The rail journey begins in Fukuoka - a city with a metro population of 2.5 million - and ends at the southern tip of the island, in the city of Ibusuki. As the train rolls along, it travels through time - and reveals the amazing diversity and contrasts of the most southerly of Japan's four main islands. The trip provides spectacular landscape views, as well as deep insight into a foreign culture, and its ancient traditions and modern lifestyles.
In the West, Kyushu is one of the lesser-known regions in the "Land of the Rising Sun." Even for the Japanese, the green, mountainous island is seen mostly as a holiday spot. Europeans rarely visit this part of the country - but there are plenty of restaurants and cafes that have names like "Wolfgang," "Bavaria," or "Cote d'Azur." Travel guides say that these words sound "European" to Japanese.
The family of the emperor, or Tenno, comes from Kyushu as well. This is also where the dynasties of the proud warrior class, the samurai, have their roots.
And there are a number of active volcanoes on Kyushu. One of the most famous is Mount Aso. Its caldera - the cauldron-like hollow at the top -- has a circumference of about 120 kilometers. - DW Documentary
People are now able to freely visit parts of a town in Japan's northeastern prefecture of Fukushima, where entry restrictions had been in place since the nuclear accident caused by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. (NHK)
A theme park in western Japan says it will open a new section dedicated to the popular video game character Mario on March 18.
(NHK)
Japanese airlines are trying to boost domestic passenger numbers by offering the reassurance of PCR testing at low cost. The move comes as the coronavirus pandemic continues to hurt their bottom line.
(NHK)
Japan will maintain tight controls on the entry of foreign nationals following the extension of a state of emergency covering Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures to curb COVID-19, just weeks before preparations for the Olympics begin in earnest. (Nikkei)
Japanese dance company Moonlight Mobile Theater has come up with a novel way of bringing people back to their avant-garde performances. (Reuters)
Japan Rail East has some new passes, updates and travel plans for 2021. I’ll explain them and take some questions. (ONLY in JAPAN)
The mountainous area of Togakushi in northern Nagano Prefecture is with its five Shrines, a site heavily connected to Shinto, the Japanese religion. (japan-guide.com)
Out in the mountains of Zao, there is a special village where you can walk amongst the snow foxes. (VIRTUAL JAPAN)
Discover the rich history, vibrant cultures and adventures of Kyushu.
Dive into the natural wonders of this geothermal wonderland. (Travelxp)
Ride along Iwate Prefecture's rugged coastline on the Sanriku Railway Rias Line to discover breathtaking natural scenery and meet the indomitable residents rebuilding better and stronger after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. (NHK)
Discover the rich history, vibrant cultures and adventures of Kyushu.
Dive into the natural wonders of this geothermal wonderland. ()
All Nippon Airways Co. has said it will offer digital in-flight magazines and newspapers from April to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions. (Kyodo)
TOREIYU TSUBASA runs between Fukushima and Shinjo. (Kuga's Travel)
Kyoto's traditional townhouses (Machiya) are stunning to behold and amazing to stay in overnight. (Abroad in Japan)
Yukimuro Japanese Snow Refrigerators Where is this? Near Ikazuchi Shrine (ONLY in JAPAN)
This time last year, the Saidaiji Kannon-in temple in Japan’s Okayama prefecture was a writhing ball of flesh. (news.com.au)
Visitors in Japan have been enjoying an outdoor sauna tent camp near the Atago River in Hamamatsu, a coastal city on Japan’s main island. (South China Morning Post)
Boeing Co said it recommended suspending the use of 777 jets with the same type of engine that shed debris over Denver at the weekend after #US regulators announced extra inspections and #"Japan suspended their use while considering further action. (FRANCE 24 English)
On the last episode of our 4-day road trip through Central Japan, we take a ropeway, drive along a scenic road and go sake brewery hopping.
(japan-guide.com)
Komadori-Sanso is located on Mt. Mitake which is only one and a half hour train ride from Tokyo. It's a Shrine Lodging of Musashi Mitake Shrine which is run by Shinto Priest Baba-san and his family. (WAO RYU!ONLY in JAPAN)