Fun and safe activities for families traveling in Kyushu, suitable for kids of different ages.
Planning shopping in Fukuoka with kids? For most families, this is not really about fashion or luxury. It is about finding places where you can browse, eat, rest, and keep children happy without turning the day into a stress test. Fukuoka is actually very good for this. The city has compact shopping areas, family-friendly malls, … Read more
If you want to experience one of the most dramatic landscapes in Kyushu, Aso is hard to beat. Wide grasslands, volcanic scenery, long open roads, and easy family-friendly stops make this area ideal for a road trip. Unlike city sightseeing, the joy of Aso is not only in the destinations, but in the drive itself. … Read more
Japan’s capsule toy machines, universally known as Gachapon or Gashapon, are a cultural phenomenon and an absolute must-do activity for families visiting the country. From miniature food replicas to popular anime characters, realistic insect models, and bizarre collectibles, these little plastic capsules hold endless entertainment for children and adults alike. Fukuoka is home to some … Read more
If you are planning a family trip to the breathtaking Aso region in Kumamoto, you will inevitably see signs pointing toward Aso Cuddly Dominion. To the uninitiated, the name might sound like a whimsical plush toy store, but it is actually one of Kyushu’s most unique, slightly retro, and highly entertaining animal parks. Nestled right … Read more
If you’ve lived in Tokyo as long as we did before moving to Fukuoka, you know the specific kind of dread that comes with a rainy Saturday morning. In Tokyo, rain meant crowded trains, wet umbrellas poking you in the ribs, and “indoor” spots that were packed to capacity by 10:00 AM. When we moved … Read more
Since moving our family from the frantic pace of Tokyo to the more breathable streets of Fukuoka, our approach to “stuff”—specifically the mountain of plastic and plush that accumulates when you have two kids—has shifted. In Tokyo, a trip to buy a birthday present often felt like a tactical military operation involving crowded trains and … Read more
If you have spent any time planning a trip to Kyushu, or even just browsing Japanese pop culture, you have likely encountered a black bear with rosy red cheeks and a perpetually surprised expression. This is Kumamon, the official mascot (and Sales Manager!) of Kumamoto Prefecture. For families traveling to Japan, he isn’t just a … Read more
For families visiting Kyushu, there is a special adventure that combines anime excitement with the stunning landscapes of Japan’s volcanic heartland. If your children—or perhaps you—are fans of the world-famous anime and manga series One Piece, Kumamoto Prefecture offers a unique “scavenger hunt” experience like no other. Scattered across the prefecture are ten high-quality bronze … Read more
Miyazaki Prefecture is often called the “Hawaii of Japan,” and nowhere is this vibe more palpable than at Aoshima Beach Park. Located just south of Miyazaki City, this stylish, family-friendly destination offers a perfect blend of relaxed seaside atmosphere, safe swimming waters, and convenient amenities that make traveling with children a breeze. For families visiting … Read more
Traveling to Kyushu offers families a unique blend of nature, history, and culinary adventures that you simply cannot find anywhere else in the world. While ramen and udon are staple favorites for children, adventurous families often look for something a bit more memorable. Enter Yobuko, a charming fishing port in Saga Prefecture, famous for one … Read more
