Things To Do
in Kushima
Kushima is a coastal city located in Miyazaki Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan. It is known for its beautiful beaches, including the popular Aoshima Beach with its iconic Aoshima Island. The city also offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is a great destination for seafood lovers.
Kushima is a peaceful and charming seaside town, perfect for those seeking a relaxing getaway.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $8 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing hike in the Kushima wetlands, where you can observe local wildlife. The morning mist enhances the serene beauty of the area, making it a perfect time for photos.
Spend your afternoon at the Kushima Folk Museum to learn about the city's rich history. Engage with exhibits showcasing traditional crafts and local traditions.
End your day with dinner at a local izakaya, where you can savor fresh seafood dishes. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps some live music to enhance your dining experience.
Kick off your adventure at Cape Hyuga, famous for its stunning coastal views. The morning sun shines brightly on the ocean, making it an ideal spot for some breathtaking photographs.
After lunch, try your hand at kayaking in the nearby coastal waters. Glide through the waves and explore hidden coves while soaking in the sunshine.
Relax at a local onsen to unwind from your day's activities. The soothing hot springs are a delightful way to rejuvenate and experience Japanese culture.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery with mountains and rivers.
- Rich cultural heritage and historical sites.
- Hot springs (onsen) that attract tourists.
- A tranquil environment, ideal for relaxation.
- Strong sense of community and local festivals.
- Limited job opportunities, especially for young people.
- Aging population leading to demographic challenges.
- Vulnerability to natural disasters like earthquakes.
- Transportation limitations, making it hard to access some areas.
- Less lively nightlife compared to larger cities.
Best Activities in Kushima
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning landscapes and diverse flora and fauna of the Taneichi Highlands through various well-marked hiking trails suitable for all levels.
Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and beach volleyball at Nango Beach. This family-friendly spot offers a beautiful view of the ocean and various amenities.
Kushima Bay provides excellent opportunities for fishing enthusiasts. Rent a boat or fish from the shore to catch various local species.
Rent a bike and enjoy a leisurely ride along the scenic Kushima River, taking in the natural beauty and peaceful surroundings.
Take a short ferry ride to Aoshima Island, known for its beautiful beaches, unique rock formations, and a relaxing atmosphere ideal for nature walks.
Set up camp in the designated camping area near the mountains, where you can enjoy stargazing, campfires, and outdoor cooking.
Explore the expansive Kushima City Park, which features beautiful gardens, walking paths, and playgrounds for children.
Join a wildlife-watching tour to spot various native birds and animals in their natural habitat, especially in the lush surrounding areas of Kushima.
Tours
Uncover the best of Kushima with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Kushima
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged coastline
Perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, providing stunning photo opportunities
Panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding natural beauty
A great vantage point to capture the city and its surroundings
Food in Kushima
Kushima Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular local dish made of deep-fried fish paste, often enjoyed as a savory snack. Try it at Hachiman Market for an authentic taste.
Must-Try!
This regional variation of ramen features a flavorful broth and is typically topped with locally sourced ingredients. Visit Ramen Kyushu for an unforgettable bowl.
Known for its exceptional marbling and tenderness, Kagoshima Kurobuta Pork is a must-try for meat enthusiasts. Sample this delicacy at Yakiniku Yamashiro.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Kushima better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore the vibrant Yatai street stalls for a variety of authentic street food, ranging from yakitori skewers to takoyaki octopus balls.
Indulge in an array of fresh seafood at the Kushima Fish Market, where you can savor delicacies such as sashimi and grilled fish straight from the sea.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Japan, bowing is a common form of greeting and showing respect. When meeting someone or thanking them, a slight bow is customary. The depth of the bow can convey the level of respect, with deeper bows indicating more respect.
It is customary to remove shoes when entering someone’s home or certain traditional establishments. Look for a genkan (entryway) where you can leave your shoes and wear indoor slippers or go barefoot.
Offering gifts is a common practice in Japan to show appreciation or respect. When giving a gift, it should be presented with both hands and include a polite greeting. It is also important to consider the wrapping, as beautiful presentation is highly valued.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Kushima with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Kushima
Ensure a smooth experience
In Kushima, like much of Japan, tipping is not a customary practice. Service staff in restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality venues typically do not expect tips, as good service is considered standard. Instead, customers show appreciation through polite words and gestures. Leaving money on the table, although well-intentioned, may cause confusion or be seen as rude.
Payments in Kushima are commonly made using cash, as many establishments, especially smaller ones, may not accept credit cards. Furthermore, convenience stores and vending machines also primarily accept cash. However, larger restaurants and hotels are becoming more accustomed to card payments. Digital payment options are slowly gaining popularity, particularly among younger generations.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Kushima.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to see cherry blossoms in full bloom in Kushima, Japan. Weather is mild and pleasant.
Warm and humid weather. Best time for beach activities and water sports in Kushima.
Cooler weather with beautiful fall foliage. Perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Cool to cold temperatures. Ideal for enjoying hot springs and experiencing traditional winter festivals.
Kushima at Night
Hiking in Kushima
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful park offering various hiking trails with scenic views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
A well-known hiking area with diverse terrain and routes suitable for all skill levels, featuring lush greenery and wildlife.
Located not too far from Kushima, this park boasts extensive hiking trails through volcanic landscapes and stunning vistas.
Provides several walking and hiking paths surrounded by nature, ideal for family outings and picnics.
A unique area where visitors can hike along sandy trails and enjoy coastal views, perfect for a leisurely hike.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Kushima through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Kushima by plane.
Kagoshima Airport is situated approximately 130 kilometers southwest of Kushima and serves as a key international gateway in the Kyushu region.
Miyazaki Airport is located about 80 kilometers southeast of Kushima and offers both domestic and limited international flights.
Kitakyushu Airport is approximately 200 kilometers northwest of Kushima and serves the Northern Kyushu area with various international routes.
Fukuoka Airport, around 270 kilometers northwest of Kushima, is one of the busiest airports in Japan and offers a wide range of international flights.
Naha Airport is located approximately 470 kilometers south of Kushima in Okinawa and operates numerous international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Kushima, comprising the vast majority of the population.
A minority group, with some individuals tracing their roots back to historical migrations and labor movements.
Another minority group, including both long-term residents and newer immigrants.
Individuals from various countries, often involved in agriculture and construction.
Includes smaller groups of ethnicities and international residents who contribute to the cultural diversity of the region.
The Soul of Kushima
Discover the essence of Kushima through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Kushima, with many local teams and schools actively participating in leagues and tournaments.
Soccer has a strong following in Kushima, with youth leagues and school teams contributing to its popularity among children and adults alike.
Basketball is also popular in Kushima, with local high schools and community teams frequently competing in regional competitions.
Various forms of martial arts, including judo and karate, are practiced widely in Kushima, often in local dojos and schools.
Volleyball is a popular sport in Kushima, especially among women, with many schools and community teams competing in local events.
Running events, such as marathons and local races, attract many participants and spectators in Kushima's scenic environment.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kushima.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Japanese cuisine heavily features seafood and meat, many restaurants in Kushima offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives, such as tofu-based dishes and vegetable tempura.
Visitors requiring gluten-free options can enjoy rice-based dishes like sushi and sashimi, as well as dishes made with buckwheat noodles (soba) commonly found in the region.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Kushima with these cultural adventures.
