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Southern Japan
T
he southern islands of Japan have a
predominantly relaxed atmosphere
and rural landscape. Resting in the waters
of the Inland Sea, Shikoku is home to classic
gardens, countless temples and farming
villages. Cross to the island by train from
Okayama, board a boat through the
archipelago from Hiroshima or take a bus
across the world’s longest suspension bridge,
to discover remote farm houses, ancient
pilgrimages and classical culture. Kyushu
is the southernmost of Japan’s four main
islands, with a turbulent history matched
by its seething volcanic terrain. During
Japan’s long years of self-imposed isolation,
this island was the only place in which
contact with the outside world was
permitted. Kyushu is an ideal location for
scenic hikes and for visiting hot spring
resorts. The islands further south that make
up the Okinawa archipelago form a huge
arc stretching from southern Kyushu almost
as far as Taiwan, offering white sand
beaches and an island lifestyle. The climate
here is sub-tropical, offering the perfect
break from it all at the end of your
mainland Japan adventures.
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