Great Views of Kyushu, Japan

17/07/2026

The main approach to Hikosan Shrine after the rain.
The main sanctuary of Hikosan Shrine, Kamitsugu Shrine, stands at the summit of Mt. Hiko (1,199 m), a sacred mountain revered since ancient times. Mt. Hiko is known as one of Japan’s three major centers of Shugendō, alongside Dewa Sanzan in Yamagata and Mt. Ōmine in Nara.
The approach, washed clean by the rain and surrounded by deep greenery, feels like an entrance to another world leading toward the summit sanctuary, Kamitsugu. In autumn, the path is covered in brilliant foliage, offering yet another breathtaking scene. From the Bronze Torii to the Hōheiden (about 500 m elevation), stone steps are maintained, and beyond that, a mountain trail continues up to the summit.
Photo: Shinobu Saito / July 5, 2026 – Soeda Town, Fukuoka Prefecture

15/07/2026

Sogi Falls in Isa City, Kagoshima Prefecture.
With a width of 210 meters and a height of 12 meters, the falls are striking for their broad, horizontal spread rather than their drop. A single tree standing at the brink adds a beautiful accent to the scenery, and the falls take on completely different expressions with each season—cherry blossoms in spring, autumn foliage, and powerful flows during wetter periods.
Photo: Fusako Matsuna / July 15, 2019, Isa City, Kagoshima Prefecture

10/07/2026

Sunset over Hakata Port.
Hakata Port has long flourished as Kyushu’s gateway to the sea. The discovery of the “King of Na Gold Seal” on Shikanoshima shows that this area has been a key point of exchange with the Asian continent and the Korean Peninsula throughout Japanese history. The port was also a major stage of the Mongol invasions, and today it remains an important hub for international exchange.
Photo: Kiminobu Hiizumi / June 12, 2026 – Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture

10/07/2026

The columnar joints of Nanatsugama are designated as a National Natural Monument.
Along the basalt cliffs carved by the rough waves of the Genkai Sea, seven kettle-shaped sea caves line up in a striking formation. The largest cave reaches about 5 meters in height and extends 110 meters deep, creating a powerful and dramatic coastal landscape. Sightseeing boats from Yobuko Port allow visitors to enter the caves up close.
Photo: Reiko Tachibana / June 11, 2026 – Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture

22/06/2026

This post is part of a series introducing past archive videos from the TV program “Zekkei Kyushu,” which is created using photos submitted by members of the Zekkei Kyushu community. Today’s fourth installment features the June 2023 edition: “Reflections of Water.”
“Zekkei Kyushu” began in May 2020 and is now in its seventh year. The program is broadcast daily on J:COM in Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, Kumamoto, and Shimonoseki. Each month, 10 outstanding photos submitted by group members are selected and featured on the show. 　

今月のテーマは「水が映す」絶景。BGMは宮本真理さんの“duveteux”です。きれいな写真と心癒される音楽でほっこりタイムをお楽しみ...

22/06/2026

At Miyajidake Shrine, the early-summer Iris Festival beautifully decorates the famous “Path of Light.”
Located in Fukutsu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, the shrine is known for the spectacular sunset that aligns perfectly with the torii gate facing the sea, turning the entire approach into a glowing golden path.
According to the shrine’s official website, “100,000 Edo irises of 100 varieties—one of the largest displays in Kyushu—bloom throughout the shrine grounds and iris garden.” This year’s Iris Festival was held from May 23 to June 14.
Photo: Kiminobu Hiizumi. June 7, 2026 – Fukutsu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan.

21/06/2026

Clear spring water reflecting fresh greenery — this is Yamabuki Spring in Aso.
Surrounded by pristine forest, the spring releases about 30 tons of water per minute and is listed among Kumamoto’s “Top 100 Famous Waters.”
The water is remarkably transparent, creating a mirror-like surface where the trees are beautifully reflected.
In autumn, the reflections of colorful foliage make the scene look like a natural painting.
The water remains a constant 13.5°C throughout the year, offering a refreshing coolness even in summer.
Photo by Hanae Tokuda. May 11, 2026 / Ubuyama Village, Kumamoto Prefecture.

20/06/2026

The irises at Yamato Central Park’s Iris Garden are now in full bloom.
This garden opens only during the flowering season, when about 40,000 irises of 100 varieties bloom from late May to mid‑June each year. In early June, the hydrangeas also reach their peak, allowing visitors to enjoy both flowers together.
The iris, with its sword‑like leaves and strong upward growth, has long been regarded as a symbol of shōbu—martial spirit—and was cherished by samurai. It is a flower that resonates well with the traditions of the Hizen Nabeshima Domain, where the spirit of Bushidō was highly valued.
Photo by Yuta Makino. May 30, 2026 / Saga City, Saga Prefecture.

19/06/2026

Ao no Dōmon (“Blue Tunnel”) is a hand‑carved passageway created during the Edo period over the course of nearly 30 years.
The monk Zenkai is said to have carved the tunnel using only a chisel and hammer, resulting in a passage about 342 meters long. The tunnel was completed in 1764.
In 1750, during the construction period, a large memorial service was held to mark the completion of the first phase of the work. After that, a toll was collected—4 mon for people and 8 mon for cattle and horses—leading to its reputation as Japan’s first toll road (now free to pass).
At the time the tunnel was built, the surrounding area was called “Ao,” which is believed to be the origin of the name “Ao no Dōmon.”
Photo by Shinobu Saito. June 5, 2026 / Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture.

17/06/2026

A view of the Aso “Sleeping Buddha” from the Makinoto lookout on the Yamanami Highway.
From left to right, you can see Mt. Nekodake (head, 1,408 m), Mt. Takadake (chest, 1,519 m), and Mt. Nakadake (abdomen, 1,506 m), with volcanic smoke rising from Nakadake.
The red‑roofed building is Seno‑moto Rest House.
The Yamanami Highway opened in 1964, and the rest house was built two years later in 1966.
Known for many years as “San‑ai Rest House,” it remains a beloved landmark of the Kuju Highlands.
Photo by Yoichi Ushio. May 13, 2026, Kokonoe Town, Oita Prefecture.