Kyushu
Best months:
June to November

Kyushu

Japan
LAST UPDATED 23/02/2009
Bookmark and Share

introduction

Ecee63a419cd5f8ac273efea88fa233a
Muke: Japan kyushu map small; 5 February 2005

Kyushu is the third-largest and the southernmost of the four main islands of Japan. The island is mountainous and  contains coal fields. In 2006, Kyushu was censused to have a population of 13,231,995 inhabitants and an area of 35,640 squared kilometres.

Kyūshū is smaller than Spitsbergen but larger than New Britain and Taiwan. By population, it ranks 13th, having fewer inhabitants than Borneo or Sulawesi, but more than Salsette or Cuba. Fukuoka is the most populous city with 1.4 million inhabitants.

surfing

1ecd703af991417b1ba17ad8c797fd97
Jpatokal: Kyushumap-en; 1 June 2007

Kyushu lies to the south of Tokyo but still suffers the hangover of crowds. The region has an east and west coast. The East offering more reliable North Pacific wind swell and rarer groundswells with the west occasionally producing typhoon generated rarities from the coastal regions of China. Mount Fuji dominates the entire landscape as it has for several million years. The breaks on the east coast really need a southerly-orientated swell to work properly, which is very rare.

Worth hitting the coast if this event is occurring but most surfers and merely transiting through the region ultimately heading north, south or west when a typhoon off China makes it a whole new ballgame.

travel

Ff08fb17fd64572bdceb251f018f8035
Announcement board listing the next two trains (from www.wikitravel.org)

Japan has one of the world's best transport systems, so you will really enjoy travelling around the country. Transportation can be quite expensive, but fast and safe. Train is definitely the most popular option. Japanese railway system covers the majority of the country and trains nearly always depart and arrive on time, so you can rely on the schedule. Just remember that most trains don’t operate 24 hours, so plan a backup if want to be out late. The first and most confusing aspect of the system is the overlap of several private railway networks with the JR network, plus Tokyo also has two separate metro systems. So just be aware of that. Also note, that private railways are often cheaper than JR for an equivalent journey.

Another option is to travel by plane with the majority of domestic flights leaving from Haneda (HND) in Tokyo, Itami (ITM) in Osaka and Kobe’s airport. Book tickets in advance, which may allow you to get a significant discount, otherwise it will be quite expensive; and allow 3-4 hours to transfer. If you are 22 or younger, check the Skymate Card for special prices.
Boats are a surprisingly uncommon means of transport, mainly because the major islands are linked together by bridges and tunnels. There are some long-distance ferries linking Okinawa and Hokkaido, but it will be cheaper to travel by plane/train.

Long-distance highway buses are much cheaper than trains, but prepare for the longer journey and less comfort. Local buses are common in smaller towns and have the idiosyncratic payment system, where you board from the back of the bus and grab a little numbered slip as you enter. You pay at the end of your trip after pressing a stop button. You should deposit the slip and corresponding payment in the fare machine next to the driver (there is an electronic board there displaying numbers and prices below), just make sure before the trip that you are nor short on change.
Taxis are a bit expensive, but they are clean, completely safe and can be found everywhere in Japan, even in the country.  

where to stay

192313c566e797d5cb0a14acf9c557d8
Jpatokal: Japanese-style room, Ryokan; 15 April 2007

Miyazaki is the surfers' destination of Japan. There are big beaches and big waves and just perfect for surfing.

Miyazaki Kanko Hotel is a first class hotel with 11 types of rooms accommodating a range of different needs such as Western-style, Japanese-style, Mixed-style (Western-style bedroom with a Japanese-style sitting area). There are even Miffy rooms styled for especially for children.
Facilities provided are very like five star hotels and include Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Soap, Toothbrush, Hairbrush, Razor, Bath Towels, Hand Towels, Japanese Robe and a Hair Dryer.

There is also a hot spring in the hotel for those who desire to use it.

what to pack

C6549d59438c1f6d5ac2a3f1b8b9e66f
Cserlajos: Nike Cortez 'TB trainers; 2007

The climate is slightly warmer and more tropical than Honshu, but still it's better to take some warm clothes along with the cool cotton clothing.

Definitely take along some bug repellent spray, good sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses! Better take your medicines with you (esp. anti histamine tablets), as the brands can be unfamiliar and cost more. By the way, getting a trip medical insurance would be a good idea.
A small backpack makes a good carryon bag and will be useful in daily life. Women: remember to take a good flat pair of shoes.... And for everybody: pair of comfortable walking shoes will be great for walking.  

All the gear if you plan to camp: a good sleeping bag and tent that are good for cool temp; special gas container u can use for heating food and water; a sturdy backpack or a cargo pack with a good daypack. Invest in a portable water filter or at least take some puri-tabs or boil the water.

Dictionary can be useful as well.

You must be a registered user to comment. Click here to register.

sub surfing divisions