushu's most photographed gorge: rowboats under the Manai waterfall, 100-metre volcanic walls, gods, a demon, and noodles that race down a bamboo flume.

Moss-covered railway tracks crossing a stream in a lush green forest corridor.
Kyushu

Ishizuka, the Forgotten Village of Yakushima

Ishizuka, a former logging village in the heart of Yakushima, swallowed by moss and a moving witness to the age of the yakusugi cedars.

Yabakei Japan flower fields with blue blooms, river path, and towering cliffs under clear sky Ethereal
Kyushu

The Heavenly Carpet of Yabakei

Discover the magic of Yabakei's blue nemophila flowers, a breathtaking floral phenomenon that transforms this Japanese region into a celestial dream every spring.

Nemophila Bloom
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Historic Japanese gate tower on stone wall in Izuhara under cloudy sky Some hiking
Autumn

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
Pile of deer skulls with antlers in dark shrine, moody ritual bone photography 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