Perfect for Photographs! Five Scenic Spots in Kyushu

1. Itoshima (Sakurai Futamigaura) (Fukuoka)

Itoshima City in Fukuoka Prefecture has been attracting a lot of attention for having many photogenic spots that are perfect for social media. It is filled with unique attractions such as the Angel Wings drawn on Palm Beach’s wall and the Palmtree Swing that hangs from two palm trees. Futamigaura, which is in northern Itoshima, is a spot that stands out from the rest. The Couple Rocks (two rocks, large and small, that appear as if they are a couple) that are about 150m from the shore create a wonderful contrast with the blue ocean, sky, and white torii gate. It is exceptionally beautiful when the sun sets beyond the Couple Rocks. The area is particularly popular around the summer solstice.

2. Megane-bashi (Nagasaki)

This is a 22m bridge that is 3.65m above the surface of Nakashima River in Nagasaki City. Built in 1634, it is the country\'s oldest arched stone bridge and is designated as a national important cultural property. Its reflection on the water looks like a pair of glasses, and it is counted as one of Japan\'s three best bridges. You’ll be able to get a straight shot of Megane-bashi from Fukuro-bashi, which is one bridge down. The heart-shaped stone in the river dike near Megane-bashi is also popular. The area is known as a place where you can wish for luck in love, so take a look to see if you can find it!

3. Sunmesse Nichinan (Miyazaki)

Sunmesse Nichinan is a tourist facility atop a hill by the shore of Nichinan. Its main attraction is the group of seven huge Moai statues lined up with the blue ocean in the background. These statues are the first perfect replicas of Moai statues, made with official approval from the elders of Easter Island. The People Watching the Ocean and Moai Statues is also popular. The colorful statues of people sitting on a bench are fantastic as photos for social media.

Entrance fee: 700 JPY/adult, 500 JPY/junior high school student, 350 JPY/child aged 4 years and older

4. Wilson\'s Stump (Kagoshima)

This is a yakusugi (Japanese cedar tree) stump that can be found on Yaku Island. Located 1,030m above sea level, it has a circumference of 13.8m and is estimated to be 3,000 years old. It was cut down approximately 400 years ago, but there are three small cedars growing by the roots that are testament to the rejuvenating powers of the forest. The soft part in the middle of the stump has rotted to create a cavity that you can enter. The inside is a purifying space with a spring and a small shrine dedicated to Shinto deities. Look up at the sky and you\'ll see a heart shape that would look great on social media!

5. Former Bungo-mori Kikanko (Oita)

This is the only remaining roundhouse (garage for locomotives) in Kyushu. It consists of a fan-shaped concrete building and a turntable used to turn locomotives around. The building is more than 70 years old, with traces of smoke from steam locomotives on the ceiling and bullet marks from the war on the walls. In 2015, Steam Locomotive 29612, which has run a total distance equaling to traveling around the world 66 times since its creation in 1919, was moved to the roundhouse. Looking at the metallic locomotive standing in the roundhouse evokes a sense of nostalgia.

If you are thinking about traveling to Kyushu, use this article as reference to make your travel plans!