The inhabitants of Kyushu have quite a reputation. The problem is, the reputation varies according to who you ask. The people of Kyushu are known alternately for their:

fiesty temperments,sense of family and community, ability to drink insane quantities of rice whiskey, strength in resistance, generosity, revolutionary spirit, conservatism, warmth, honesty and friendliness.

Though the rumours are often contradictory, most people would agree that Kyushu is the anchor of Japanese tradition and rural living. Visiting some of the isolated villages dotted around the island is very much like visiting the Japan of yesteryear.

The large cities of Kyushu are Nagasaki and Fukuoka. Nagasaki has a long history as an international port of call, and boasts European colonial-era houses and gardens among its attractions. Nagasaki is a colourful and culturally rich city. Tragically, it is also one of only two cities on earth (along with Hiroshima)that has suffered a nuclear holocaust. You can visit the sobering museum and memorial to gain a better sense of the magnitude of nuclear war.

Fukuoka is less infamous but perhaps more visited due to its international airport. Both of these cities have plenty to see and do and make excellent distractions from the countryside. But then, nature is what most travellers to Kyushu have come for--and there is plenty of it to see.

Kyushu boasts a great deal of volcanic activity, which translates as spa retreats and hot springs. The most famous hot spring resort in Kyushu is Beppu.

Beppu is a tourist town by any estimation. Its highlight is the bathing, though the fun doesn't stop there. There are also jigoku (hells), which are hot springs that are too hot for bathing but excellent for sightseeing. The different hells spew forth steaming pools of red, blue and white. Sand baths and sex museums are just a few of the other distractions that you can enjoy in Beppu.

The onsen town of Kurokawa seems to be less known to foreigners, but it is a stunning retreat not to be missed. It lacks the tourist sights, but has a fabulous atmosphere. Kurokawa is best suited for those who want to stroll around town in a yukata (summer robe similar to a kimono) and spend their days peacefully soaking in hot springs.

Those who visit these resort towns find them difficult to leave, but not to fear: hot springs are ridiculously common all over Kyushu, and almost every town and village boasts at least one natural hot spring public bath or onsen. The theraputic effects of volcanic activity can be enjoyed in other ways, as well. In Ibaraki, you can be buried in the hot volcanic sands, prized for their theraputic effects. Another volcano-related option is to enjoy a hike through any one of the national and prefectural parks. Plenty of these parks, like Kirishima, have trails that meander along hot sulphur geysers. Or you can explore beautiful Mt. Aso, and view the world's largest active volcanic caldera!

Kyushu's natural delights are by no means restricted to volcanic mountains and hot springs. Every season in Kyushu (as well as many other parts of Japan) can be marked by the different flowers that bloom throughout the countryside. Plum blossoms, azaleas and cherry blossoms are but a few of the colourful displays of nature. Then there is the ocean. Amakusa and Miyazaki are among the spots that ocean and beach lovers will want to visit.

Travelling in Kyushu should almost certainly involve exploring the rural life in the countryside. It's not hard to stumble upon a tiny village snuggled in the rice paddies, and you will be surprised to see what these communities have to offer. You may find a taste of the older, more traditional Japan in many of these villages, where traditions and customs have been preserved through many generations. You might happen upon a festival and see the locals performing a dance indigenous to that village. Or you might find unusual shrines dedicated to animistic forces. One thing is certain, you will definitely know the kindness and hospitality of the people who proudly call Kyushu their home.

Kyushu holds a rather special place in my heart, as I have lived there for two years. Here is my unofficial 'best of' list. They are listed in order of best-ness!

Beppu onsen town, Oita prefecture

Nagasaki city

Kurokawa onsen town, Kumamoto prefecture

Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto city

Amukusa beaches,bridges and scenery, Kumamoto prefecture

Kagoshima city and the billowing volcano, Sakurajima

Mount Aso park, Kumamoto prefecture

Fukuoka city

Kirishima park, Ebino, Kagoshima prefecture

Chiran, Kagoshima prefecture

Ibuski, Kagoshima prefecture

Aoshima, Miyazaki prefecture