Overview
Takamatsu
Takamatsu is the capital city of Kagawa — which is Japan’s smallest prefecture — and is home to Ritsurin Koen, one of country’s most beautiful gardens. The picturesque 185-acre property was built during the early Edo Period in 1745 and consists of 6 ponds and 13 perfectly landscaped hills which reflect the idea of "ippo ikkei", or “a change in scenery with every step”. Ritsurin Koen is also home to many other features such as Kikugetsu-tei teahouse, where you can enjoy matcha while soaking in the gorgeous landscape, the Sanuki Mingeikan (Folk Craft Museum), where Sanuki folk crafts are exhibited, or Ritsurin-An Gift shop, where you can peruse their range of unique souvenirs.
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Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage by Tourism Shikoku
Takamatsu is also home to temples 66-88 of the historic 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Traditionally completed on foot, the uniquely circular trail could take between 30 to 60 days to visit all 88 temples. Temple 81, Shiromine-ji Temple or “The Temple of the White Peak”, is home to some of the oldest buildings on the pilgrimage and features the mausoleum of Emperor Sutoku, who is said to have been assassinated near Temple 79 in 1156.
Around the temple, visitors have placed many small white cat figurines, maneki neko, which bring good fortune (particularly in the form of business prosperity!). These cats are left at the temple where it’s hoped they’ll help in bringing fortune. 5km from Temple 81 lies Temple 82, Negoro-ji or “The Temple of the Fragrant Roots”. The temple’s plateau rewards its visitors with breathtaking views over the eastern Seto Inland Sea. It’s from this temple that the name of the Kagawa prefecture is derived; it’s named after a river thought to flow from the roots of the 1600-year-old fragrant zelkova tree still there today.
Naoshima Art Island
Immerse yourself in this tiny island by spending a day interacting with art and soaking up the nature. Naoshima Art Island, located in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea, is a hub for all things art and culture, with over 10 museums and galleries and 7 locations for their Art House Project. The project consists of the transformation of various empty houses over the island into interesting art pieces, weaving in history and memories of the period when the buildings were lived in and used.
 Naoshima Art Island by Cliff Kimura, Flickr.jpg)
Naoshima Art Island by Cliff Kimura/Flickr
Constructed in 2004, Naoshima’s subterranean Chichu Art museum is constructed mostly underground to protect and maintain the beautiful scenery the island has to offer. This unique attraction houses works of art from Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Walter De Maria which come to life in the changing natural light and ambience of the space over time.
A trip to Naoshima Art Island isn’t complete without a picture of the iconic spotty pumpkins! These two funky sculptures by Yayoi Kusama are dotted in the west and south of the island, with the yellow pumpkin located on the pier of the Benesse Art site. Kusama’s unique and distinct motif, and use of pumpkins have allowed her to become a legend in the art world, with her pieces proudly showcased in all four corners of the world.
Setoda
Nestled in the Setouchi region, Setoda is a scenic area surrounding Japan’s Inland Sea. Setoda is renowned for its cycling paradise, healthy lifestyle, blend of history and luxury, and vibrant open-air art scene.
Shimanami Kaido, or Nishiseto Expressway, is a 70 km cycling road that connects Japan's main island of Honshu to the island of Shikoku, passing over six small islands in the Seto Inland Sea. Riders enjoy the scenic delights of natural and structural beauty as they traverse the expressway with a calming sea breeze.
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Shimanami Kaido by Jeremy van Heerde
Setoda’s Kosanji Temple is a complex like no other which houses unique features like a long cave lined with statues and artifacts said to represent the idea of “hell” in the Buddhist faith, and a summit point known as the “Miraishin-no-Oka”. Meaning “Hill of Hope”, the precipice was created out of 3,000 tons of imported Italian marble and consists of sculptures, towers, staircases, and a café! It offers many spots to take interesting photos, relax, or see great views of the surrounding area and Kosanji Temple down below.
Setoda (Shikoku) by Jeremy van Heerde
Beppu
Home to the “Hells of Beppu”, this city (and spa resort!) is in Japan’s Oita prefecture and is famous for its collection of over 2,000 natural hot springs. The “Hells” or “Hell Circuit” takes the cake for Beppu’s most-anticipated attraction, where boiling waters of different colours bubble forth to create unique scenes; like Oniishibōzu Jigoku, where the bubbling mud looks like the shaved head of a monk, or Chinoike Jigoku, where the water is blood red and boiling hot!
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Beppu at night by Discover Oita
A visit to Takegawara Onsen is a must-do in Beppu. The open spa facility, originally opening in 1879, offers both a regular onsen and a luxury sand bath experience. Enjoy being buried to the neck in Beppu Beach’s natural hot sand and soak up the amazing health benefits; feel your blood circulation improve, tension release and your body, mind and soul relax. It’s the perfect way to unwind on your jam-packed holiday.
Relishing in Beppu's natural steam phenomenon, “Hell Steam Cuisine” is a dining experience like no other. The art of Jigokumushi involves cooking various meals with the mineral steam from the springs, which infuses the food with a delicious and authentically Beppu flavour.
Takegawara Onsen by Discover Oita
Hell Steam Cuisine by Kyushu Tourism Organisation
Aso National Park
Created by the active volcanoes of Mount Aso and the Kuju Mountains, this national park is one of Southern Japan’s oldest natural gems. Its dramatic volcanic peaks and vast luscious grasslands offers something for everyone whether you're after an exciting hike near an active volcano, getting up close and personal with wildlife, or just relaxing in beautiful fields of green. Traditional customs are also still alive in the park, including vibrant rituals and observances dedicated to deities associated with volcanoes, fire festivals, and harvest prayers.
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Daikanbo, Fukuoka by Kyushu Tourism Organisation
Nestled within Miyazaki Prefecture is the beautiful Takachiho Gorge, a picturesque valley formed by the volcanic eruption of nearby Mt. Aso over 100,000 years ago. The impressive Minainotaki waterfall cascades down to the Gokase river below, granting its visitors perfect photo opportunities from both the river and the path that runs along the Gorge. Takachiho is also known for its entertaining traditional Kagura performances. This extravaganza has been preformed over the past 800 years and perfectly blends aspects of storytelling, dancing, music, drum beating and traditional masks to celebrate and pay respect to Japan’s historical folk origins.
Takachiho Gorge by Kyushu Tourism Organisation
Kagura performance by Kyushu Tourism Organisation
Nagasaki
Set on its large natural harbour, Nagasaki is a quintessential stop for any trip to Japan, with its strong history and alluring scenery. Infamously known for its atomic bombing in 1945, the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park offers locals and tourists alike to pay their respects and honour those lost in the heartbreaking tragedy.
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Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Peace Memorial Museum by Kyushu Tourism Organisation
Marvel at one of the world’s most beautiful night views at Mount Inasa. The location, rising 333 metres above sea level, offers its visitors dazzling 360-degree views of the entire city of Nagasaki as well as an on-site restaurant reachable by the Nagasaki Ropeway.
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Night view from Mount Inasa, Nagasaki by Kyushu Tourism Organisation
Dejima was a man-made island built in 1636 to isolate the European (mostly Dutch) traders according to the Shogunate’s strict foreign policies. Today, Dejima is no longer an island, and serves as an open-air museum, where visitors can walk around the district and look back at how foreign trade operated during Japan’s Sakoku period that kept the country secluded from the rest of the world. Oddly unique to Nagasaki is Huis Ten Bosch, a theme park which recreates Dutch life to further commemorate this partnership between Japan and the Netherlands. The theme park built in 1992 has attractions like rides, art, live entertainment, gift shops, various restaurants inspired by Dutch and Japanese cuisine, and not to mention the World’s first robot-staffed hotel!
Visit Southern Japan with Bunnik Tours
Has wanderlust inspired after seeing these must visit locations in Southern Japan? There's no better way to explore the islands of southern Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu than on a Bunnik Tour! We've been running small group tours to Japan for many years. Book the Best of Southern Japan tour online or get in touch with one of our friendly travel specialists today!
We're proud to partner with Kyushu Tourism Organisation and Discover Oita to showcase the best of what Southern Japan has to offer.
