Kyūshū offers a warm, subtropical climate and a landscape dominated by volcanic activity, making it a dynamic destination for adventurous families. Located southwest of the main island, it has a distinct culture influenced by centuries of trade with Asia and Europe. The region is famous for its hospitality and robust food culture. From the steaming vents of Beppu to the caldera of Mount Aso, the earth here feels alive. The Shinkansen line runs all the way south to Kagoshima, but the island is best known for its incredible "D&S" (Design & Story) tourist trains.
Rail travel in Kyūshū is an attraction in itself. The Aso Boy! train is legendary among families, featuring a designated car with a wooden ball pool, a library of picture books, and "kuro-chan" dog mascots painted everywhere. Other trains like the Yufuin no Mori bridge the gap between transport and sightseeing with high-decker carriages and forest-themed interiors. These trains connect major sights like Beppu, famous for its "Seven Hells" (Jigoku)—colorful thermal pools that bubble with mud and steam. While you can't swim in the hells, you can eat eggs cooked in the steam and enjoy foot baths.
Nagasaki offers a unique blend of Dutch and Chinese history. Families can visit the Glover Garden or take a boat to Gunkanjima (Battleship Island), an abandoned mining island that looks like a movie set (age restrictions may apply). In Fukuoka, the regional hub, the Marine World Uminonakamichi aquarium and the sprawling Uminonakamichi Seaside Park offer playgrounds, flower gardens, and cycling paths ideal for burning off energy. The city is also the birthplace of Tonkotsu ramen (pork broth noodles), served in open-air food stalls (yatai) that provide a lively dinner atmosphere.
Further south in Kumamoto, the reconstructed castle is impressive, and the city's mascot, Kumamon, is everywhere, delighting younger kids. Visitors to Kagoshima can take a ferry to the active volcano Sakurajima, which frequently dusts the city in ash—a real-life geography lesson. For nature lovers, the ancient cedar forests of Yakushima (accessible by hydrofoil or plane) inspired the film Princess Mononoke and offer mystical, moss-covered hiking trails. Kyūshū combines the thrill of volcanic nature with some of the most child-centric transport infrastructure in the world.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Features world-class natural sites including the ancient UNESCO cedar forests of Yakushima and the massive volcanic caldera of Mount Aso. Autumn and spring offer optimal hiking visibility and mild temperatures; June and July are off-season due to extreme monsoon rainfall exceeding 400mm monthly.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Home to world-renowned onsen hubs like Beppu, Yufuin, and the highly authentic Kurokawa Onsen, offering high-end ryokan experiences. Peak winter months provide the perfect atmospheric contrast for hot spring soaking; summer months are unsuitable due to high humidity and temperatures making hot baths less appealing.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Nagasaki offers a unique multicultural history unlike anywhere else in Japan, while Fukuoka provides a vibrant, sophisticated urban food culture. Optimal weather occurs during spring blooms and autumn foliage; extreme summer heat and heavy mid-year rains can hinder urban exploration.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Rich in world-class educational sites including the Nagasaki Peace Park and the geothermal research centers of Beppu. Seasonal peaks align with comfortable walking weather; winter and peak summer present temperature extremes that limit the enjoyment of outdoor historical sites.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Hosts internationally significant events like the Nagasaki Lantern Festival (Feb), Hakata Gion Yamakasa (July), and the Saga International Balloon Fiesta (Nov). Peak months align specifically with these major cultural spectacles; off-months lack major globally-appealing celebrations.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The Yamanami Highway and coastal Nichinan routes offer spectacular volcanic and sea vistas on exceptionally well-maintained roads. Peak months provide clear visibility and safe conditions; June and July are avoided due to heavy rains and potential for landslides in mountainous regions.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki is a world-class, sophisticated Dutch-themed park featuring authentic architecture and elite garden displays. Spring and autumn offer the best conditions for exploring the vast outdoor grounds; summer is off-season due to oppressive heat and heavy monsoon rains.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
The Nichinan coast and southern islands offer beautiful beaches and surfing opportunities, though they face stiff international competition. August provides the warmest water and a break from the heaviest rains; winter months are too cold for meaningful marine activities.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Offers high-quality golfing in Miyazaki and excellent cycling routes through volcanic landscapes. Optimal conditions occur during the drier, temperate months of spring and autumn; the extreme rain in June and July makes outdoor sports impractical.
Attractions (89 total)
Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
African Safari
Usa
One of Japan's largest safari parks where families can drive through or take a jungle bus to feed lions and giraffes in large open-air enclosures.
Visit website →Takasakiyama Monkey Park
Oita
A unique wildlife reserve on a mountain slope home to over 1,000 wild Japanese macaques that interact freely with visitors.
Visit website →Itozu-no-mori Zoological Park
Kitakyushu
A lush, forest-style zoo designed to mimic natural habitats, focusing on conservation and education.
Visit website →Kujukushima Zoo & Botanical Garden Mori Kirara
Sasebo
A hillside zoo offering beautiful views of the 99 Islands and unique exhibits like the flying penguin tank.
Visit website →Miyazaki City Phoenix Zoo
Miyazaki
A coastal zoo featuring flamingos and giraffes, known for its nostalgic atmosphere and attached amusement park.
Visit website →Fukuoka City Zoological and Botanical Garden
Fukuoka
A family-friendly urban destination combining diverse animal habitats with extensive floral gardens in the heart of the city.
Visit website →Hirakawa Zoological Park
Kagoshima
A spacious zoo offering spectacular views of the Sakurajima volcano as a backdrop to the savanna animal exhibits.
Visit website →Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens
Kumamoto
A scenic park located on the banks of Lake Ezu, featuring a wide variety of animals and a large botanical conservatory.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
African Safari (Kyushu Natural Animal Park)
Usa
A large safari park featuring a dedicated petting zoo area where visitors can interact with kangaroos, horses, and small mammals.
Visit website →Nagasaki Bio Park
Saikai
A world-renowned interactive zoo where visitors walk through enclosures to feed and pet capybaras, lemurs, and kangaroos.
Visit website →Aso Cuddly Dominion
Aso
An animal-themed park famous for its bear forest, chimpanzee shows, and variety of interactive domestic animal zones.
Visit website →Kuju Natural Zoo
Kokonoe
A high-altitude mountain zoo where visitors can walk among and feed friendly deer, sheep, and goats in a rustic rural setting.
Aso Farm Land (Fureai Animal Kingdom)
Minamiaso
Part of a massive health resort, this petting zoo area allows close-up encounters with exotic animals like flamingos and capybaras.
Visit website →Aso Milk Ranch
Nishihara
A scenic hillside farm where families can enjoy cow milking, animal feeding, and sampling fresh dairy products produced on-site.
Visit website →Takachiho Farm
Miyakonojo
A popular tourist dairy farm offering sheep shearing, animal interactions, and views of the Kirishima volcanic mountain range.
Visit website →Uminonakamichi Animal Forest
Fukuoka
A specialized animal interaction zone within a large seaside park featuring kangaroos, capybaras, and water birds in naturalistic settings.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Aoshima Island and Devil's Washboard
Miyazaki
A small island surrounded by unique basalt rock formations resembling a giant washboard, featuring a subtropical botanical garden and shrine.
Visit website →Momochi Seaside Park
Fukuoka
An iconic urban waterfront featuring a man-made beach, shops, and restaurants with the Fukuoka Tower as a backdrop.
Visit website →Sakurai Futamigaura
Itoshima
Famous coastal site known for its 'Married Couple Rocks' connected by a sacred rope and a striking white torii gate in the sea.
Visit website →Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
Fukuoka
A massive sprawling park located on a peninsula featuring coastal flower gardens, cycling paths, and a large public aquarium.
Visit website →Takahama Beach
Goto
Frequently voted as one of Japan's most beautiful beaches, offering pristine white sand and brilliant turquoise waters on the Goto Islands.
Visit website →Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort
Sasebo
A coastal recreation hub providing boat tours through the 99 islands of Saikai National Park and a large aquarium.
Visit website →Sun Messe Nichinan
Nichinan
A unique coastal park featuring the world's only authorized replicas of the Moai statues from Easter Island overlooking the ocean.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Aso Farm Land - Genki no Mori
Minamiaso
A massive health-themed park featuring an extensive outdoor obstacle course with over 70 unique physical challenges set against a volcanic landscape.
Visit website →Huis Ten Bosch - Adventure Park
Sasebo
A dedicated zone within a famous Dutch-themed resort featuring one of Japan's largest aerial climbing courses and a zip line over water.
Visit website →Forest Adventure Beppu
Beppu
A scenic outdoor activity center near Lake Shidaka that features zip lines and aerial trails with views of Mount Tsurumi and Mount Yufu.
Visit website →Forest Adventure Misato
Misato
Features a spectacular 410-meter long zip line that glides over Midori Lake, providing a thrilling ride across a beautiful mountain reservoir.
Visit website →Forest Adventure Itoshima
Itoshima
A high-adrenaline treetop obstacle course located near Shiraito Falls, offering zip lines and rope crossings through a dense cedar forest.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Dazaifu Tenmangu
Dazaifu
A major Shinto shrine complex and cultural area famous for its thousands of plum trees and beautiful traditional architecture.
Visit website →Kitsuki Samurai District
Kitsuki
Known as a 'Sandwich Castle Town,' this unique area features samurai districts on hills overlooking the merchant quarter below.
Visit website →Mameda-machi
Hita
A beautifully preserved merchant district from the Edo period, famous for its historic warehouses and traditional wooden architecture.
Visit website →Chiran Samurai District
Minamikyushu
A well-preserved historical street featuring seven Edo-period samurai residences and meticulously kept stone-walled gardens.
Visit website →Yanagawa Canal District
Yanagawa
A scenic town known for its extensive network of historic canals that once served as defenses for the local castle.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Dazaifu
A historic spiritual site built over the grave of Sugawara Michizane, famous for its thousands of plum trees and ornate architecture.
Visit website →Dejima
Nagasaki
The restored historic site of a fan-shaped artificial island that served as the sole trading post for the Dutch during Japan's isolation.
Visit website →Glover Garden
Nagasaki
An open-air museum showcasing former residences of Western merchants built on a hill overlooking the Nagasaki harbor.
Visit website →Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto
One of Japan's most impressive and complete castle reconstructions, featuring massive black wooden walls and a towering main keep.
Visit website →Sengan-en Garden and Shoko Shuseikan
Kagoshima
The stately home and garden of the Shimazu clan, offering a stunning view of Sakurajima volcano as a borrowed landscape feature.
Visit website →Yoshinogari Historical Park
Yoshinogari
A vast archaeological site featuring reconstructed villages, watchtowers, and pit dwellings from the Yayoi Period (300 BC – 300 AD).
Visit website →Obi Castle Town
Nichinan
A well-preserved historic district often called 'Little Kyoto of Kyushu,' featuring restored gates, mossy stone walls, and samurai residences.
Visit website →Shimabara Castle
Shimabara
A striking white five-story castle known for its thick stone walls and a museum detailing the Shimabara Rebellion and local history.
Visit website →Usuki Stone Buddhas
Usuki
National Treasure historic site featuring more than 60 ancient Buddha figures carved directly into tuff cliffs between the 12th and 14th centuries.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Fukuoka Art Museum
Fukuoka
Located in Ohori Park, this museum houses an impressive collection ranging from ancient Buddhist statues to modern works by Warhol and Dali.
Visit website →Kyushu National Museum
Dazaifu
One of Japan's four national museums, featuring a massive curved glass structure and extensive exhibits on Japanese history in an Asian context.
Visit website →Comico Art Museum Yufuin
Yufu
A boutique museum designed by Kengo Kuma featuring works by Yayoi Kusama and Hiroshi Sugimoto against the backdrop of Mount Yufu.
Visit website →Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto (CAMK)
Kumamoto
A dynamic city-center museum offering high-quality contemporary art exhibitions and free public library and workshop spaces.
Visit website →Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
Fukuoka
The world's only museum that systematically collects and exhibits modern and contemporary art from 23 Asian countries and regions.
Visit website →Kyushu Ceramic Museum
Arita
Essential for art lovers, this museum showcases the history and exquisite craftsmanship of world-famous Arita and Imari porcelain.
Visit website →Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum
Nagasaki
Designed by Kengo Kuma, this striking museum features a glass bridge over a canal and houses world-class Spanish art and local works.
Visit website →Oita Prefectural Art Museum (OPAM)
Oita
A Shigeru Ban-designed architectural masterpiece known for its retractable glass walls and focus on the five senses through art.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Hashima Island (Gunkanjima)
Nagasaki
An abandoned coal mining island known as Battleship Island, showcasing striking ruins of industrial history.
Visit website →Mount Aso Nakadake Crater
Aso
One of the world's largest volcanic calderas featuring a turquoise acidic lake and rugged hiking paths for families.
Visit website →Nagasaki Peace Park
Nagasaki
A somber yet beautiful park with statues and monuments dedicated to world peace following the atomic bombing.
Visit website →Sakurajima
Kagoshima
An active volcano rising from Kagoshima Bay, offering dramatic views and volcanic soil gardens for curious visitors.
Visit website →Takachiho Gorge
Takachiho
A stunning basalt column canyon with a cascading waterfall that families can explore by rowboat.
Visit website →Fukuoka Tower
Fukuoka
Japan's tallest seaside tower offering 360-degree panoramic views of the city and Hakata Bay.
Visit website →Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell)
Beppu
A striking cobalt-blue boiling hot spring surrounded by tropical gardens and footbaths for a unique sensory experience.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
Huis Ten Bosch
Sasebo
A massive Dutch-themed resort featuring recreations of Dutch buildings, canals, and spectacular seasonal flower displays and light shows.
Visit website →Kijima Kogen Park
Beppu
A scenic park located in the mountains of Beppu, famous for housing Japan's first wooden roller coaster, Jupiter.
Visit website →Greenland Resort
Arao
One of Japan's largest amusement parks, offering over 80 attractions including a wide variety of roller coasters for all ages.
Visit website →Sanrio Harmonyland
Hiji
An outdoor theme park dedicated to Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty, featuring live shows, themed rides, and meet-and-greet opportunities.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Huis Ten Bosch Water Kingdom
Sasebo
A seasonal high-tech aquatic attraction within a Dutch-themed resort featuring one of Japan's longest water slides and large outdoor pools.
Visit website →Uminonakamichi Sunshine Pool
Fukuoka
A massive outdoor seasonal water park located within Uminonakamichi Seaside Park featuring six unique swimming areas and high-speed water slides.
Visit website →Adventure Pool
Kitakyushu
A popular family-oriented public water park featuring a 250-meter lazy river, artificial wave pool, and multiple splash zones.
Visit website →Greenland Resort Water Park
Arao
A vast seasonal pool complex within Kyushu's largest amusement park, offering a massive wave pool and a wide variety of themed slides.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Kagoshima City Aquarium (Io-World)
Kagoshima
Home to whale sharks and manta rays, this facility highlights the volcanic marine ecosystem near the active Sakurajima volcano.
Visit website →Marine World Uminonakamichi
Fukuoka
A massive, modern aquarium showcasing the diverse marine life of the Tsushima Current with impressive dolphin and sea lion shows.
Visit website →Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago
Oita
Features innovative artistic displays and interactive 'touch pools' set against the beautiful backdrop of Beppu Bay.
Visit website →Amakusa Sea Donut
Kamiamakusa
A unique floating aquarium shaped like a donut, allowing visitors to see local marine life from both above and below the water's surface.
Visit website →Kujukushima Aquarium Kirara
Sasebo
Focuses on the complex ecosystem of the 99 Islands, featuring an outdoor jellyfish symphony dome and pearl harvesting experiences.
Visit website →Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium
Nagasaki
A specialized facility housing the largest variety of penguin species in the world, including a dedicated beach for outdoor swimming.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Kawachi Wisteria Garden
Kitakyushu
Families will be mesmerized by the spectacular tunnels of hanging wisteria blossoms that create a colorful and fragrant fairytale environment.
Visit website →Kujū Flower Park
Taketa
Located in the scenic Kuju Highlands, this vast park features millions of seasonal flowers and offers wide paths and fresh air for children to explore.
Visit website →Mifuneyama Rakuen
Takeo
This expansive garden at the foot of Mount Mifune offers dramatic seasonal colors with thousands of azaleas and cherry blossoms in a scenic natural setting.
Visit website →Sengan-en
Kagoshima
This UNESCO World Heritage site offers stunning views of the Sakurajima volcano and features traditional tea houses and historical architecture perfect for families.
Visit website →Suizenji Jojuen Garden
Kumamoto
Families can explore this beautiful landscape garden that replicates the 53 stations of the Tokaido road with miniature hills and a central lake.
Visit website →Aoshima Subtropical Botanical Garden
Miyazaki
This coastal botanical garden features diverse tropical plants and a large greenhouse, offering a relaxing environment near the famous Aoshima Shrine.
Visit website →Umi-no-Nakamichi Seaside Park
Fukuoka
This massive coastal park offers beautiful flower fields, extensive cycling paths, and a petting zoo, making it a premier destination for families.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Mount Aso
Aso
A massive active volcano caldera offering breathtaking panoramic views and a unique lunar-like crater landscape for families to explore.
Visit website →Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine
Yakushima
An ancient, moss-covered forest on Yakushima Island that inspired Studio Ghibli, featuring easy-to-moderate trails through mystical cedar trees.
Visit website →Umi Jigoku
Beppu
The 'Sea Hell' is a cobalt blue boiling hot spring surrounded by tropical gardens, offering a visually striking and educational geothermal experience.
Visit website →Nanatsugama Caves
Karatsu
Seven impressive sea caves carved by the waves into basalt cliffs, best viewed via a scenic boat excursion.
Kuju Highlands
Kuju
Rolling hills and volcanic peaks offering vast meadows, seasonal flowers, and wide-open spaces perfect for outdoor family activities.
Unzen Jigoku
Unzen
A landscape of white steam vents and bubbling mud pools with accessible boardwalks through a dramatic geothermal field.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Shirahaniunsuikyo Ravine
Yakushima
A lush, moss-covered ancient forest on a UNESCO-listed island, famous for its gnarled cedar trees and mystical atmosphere.
Visit website →Daiganbo Lookout
Aso
The highest point on the northern rim of the Aso caldera, providing a 360-degree panoramic view of the volcanic peaks.
Visit website →Ebino Plateau
Ebino
A high-altitude volcanic plateau in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park known for its scenic hiking trails and vibrant crater lakes.
Visit website →Kujukushima Islands
Sasebo
A scenic group of approximately 200 forested islands scattered across the blue waters of Saikai National Park.
Visit website →Kuju Mountains
Taketa
Part of Aso-Kuju National Park, this mountain range offers stunning highland marshes and some of the best hiking in Kyushu.
Visit website →