4 hidden gems in Kyushu Japan 🇯🇵
Jumping on the bandwagon for the viral white handwritten text, aesthetic doodle, hand-drawn annotation trend with ChatGPT.
📌 Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine
Google Maps: 2619 Kamishikimi, Takamori, Aso District, Kumamoto 869-1601, Japan
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, a serene shrine tucked within a cypress forest. It’s also known for being featured in the anime film Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light, which adds to its mystical charm.
📌 Amaterasu Railway
Google Maps: 1425-1 Mitai, Takachiho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki 882-1101, Japan
We headed to Amaterasu Railway to purchase tickets (note that they must be bought on-site, as advance reservations are not available).
The railway runs along abandoned tracks of the former Takachiho Railway. Today, the sightseeing ride covers about 5 km of the old line, taking around 30 minutes for a round trip. We sat in open-air carts and crossed the Takachiho Iron Bridge, which stands 105 metres above the valley, offering breathtaking views of the Iwato River and the rice terraces below. The train drivers also shared insights into the history and surrounding landscape during the ride, though the commentary was conducted in Japanese.
** I have no idea why Chatgpt included a doodle of the South Korea flag...it's in Japan 🤣
📌 Yufuin
Google Maps: 8-2 Yufuincho Kawakita, Yufu, Oita 879-5114, Japan
Places we visited in Yufuin:
Telato
Milch (Dessert)
Yufuin Kinsho Croquettes
Yunotsubo Street
Yufuin Floral Village
Miffy Mori no Bakery
Snoopy Chaya
Kinrin Lake
Cafe Tenjosajiki
Unagihime Shrine
盆地うどん 麺一
湯布珈琲
まんぷく食堂
日本茶5toku
Yufuin Burger House
📌 Kokonoe Yume Otsuribashi
Google Maps: 1208 Tano, Kokonoe, Kusu District, Oita 879-4911, Japan
This bridge made us feel as though we were walking through the sky. This suspension bridge spanning the Narukogawa Gorge is located in Kyushu. It is 777m above sea level and 173m above the valley floor. It offers a spectacular view of Shindo Falls and panoramic view of the Kuju mountain range.
Kyushu is truly a remarkable region to discover beyond the typical tourist spots. One of the highlights for me was visiting Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine nestled in an ancient cypress forest. Walking through the serene grounds, I felt a deep sense of calm and connection to nature — it genuinely felt like stepping into another world. The shrine's connection to the anime 'Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light' added an intriguing cultural layer that anime fans will appreciate. The Amaterasu Railway is another unforgettable experience. The old tracks now serve as a scenic sightseeing railway where open-air carts traverse the stunning Takachiho Iron Bridge 105 meters above the valley floor. The views of the Iwato River and rice terraces below are breathtaking, especially when the breeze flows past on the open carts. Although the ride commentary is only in Japanese, you can still soak in the peaceful ambiance and natural beauty. Yufuin is a charming hot spring town that immediately stole my heart. It blends rustic countryside vibes with cozy cafes and delightful shops. Sampling local treats like the Yufuin Kinsho Croquettes and visiting quaint spots such as Yunotsubo Street and Kinrin Lake made for a relaxing day. Staying overnight in a traditional onsen ryokan here is highly recommended to fully experience the tranquil atmosphere and healing hot springs. Lastly, the Kokonoe Yume Otsuribashi suspension bridge offers a thrilling walk above the Narukogawa Gorge, at 777 meters above sea level and 173 meters above the valley floor. Crossing this longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Japan gave me spectacular views of Shindo Falls and the surrounding Kuju mountain range. It’s an awe-inspiring way to experience Kyushu’s natural splendor from a new perspective. For anyone planning a trip to Kyushu, I highly recommend adding these hidden gems to your itinerary. They provide a perfect mix of culture, nature, and unique experiences that capture the diverse beauty of the island. Don’t forget comfortable shoes for some walking, and a camera to capture the magical moments!
