Kokura Castle Bamboo Light
First held in 2019, Kokura Castle Bamboo Light has become a major fall and winter event. This illumination event celebrates light in a way befitting Kitakyushu, recognized as one of Japan’s New Top Three Night View Cities.
A traditional castle combined with natural materials like bamboo and modern light displays—such a creative mix! I really liked the unique vibe.
Sakurajima Yogan Nagisa Park & Footbath
This seaside park is known for its free footbath. The reddish-brown natural hot spring water rises from 1,000 meters underground and is rich in iron and minerals, warming the body from the feet up. At approximately 100 meters long, it is one of Japan’s largest footbaths. Visitors can relax while taking in views of Kinko Bay in front and Sakurajima behind.
Whether you're admiring the volcano views or relaxing in the foot bath, you can have a really enjoyable and fulfilling time here.
DECKS Tokyo Beach
This Odaiba shopping center features an open terrace with wood decking reminiscent of a ship’s deck and nautical decor throughout the building. Stroll along the deck in the refreshing sea breeze, then dine and shop while feeling as though you are cruising Tokyo Bay aboard a luxury liner.
I especially recommend the open-air restaurants with ocean views. Enjoying delicious food while taking in the beautiful scenery of Tokyo Bay is such a treat.
Kirishima Jingu Shrine
One of southern Kyushu's most prominent shrines, with a long history dating back to its founding in the 6th century. After being repeatedly destroyed by eruptions of the Kirishima mountains and rebuilt, it was moved to its present location more than 500 years ago. It enshrines Ninigi no Mikoto, a central figure in the myth of Japan's founding.
This shrine has a great atmosphere, hidden in the mountains and forests. The bright red main hall is really beautiful. It's a place that feels full of spiritual energy.
Sengan-en, a Nationally Designated Place of Scenic Beauty
Sengan-en is a Japanese garden built in 1658 by Shimadzu Mitsuhisa as a villa for the Shimadzu family. It covers 50,000 square meters. This borrowed-scenery garden incorporates Kagoshima’s magnificent landscape, with Sakurajima as its artificial hill and Kinko Bay as its pond.
The garden cleverly uses borrowed scenery, making Kinko Bay and Sakurajima volcano part of the landscape design.
Sakurajima
Sakurajima is an active composite volcano located in Kagoshima Bay. It is a symbol of Kagoshima, and part of Kirishima-Yaku National Park. The volcano began to form around 26,000 years ago, and it has had 17 major eruptions.
This is one of the most iconic spots in Kagoshima. It's still an active volcano, with frequent activity and white smoke rising all year round. There have even been major eruptions in the past that caused casualties.
You need to take a ferry to travel between the two areas.
Kyushu National Museum
Dazaifu, where the Museum stands, is an important hub in Japanese ancient history. It was a place to govern the Kyushu Region where lots of exchanges with the world were taking place. With that background, this 4th national museum was opened in 2005 with the unique concept “Understanding Japanese culture formation in the Asian historical view.”
There’s a lot to see around the museum itself. The area is really interesting.