With its wild nature, ancient volcanoes, immersive cultural experiences and delicious local delicacies, Kyushu in Japan’s Southwest is that next hidden gem showcasing yesteryear that you are waiting to explore. We share with you our top 10 unique experiences that we bet you didn’t know about in Kyushu!
Did you know…..?
1. Ibusuki sand bathing – is the only natural sand bathing place in the world!
Known as sunamushi in Japanese, Volcanic hot springs line the coast of Ibusuki, in Kyushu, Japan, warming the sands to 50-55 degrees Celsius.
After relaxing in the hot sand, you can then go and soak in hot springs afterwards. To experience a sand bath, you wear a light cotton yukata, and lie a shallow depression in the beach. An attendant will protect your face with a towel and shovel the warm sand over you until you’re buried up to your neck in the black sand, with only your head exposed! After ten minutes or so, you emerge, warm and relaxed. You can take a shower at the beach or explore the nearby hot springs.
2. Boating in the Canals of Yanagawa – About an hour to the southwest of Fukuoka on the island of Kyushu, Japan, is famous for its network of canals, originally used for irrigation and to create a moat around the town’s castle. Exploring the canals on a small punt boat (donkobune) where the local boatmen often share stories and folksongs along the way.
3. The largest shimenawa (sacred rope), drum and bell in Japan! The shimenawa at Miyachitake Shrine in Fukuoka is 11m long, has a maximum diameter of 2.2m and weighs 3t, making it the largest shimenawa in Japan. The shrine is also home to a giant taiko drum with a diameter of 22m, and for a Big Bell made of copper weighing 450kg, together this shrine has three items which are the biggest in Japan.
4. Japan’s largest Otafuku mask – “smiling woman”
At the Kushida Shrine, the stage of Fukuoka’s traditional festival, Hakata Yamakasa, there appears a huge Otafuku mask, the largest in Japan. It is 5.3 metres high and 5 metres wide. It will be on display until the Setsubun period (from late January to around 10 February).
5. Kagoshima prefecture is the best tea producer in Japan (2019)
Kagoshima Prefecture has overtaken Shizuoka Prefecture, which has been the top tea-producing prefecture for more than 50 years, to become the top tea-producing prefecture in Japan. Kyushu is also famous for its tea production, with Fukuoka Prefecture producing Yame tea and Saga Prefecture producing Ureshino tea.
6. Kumamoto – Japan’s Number One Stone Steps / Shakainmisaka Yuhodo
The “Misaka” stone steps leading to Shaka-in Temple in Kumamoto Prefecture are the highest in Japan at 3333 steps.
Many people try to climb all the steps, and there are rest stops and toilets along the way.
7. The largest producer of shochu liquor in Japan: Miyazaki! (and has been for 6 years in a row!)
The most famous liquor in Kyushu is shochu (distilled alcohol). Miyazaki Prefecture has the largest amount of shochu produced in Japan. There are many kinds of shochu such as potato and barley. Also, Kagoshima prefecture is second, and Oita prefecture is third in Japan.*The amount recorded in 2019 was 123,974 Kilolitres or 123,974,000 Litres.
8. This spectacular gorge in northern Miyazaki, Kyushu, Japan, was formed over 100,000 years ago after eruptions from nearby volcano Mt. Aso.
The gorge’s 80-100 metre-high basalt cliffs line a chasm, just 3 metres wide at its narrowest point. The dark abysses are complemented by vivid greenery in early summer and red-tinted leaves in autumn.
You can see the gorge from above and below, along paths and bridges that span the river. For a unique and up-close look at the gorge, rent a boat at the south end and row along the Gokase River, through the ancient rock columns. You can also walk the perimeter of the gorge on the paved path that runs along its edge. The path is about one kilometer long and leads to Takachiho Shrine. It is part of the longer Kyushu Olle Takachiho Course, which is best suited to experienced hikers, taking around 5 hours from the town’s information center.
You can see the 17 metre high Manai Falls from above or from a row boat below, as the waters splash into the river.
9. Hiking in Aso Kuju National Park
Whether you’re after an exciting hike near an active volcano, getting up close and personal with wildlife, or just relaxing in lush fields of green, Aso Kuju National Park has something for everyone. Located in central Kyushu, Japan, this vast park is named after the mountains and active volcanos surrounding it. Established in 1934, this is one of the oldest and most beautiful national parks in Japan.
10. White sand and turquoise water
It’s not the Whitsundays, it’s not the Caribbean, it’s not Micronesia or the Pacific. This is in Kyushu, Japan! Amami is home to the first meteorite crater discovered in the Japenese archipelago, a fact that not so many people know. Thousands of years later, today, this stunning destination is a prime spot for the beach, scuba diving and windsurfing in Japan. The coral reefs along the coast give Kurasaki Beach a unique colorful landscape and blue waters. It is also one of the rare spots campers can enjoy a stay by the seaside, either to enjoy the night sky or the sunrise.
Dreaming of exploring Kyushu? Chat to our team to tailor your own curated journey or join our small group tour, Walking in Kyushu.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
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Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
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Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
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Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
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Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
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