The southwesternmost of Japan’s main islands, Kyushu is home to volcanoes, beaches, natural hot springs, museums, shrines and beautiful hotels. While always a great destination for travelers heading to Japan, this year sees new hotel openings, culinary experiences, sightseeing train routes and cycling routes grace the island.

© Nagasaki Marriott

New Sightseeing Train Lines

A new, five-hour sightseeing train route launches this spring, connecting Fukuoka’s Hakata Station with Beppu Station. Beppu Station allows travelers to visit Japan’s seaside onsen hub that also celebrates its 100th anniversary this month. Within the train, passengers enjoy a buffet and all Green Seats, not to mention magnificent views from the window and bento boxes made with ingredients from sites along the line.

© The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka

4 New Hotels

In Saga, Ureshino Yadoya opens for guests to experience a peaceful and intimate experience. With just 36 guestrooms, each offering 100-percent, free-flowing hot spring water for bathing and a variety of ways to enjoy Ureshino tea, guests can also take part in a tea ceremony, visit the tea aroma sauna and try the tea bar. Last summer, The Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka opened, marking the first from The Ritz-Carlton brand in Kyushu. Complete with six dining venues, this hotel is a luxurious urban oasis. Marriott Nagasaki is also new to the island, opened this past January. Guests are spoiled with views of Mount Inasa, the city or the nearby harbor from each of its 207 rooms, most of which come with balconies. And this fall, Nagasaki Stadium City opens, becoming Japan’s first stadium-view hotel. Windows in each room are designed to open as wide as possible for optimal views.

© Courtesy of Discover Kyushu Promotion Committee

Kyushu on Two Wheels

Discover Kyushu released new 10-day guided cycling tours for travelers to see the island in a sustainable way and from a new perspective. Cycle through ancient hot springs, active volcanoes, the Goto Islands, cherry blossoms in bloom and more. Curated cycling routes span all seven of Kyushu’s prefectures and are available to book here. This fall, Kyushu also hosts the second annual Tour de Kyushu.

Try Shochu

Consumed more than sake in Japan, Shochu is made from a variety of ingredients like barley, sweet potatoes, black sugar and rice. Kyushu has the highest-rated prefectures in terms of consumption and production of this beverage and a new program, Shochu Discovery, invites travelers to try different flavors of each region and learn from local Shocu experts.