Kyushu Island is located at the southwestern tip of Japan. It is one of Japan’s main islands, and contains seven prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. Kyushu ramen and sushi are famous across the country, but there are many other tasty dishes from the region. 

Kyushu is the southernmost main island in the Japanese archipelago. It is most well-known for its food, but is less famous for its natural beauty. The island contains many landscapes, including serene waters, soothing hot springs, and dramatic rock formations like Takachiho Gorge.

Regarding traditional Japanese beverages, matcha (Japanese green tea) often takes center stage. Its vibrant green hue and deep, earthy flavor make matcha instantly recognizable.

Healthy snacks from Japan are made with natural ingredients and just the right flavor, from crispy seaweed full of vitamins to crunchy beans and nuts that give you energy. These snacks are great for munching without feeling too heavy. Pickled vegetables help your gut stay healthy, and konnyaku (konjac plant jelly ) is soft, chewy, and almost has no calories. 

The ocean weed, aonori, may be simple in appearance, but its distinct properties set it apart from other “sea vegetables”. Unlike more bland ocean plants, its unique color, taste, smell, and texture are used to add flavor to foods. This makes it different from other seaweeds like wakame, which lack a strong flavor and aroma. 

Kyoto and Tokyo are famous for their geisha. But did you know that geisha also exist outside of these two areas? They cultivated their regional customs and styles far from the imperial capital. One such type of performer was the geigi of Niigata City. 

In spring, young bamboo shoots, also called takenoko, push through the soil, ready to be picked. Let’s look at how bamboo shoots fit into Japanese cooking and why they’re such a beloved ingredient!

Hakata Ward sits along the eastern edge of Fukuoka City, facing the sea. Hakata’s coastal location has long been a key gateway for trade and cultural exchange in Japan’s history. It remains a central hub of the Kyushu region’s politics, economy, and tradition.

Hello, Sakuraco community! We hope you’re doing well. Here are the winners of the April 2025 Reviewer Contest!

Visiting these cities can help you understand more deeply how the past and present come together in everyday life. So let’s explore five of the most beloved cities on this fantastic island, starting from Kitakyushu!

Unlike many crowded tourist spots, Kyushu’s landscapes and towns often remain quiet and untouched, offering a more profound sense of place. Here, you can walk through ancient forests, visit historical shrines, and enjoy local festivals that reflect centuries of tradition. Let’s explore some of the most well-known places on this beautiful island, starting with Yakushima!

In this video, Jun from Jun’s Kitchen—a YouTube channel beloved for its calming, beautifully filmed cooking videos featuring traditional Japanese recipes and his cats—shares a delightful recipe for making taiyaki, the iconic fish-shaped cake filled with sweet red bean paste. T