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5 must-see spots in Kyushu

5 must-see spots in Kyushu

The third largest island in Japan, Kyushu exudes all the exotic charms of the land. It also has the largest number of temples and Shinto shrines in the country after Kyoto and Nara. Can’t get to them all? Don’t worry: You can still have the most enjoyable and memorable time at these places.

1.Dejima Museum

For 200 years, Dejima was Japan’s only window to the world. This fan-shaped, man-made island at Nagasaki’s harbour was the sole trading spot from the 17th to 19th century. It housed Portuguese missionaries and the Dutch, and the only people allowed to cross the bridge were Japanese prostitutes and traders. But the area has since been painstakingly reconstructed and reopened in 2006. Visitors now get an exclusive insight into how people lived back then with an outdoor, miniature replica of the original town. You get a visual treat of the First Ship Captain’s Quarters with furnishings from that period, the Chief Factor’s Residence, and the Head Clerk’s Quarters with replicas of equipment brought from Japan to Europe. At the Dejima Theatre, you can even watch a 12-minute video capturing daily life in the Dejima Dutch factory, and browse through a collection of other artefacts.

2. Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

The museum recounts the catastrophic Nagasaki bombings during World War II. The city’s destruction and loss of lives are captured through photos and artefacts, including a clock stopped at 11.02 (the hour of the bombing). Visitors get to read first-hand accounts from survivors and stories of heroic relief efforts, and see exhibits including the post bombing struggle.

3. Suwa-jinja

Built in 1625, this enormous shrine overlooks a forested hilltop surrounded by statues of komainu (protective dogs). You will see the kappa-komainu (water-sprite dogs), which you pray to by dribbling water onto the plates on their heads, and the gankake komainu (turntable dog), which were called on by prostitutes to pray for storms so the sailors would be forced to stay at the port another day. Nagasaki's most important annual festival takes place at the shrine in October with the dragon dance of Kunchi Matsuri.

4. Hell Circuit in Beppu

Enter the eight gates of hell at Beppu, where waters bubble forth from underground. Six of the “hells” are located in the Kannawa district and two in the remote Shibaseki district. But fear not: In reality, they are eight spectacular hot springs with different themes. You have the gorgeous Sea Hell with a pond of boiling blue water; the Monster Mountain Hell, where crocodiles are bred; and the most photogenic, Blood Pond Hell, which looks almost like a cinematic set.

5. Five Mountains of Aso

Near the heart of Kyushu lies the Aso-Kuju National Park in Kunamoto and Oita. There, a complex volcano lies within. There are five mountains on the central plateau, including one of the major volcanoes in the world, Mount Naka-dake, where the smell of sulphur permeates the air. The summit of the 1,506 meter tall volcano can be reached via ropeway and car. It is the only place in Japan where tourists at the summit can take a close look at the fumes rising from the crater. As the volcano is active, shelter dugouts surround it. For others who prefer a less dangerous experience, head to Kusasenri on the northern mountainside of Mount Eboshi-dake, where you can chill and watch cows and horses graze, and even ride a horse under supervision. There are also numerous hot spring villages located inside and outside the park. The largest among them, Aso Uchinomaki-onsen-kyo Hot Spring Village, has over 100 hot springs.

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