Japan Kyushu

Nagasaki is the capital and the largest city of Nagasaki Prefecture on the island of Kyushu in Japan. It became a center of Portuguese and Dutch influence in the 16th through 19th centuries, and the Churches and Christian Sites in Nagasaki have been proposed for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Part of Nagasaki was home to a major Imperial Japanese Navy base during the First Sino-Japanese War and Russo-Japanese War. Its name means "long cape". During World War II, the American atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki made Nagasaki the second and, to date, last city in the world to experience a nuclear attack.

Naha is the capital city of Okinawa, the most southern prefecture of Japan. Naha is a city on the East China Sea coast of the southern part of Okinawa Island, the largest of Okinawa Prefecture. The modern city was officially founded on May 20, 1921. Before that Naha had been for centuries one of the most important and populous sites in Okinawa. Naha is the political, economic and education center of Okinawa Prefecture. In the medieval and early modern periods, it was the commercial center of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Kagoshima is the capital city of Kagoshima Prefecture at the south western tip of the island of Kyushu in Japan, and the largest city in the prefecture by some margin. It has been nicknamed the "Naples of the Eastern world" for its bay location (Aira Caldera), hot climate, and emblematic stratovolcano, Sakurajima. Kagoshima Prefecture has a distinct and rich food culture. The warm weather and diverse environments allow for the agriculture and aquaculture of Kagoshima to thrive and gain nationwide and worldwide recognition for unique and quality products. Numerous restaurants around Kagoshima feature Satsuma Province local cuisine.

Fukuoka is the capital city of Fukuoka Prefecture and is situated on the northern shore of the island of Kyushu in Japan. It is the most populous city on the island, followed by Kitakyushu. It is the largest city and metropolitan area west of Keihanshin. As of 2015, Fukuoka is Japan’s fifth largest city, having passed the population of Kobe. Since the founding of Kyoto in 794, this marks the first time that a city west of the Kinki region has a larger population than Kyoto. In ancient times, however, the area near Fukuoka, the Chikushi region, was thought by some historians to have possibly been even more influential than the Yamato region.

Nago is a city located in the northern part of Okinawa Island, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The many beaches draw Okinawans, mainland Japanese, Americans and other tourists to the northern part of the island. A popular tourist destination is the Pineapple Park, an interactive museum where visitors can see how pineapple is grown, and how pineapple wine is made. Okinawa Fruits Land is a conservatory with many plants, birds and fruits. Because of Nago's subtropical environment, cherry blossoms bloom early in the year. Nago is always one of the first cities to host the cherry blossom festival every year in January.

Kumamoto is the capital city of Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan. Greater Kumamoto had a population of 1,460,000, as of the 2000 census. It is not considered part of the Fukuoka–Kitakyushu metropolitan area, despite their shared border. The city was designated on April 1, 2012 by government ordinance. The city's most famous landmark is Kumamoto Castle, a large and, in its day, extremely well fortified Japanese castle. Kumamoto is also home to Suizen-ji Joju-en, a formal garden neighboring Suizenji Temple approximately 3 kilometers southeast of Kumamoto Castle. A notable shrine is Takahashi Inari Shrine.

Yufu is a city in Oita Prefecture, Japan. Yufu is located in central Oita Prefecture, surrounded by mountains, such as Yufudake, Shirogatake, and Tokiyama. The Oita River created an alluvial fan, where farming is done. Part of the city is named as a portion of Aso Kuju National Park. Also, Yufu is known for its many hot springs. There are several other rivers and lakes in the vicinity.

Beppu is a city in Oita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan. Beppu is famous for its hot springs. Otobaru Waterfall is a local natural attraction, located in the mountain area of Beppu city. Takasakiyama Monkey Park is located 10 minutes from the centre of Beppu by bus. The park is home to more than 1500 Japanese macaques. Beppu has not only usual hot springs but some sand and foot baths as well. Beppu Fireworks Festival, held in late July, is one of the biggest fireworks displays in Oita. Five thousand fireworks are set off from boats floating on Beppu Bay. Beppu Contemporary Art Festival "Mixed Bathing World" is an art festival held every three years in Beppu.

Miyazaki is the capital city of Miyazaki Prefecture on the island of Kyushu in Japan. Located on the coast and crossed by several rivers, Miyazaki City enjoys scenic views of both ocean and nearby, verdant mountains. A popular resort destination for Japanese tourists, the city offers many attractions, including the SeaGaia event center (though the indoor ocean facility is no longer operational), the Phoenix Zoo, and many large hotels and onsens (public baths). The city is the primary shopping destination for eastern Kyushu residents in smaller towns around the prefecture.

Motobu is a town located in Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. Several islands can be accessed from Motobu, namely the small islands of Sesoko and Minna-jima. Ocean Expo Park is the site of the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium as well as other exhibits highlighting the Okinawa Island and its culture. The aquarium consists of four floors, with tanks containing deep sea creatures, sharks, coral and tropical fish. The Omoro Botanical Garden and Tropical & Subtropical Arboretum are located in the northern portion of this town.

Kitakyushu is one of two designated cities in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, together with Fukuoka. There are many festivals in Kitakyushu throughout the summer. Attractions include Kokura Castle, built in 1602. The castle was burnt down in 1865 in the war between the Kokura and Choshu clans. Hiraodai karst plateau and Mount Adachiin Kokura Minami ward and Mount Sarakura and Kawachi Dam in Yahata Higashi ward are noted walking areas with fine scenery. The limestone outcroppings on Hiraodai are said to resemble grazing sheep. Some of the limestone caverns are open to the public. The area contains the Sugao and Nanae Waterfalls.

Yomitan is a village located in Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. In addition to beautiful and largely unspoiled beaches, Yomitan attracts tourists for its folk crafts, including Ryukyuan pottery, glassblowing, sugar making, and salt making. There are several facilities where tourists can try their hand at these crafts and take their handiwork home as souvenirs. Also of interest are the remains of Zakimi Castle.