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21 superb Kyushu views created by its majestic nature

Kyushu is coloured by a rich variety of terrain that has been created through the symphony of nature. From peaceful prairies, to dynamic cliff walls, to romantic night views, Kyushu is replete with superb entertaining and welcoming spots for visiting guests. ANA carried out a project in collaboration with “Tastes of JAPAN by ANA,” which works to discover the most charming locations all over the country, and Trip Advisor, and, through searching for words such as “superb view,” “landscape,” and “panorama” amongst Trip Advisor’s review pages, has selected the most popular scenic spots within the seven prefectures of Kyushu.

Tastes of JAPAN by ANA

Tastes of Japan by ANA is a regional revitalization project by ANA with local regions to spread the word about Japanese treasures still unknown to Japan and beyond. Kyushu is featured from June to November 2018. Click here for details.
Superb views at Fukuoka Prefecture

Nokonoshima Island

Nokonoshima island is located in Hakata Bay. The island is easily accessed by taking an approximately 10-minute ferry from a dock at Nishi-ku, Fukuoka city. At around 12km in diameter, nostalgic, traditional townscapes spread out around the island, and at the “island park” located at its center you can enjoy seasonal flowers throughout the year, beginning from the rape blossoms in spring, along with poppies, hydrangeas, sunflowers, cosmos and daffodils.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

I really enjoy taking a day to this island for relaxing stroll. The flowers are beautiful and we are blessed that the weather is super nice. There are many family with children who would come here and picnic as well. Definitely a good location outdoor for family with kids as well.reviewed by Helen P
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Sakurai Futamigaura

Approximately 30 minutes by car from Fukuoka city, Futamigaura is located in the Itoshima peninsula and faces the Genkainada sea. The Meoto Iwa rocks and the Torii gate that stand in the water are especially beautiful spots. The famous Meoto Iwa rocks of Ise are a fantastic place to watch the sunrise. However, being known as “Sunset Futamigaura,” at around the time of the summer solstice, you can see the sight of the sun setting between the white torii gate and the rocks.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Feels like a very unique shrine and a very unique place, especially if you come to watch the sunset. The beach nearby would be a really nice place to soak up some sun and there’s a good selection of bars, cafes and restaurants to sit and watch the local surfers from.reviewed by Adam G
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Mt. Sarakura

Mount Sarakura is known as a prime observation spot in north Kyushu. After riding a steep, Swiss-made cable car and slope car, you will arrive at the 622-meter tall summit. There you can enjoy an expansive view that includes north Kyushu’s industrial area, Dokai Bay, the Hibikinada sea, the Suounada sea and the Kanmon Straits. The night view is especially magnificent but please be aware that night services are generally only run on weekends.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

After catching the cable and slope car to the top you are rewarded with lovely views of the surrounding area. There is a cafe at the top and you can walk from the top down to the visitor centre then back up to the cable car station. It is a long walk from Yahata station in the heat so I recommend getting a taxi up to the cable car statio this cost 700 yen to get there and 420 yen to ride the cable car up with an additional cost to ride the slope car to the very top. Unless you know how to call a taxi or get someone to call you one you are left with a 1.5 k walk back to the station. It’s downhill but hot so drink plenty of water etc. The visitor center is geared towards naturalists.reviewed by btnurse
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Superb views at Saga Prefecture

Hamanoura Rice Terrace

The Hamanoura rice terraces are located in Saga Prefecture’s town of Genkai. An observatory is located along National Route 204 and you can see a view that creates the feeling of a staircase of terraced rice fields leading out into the ocean. In the period before rice planting, the rice paddies are filled with water and when the sun sets, both the ocean and rice terraces are dyed in a glorious golden color.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

This viewing spot of terraced rice fields is the best at sunset! I was so happy to see this place. We drove here from Karatsu, and it was an easy drive there, I think about 30 minutes. This is really just a beautiful scenic point – terraced rice fields overlooking the sea. In the spring (around mid April – mid May) when the sun sets over the water you’re treated to a wonderful view – at this time of year the terraces are filled with water and the rice hasn’t grown tell yet, so they all light up with the reflected colors of the sun set. It’s very photo worthy. The view point is really well managed as well – there’s a parking lot, and a terraced viewing platform with plenty of benches, tables etc. to rest at. We hung out and watched the sun set for about 40 minutes and just enjoyed the atmosphere.reviewed by kibo47
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Kagamiyama Observatory

Mt. Kagamiyama is located in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture and is 284 meters above sea level. The top of the trapezoidal mountain has become a park and, from the terrace that protrudes 12 meters out from the observation deck located on the northwest side, you are able to get an even more expansive view of the Nijinomatsubara pine forest and Karatsu bay spreading out below. In the spring you can enjoy the sight of flowers such as cherry blossoms and approximately 10,000 azaleas.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

We ride bikes, and this small mountain is a lovely summit to visit, the observatory offers an amazing view of Karatsu, Karatsu Castle and the sea. At the top there is a small shop, where last time we visited, we we offered tea, there is a gift shop, a noodle shop and a lovely pottery shop, for which Karatsu is famous. There is a walking course as well as a small lake, so not only is the observation point is interesting. Again, if you have transport, this attraction is easy to reach and free.reviewed by ChrisMisa
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Nanatsugama Caves

Nanatsugama faces the Genkainada Sea and, as the name “seven pots” suggests, the ocean’s rough waves have eroded the basalt cliff and created a row of seven caves. The largest cave has a frontage of 3-meters and a depth of 110-meters. By riding on a pleasure boat you can see up close the dynamic rock surface rising out of the cobalt blue sea.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

There were several caves at a cliff where faced sea. one of the caves was a tunnel. a small boat is able to go through the cave. ocean was very clear blue, and so beautiful! caves were very unique shapes. ocean waves are whittling walls of caves. it makes very unique and incredible texture of rocks.reviewed by mat_mak
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Superb views at Nagasaki Prefecture

Kawachi Toge Pass

Kawachi Touge　Pass　consists of　prominent　grassland　areas　located　in　Saikai　National　Park, northwest Nagasaki　Prefecture. The panoramic view from the top is wonderful. To the east you can see Kujuku Island, while to the north you can overlook the Genkainada sea and, if the weather is nice, Iki Island and Tsushima Island. The highlight of the area is the changes in scenery throughout the seasons, with Rhododendron pulchrums blooming in spring, green grassland in the summer and Japanese silver grass in the early winter.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

観光タクシーの運転手さんが「今日は晴天だからぜひ！眺めて下さい」とおすすめいただき立ち寄った場所です。車を降りて少し歩くと海と山を望む素晴らしい景色と、とても気持ち良い山の風を感じることができました。自然豊かな平戸を満喫する旅に、ぜひおすすめです！ This is a place I stopped by after our sightseeing taxi driver strongly recommended it saying, “The weather is great today so you must go! Please go and see the view!” After getting out of the car and walking for a bit, I was greeted by a wonderful view overlooking the sea and mountains. The pleasant mountain breeze also felt great. I highly recommend making a trip to enjoy the nature rich Hirado. reviewed by Koromika
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Mt. Inasa

Even among Kyushu, with its numerous nightscape viewing spots, Nagasaki City’s Mount Inasa has an exceptional night view that is commonly known as the “10-million-dollar nightscape.” The view during the day is also wonderful and on a sunny day you can not only see the city center of Nagasaki, that spreads out in the shape of a mortar, but also Unzen, Amakusa and the Goto archipelago.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Ranked in the top 3 world’s views alongside Hong Kong and Monaco, the view from Mt Inasa didn’t disappoint. Although the view when dark is spectacular, I highly recommend arriving before sunset for the photo opportunity, as well as gradually seeing the nightscape change. The ropeway is affordable at approx 1200yen (locals can drive, as do tour buses) and only takes 5 minutes to reach the peak. We were lucky to go on a clear day, be sure to dress well as it did get very cold very quickly! The observatory has inside and outside areas, as well as a restaurant where you can see the view from. It’s a must if you’re in Nagasaki.reviewed by Shihoko
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Tenkaiho

The Kujuku Islands consist of large and small islands that are dotted from the west coast of the Kita Matsuura peninsula and Sasebo to Hirado City. If you want to see this superb view, it is recommended that you visit the Tenkaiho Observatory, where you can enjoy 150 thousand flowers in full bloom along with the scenery. The rape blossoms bloom from late March to early April and the entire area becomes filled with cosmos flowers in October.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

“We spent the whole morning just to visit there for 15mins. Scenary was beautiful! Do check the bus timing online or get the latest timetable from the bus terminal. We caught the 9.35am bus at No. 7 stop and took the same bus return departing 10.41am. If you miss the bus, you may need to wait for another hour and a half to go back! There are nothing much around so 10mins for photos is enough. Recommend to go only under the good weather as the bus route passes narrow uphill roads. It can be dangerous to go in rainy days. Along the same route you can drop at the zoo also. It will make a nice day trip. 500YEN for one day bus pass. No need to top up for Tenkaiho stop in weekends per my understanding from other forums.”reviewed by Yeaher
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Superb views at Kumamoto Prefecture

Daikanbo

The 935-meter tall Mt. Daikanbo in Aso City is the highest peak of Mt. Aso’s northern caldera. Also known as the “greatest in Aso,” it has a dynamic view from the extensive caldera basin, to the five peaks of Aso and the Kuju mountain range. The five peaks that stretch out in front of you are also referred to as the “Reclining Buddha.”

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

“This is a great lookout point. the view of the valley and the mountain range was stunning! Impossible to capture the beauty on photo. we stood there for quite sometime just soaking in the view We were very lucky because it was a very clear day and we could see the Aso mountain peaks… getting here is a little tricky though. GPS led us to somewhere different but luckily we decided to follow the road signs instead. there is a free parking area next to a little souvenir/snack shop… then from there it is another 100m walk up the slope to the lookout point.”reviewed by SingaporeMummy
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Nabe ga Taki Falls

The “Nabegataki” falls are located in Oguni town, Kumamoto Prefecture, north of Mt. Aso and became instantly famous nationwide following its use in a tea commercial. With a relatively small drop of 10-meters and a width of only 20-meters, the waterfall is quite elegant. Surrounded by lush trees, the sunlight filters through the foliage and shines down onto the waterfall giving it an otherworldly appearance. You can not only observe the waterfall from the front but also the back and so you can enjoy the sight of a curtain of falling water.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

“The entry fee is very low. Once parked you can reach the actual site in 3 mins. Some walking down the slippery stairs though. The fall is amazing in a sense that you can walk behind it and feel the coolness of it! It is a very ZEN place! Suggested time spent there = 30 mins! I’ve been here twice already! Love it!!!”reviewed by BrandonAshin
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Oshitoishi

This location is gaining more and more popularity in Kumamoto. The hilly area, that sits at an altitude of 845-meters, is scattered with megaliths and some believe that engravings there resemble Sumerian letters or pyramids. The area around the old ancient rocks was preserved by a pyroclastic flow and the locals have devotedly deified the area as a power spot for many years.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

You can enjoy truly 360 degrees panoramic view there. When it is fine, incredibly great view looking Mt Aso and Mt Kuju in the distance. This spot is also known as “”power spot”” since there are some Sumerian script inscribed on the stone at the top of he hill. No one knows why. It deserves 200 yen admission. Mind that this place is accessible only by cars. No public transportation available.reviewed by qrciss
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Superb views at Oita Prefecture

Tadewara Wetlands

The Tadewara Wetlands are produced by spring water sources located at the foot of the Kuju volcano group and, as an intermediate wetland, it can boast to be the largest in the country. With the Chojabara visitor center as the starting point, there are many walking paths in place through which you can enjoy walking while searching out seasonal flowers and birds.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

火山性湿原でラムサール条約に登録されています。広大な湿原ですが遊歩道と木道が整備されていて歩き易くなっています。お勧めは新緑の時期、湿原と周囲の九重連山の山々が緑に染め上げられ大変美しいです。 This place is registered in the Ramsar Convention as a volcanic marshland. Although the wetland is vast, it has been fitted out with walkways and boardwalks that make it easy to navigate. I recommend visiting the wetlands during the fresh green season as well as the incredibly beautiful mountains of the surrounding Kuju mountain ranges when they are dyed in lush green. reviewed by ボボボ
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Mt. Tsurumi

Located to the east of Aso Kujū National Park, Mount Tsurumi overlooks Beppu City and Beppu Bay. Access to the 1,375-meter summit is very easy and takes only 10 minutes using the ropeway. Also renowned as a cherry blossom spot, the foot of the mountain boasts 2000 cherry blossom trees and, in the winter, you can witness the silver world of hoar frost, which is rare to Kyushu.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Dropped of here on the way fro Beppu to Yufuin , caught the 9.10 am bus from Beppu , took the sky car up cost is 1600 y Up & back the night before it must have snowed , a Japanese fairy tale look other times you’ll get cherry blossoms , try make a prayer at each charm at the shine see picsreviewed by Peter R
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Harajiri no Taki Falls

This is a huge waterfall of a width of 120-meters and a drop of 20-meters, that abruptly appears in the midst of serene country scenery. Often called the “Oriental Niagara,” the Harajiri-no-taki falls are a unique spot that mix the ordinary with the extraordinary. There is a low-water crossing upstream of the waterfall and a suspension bridge downstream, meaning you can get down to the basin and enjoy seeing the waterfall from various angles.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

I went at the end of summer, so the mist from the waterfall was so pleasant! We had many typhoons this year, so the water coming down the falls was plentiful! Children and families were playing and picnicking! There is a terrifyingly awesome bridge you can walk across to get an ulterior view to the falls. I highly recommend the ice cream from the nearby road stop. We got udon there, ice cream, then walked to the falls. Beautiful and worthy of a stop!reviewed by Christiana A
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Superb views at Miyazaki Prefecture

Hyugasaki Umagase

Cape Hyuga is a ria that expands through Nipokaigan, northern Miyazaki Prefecture. Umagase cliff is a column-like cliff that soars at 70-meters, with a 10-meter wide waterway that erodes a deep path through the rocky field. If you go a little further, you find an observatory at the tip. From there you can enjoy the 360° view of the blue ocean and boundless sky.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

The narrow V-shaped gorge was formed by sea wave erosion over centuries. There were 2 spots on the walking trail to view the scenery. I chose the lower one with shorter walking distance which proved to be good enough alreadyreviewed by GGHolliday
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Takachiho Gorge

This is ravine formed by the pyroclastic flow from an eruption of volcanic activity in Mount Aso. Here you can enjoy the scenic landscape that includes the 17-meter tall Manai-no-taki waterfall and Sennin Byobu Iwa rocks, which are a cliff of columnar joints. Through traversing the ravine with a row boat and looking up from the emerald green of the river you are able to get a brand new perspective.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

I had always wanted to visit Takachiho due to its reputation as a locale steeped with Shinto mythology and I was not let down. The day before it had rained a lot, so it was not safe for boating through the gorge—but it was nice to take boat-free pictures of the scenery. The prettiest part of the gorge is obviously the waterfall, which is illuminated in various colors in the evening (unnecessary of you ask me). Everyone says that this gorge is one of the top “power spots” in Japan, supposedly because all the pristine nature will charge users with some special spiritual energy. I can’t speak to that, but I can say that I really enjoyed the view!reviewed by Marie H
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Ikoma Highlands

The Ikoma Plateau expands at an altitude of 540-meters at the foot of Mount Kirishima and is said to be the most beautiful flower garden in Kyushu. While you can enjoy flowers in every season, such as the poppies in spring and the salvias in summer, the most spectacular are the cosmos flowers in autumn. A million colourful cosmos flowers fill the plateau with Mount Kirishima in the background.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

We went last year to the Night Cosmos show. Cosmos are known as the Autumn sakura because of their petal shapes. At the Night Cosmos event there was a laser light display which was cool, fireworks, and the Cosmos were lit up with lots of candles. There was lots of food and entertainment and the flowers were really lovely. We got there before the sun went down which was nice but we had to wait around a lot for the festivities to start. However, getting there early meant that we got to sit where we wanted and didn’t have to wait in long lines. Bring some blankets to sit on and enjoy the fireworks! During other times of the year they have seasonal flowers blooming so if you’re in the area they will have something blooming for sure!reviewed by CaffineFreek
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Superb views at Kagoshima Prefecture

Ogawa no Taki Falls

This waterfall has become popular since its image was used for the opening credits of the 2018 NHK TV long-running historical drama series, “Segodon.” With a drop of 46-meters and a width of 60-meters, this waterfall sparkles with an emerald green and emanates a sense of being unexplored. On the way to the waterfall, you are able to enjoy an unusual 1,200-meter trek from the closest parking lot.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

投Photo by TripAdvisor member

Actually I didn’t know this spot, but I honestly recommend this spot. You can see the beautiful forest walkway like New Zealand along the river. The road to there is quite small, need to drive careful, and 20mins walk to there from parking. This is awesome spot. I don’t know if you can go there via public transportation like bus. If you plan to go to Kagoshima with rent a car, here is the must go place definitely.reviewed by Kyoto23
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Cape Nagasakibana

Cape Nagasaki sits at the southernmost point of the Satsuma Peninsula located in southern Kagoshima. The west shore of the cape consists of a bow shaped beach that has Mount Kaimon, which is often referred to as the “Satsuma Fuji,” towering in the distance. Due to being a spawning ground for sea turtles it is said to be the stage for the Ryugu Legends and the Ryugu Shrine is built at the tip of the cape.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

It is best to travel around Ibusuki by bus – otherwise you need to take taxi here! The surrounding area looks very old and I did not see tourists around. But it’s very quiet, peaceful and Japanese walking down the street to reach the nice litte shrine first before you reach the coast. With beautiful sunshine the view is stunning! Walk down to the rocks and beach if you have plenty time!６reviewed by Jchappyparadise
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Shiroyama Observatory

When one thinks of Kagoshima, what often springs to mind is Sakurajima. The best place to observe the magnificent sight of Sakurajima from the city is Shiroyama Observation Deck. The observation deck sits at the top of a small mountain of 107 meters and numerous historical sites are dotted on the way, including the cave where Saigo Takamori hid. The view is highly regarded as beautiful, not just during the day, but also at dusk and nighttime.

Photo by TripAdvisor member

Photo by TripAdvisor member

It is nice place to get a mountain view of the city. There is also a very nice path you can walk around. A nice place to enjoy nature, fresh air and get a good city perspective with a view of the active volcano as well. Worth a visit.reviewed by foodie2828
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Tastes of JAPAN by ANA

Tastes of Japan by ANA is a regional revitalization project by ANA with local regions to spread the word about Japanese treasures still unknown to Japan and beyond. Kyushu is featured from June to November 2018. Click here for details.