Follow Sakamoto Ryoma through Kyushu and soak together in Japan’s longest foot onsen

Thanks to the strong viewership of the historical drama “Atsuhime,” Kyushu has become one of Japan’s hottest travel destinations this year. Many fans have followed in the footsteps of the characters, carefully exploring and savoring the region’s elegant charm. Following the immense popularity of “Atsuhime” in Taiwan in 2009, Kyushu has once again caught the eye of NHK’s historical dramas. The “Ryoma Ga Yuku,” starring popular Nagasaki-born actor Masaharu Fukuyama, is currently being filmed in Nagasaki Prefecture and will begin airing in January 2010. It is expected to spark yet another wave of Kyushu tourism fever.

Kyushu is the closest Japanese archipelago to Taiwan, with a flight time of just 2 hours and 10 minutes. Among the increasingly popular slow travel and independent trips, it is a top choice for both cycling and self-driving tours. Starting in 2010, a series of new facilities and events across Kyushu have been completed, the most talked-about being the Unzen Onsen Yunomine foot onsen, scheduled to be completed in February. Designed along the coastline of Marine Park in Yunomine, the 105-meter-long onsen is set to become the world’s longest foot bath. Visiting at sunset offers the added bonus of stunning views.

The Nichinan Line train in southern Kyushu’s Miyazaki Prefecture launched a brand-new sightseeing limited express train in October this year. Named “Yamakou Umikou” after mythological deities, the two-carriage train features an exterior design resembling a wooden toy train—adorable and particularly popular with children. The wood used is entirely sourced from Miyazaki Prefecture. The route passes by several popular sightseeing spots such as Aoshima and Obi… Advance reservations even allow you to charter the entire train.

The charm of Kyushu shares a similar atmosphere with other parts of Japan, yet offers a distinctly unique vibe. From cities to countryside, whether you love nature sightseeing, onsen bathing, theme parks, or shopping, its endless appeal suits visitors of all ages. In Fukuoka Prefecture, there’s Japan’s only shrine dedicated to love luck, “Koinomiya,” and the rapidly rising in popularity lucky maneki-neko that wards off disaster and brings wealth. The “onsen beauty water” of Ibusuki Onsen in Saga Prefecture leaves bathers with smooth, porcelain-like skin. Nagasaki Prefecture’s Nagasaki City and Sasebo City offer adorable marine life such as penguins, dolphins, and jellyfish waiting for visitors. Ōita Prefecture’s Yaba Cycling Road lets you leisurely ride while enjoying valley scenery. Kumamoto Prefecture’s majestic and uniquely spectacular Aso Volcano is deeply moving. Miyazaki Prefecture’s charcoal-grilled free-range chicken is a must-try delicacy. And Kagoshima Prefecture, the hometown of “Atsuhime,” boasts the UNESCO World Heritage site Yakushima and the locally unique Isaku sand bath.

Kyushu’s seasonal festivals are also quite spectacular, ranging from this December’s Aso “ASO Love and Peace Hot Air Balloon Festival” to February’s Yamaga Lantern Festival, where you can experience the full joy of traditional Japanese culture. To enhance transportation convenience, China Airlines will launch a Miyazaki route on January 21, 2010, with twice-weekly round-trip flights departing and returning at noon, flying directly to southern Kyushu. This will enable more travelers to easily follow in the footsteps of Sakamoto Ryoma and explore Kyushu with ease.

Read more: Kyushu tonkotsu ramen (provided by Tripass Attractions)