KYUSHU HOTELS

ABOUT KYUSHU

The Kyushu Island is Japan’s southernmost subtropical major island. Kyushu island spans over 36,000 square kilometers. It has eight major prefectures scattered around the island –

• Fukuoka Perfecture
• Kumamoto Perfecture
• Nagasaki Perfecture
• Oita Perfecture
• Saga Perfecture
• Kagashima Perfecture
• Miyasaki Perfecture
• Okinawa Perfecture

There are 8 major cities on the island –

• Fukuoka
• Kitakyushu
• Nagasaki
• Kumamoto
• Kagoshima
• Sasebo
• Oita
• Miyasaki

ATTRACTIONS IN KYUSHU

• Mount Aso is one of the world’s largest active volcanoes. This majestic volcano peak is surrounded by lush greenery, expansive farmland, small towns, bubbling mud pots hot springs and picturesque hiking trails.
• The Dazaifu Tenmangu Shinto shrine is dedicated to the deity of education Tenjin. The shrine grounds are nestled in the serene surroundings of Dazaifu City. Cherry blossom trees and stone pathways leads to the main entrance of the shrine.
• Nearby is the Kyushu National Museum that showcase artifacts and chronicle exhibitions of Japan’s history and culture.
• For traditional crafts enthusiast the city of Hita is celebrated for its pottery past particularly the renowned Onta pottery village. Visitors can try their hand at creating their own ceramic pieces.
• Amakusa Islands offer pristine beaches and clear azure waters. Akyu Island’s beautiful coastline with it’s dramatic cliffs and tranquil bays is perfect for outdoor activities like swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. The islands are also home to the famous Amakusa dolphins.
• The vibrant city of Fukuoka is known for it’s modern and traditional culture. Fukuoka boasts fantastic shopping districts, bustling food stalls and historical sites like Ohori Park and the ruins of Fukuoka Castle. Fukuoka is especially famous for it’s Hakata ramen (a savory noodle dish served in rich pork broth) which has become a staple of Japanese cuisine.
• The annual Sumo wrestling competition is held at the Fukuoka Convention Center.

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT KYUSHU

The best time to visit Kyushu is generally during Spring (March to May) comfortable and Autumn (September to November). March, April, October and November are the best 4 months of the year with pleasant cool weather and dry sunny days.

KYUSHU DO’S AND DON’TS

Do

• Chopstick Etiquette: Learn the proper way to use chopsticks, including avoiding sticking them upright in rice, which is associated with offerings to the dead soul in funerals.
• Bowing: Bowing is a common form of greeting showing respect or expressing gratitude especially to the elders.
• Shoes Indoors: Remove your shoes when entering homes, some restaurants and traditional spaces.
• Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Japan.
• Dress Modestly: Dress respectfully and avoid overly revealing clothing, especially in religious or cultural sites.
• Learning Basic Japanese: Even a few phrases are greatly appreciated amongst the locals.
• Punctuality: Being on time is crucial as it shows respect for the other party.
• Be Mindful of Onsen Etiquette: Follow the rules for bathing in onsen (Hot Spring), such as showering before entering and respecting the communal nature of the baths.

Don’t

• Littering: Avoid dropping trash in public spaces and dispose of it properly.
• Public Nose Blowing: Blowing your nose loudly in public is considered rude.
• Eating While Walking: Avoid eating or drinking while in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Loud Conversations: Keep conversations at a low tone and avoid talking loudly on public transportation.
• Pointing: Avoid pointing with your finger. Instead use a hand gesture with your palm up.
• Rude Gestures: Be mindful of your body language as some gestures that may be considered offensive.
• Being Direct: Japanese culture often relies on indirect communication, so avoid being overly blunt or confrontational.
• Asking for Favors: Avoid asking for favors directly; instead, try to find a more subtle way to approach the situation.
• Touching People: Avoid excessive physical contact, such as shaking hands or hugging, as it is not common in Japanese culture.
• Disrupting Others: Be mindful of your actions and avoid disrupting the peace and quiet of public spaces.