New stories waiting to be discovered in Kyushu
Afficionados of Japanese culture will be in their element in the southern Japan destination of Kyushu.
Simon Metcalfe of the Kyushu Tourism Organization told a Friday Toronto audience that among experiences awaiting visitors on Kyushu — the southwesternmost of Japan’s main islands — are ones providing insights into Japan’s legendary Samurai warriors, including being able to “learn how to use a sword.”
Samurai were known for their swordsmanship and skillfully crafted weaponry.
Visitors can also be on a stage dressed as a Samurai, something Metcalfe described as “really, really cool.”
But Metcalfe added there are many other reasons to visit Switzerland-sized Kyushu, citing dramatic scenery highlighted by 17 active volcanoes, leading some to say the island was “built by fire and ringed by water.”
The landscape also features hot springs
Energetic sorts vacationing on Kyushu can opt for what’s billed as volcanic cycling, cycling expeditions that showcase a volcano. “The fun part for me was going downhill,” said Metcalfe, who added e-bikes are available.
Metcalfe also reported that Kyushu can be explored by “fun sightseeing trains.”
Surfing is also available.
Metcalfe also said tourists will find many wellness opportunities, citing the likes of being covered with hot sand, a treatment seen as beneficial to circulation.
Kyushu is seeing hotel openings, with upcoming properties including one that will fall under the banner of InterContinental.
Nov. 2 will see the opening of the Aso Retreat HONO, which Metcalfe said is a “beautiful, beautiful hotel.”
The evening was also told by Naoki Ishida of Fukuoka International Airport Co. that he hopes those in this country’s tourism trade will help raise the profile of his part of the world.
“We believe that Kyushu is great for travellers who want to experience the real Japan. We hope you will work with us…to promote this wonderful destination, ” he said.
Fukuoka’s Airport has routes to 25 International destinations and 24 daily flights to Okinawa, which the Toronto audience was told features beautiful beaches and coral reefs along with history and culture, all in a sub-tropical setting.
The airport has service to points throughout Japan.
Michael Tremblay, a Toronto authority on sake, said northern Kyushu is known for its production of that distinctly Japanese alcohol.
Meanwhile, Yuka Suzuki, executive director of the Japan National Tourism Organization’s Canadian office, told the gathering that Kyushu is well deserving of repeat visitors.
“No matter how well you think you know Kyushu, there are always new stories waiting to be discovered and shared,” she said.
In the photos
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Those on hand for the Kyushu event included Yukihito Arima and Naoki Ishida, Fukuoka International Airport Co.; Yuka Suzuki, Japan National Tourism Organization; and Simon Metcalfe, Kyushu Tourism Organization.
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Sake expert Michael Tremblay was on hand to familiarize people with that alcohol.
