Kyushu (九州)

ESPAÑOL

Ignored by the vast majority of international tourists, recognized by the Japanese, the largest island to the west of the country has enough attractions for us to consider an exclusive trip to the area. Its temples can not be compared at all to those in central Honshu, but its nature is described as poetic, original and sometimes sensational:

Cities are the weak point of this island. Modern Fukuoka can contribute little to what we may have already seen in Osaka or Tokyo, but it is the logical base to explore the territory, allowing one day trips to a good part of the rest of destinations, although it is not something that I would recommend, Kyushu deserves be visited with tranquility.
But the Kawachi Fuji-en is easily visited in Kita-Kyushu, one of the most famous gardens in Japan, known especially for its wisteria tunnels.
Nagasaki. Famous together with its (to their regret) sister Hiroshima, the second and to date last city where an atomic bomb has been thrown. Essential for those who have not visited the previous, although this city has more attractions, highlighting Hashima, also known as Gunkanjima, an industrial island abandoned just 45 years ago that shows us how nature recovers what man tries to take.
To the east is Beppu, the fumaroles city-theme park, famous for the different colors, composition and temperatures of its hot springs, which serve to decorate gardens, cook, or bathe. It is the place where there are more hot springs in the country.
In the center, Kumamoto Prefecture has in its capital one of the most important castles in Japan, a short distance from Mount Aso, an active volcano with an old caldera more than 25 km in diameter that allows hiking in different types of ground. Very close, although in the neighboring Miyazaki Prefecture, is one of the most lovely places in the country, which is becoming a treasure less and less hidden, Takachiho Gorge, a place of almost magical beauty.
The south belongs to the amazing Kagoshima Prefecture that has:
- In its capital one of the best considered gardens in the country and another volcanic cone within walking distance, Sakurajima.
- Yakushima, a wonder of nature, perhaps the most lush, unreal and idyllic rain forest that exists, with trees several thousand years old.
- And Amami Islands, subtropical, spectacular and unknown, with nothing to envy to some of the best beaches in the world, and that Okinawa would have liked to have in their territory.

We will not say that we have to see Kyushu before Tokyo and Kyoto, but it is an unquestionable reason to return to Japan whoever omitted it the first time.