8 reasons to visit Kyushu, Japan: great food, volcanoes, an onsen at the ‘eight hells’, the Goto Islands, even a windmill visit
- Kyushu has something for every visitor: amazing food, hot springs, active volcanoes and spectacular scenery, and a wealth of cultural attractions
- Enjoy Fukuoka’s ‘yatai’ food stalls, relax in an onsen in Beppu village, visit a realistic Dutch theme park complete with canals and a working windmill
Hong Kong Airlines is starting a new service to Fukuoka, Japan, on April 7 – joining Cathay Pacific and HK Express on the route – with four flights a week to the vibrant harbour city that serves as the gateway to Kyushu.
The most southerly of Japan’s main islands, Kyushu has spectacular mountains, volcanoes and coastlines, traditional festivals and historic locations, theme parks, onsen and some of the best food in the country.
Here, in no particular order, are some of the best things to see and do in Kyushu.
1. Fukuoka ‘yatai’
Yatai is an evening culinary institution in Fukuoka adding a new meaning to the concept of dining out.
As dusk settles, the covers come off dozens of food stalls on wheels and the lanterns are fired up. A yatai is a simple construction with a wooden roof above a space where the “master” cooks, a tiny shelf where diners balance their plates and glasses, and colourful curtains to keep the elements out.
The dishes are simple but hearty – oden vegetables in a broth, yakitori grilled chicken skewers, tempura or gyoza dumplings – but the sake and beer flows and before you know it, you’re firm friends with everyone else squashed into the place – and they’re probably inviting you to karaoke.
2. Follow in the footsteps of monks
