Kyushu, Japan Listed in CNN's 20 Best Places to Visit in 2020!
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Kyushu, Your Destination in Japan 2020
While everyone is gearing up to head to Japan for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, travelers and vagabonds should keep in mind theirs more to Japan than just the futuristic capital and the traditional hub of Kyoto. Although we love the sights and sounds between Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan Deluxe Tours is happy to see that the staff at the popular CNN Travel Team included the Southern Island of Kyushu in their list of the 20 best places to visit in 2020.
The excerpt on Kyushu highlights some of the best aspects of the island, but we at Japan Deluxe Tours want to give you a little more info why you should consider Kyushu as your next travel destination on a part of our fully guided Southern Japan Tours vacation series.
Hot Springs Paradise
Home to one of the most popular hot-springs town in all Japan, it's no secret the southern island of Kyushu is a paradise for Japanese hot springs fans. While Beppu and the Tour of Hell are usually the first things to come to mind, Kyushu is home to numerous hot springs and relaxing onsens to relieve your stress and recharge your spirit. The southern island is home to enough resorts to keep yourself in a different hot spring each night. Just be sure you know what to do at a Hot Spring and enjoy!
Scenic Beauty
While bathing in the hot springs is always a desirable way to relax, Kyushu is also home to numerous power spots. A Power Spot is a scenic area, better described as a Scenic Spot where it's easy to become one with nature. As Kyushu is steeped in Japanese mythology and legends, there are numerous locations in Kyushu to feel at one with nature. Among the list, the scenery along Takachiho Gorge is one of the best to explore during your Southern Japan vacation. Said to be the home to the fabled cave where the Sun Goddess Amaterasu hid, Takachiho Gorge is just one of many locations where mythology and reality collide. Cap off your night with a Yokagura Show at your hotel to really immerse yourself in Japanese culture.
Culinary Delights
The scenery is stunning and while hot-springs are amazing, we understand they're not for everyone. However, I think we can all agree when it comes to travel, food is a huge deal. While Tokyo may have more Michelin stars than any other city, you won't want to skip the gourmet foodie spots of Kyushu. First and foremost, Kyushu is home to the Fukuoka Prefecture. If that sounds familiar to foodies, it should given Hakata Ramen originates from the area. In fact, there's so many tasty treats to enjoy when on a Shikoku & Kyushu Tour. Try delicious Tempura Style - Toriten Fried Chicken in Oita. The chicken dishes here are especially popular, as they use the Kobe Beef of Chicken or Jidori Chickens to prepare amazing meals.
Mix things up a bit in Nagasaki, one of the few cities in Japan with a rich Western background. While the 75th anniversary of the Atomic Bombing is reason to swing by the city, stay for the massive Japanese American Hamburgers inspired by American cuisine, or enjoy the city's Chinese roots with Nagasaki Champon. For those extra daring, give the oddly named Turkish Rice (pork cutlet, spaghetti, & rice pilaf) dish a shot. For dessert, those in Nagasaki must try Castella Cake while anyone looking for a sweat treat after the onsens in Beppu should sample hell-steamed pudding.
It's safe to say no matter where you go in Japan, bring your appetite and prepare to feast on amazing snacks and meals morning through night. If you're still not yet sold on the charms of Kyushu, check out CNN Travel's List of 20 Places to Visit in 2020 to see all the reasons why Kyushu is the perfect destination for returning clients & first timers alike in Japan!
