Island of volcanoes and onsen
The southern island of Japan, Kyushu , is rarely visited but it is versatile, charming and offers all the elements that make a trip to Japan special. Kyushu is rich in breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities and ancient pilgrimage routes through the world of hermits, monks and Shoguns.
VOLCANOES AND HOT WATER SOURCES
Kyushu is the island of fire because of the many volcanoes. The largest volcano is Mount Aso , which is surrounded by spectacular scenery, and the most active is Sakurajima , originally an island but turned into a peninsula by the lava flow. Wherever there are volcanoes, there are hot springs. For some of Japan's best, head to Uzen Onsen , where surreal lunar landscapes and bubbling baths scented with sulfur await you. For a quintessential Japanese hot-spring experience, travel to Kurokawa Onsen , and immerse yourself in the aromatic cypress baths in traditional wooden bathhouses.
WILDERNESS
World Heritage Yakushima is an island covered with ancient rainforest that is mainly populated by deer and monkeys. Home to Japan's oldest tree, the Jomon Sugi, it has a special hot spring bath on the beach where you can relax from one of the beautiful walks past ancient cedar trees in the lush green nature park. If you travel in June or July, you can see sea turtles laying their eggs on Yakushima Beach.
CITY WITH HISTORY
Rebuilt into a bustling city after the atomic bomb devastated in 1945, Nagasaki has a long and rich history. It was the only place open to foreign trade during Japan's long period of isolation. Portuguese, Spaniards and Dutchmen lived on Dejima Island . Not only on this island, which has been restored in its old style, but also elsewhere in the city, you can see that the Dutch have left their mark on the city in countless ways.
