"Kyushu/Okinawa"

Kyushu, located southwest of the main island of Honshu, offers a mild climate, lush green countryside, hot springs, and mysterious volcanic formations.

Because of its proximity to Korea and China, Kyushu, from the fourth century on, was culturally influenced by its more sophisticated neighbors. It was also the first point of contact with the West when the Portuguese landed here in the 16th century.

Fukuoka, 6 hrs. by Shinkansen super express from Tokyo and 3 hrs. from Shin-Osaka, is the rail gateway to Kyushu. In recent years, the city has emerged as a strategic point of international exchange with the rest of Asia. The intriguing Fukuoka Museum of Asian Fine Art, is well worth a visit as it showcases the "now" of Asia. At Dazaifu, 20 min. by car from Fukuoka, many archeological finds related to Japan's ancient court culture can be found.

Arita, 1 hr. 20 min. from Hakata, is well known for its pottery with a history of over 400 years. There are about 150 kilns in the area.

Nagasaki is a base from which to visit Unzen. Nagasaki was the only Japanese port open to foreign trade by the Tokugawa shogunate during the period of Japan's seclusion from 1639 to 1859. Nagasaki was also the target of the second atomic bomb dropped on Japan during World War II.

Primary attractions in the city include Sofukuji Temple, known as the Chinese Temple, the Oura Catholic Church — a National Treasure — and the century-old Glover Mansion. It is also noted for its scenery reminiscent of the setting for Puccini's opera, Madame Butterfly.

Nagasaki Peace Park was laid out to commemorate the exact spot of the atomic blast on August 9, 1945, three days after the first was dropped on Hiroshima.

Unzen, a pleasant 2-hr. drive from Nagasaki, features both highland and seashore hot-spring resorts. Mt. Unzen, an active volcano, consists of three peaks, the highest being Fugendake (alt. 1,360 m.). Shimabara is where Shimabara Castle once stood. Its donjon, a reconstruction, is now a museum, displaying records and documents relating to the Christians of the district who made their last stand here in their struggle against persecution by the Shogunate in 1638.

Kumamoto is 1 hr. 30 min. by limited express train from Hakata Sta. Major tourist spots include Kumamoto Castle and Suizenji Park. Kumamoto is also a gateway to Aso-Kuju National Park, which includes volcanoes such as Mt. Aso, the world's largest volcanic caldera, and Mt. Kuju.

Beppu Spa, 15 min. by train from Oita, is situated on the eastern coast of Kyushu. Beppu, a spa town, is famous for its bubbling mud ponds, the most active of which detonate loudly and throw mud into the air.

When it comes to public hot spring baths, there over 100 — eloquent proof that this is one of Japan's greatest hot spring resorts. Try hopping from one public bath to another and enjoy the many different hot spring waters.

Miyazaki, 3 hrs. 20 min. by limited express train from Oita, is a favorite vacation spot. Nichinan Kaigan Quasi-National Park, extending for about 100 km. along the seacoast south of Miyazaki, is the foremost tourist highlight. Its principal attraction is Aoshima Island, a tiny islet densely covered with biro or betel-nut palms.

Kagoshima is 2 hrs. 20 min. by limited express train from Miyazaki. The city abounds in scenic attractions, historic sites, and hot springs and is dominated by Sakurajima, an active volcano.

One hour by train from Nishi-Kagoshima Sta. Is Ibusuki, one of the most celebrated hot-spring resorts in Japan. Located at the southernmost tip of the Satsuma Peninsula, it owes its popularity in part to its lovely white sandy beach and lush subtropical vegetation. A unique form of hot sand-bathing is offered here and is a great way to relax.

Yakushima Island, 40 min. by air from Kagoshima Airport, is home to a primeval forest of "Yaku-sugi" cedars dating back thousands of years. Many outdoor activities can be enjoyed, including mountain climbing, valley trekking, canoeing and eco tours among others.

The main island of Okinawa, the most popular of the Okinawan islands, is located 2 hrs. 30 min. by air from Tokyo, and 2 hrs. 15 min. from Osaka (Itami). It is a favorite visitor destination owing to its historical past, its coral reefs, emerald seas, sunny skies, and subtropical vegetation. The islands reverted to Japan in 1972 after being occupied by the United States from the end of World War II. Tourist sites in Naha, the prefectural seat, include Naminoue Shrine, dedicated to the three gods believed to be the ancestral deities of the Imperial family; Sogenji Temple which was originally erected more than 450 years ago and is the mausoleum of the former kings of Okinawa during the Ryukyu Dynasty; and the Shurei-no-mon or Gate of Courtesy, the second gate of Shuri Castle built during the reign of King Shosei.

Okinawa Senseki (Old Battlefields) Quasi-National Park, consists of monuments dedicated to the spirits of the more than 200,000 World War II war dead.

Smaller islands around the main island boast some of the world's most crystalline seawaters and finest coral reefs, providing a marine playground for divers and tourists.