Discover Japan’s Rich Nature and Historical Heritage

*This article was sponsored by GOLDEN ROUTE to WEST JAPAN.

Find a Whole New Japan on a Different Golden Route

Many travelers to Japan stick to the Golden Route, which covers destinations like Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Osaka, and Kyoto. While all incredible, we also recommend venturing into western Japan along the route recently dubbed the “GOLDEN ROUTE to WEST JAPAN.” This region is blessed with a mild climate and a plethora of unique scenery, nature, history, and cuisine. Whether it’s your first or tenth visit to Japan, the GOLDEN ROUTE to WEST JAPAN promises fresh and unforgettable experiences. Below, we’ll list some of our favorite historical and nature-based attractions in the Kyushu region, helping you kick-start your West Golden Route itinerary!

Click here to visit the official website for the "GOLDEN ROUTE to WEST JAPAN" for an authentic Japanese experience.

Kitakyushu - A Retro City Showcasing Japan’s First Steps Into Modernity

Located in the northernmost tip of Kyushu, Kitakyushu is a captivating city in Fukuoka Prefecture that blends the energy of urban life with beautiful natural surroundings. Backed by the sea and mountains, Kitakyushu is home to four facilities that symbolize Japan’s early modernization, earning it recognition as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 2015 under the title “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.”

Click here for detailed sightseeing information on Kitakyushu City.
https://www.gururich-kitaq.com/en/

Click here to visit the official website for the "GOLDEN ROUTE to WEST JAPAN" for an authentic Japanese experience.

 

Mojiko Port - The Gateway to Japan’s Industrialization

Since opening in 1889, Mojiko Port has played a pivotal role in Japan's industrial development. Its strategic location made it a key hub for coal transport and international trade. Mojiko is still home to numerous charming historic buildings, including the iconic red-brick Customs Office, built in 1912, and the beautifully restored JR Mojiko Station, dating back to 1914. The Visitor Center has multilingual services catering to tourists in English, Chinese, and Korean.

Exploring Mojiko Port is easy with rental bikes at JOYiNT Mojiko, a 10-minute walk from the station. Relish the sea breeze while riding to Mekari Shrine, a spiritual site that has stood by the Kanmon Strait for 1,800 years. Test your luck by drawing one of its fortune slips shaped like a pufferfish, a famous local delicacy. Finally, check out the surrounding streets of Sakaemachi Gintengai, whose narrow alleyways packed with shops, cafes, and bars ooze charm.

Kokura Castle - Dive Into Kyushu’s Samurai History!

Founded in 1602, Kokura Castle is famous for its unique tower, whose 5th floor is larger than the 4th. Although destroyed in battle in 1866, it was faithfully reconstructed in 1959. While worth visiting all year round, Kokura Castle truly comes alive during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, where it hosts many enthralling events.

Inside the tower are exhibits detailing the samurai associated with Kokura Castle, along with models recreating the original tower from its heyday. Visitors can also dress up in samurai and princess costumes for a fun photo session! Brochures are available in English, Korean, and Traditional/Simplified Chinese.

The Kokura Castle Bushotai is a historical reenactment group who appear at the castle almost every day to greet visitors. They’re happy to pose for photos and videos, so be sure to say hello!

On the top floor of the tower is the Castle Cafe, where popular cafes from Kitakyushu rotate daily to serve patrons like a castle lord. To the east is the Kokura Castle Garden, where you can join traditional Kokura-ori weaving workshops or a Japanese tea ceremony. Afterwards, make your way to Tanga Market, a historic marketplace with over a century of tradition, then stroll through Uomachi Gintengai for some street food before returning to Kokura Station.

Fukuoka City - Kyushu’s Main Gateway and Biggest City

Fukuoka City is the vibrant cosmopolitan capital of Fukuoka Prefecture and a hub of politics, finance, culture, and fashion representing the entirety of Kyushu. The short 5-minute subway ride from Fukuoka Airport to Hakata Station also makes it incredibly convenient for visitors to reach the city center.

Click here for detailed sightseeing information on Fukuoka City.
https://gofukuoka.jp/

Click here to visit the official website for the "GOLDEN ROUTE to WEST JAPAN" for an authentic Japanese experience.

Kitazaki - A Seaside and Mountain Getaway Close to the City

Just an hour by bus from Tenjin, Kyushu’s largest entertainment district, the Kitazaki area is a paradise for outdoor activities set against the stunning Itoshima Peninsula. Start by renting a sports e-bike at the Itoshima Peninsula Ecotourism Association to explore the area, then join an ocean fishing tour with all gear provided at the Fukuoka City Sea Fishing Park, or a stand-up paddleboarding session at Imazu Bay. Kitazaki is dotted by quaint cafes and scenic nooks, all accessible by e-bike along the coast and inland. For accommodation, treat yourself to a glamping experience at Karadomari VILLAGE, complete with on-site camping gear rental and food options.

Fukuoka Yatai - Eat Your Way Through Fukuoka’s Diverse Street Food Scene

Featured in publications like The New York Times and Lonely Planet, Fukuoka’s “yatai” food stalls have captured global attention. The Tourist Information Center at Fukuoka Airport’s International Terminal even has a “yatai concierge” providing tips for overseas travelers to enjoy this one-of-a-kind foodie culture.

There are over 100 yatai in Fukuoka City, with the most iconic being those lining the riverside in the Nakasu area of Hakata Ward. In recent years, new yatai have popped up in Nagahama, making the scene more vibrant than ever. Most yatai begin to open around 6:00 pm, welcoming diners in with their lively atmosphere.

Yatai serve local dishes like "tonkotsu" ramen, "yakitori" roasted chicken skewers, and "oden" hotpot with vegetables, fish cakes, and other ingredients. More recently, yatai have begun expanding into international cuisines like French, as well as opening bars and cafes. With such an enormous variety, we recommend researching a few yatai you’d like to visit in advance to plan yourself a fun food crawl.

Originating in postwar Japan, Fukuoka’s yatai also flaunt a nostalgic character rooted in old Japanese street stalls. Most will prepare the food right in front of customers in a dazzling performance, and friendly locals are often keen to chat.

Kumamoto City - Where Nature and History Harmonize

Located almost in the center of Kyushu, Kumamoto City is easily accessible from Fukuoka City in just 33 minutes via Hakata Station on the Kyushu Shinkansen bullet train. Kumamoto City’s highlights include Kumamoto Castle and the castle town that surrounds it, along with its myriad of quaint shops housed in renovated traditional folkhomes.

Click here for detailed sightseeing information on Kumamoto City.
https://kumamoto-guide.jp/en/
Click here to visit the official website for the "GOLDEN ROUTE to WEST JAPAN" for an authentic Japanese experience.

Kumamoto Castle - The Symbol of the City and One of Japan’s Three Famous Castles

Kumamoto Castle was constructed by the powerful warlord Kato Kiyomasa over 7 years starting in 1601. The castle grounds span a whopping 98 hectares with a perimeter of 5.3 kilometers, designed as a massive fortress for warfare. After a devastating fire in 1877 that destroyed the main tower and Honmaru Palace, the tower was rebuilt in 1960. Kumamoto Castle also sustained severe damage during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, but has since been restored, and visitors can again enjoy fascinating exhibits and stunning views from the top floor. The Kumamoto Castle official app has audio guides for the exhibits in English, Chinese, and Korean.

Restoration work is still continuing in other areas of the castle, and visitors can take advantage of a special viewing walkway to explore the grounds from above at a height of 6 meters, granting a unique perspective on the tower, turrets, and other historical assets.

Suizenji Jojuen Garden - A Scenic Retreat for All Seasons

Suizenji Jojuen is a Japanese garden centered around a pond fed by underground water from Mt. Aso. Known for its hill modeled on Mt. Fuji and stone arrangements, this tranquil garden was first established in 1632 when the Kumamoto lord ordered the construction of a tea house, and was completed in 1671. The 1-hectare pond, home to dozens of colorful carp, flaunts the beauty of the changing seasons, like cherry blossoms in spring and fiery foliage in autumn.

While strolling, keep a look out for the Kokindenju no Ma, a room relocated from the Kyoto Imperial Palace in 1912. Built nearly 400 years ago, it retains its original windows, pillars, and more. Here you can relax with matcha tea and sweets while appreciating the serene garden scenery.

If you want to learn more about Suizenji Jojuen Garden, English-language tours are available for a fee.

Kagoshima City - A Dynamic Metropolis With an Active Volcano!

Located at the southern tip of Kyushu, Kagoshima City is the capital of Kagoshima Prefecture. It’s home to Kagoshima-Chuo Station, a stop on the Kyushu Shinkansen bullet train, and Tenmonkan, the largest shopping and entertainment district in southern Kyushu. Just a short distance from the city looms the mighty Sakurajima, an active volcano where visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities amid its impressive natural landscapes.

Click here for detailed sightseeing information on Kagoshima City.
https://www.kagoshima-yokanavi.jp/en
Click here to visit the official website for the "GOLDEN ROUTE to WEST JAPAN" for an authentic Japanese experience.

Sakurajima - An Active Volcano Still Erupting Today

Sakurajima is a composite volcano island with a height of 1,117 meters at Mt. Ontake (the north peak), and an area of about 80 km² and circumference of 52 km. It sits in Kinko Bay, part of the Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park. Formed about 26,000 years ago, Sakurajima has experienced 17 major eruptions and remains highly active today. The Sakurajima Visitor Center, located near the ferry terminal, walks visitors through the volcano’s eruptions, lifestyle of local residents, and wilderness through videos, dioramas, and information panels.

Once you’ve finished learning about the volcano, it’s time to explore the island on your own! Rent a bike and enjoy the stunning scenery amongst the refreshing breeze and shimmering sea.

Sengan-en - Spectacular Views of Sakurajima From a Japanese Garden

For almost 800 years, the Shimazu Clan ruled the Kagoshima region. In 1658, the 19th head of the clan, Shimazu Mitsuhisa, built Sengan-en as a seaside retreat for the family. Sengan-en is famous amongst garden-lovers for how it incorporates the encompassing natural landscape into its design. Here, Kinko Bay and the Sakurajima volcano act as a “pond” and “hill,” weaving together a classic garden style. Other highlights include the Suzumon Gate, once only accessible to the lord and his successors, and the lord’s own private room within the residence. English-guided tours of the estate are offered at 12:00 pm on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Sengan-en also hosts cultural experiences, such as Satsuma Kiriko glass cutting—a traditional Kagoshima craft—and the chance to try on a replica suit of armor from the Shimazu family collection (prior reservations required).

Adjacent to Sengan-en is the Shoko Shuseikan Museum. Originally founded by the 19th-century clan leader Shimazu Nariakira, the Shuseikan represents one of Japan’s earliest Western-style industrial complexes. This pioneering facility now houses exhibits on the history and culture of the clan.

We hope you enjoyed this journey across Kyushu, highlighting the region’s historical relics, traditional gardens, and food culture from north to south. Each is made even better by the cherry blossoms, lush spring greenery, or vibrant autumn foliage that graces them over the year. Use this article as a base to start planning your ultimate GOLDEN ROUTE to WEST JAPAN adventure!

Thumbnail: Photo courtesy of Kumamoto Castle General Office