Kyushu: Why Walk Japan’s Most Diverse Island on Foot

When most travellers picture Japan, their minds go straight to the neon streets of Tokyo, the temples of Kyoto, or the iconic snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji. But those who venture south to Kyushu, Japan’s third-largest island, discover something altogether different – and arguably more compelling.

Here, walking isn’t just a way to see the sights – it’s how you connect with a region shaped by fire, faith, and foreign influence.

A Land of Contrasts and Connection

Kyushu is often described as Japan’s most diverse island, and for good reason. From volcanoes to subtropical coastlines, ancient castle towns to historic foreign trading ports, the contrasts are striking - and they’re all connected by a landscape rich in stories.

This is the cradle of Japanese civilisation, but also its original gateway to the world. Centuries ago, Dutch, Chinese and Portuguese traders made their way through these harbours. When Japan closed its borders during the Edo period, Kyushu was the exception - allowing limited foreign exchange via Nagasaki’s man-made island of Dejima.

Where History Hides in the Landscape

One of the most fascinating aspects of walking in Kyushu is how much history is woven into the trails. You’re not just passing through scenic countryside – you’re walking paths that once helped hide persecuted Christians, climbing mountains considered sacred by generations of pilgrims, and exploring towns that still echo with samurai stories.

Highlights include:

• Taketa – a rural stronghold where Hidden Christians lived in secret
• Usuki – where Buddhist stone carvings still puzzle historians
• Nagasaki – where international exchange shaped a port city unlike any other in Japan

Why Walk Kyushu?

This is not a region for ticking off sights. It's a place to slow down, look closer, and walk between worlds.

Our self-guided Kyushu walk gives you the freedom to go at your own pace – with daily luggage transfers, traditional accommodation in family-run inns, and detailed local insights to help you make sense of what you’re seeing.

You’ll walk three distinct scenic trails:

• A coastal island hike on Onyujima, through citrus groves to ocean viewpoints
• A volcano trail around Mount Aso, Japan’s largest caldera
• A panoramic route on Mount Unzen, with views over the Shimabara Peninsula

Between walking days, you’ll explore on foot through samurai streets, onsen towns, and UNESCO-listed heritage zones – with curated cultural notes guiding you along the way.

Why Kyushu, Why Now?

Kyushu’s landscapes are dramatic, but it’s the stories that stay with you – stories of resilience, fusion, isolation and renewal. And because it’s less travelled, it still holds that sense of discovery many travellers seek.

Add in Japan’s famous hospitality, seasonal cuisine, and the simplicity of self-guided support – and you’ve got a walking journey that’s as enriching as it is effortless.

Ready to take a different path through Japan?

Explore the full Kyushu Self Guided Walk itinerary