Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost island, is home to both a kind people and a veritable trove of stunning scenery. Located a train ride or short flight away from Tokyo, Kyushu offers visitors a glimpse into another side of the country. Here, one can experience everything from untouched nature at the ocean’s edge to omotenashi culture at a hot springs resort. I’d like to introduce you to my favorite parts of the island. Let’s take a look!

I had the opportunity to spend an entire year living in Kyushu. During that time, I made several trips to the city of Fukuoka. Fukuoka is the largest city on the island and the sixth largest city in Japan; as such, it has many of the modern amenities you’d expect from a metropolis. Shoppers will delight in finding international brands, and there are plenty of movie theaters and arcades where you can spend an afternoon. Fukuoka is also home to the Yahoo! Dome, which hosts many of the most popular concert tours. And when you’ve worn yourself out from exploring, you can stop at one of the city’s famous yatai, local food stalls that appear in the evening. I’d recommend you try Hakata ramen! If you like it, be sure to thank the shop owner by saying “Bari oishii,” which means “super delicious!” in the local dialect.

If you have time to explore outside of the city center, take a short train ride over to the town of Dazaifu. One of my favorite parts of Dazaifu is its traditional atmosphere, which really captures how Japan once looked. Take your time exploring the storefronts lining the streets; perhaps try some traditional sweets or senbei crackers. Once your belly is full, make your way to the main hall of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. Cross the vermillion bridges and offer your prayers in one of Japan’s most important shrines. Although the scenery is beautiful at any time of year, it’s especially stunning when the plum blossoms are blooming. If you have the chance, I’d definitely recommend you visit in spring.

Fukuoka has plenty of big city excitement to offer, but when I really wanted to relax, I took a trip over to Beppu City. Located in Oita Prefecture, Beppu is famous across Japan for its first-class hot springs! But that’s definitely not all it has. I took the bus over to Beppu with one of my best friends, and, being animal lovers, our first priority was to check out the monkey park at Mount Takasaki. We enjoyed watching the monkeys eat and play with one another before heading across the street to the conveniently located aquarium. “Umitamago” Aquarium has tons of fish and marine animals, and the walrus show was amazing to watch. Later, if you’re really adventurous, you can even go on an African safari! We ventured out and saw everything from elephants to rhinos, and I even fed lunch to a lion! It was an unforgettable experience.

During our second day in Beppu, we made the most of the hot springs. The hot springs are so widespread, our hostel didn’t just have a natural spring inside for bathing—it even had a foot bath right outside the front door! After freshening up, we embarked on a tour of Beppu’s Seven Hells. Each “hell” contains water with different types of minerals, which in turn create a different atmosphere. For example, one of the hells looks like mud; another, my personal favorite, is brimming full of bright cyan water. The tour is a must-see for anyone visiting Beppu! When we finished the tour, we wound down by cooking lunch at Jigoku Mushi Kobo. We rented a steamer and spent half an hour steaming seafood and veggies! Served fresh from the basket, they tasted amazing.

Three hours southwest of Beppu by bus is perhaps my most favorite part of Kyushu. Nagasaki holds a special place in my heart; for twelve months, it was not only my host--it was my home. But visitors and citizens alike will find there’s plenty to explore. The city is not only full of historical significance; it also plays host to famous cultural events that draw spectators from all over the country. One of these is the shoro nagashi festival in August, during which families send their late loved ones off to the spirit world with elaborate floats and fireworks. Another is the harvest festival, O-kunchi, celebrated with floats and carefully practiced dances. Finally, there is the Chinese lantern festival, held in February, with its songs and bright lights that bring warmth amid the chill of winter.

Yet one of the best things about Kyushu is the beauty that surrounds you at any given moment. Countless times I found myself stricken breathless by the simplest of things: a snow-white kitten’s mewling; the first cherry tree of spring, blooming beyond the temple walls. Nagasaki opened my eyes to the extraordinary in the every day. I can’t be thankful enough for the time I spent here, and I hope that you, too, can someday have the chance to visit.