Kyushu prefectures ranked
After spending my first year in Japan and visiting every prefecture in Kyushu, I've decided to rank all of Kyushu’s prefectures based on my experiences. In this fun and lighthearted entry, I’ll share what I loved most about each one. I recommend visiting every prefecture if you can; they all offer something special. I’ll count down my favorites in reverse order, finishing with my top pick.
8th – Kumamoto
Kumamoto Prefecture, located in Kyushu, shares borders with Fukuoka and Kagoshima. It is known for garlic tonkotsu ramen, horse meat dishes, fried chicken wings, and the beautiful Kumamoto castle.
Kumamoto is easily accessible via the Kyushu Shinkansen, making it a convenient destination for travelers. It boasts beautiful mountains, including Mt. Aso, an active volcano that can be visited. Kumamoto is a prefecture perfect for those who love the outdoors. There are a multitude of campsites, horse riding treks, and rambling routes one can explore.
Kumamoto city has transport links such as the shinkansen, local trains, buses, and taxis; it does not have a tram system. The local lines pass through rural scenery and make for breathtaking journeys. Whilst taking the highway bus to Miyazaki, I passed through some rural villages in Kumamoto’s mountains that really lived up to the rural Ghibli vibes Japan is sometimes known for.
This prefecture offers more in the way of outside activities and would be good for visitors looking to escape city life and take in the beauty of nature. For those with young children, you can take a trip to Kumamon square and spend time with the icon. Kumamon is perhaps the most famous mascot in all of Japan. Whilst taking a trip to Hong Kong, I still saw the bear hanging from bags or as a keychain held dear by international fans. I wrote a blog about how Kumamon took the spotlight and how the marketing was done so right that it could even be said that Kumamon saved Kumamoto who was struggling financially after a natural disaster struck the prefecture.
7th – Okinawa
Perhaps the most challenging prefecture to reach due to its location. Okinawa is renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches, palm trees, and an abundance of American cuisine and restaurant chains. The region is home to resorts and islands that can be explored by boat. Additionally, it features islands located within the dark zone, allowing for stunning starry skies with minimal light pollution. This makes it possible to see the Milky Way with the naked eye. Ishigaki is very high on my list of places to visit for that reason.
Okinawa is also renowned for having very good weather for most of the year due to its more southern position. However, visitors should check the regions weather as it is prone to typhoons and has a rainy season like mainland Japan, coming in usually a few weeks earlier than the rest of Kyushu.
Okinawa can be explored via boat, plane, bus, and taxi there is a monorail that connects the airport to Naha city. Another prefecture perfect for those longing to escape the city and looking to enjoy nature, the beach, and the many seaside activities this prefecture has to offer. Those looking to surf, snorkel and swim are well catered for in this prefecture. The blend of Western and Japanese culture can make for a unique experience, and the food offerings are vast.
6th – Fukuoka
Fukuoka, the seventh largest city in Japan, is one that needs no introductions. It is often found on many bucket lists for tourists looking to go beyond the main hotspots. Often considered the heart of Kyushu, Fukuoka offers a different experience from the prefectures mentioned above. For those who enjoy Tokyo or simply love to shop and explore big cities, this one has you covered. Fukuoka, whilst not on the same scale as Tokyo, has everything Tokyo has and more. It has vibrant canals and shopping districts and is even home to the tallest seaside tower in Japan.
Fukuoka can be explored via train, subway, taxi, and bus. There is a subway that connects the airport, which is very close to the city, to the coastal areas and even to the Karatsu line leading to Saga. Fukuoka also has scenic areas such as the mountain areas around Dazaifu and the National Museum. It also hosts many indoor and outdoor activities, perfect for year-round trips even in poorer weather.
Fukuoka is home to a vast array of food and would make for a good food holiday it is also home to tonkotsu ramen and Ichiran, one of the popular chains in Japan. The city is alive with nightlife and culture and hosts many international bars for those wanting to socialize. For those wanting to watch theatre or big shows, this is also the place to be. It is no wonder why so many flock to Fukuoka and why so many foreigners moving from abroad choose this city to settle down. To the north, there is also beautiful Kitakyushu hugging the coast and providing a bridge and gateway to Honshu and mainland Japan. Fukuoka offers an eclectic experience for those who want to experience convenience but also explore more rural areas.
5th – Saga
I may be biased since I live in Saga Prefecture and have spent most of my time here. However, Saga truly has a wealth of hidden charm and a variety of places to explore, especially if you're willing to travel a little further. The prefecture is home to the beautiful coastal towns such as Karatsu, the stunning rural landscapes of Arita and Imari, the unique geographical features of the Kashima mud flats, which also host a remarkably entertaining event called the Mud Olympics.
Saga can be accessed via the relay kamone the express line connecting Fukuoka to Nagasaki. The prefecture can be explored via this, local trains, buses and taxis. there are many campsites in the prefecture and many beautiful hikes one can explore. There are shrines, castles and beautiful beaches offering BBQ opportunities.
For modern conveniences, Tosu is a great spot, featuring shopping outlets and serving as a station for the Kagoshima Shinkansen allowing tourists to explore southern Kyushu with ease. Saga boasts two of the largest festivals in Japan: Karatsu Kunchi and the Saga Balloon Festival. The Yoshinogari Historical Park offers visitors engaging experiences, including the chance to dress like a ninja and throw shuriken.
Takeo Onsen is another highlight, featuring a beautiful planetarium, a science museum, a flower garden which has light displays all year round, and traditional onsens for relaxation. The science museum so far has been the best I have experienced in Japan and there is a lot of English here allowing more visitors to enjoy the experience. Saga is known for its own wagyu beef and an array of great local cuisines depending on where you visit you will be able to find an array of international cuisine too.
4th – Nagasaki
Nagasaki needs no introduction. However, I would like to highlight some of its lesser-known attractions. Nagasaki is stunning and often appears on many lists ranking the best skylines, views, and romantic places to propose. One particularly picturesque spot is Inasa, which overlooks the city where a friend of mine proposed to his partner and she said yes!
Nagasaki city is bustling with shopping districts and nightlife it somehow retains a lot of its rural charm too thanks to its coastal location. It can be explored via tram, bus, ferry, taxi and local trains. Being a mountainous prefecture, it may require a bit more stamina for walking, many of the anime roads which feature uphill elevations are often based on real streets and roads in this prefecture. It is the prefecture voted least bike friendly due to all the hills.
I have a special fondness for the port town of Sasebo and hope to return to explore more and take a cruise around the 99 surrounding islands. Sasebo hosts numerous expats and is a good place to explore if you’re missing more familiar foods. This city is a great foodies paradise and like Okinawa provides a blend of cultures that of Japan and America. Nagasaki also boasts Hashima Island and Itoshima Island, which are paradises for urban exploration enthusiasts.
The region is rich in beautiful historic locations, such as Shimabara, located in the shadow of the active volcano Unzen. Moreover, there are plenty of islands for those interested in exploring and island hopping. A few of the islands boast resorts and beaches.
Nagasaki features its own version of Europe in Huis Ten Bosch, although it can be somewhat overpriced and overrated. There are many beautiful shrines tucked away off the beaten path and so much more to discover. While Nagasaki is a prefecture that requires little promotion, the lesser-known attractions should be included in your itinerary when you visit.
3ard - Miyazaki
One of the hardest prefectures to visit on Kyushu Island, Miyazaki is a paradise for those yearning for the great outdoors. Miyazaki holds geographical beauty such as Takachiho gorge and stunning mountains that border the coast. It has many natural places of beauty such as Aoshima island, the devil’s washboard and has its own easter island heads. The prefecture is perfect for those who love to surf and is a foodie’s paradise. The prefecture is home to many outdoor activities. The city to feels less busy and more spread out.
This prefecture can be explored via local trains, buses, taxi and ferries. The prefecture is also an inspiration for the scenery and locations in Princess Monoke the prefecture is home to many Japanese myths and folklore legends. With extensive forests and mountains, it is easy to see why. The city itself feels rural but has the convivences of a city, perfect for those looking to get away and detach from the hum drum of everyday life. There are many historical places of interest to that can fill a few days of a trip. There is still so much I want to explore here as the prefecture holds many hidden gems. This prefecture is also known for its wagyu and often ranks in the top three of Japanese wagyu’s. making this a paradise for those after a food holiday.
Not only is Miyazaki home to the great outdoors and many sports the area is complimented with various resorts so staying here has an added layer of enjoyment and relaxation. The area is perfect for scenic coastal drives and visitors may be able to spot a herd of semi-wild Misaki horses on the cape similar to the ponies on Dartmoor and Exeter’s moors in the UK. This prefecture very much reminded me of Scotland and some of the highland passes that can be driven for breathtaking views. This is very much a photogenic prefecture perfect for camera enthusiast who want stunning images whilst relaxing at a resort after. This prefecture should not be underestimated.
2nd – Kagoshima
Kagoshima is nestled at the southern tip of Japan’s Kyushu Island it offers a unique blend of everyday life and nature’s grandeur. Living in the shadow of Sakurajima, one of the most active volcanoes in Japan, means that while daily routines may seem mundane, such as commuting to work, shopping for groceries, or enjoying a quiet coffee at a local café. There is a constant reminder of the power of nature, from near-daily ash rain to rumbles and tremors from the active Sakurajima.
This prefecture is connected to the Kyushu Shinkansen and borders coastal areas, making it a stunning location for beaches and mountain areas. Some of the towns in the North have been credited for stunning nightscapes and starry skies. There are many beautiful observation decks scattered around Kagoshima that make for stunning photos.
It is a great prefecture for hiking and exploring the outdoors. The city can be explored via Shinkansen and local trains, ferry, bus, and taxi. Kagoshima offers a lot of outdoor activities and indoor activities too. Because of the proximity to Sakurajima, visitors can check the local weather to stay informed about ashfall and wind direction. Sakurajima Volcanic Park is worth a visit and makes for a memorable experience.
Kagoshima Is also a food holiday as it boasts a wide variety of cuisine, including local wagyu and vegetables cultivated on volcanic soils. This is a prefecture I hope to explore a little more. Kagoshima is also home to many preserved samurai houses and historical attractions, such as an Izumi, which is also home to the largest observatory to viewing cranes. This prefecture is perfect for those wanting to escape the city and indulge in various forms of nature and wildlife, enjoy good food, explore history, or simply shop in a quieter city.
1st – Oita
My first vacation in Japan was to Oita, and I will never forget the experience. In Oita, visitors can explore the Hells of Beppu, explore Bungo Mori, and wander around Oita city. The region boasts beautiful rural scenery and stunning local train lines that are truly remarkable. The Yufuin local trainline is viral for being picturesque and Ghibli-like. The coastline is lovely, and the volcanic activity makes a trip to Beppu must-see for anyone longing for relaxation and spa treatments. Oita has a charm that really captivated me, and its city doesn’t feel overly urban.
Oita can be explored via train, taxi, bus and ferry and has connections to Shikoku via ferry to Ehime. Visiting the Hells of Beppu was a delightful experience, and exploring Beppu itself was peaceful, even though it’s a popular spot for tourists. The town offers plenty of onsens, making it a great place to unwind and relax. My trip to Bungo Mori included one of the most scenic train rides I’ve ever taken. Bungo Mori feels like a town straight out of a Ghibli movie. Anime fans should visit, especially if the name "Suzume" rings a bell, as the roundhouse inspired the famous first door scene.
There’s still so much more I want to explore in this prefecture, but for me, Oita is a place that should not be overlooked. It offers an array of food, indoor and outdoor locations and provides activities for all ages. Oita’s location by the sea allows for coastal activities and includes stunning scenery. It is a blend of rural and city a perfect middle ground.
