5D4N Trip in Northern Kyushu

M ost of the travelers choose to travel in Japan specifically in Tokyo, Osaka and Hokkaido. How about in Kyushu, have you heard about it? Let me share my experience of 5D4N Trip in Northern Kyushu.

After reading this article I’m sure you’ll love Kyushu Prefecture more. What to do and where to go in Kyushu, Japan. Here are some places you may consider visiting in Kyushu.

OUR 5DAYS 4NIGHTS ITINERARY IN NORTHERN KYUSHU

• Day 01 :Arrival in Fukuoka then Check in
  (We took a bus from Airport to Hotel Monte Hermana Fukuoka)
• Day 02: FUKUOKA AREA – SAGA AREA – NAGASAKI AREA
  Check out on our Hotel
  Visit Yutoko Inari Shrine, Twenty Six Martys Monument, Nagasaki Peace Park, Atomic Bomb Musuem and Oura Church
  Then we go straight to Henn na Hotel in Nagasaki
• Day 03: FREE TIME IN HUIS TEN BOSCH
• Day 04: HUIS TEN BOSCH – AMAKUSA AREA 
  Hotel to Amakusa Area by Ferry, Sakitsu Catholic Church, Oe Catholic Church, Amakusa Christian Museum, Dolphin watching
• Day 05: AMAKUSA AREA - FUKUOKA AREA - FUK Airport
  We visit Marinoa City Outlet, after shopping direct go to the Airport

1. FUKUOKA

This is the biggest city in Kyushu, Japan. This city is well-known because of their food and that is Ramen! And yes, it is originally from Fukuoka. If you want to taste the native Ramen you must visit Fukuoka.

By the way, our hotel is only 15mins walk to Hakata Canal City. This is the biggest shopping and entertainment in Fukuoka. We know that Filipinos love to shop and it’s cheaper to buy in Japan no doubt.

2. SAGA

Let go to the small prefecture in Kyushu – SAGA, it is well known for ceramic and potteries. Not only that they also have wonderful natural wonder this includes the shrines. Just want to inform you that there are three largest shrines in Japan ; Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Toyokawa Inari in Aichi and the other one is in SAGA – the Yutoku Inari Shrine.

Please note that before entering the shrine you have to purify for yourself, it’s a symbolic way by touching the water in the spring at the entrance. It is called chouzuya in Japanese. Reminder! Please don’t drink the water.

3. NAGASAKI

As we know Nagasaki Prefecture has been the second and the last city in Japan that is chosen for nuclear attack by US during the WWII. This includes the starting of Christianity in Nagasaki on late 50’s. On the other side, Nagasaki maintains the beauty of the tourist destination. Their history became their top tourist attraction and it makes Nagasaki Prefecture more wonderful.

Here are some of the places we have visited in Nagasaki;

Twenty Six Martys Musuem in Nagasaki

This are the group of Catholics who were executed late 1597 as the missionary activities are not allowed at that time. They built this monument for commemorate 100th year anniversary of the canonization.

Nagasaki Peace Park

It was built to commemorate the atomic bombing last World War II. The arms and legs of the statue are positioned in a meaningful way. As you can see the statue’s eyes are closed as if in prayer. The right arm points toward the sky, this is where the atomic bomb was dropped from, warning us of the dangers of nuclear weapons. The left arm is extended as if towards eternal peace. The right leg is folded in the pose of meditation like a Buddha statue. And the left leg is in the process of pushing itself up from the ground, telling us to stand up and help the world.

Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Musuem

This covers the history of the awful story during that time. It begins with the disastrous scene of the attack and includes the events leading up to the dropping of the atomic bomb, the reconstruction of Nagasaki up to the present day, the history of nuclear weapons development, and the hope for a peaceful world free of nuclear weapons.

OURA Church in Nagasaki

It’s one of the Roman Catholic churches in Japan and this is also the church of the 26 martyrs. (Wasn’t able to capture what’s inside as it’s strictly prohibited)

HUIS TEN BOSCH

Known as the largest themed park in Japan and it’s called the Netherlands of Asia as the structure and sites are like Old Dutch buildings. It is also owned and operated by Japanese Travel agency (H.I.S.)

Huis Ten Bosch brings flowers, light, entertainments, music, health and beauty which I know all of you will surely like. Staying here for 1 day is not enough to explore the park. I suggest 2 nights stay for you to experience it. For me it’s a highly recommendable for the traveller who wants to see more of Japan!

4. AMAKUSA

And now let’s go to the Heavens Grass of southwestern part of Kyushu and an island in Kumamoto Prefecture the AMAKUSA. It became center of Christianity during the time that the religion is prohibited.

Dolphin Watching

If there’s dolphin watching in Philippines, you can also experience it Kyushu, Japan. You will see 200 live friendly creatures offshore. And it is 98% chance that you’ll meet them. We travel by a cruise on our way to the best spot where we could see dolphins. The suggestion of our attendant, we have to shout out load so that the dolphins will come out. It was fun experience and awesome experience!
(Reminder! Be careful for selfies! You might be out of balance due to impact of the sea)

CHURCHES IN AMAKUSA

(Please note that taking pictures inside the church is strictly prohibited)
Above churches are has historical background and played a big part in Catholicism in Japan. Amakusa is well known as a home of a wealth Christians.

AMAKUSA CHRISTIAN MUSEUM

This is where the story of first Christian martyrs in Japan were documented in the 14th and 15th. You can see unique materials of hidden Christians in Amakusa, such as the hidden cross Buddha and the Statue of Maria Kannon. This is the best place to know about the hidden Christian in Amakusa region for sightseeing.

5. SHOPPING! – MARINOA CITY

MARINOA CITY FUKUOKA

As mentioned earlier, we Filipinos love to shop and give “pasalubongs” to our dear loved ones. Well, the Marinoa City outlet mall in Fukuoka is a must-visit place too! This one of the largest outlet malls in Kyushu. It has variety of shops including the brand-name items. And if you’ll feel tired of shopping, there some restaurants and food court that you can try.

That’s all! Hope you find it interesting and made you think or consider travelling in Kyushu on your future trip.

Check My Other Article: Kyushu Travel Guide