About Inside Kyushu

Hi, and welcome to Inside Kyushu.

I’m a Fukuoka-born, Saga-based local, and I created this site to help English-speaking travelers discover Kyushu — the southern island of Japan that most first-time visitors skip on their way between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima.

Kyushu is where I’m from and where I live. It’s home to some of Japan’s best food, its most famous hot springs, active volcanoes, and a slower, friendlier pace than the big tourist cities. I write about it the way I’d explain it to a friend who’s visiting: honestly, practically, and from real experience.

What you’ll find here

Practical, first-hand guides to traveling Kyushu, including:

  • Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Beppu, Yufuin, Kagoshima and beyond — plus my home region, Saga
  • Itineraries, where to stay, how to get around (including without a car), and what to eat
  • Real logistics: prices, travel times, and the small details that make a trip smoother

My approach

I focus on being useful rather than flashy. Where I recommend something, it’s because I genuinely think it’s worth it. I visit places myself, take my own photos where I can, and keep information as current as possible — though details like prices and timetables change, so I always suggest confirming with official sources before you book.

Thanks for stopping by — I hope Inside Kyushu helps you plan a trip you’ll remember.

— Tanaka