Kyushu, located southwest of the main island of Honshu, offers a mild climate, lush green countryside, hot springs, and mysterious volcanic formations.
Because of its proximity to Korea and China, Kyushu, from the fourth century on, was culturally influenced by its more sophisticated neighbours. It was also the first point of contact with the West when the Portuguese landed here in the 16th century.
Fukuoka, 6hrs. by Shinkansen super express from Tokyo and 3hrs. from Shin-Osaka, is the rail gateway to Kyushu. In recent years, the city has emerged as a strategic point of international exchange with the rest of Asia. The intriguing Fukuoka Museum of Asian Fine Art, opened in 1999, is well worth a visit as it showcases the "now"of Asia. Fukuoka is renowned for its Hakata-ori silk textiles, and gala Hakata Dontaku and Yamagasa festivals. At Dazaifu, 20 min. by car from Fukuoka, many archaeological finds related to Japan's ancient court culture can be found.