With the FINA World Swimming Championships in Fukuoka happening right now, including open water events this week at Seaside Momochi Beach Park and pool competitions at the Marine Messe Fukuoka Hall from 23rd July, water is on the agenda in Kyushu and there are plenty of swimming and soaking spots for travellers to visit. For a thousand years the mineral rich waters of Kyushu have healed and soothed the locals, emperors, samurais and visitors. Kyushu is a land abundant in mineral springs which is why it’s known as ‘Japan’s Onsen Island’. There are plenty of choices when it comes to soaking yourself in Kyushu. Here are a few favourites enjoyed by both locals and travellers.
Kurokawa Onsen is located north of Mt. Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture. It’s known as one of the best Onsen towns in Japan and is recognised for its natural beauty. Kurokawa Onsen is surrounded by nature and forests. Comprising 30 Ryokans and hot springs, travellers can indulge in an onsen hopping tour. The town’s wooden Onsen ticket, called Nyutotegata, enables visitors to enjoy 3 different hot springs, choosing from a total of 27 open-air baths, as well as a souvenir or restaurant voucher. One stand-out onsen option is Oyado Noshinyu in Kurokawa which features an outside bath surrounded by natural forests. Guests can relax under the sunlight during the daytime and the starry sky at night.
Boating along Tackachiho Gorge is a standout water experience. The ravine is located in northern Miyazaki and was formed over 100,000 years ago after nearby Mt Aso volcanic eruptions. Visitors paddle through a spectacular narrow chasm of volcanic basalt which resemble the scales of a dragon. Partway along the gorge is a 17 metre cascading waterfall with a backdrop of dense green foliage and surrounding grey cliff face. At the southern end of the gorge there is a freshwater aquarium, a fully stocked fishing pond and eateries. During the summer months the gorge is lit by the sun until 11pm in the evening making the experience even more magnificent. Visitors can book a boat in advance via https://takachiho-kanko.info/en/boat_kagura/ or wait until a boat becomes available on the day.
Amami Oshima is a volcanic island surrounded by coral reefs and is known for its spiritual culture, outdoor activities and nature. Spirituality infiltrates everyday life in the Amami Islands where heavenly guidance is given by yuta (shamans) and noro (female priestesses).
As a visitor, you will feel the magic of nature, experience night skies drenched with stars and gaze at unparalleled views of the expansive turquoise water.
Water activities are abundant including swimming with sea turtles, snorkelling, boating and diving. Divers can view the underwater mystery circles – ethereal, which are circle like formations drawn on the seafloor just off the island. These circles are made by puffer fish during their mating ritual and are unusual but lovely to look at on the seabed.
Ryumon Taki is located in Oita and is a spectacular place to swim with its waterfall and natural water slides. There is a deep swimming hole and great diving from the rocky cliff as well. Nearby, there are lots of onsens to enjoy and there is a popular warm onsen called Fukumotoya which is engulfed by a cave on the riverbank. A mixed bathing onsen, people often gather and chat while soaking, with couples able to soak together.
Keya Beach: Keya in Itoshima is one of Japan’s top 100 beaches and is the annual host of the outdoor music festival “Sunset Live”. With its lagoon style, sandy beaches and beach huts, it’s very popular with locals and visitors. You’ll also find a fishing port and several restaurants nearby. The outdoor music festival “Sunset Live” is at Keya Beach in September. For more information about the event, please visit: Sunset Live 2023 (this year taking place 2-3 September following a four year hiatus).
