Japan is Safe to Visit Now!Kyushu’s Kumamoto and Saga Historical Sites Tour

 

Text & Photography / Chi Binghui

 

Is it really safe to travel to Japan now? It has been over three months since the 311 earthquake, and although radiation levels in most parts of Japan have long been within safety standards, many people remain cautious, seemingly waiting for more to take the first step before they do.

With the tourism industry severely hit, tourist spots across Japan see very few visitors—mostly individual travelers rather than tour groups. For those who want to visit Japan but still have concerns, why not consider the Kyushu region, which is as far as 1,500 kilometers from Miyagi? Whether you’re interested in ancient ruins, pop culture and humanities, or natural landscapes, Kyushu can cater to all age groups. Plus, the full opening of the Kyushu Shinkansen this year has made independent travel much more convenient. The region is eagerly calling out “Japan is Safe!” and welcoming more visitors.

 

Kyushu includes seven prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Oita, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. It is home to numerous volcanoes, and the Aso region in Kumamoto Prefecture boasts the world’s largest active volcanic crater, earning it the nickname “Land of Fire.” The area also has many hot springs. Along with Saga Prefecture, it is a historic city where precious documents and ruins are well preserved.

To learn about history and culture, besides visiting the well-known Kumamoto Castle and Saga Castle, the newly opened Historical Experience Park “Shirotoranso” (Castle Colored Garden), which opened just this March, is also a great choice. It presents history in an easy-to-understand way and offers many fun cultural experiences suitable for family visits.

Kumamoto Castle, a must-visit spot in Kumamoto, is one of Japan’s Three Great Castles. It took seven years to build under the direction of Kato Kiyomasa during his time. Its tall and thick walls have earned it the title “the Samurai’s Return.” Inside, there are two keep towers—one large and one small—that visitors can climb for a view. From the six-story tower, you get a wide panoramic view, and the castle’s design makes it both easy to attack and defend. Currently, most visitors go up the keep to enjoy the lush green scenery within the castle grounds, which is truly relaxing.