Hello everyone,
Background: This will be my 6th trip to Japan in the last decade, so not a Japan newb anymore. Not into J-pop, and not really into anime, but do appreciate anything from a historical/cultural point of view. I’ve been to Okinawa, and most common tourist places from Himeji to Nikko, so this time, I’d like to focus on Kyushu (from Nagasaki to Hiroshima). I’ll be flying into Fukuoka.
I have a few question categories so feel free to answer as much or as little as you’d like.
\[Trip date: March 18-26\]
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**Olle Trails:**
I’ve hikes all 27 Olle trails in Jeju and loved them, so am very excited to try at least 1-2. I found the main website, but can’t really determine which ones would be good? Anyone who has been to Jeju, how do the olle compare? Which ones are your favorites? I was going to visit the “hells of beppu” so was thinking of doing the one in Oita but any guidance is appreciated.
**UNESCO World Heritage Sites:**
I am a unesco whs buff and also run a WHS blog. I’ve been to 10 sites in Japan and hope to hit a few more. Most are straight forward, but these three I had questions about:
*Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape*
\-This looks like a 6 hr one day trip from Hiroshima BUT a 2 hr drive. Is there a bus or any other faster transport. I am willing to pay more, as I will likely not dedicate another 8 days in the nearby future to Kyushu/Lower Honshu so I am thinking this is my last shot at this site. Also any general vibes or your thoughts on it.
*Yakushima*
\-This looks straight forward but a few commercial sites kept telling me a car is a must. Is this true. I did get an international driving permit recently if this is true, and I’ve driven in Okinawa before, but am just as happy in public transport. Also, what are the highlights in your opinion? I got the official website’s recommendations but they are biased of course.
*Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region*
\-My understanding is that the main island is forbidden for tourists to visit but there are other sites as part of the WHS in upper Kyushu. Is this correct? I read something about tours to Okinoshima but didn’t understand if that was to the main island or other nearby islands.
**Other Stuff:**
\-Cherry Blossoms – We have them too in Korea so not really crazy about going to some festival. Here, imho, it is best to avoid the festivals and just find a place where there are plenty of blossoms and less people. Is there something like that (anywhere around Kyushu).
\-Cat Islands (Ainoshima / Ao Island) – I love cats. Are these islands really not that touristic or are they…like petting zoos? I have seen online articles describing them as quiet fishing villages, but I am skeptical since everyone and their mama seems to know about them. Which of the two would you recommend?
\-Beppu/Nagasaki – I plan to do day trips to each. Yay or Nay?
Anyways, thanks for all of your help.
2 comments
There are two buses a day between Hiroshima and Oda near Iwami Ginzan (you have to take a cab to the mines or walk 45-60 minutes).
Yakushima has a very limited community bus access to some sites, so renting a car is preferable.
Note that aside from Hashima and other Nagasaki sites, other industrial world heritage site are available to visit, including Yawata Steel Works area and places in Hagi city (including castle town district).
You really go to Beppu for the onsens. Not sure if it’s worth it to just go for the day. The drive there is not bad(I make it at least once a month for non-onsen reasons) but as a tourist, do you really want a 4 hour round trip from Fukuoka City just to see the “Hells” and eat inferior Oita Ramen?
I live near Munakata and I know there are some other associated sites like the burial mounds in Fukutsu but have not visited any of them. Definitely need a car in this part of Kyushu to get to them though.