The southwesternmost of Japan’s main islands, Kyushu is renowned for its volcanoes, sandy beaches, abundant hot springs, museums, shrines and a growing selection of stylish hotels. Always a compelling choice for visitors to Japan, Kyushu is seeing fresh hotel openings, new culinary experiences, sightseeing train services and cycling routes that make the island even more appealing this year.
© Nagasaki Marriott
New Sightseeing Train Line
This spring a new five-hour sightseeing train service began operating between Hakata Station in Fukuoka and Beppu Station, linking the region’s largest city with the famous seaside onsen destination of Beppu, which is celebrating a centenary this year. The train emphasizes relaxed travel: all seats are Green Car class, onboard dining includes a buffet, and bento boxes use local ingredients sourced from locations along the route. The panoramic views along the journey make the ride itself a highlight of any Kyushu trip.
© The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka
Four Notable New Hotels
Kyushu’s accommodation scene has expanded with several noteworthy openings. In Saga prefecture, Ureshino Yadoya welcomes guests to a small, tranquil property with just 36 rooms. Each room features free-flowing onsen water for private baths, and the property highlights Ureshino’s tea culture with experiences such as tea ceremonies, a tea aroma sauna and a tea bar.
Last summer The Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka opened, marking the brand’s first hotel in Kyushu. With six dining venues and refined urban design, the hotel serves as a luxurious base for exploring Fukuoka. In January, Marriott Nagasaki began welcoming guests, offering 207 rooms—many with balconies—and sweeping views of Mount Inasa, the cityscape and the harbor. Coming this autumn, Nagasaki Stadium City will open as Japan’s first stadium-view hotel; rooms are designed with unusually wide-opening windows to maximize sightlines to the stadium.
© Courtesy of Discover Kyushu Promotion Committee
Explore Kyushu on Two Wheels
Discover Kyushu has introduced new 10-day guided cycling itineraries designed for travelers who want to experience the island sustainably and at a human pace. These curated routes travel through hot spring towns, past active volcanoes, across the scenic Goto Islands and along corridors where cherry blossoms bloom in season. Routes cover all seven of Kyushu’s prefectures and offer a mix of cultural stops, natural highlights and local cuisine. The island also hosts the annual Tour de Kyushu this autumn, attracting cyclists and spectators alike.
Sample Shochu, Kyushu’s Spirit
Shochu, a distilled spirit often consumed in Kyushu more than sake, is made from ingredients such as barley, sweet potatoes, brown sugar and rice. Kyushu’s prefectures lead the country in both production and consumption of shochu. A new program called Shochu Discovery invites visitors to taste regional varieties and learn from local producers and shochu experts about traditional distilling methods and flavor profiles unique to each area.
With distinctive new travel experiences—ranging from scenic train journeys and cycling tours to refined hotels and regional culinary programs—Kyushu continues to deepen its appeal for travelers seeking natural beauty, culture and thoughtful hospitality.