Okinawa is Japan's southernmost prefecture and is located over 600 km south of the island of Kyushu. Okinawa consists of approx. 50 islands. Some of them are developed with modern resorts, others are remote islands that boast untouched beautiful natural landscapes. Visitors can enjoy distinctive Okinawan culture in food, craft, music and architecture which originated from the Ryukyu Kingdom which ruled the islands until the late 19th century.
Fukuoka is the biggest city on Kyushu Island in Southern Japan. It is an important harbor and a hub for Japan travel. In the Edo Period (1603-1868), Fukuoka Castle was the largest castle in Kyushu. It was torn down, but its castle walls remain in Maizuru Park, a popular cherry blossom spot in the spring. Fukuoka is famous in Japan for its culinary culture and cuisine, its many food stalls (yatai) and Hakata Ramen - thin noodles in pork-based tonkotsu soup. Visit the Yanagibashi Rengo Ichiba (fish market) and the yatai in the Nakasu area to try Fukuokas’s best foods.
Kusatsu is one of the most famous onsen (hot spring) resorts in Japan. The hot water field Yubatake at its center is the source of Kusatsu’s waters, flowing with the largest water volume of all hot springs in the country. An onsen visit is a typically Japanese way to relax and refresh with leisurely baths and local cuisine. Netsunoyu demonstrates the traditional Yumomi method of cooling down the water and Otakinoyu offers Awaseyu bathing in pools of different temperatures. Try it for yourself at one of Kusatsu’s public baths, a ryokan, or the big outdoor Rotenburo bath in Sainokawara Park.