Active volcanoes, the steaming hot-spring resort of Beppu, ramen alleys in Fukuoka's Hakata district, and Yakushima's ancient cedar forests a ferry ride from Kagoshima.
Highlights
Fukuoka
Beppu
Nagasaki
Kagoshima
Aso Volcano
Yakushima Access
When to Visit
Mar-May
Cherry blossoms reach Kumamoto Castle in late March, and Aso volcano's grasslands green up before the rainy season arrives.
Jun-Aug
Tsuyu rainy season hits Kyushu first, then humid summer. Beach trips to Amami and matsuri in Fukuoka work; volcano hiking does not.
Sep-Nov
Beppu's eight 'hells' steam most photogenically against autumn colour, and Yakushima's Jomon cedar trail is at its driest.
Dec-Feb
Nagasaki Lantern Festival in February lights up Chinatown for two weeks, and Kyushu's mild winter keeps onsen towns comfortable to walk.
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