Kokura Castle bamboo light
First held in 2019, Kokura Castle bamboo light has become one of Kitakyushu’s signature autumn and winter events. Reflecting the city’s recognition as one of Japan’s “New Three Major Night View Cities,” this illumination event celebrates the warmth and beauty of light.
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
Located by the sea, this popular park features a free-to-use foot bath. The natural hot spring, sourced from 1,000 meters underground, is rich in iron and minerals, resulting in a reddish-brown foot bath that warms the body. Boasting an impressive length of approximately 100 meters, it is one of Japan's largest foot baths.
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
With its open terrace, Odaiba’s shopping center is set up like a ship’s deck. As far as the eye can see, the interior décor reminds visitors of the inside of a ship. Have fun shopping and dining while strolling on the deck and feeling a comfortable sea breeze, just like taking a luxury cruise around Tokyo Bay.
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
Kirishima-Jingu is a shrine that represents southern Kyushu. Founded in the 6th century, it boasts a deep and ancient history. Kirishima-Jingu was transferred to its present location over 500 years ago, after repeatedly burning down and being rebuilt due to Mt. Kirishima’s eruptions. This shrine worships Ninigi-no-Mikoto of Japan’s founding myth.
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
Sengan-en is a Japanese garden made for the Shimadzu family estate by Mitsuhisa Shimadzu in 1658. The grounds boast a sprawling 50,000 square meters in total. The garden itself uses the “borrowed scenery” technique, incorporating Kagoshima’s coveted spots like the volcano Sakurajima and Kinko Bay as a natural backdrop.
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.