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The phrase “off the crushed path” is so overused as virtually to be meaningless, particularly with regards to Japan. On the identical time, Japan’s secondary islands are actually disconnected from Honshu, so I suppose the label suits on this case.
Effectively, to some extent—all of those islands have turn out to be rather more common in recent times, as tourism to Japan has boomed, and guests of all stripes search to flee the crowds.
If Japan’s sub-tropical reaches attraction most to you, I hope you’ll proceed studying as I litigate the Shikoku vs Kyushu debate. Vacationers rightly draw comparisons between these two islands, however you could maintain key distinctions in thoughts when selecting which one to go to.
Why So Many Vacationers Evaluate Shikoku and Kyushu
Though it’s not terribly comparable (once you break it down) to Shikoku, Kyushu results in the identical discussions amongst vacationers as its smaller sister, extra typically than you may assume. Particularly, individuals are inclined to cite the next qualities:
- Measurement: Each islands are a lot smaller than Japan’s most important island or Honshu, and than Hokkaido as effectively
- Exoticness: Kyushu and Shikoku each appear “various” when in comparison with extra mainstream Japan locations
- Thriller: The vast majority of vacationers to Japan know nothing (or virtually nothing) about Shikoku and Kyushu
- Particular locations: Citadel cities like Kumamoto and Kochi draw comparisons, as do the pure Iya Valley and Mt. Aso
Subsequent, I’ll delve into some extra particular elements concerning the Kyushu or Shikoku debate that may find yourself swaying you a method or one other (or each, which might clearly be my desire!).
Shikoku
Methods to Evaluate Kyushu with Shikoku
Locations
Whether or not you’re uncertain about the place to go in Kyushu or can’t determine which Shikoku vacation spot to decide on, enable me to quiet your thoughts: They’re all superb! However, whereas I’d say Shikoku’s 4 most important cities are typically extra reliably pleasing locations than sure ones in Kyushu, I’d say the vary of locations to go to in Kyushu (simply examine cosmopolitan Fukuoka with rough-and-tumble Kagoshima, lower than two hours away by Shinkansen!) is extra eclectic.
Experiences
Talking of which, one factor that makes a Kyushu itinerary simpler to sort out than an inventory of Shikoku issues to do is the truth that Kyushu has a bullet practice (to not point out many restricted categorical providers). To make sure, whereas Shikoku affords actually distinctive experiences such because the Naoshima “Artwork Island” and the Naruto Whirlpools close to Tokushima (to not point out the Awa Odori dance custom inside the metropolis), Kyushu experiences just like the “hells” of Beppu and the underrated metropolis of Miyazaki are extra simply accessible than most Shikoku locations.
Seasonal spectacles
Neither the Kyushu winter nor Shikoku’s are all that chilly; summers on each islands are moist and typhoon-filled, particularly because of local weather change. However, each Kyushu and Shikoku and underrated locations for Japan’s most stunning seasons: Spring’s cherry blossoms and the unimaginable autumn colours. In my expertise, Shikoku’s wealth of chateau cities (specifically Matsuyama) makes it a barely higher sakura alternative, whereas Kyushu’s forestation (particularly at Takachiho Gorge close to Miyazaki) is extra stunning in fall.
Meals
It’s not inaccurate to say that each Kyushu and Shikoku are meals islands. How this manifests itself is totally different, nevertheless. Generally, I’d say I want the meals tradition in Kyushu, whereas I want the precise meals of Shikoku. For instance, I really like the Fukuoka yatai meals stalls (and likewise ones in Kagoshima), although if I’m trustworthy town’s well-known delicacies (tonkotsu ramen) is one thing I can take or go away. Which isn’t to say that some Kyushu delicacies (specifically the meat!) isn’t superb, however that I want specialties in Kyushu (akin to seared bonito tataki in Kochi, or beef udon noodles in Marugame) on the entire.
Getting round
Nonetheless having a tough time selecting Kyushu or Shikoku? Let’s take a look at it from a sensible lens. Along with having
n journeys to discover locations you’ve missed could be as lengthy or brief as you’d like!
Kyushu
Itinerary Concepts for Kyushu and Shikoku
As I’ve acknowledged many instances all through this publish, the best choice (in my view) is to take a mixed Kyushu and Shikoku tour, since each of those islands are can’t-miss locations. Assuming this isn’t attainable, you may have to plan journeys to one of many different. Within the case of Shikoku, I’d say one week is usually enough, whether or not you see the key cities (Tokushima, Kochi, Matsuyama and Takamatsu) and take day journeys from there, or spend time in pure and even doing a part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
If, however, the Shikoku or Kyushu choice you make favors Kyushu, you may want longer. I might say that two weeks in Kyushu is right, based mostly by myself private expertise, although 10 days in Kyushu will do you simply advantageous if that’s all you possibly can handle. This may afford you 1-2 days every in and across the main cities of Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto and Kagoshima, plus time in a single or two outlying prefectures: Oita; Miyazaki; Saga; or Yakushima Island.
Different FAQ About Kyushu and Shikoku
What’s Shikoku recognized for?
Shikoku is understood for its 88-temple pilgrimage path, for culinary delights akin to Kochi’s Bonito Tataki, for cultural traditions like Tokushima’s Awa Odori dance and for being house to a number of of Japan’s 12 remaining authentic castles, together with those in Matsuyama and Marugame.
What’s Kyushu recognized for?
Subtropical Kyushu is understood for Hakata ramen from Fukuoka metropolis, for the effervescent onsen baths of Beppu on its east coast, for Kumamoto Citadel (and town’s bear mascot Kumamon) and for volcanoes akin to Mt. Aso and Sakurajima. Globally, many individuals know town of Nagasaki for what occurred to it throughout World Battle II, though few understand that it’s in Kyushu.
How do you get round Kyushu?
The Kyushu Shinkansen bullet practice runs from Hakata (Fukuoka) to Kaghoshima by way of Kumamoto and a number of other middleman stations, though you’re extra prone to take one of many native, semi-express or fast trains or freeway buses circling the island as an alternative. Many cities in Kyushu (all of them besides Fukuoka, truly) lack the subway techniques present in Tokyo and Osaka, and as an alternative are house to charming streetcars. In some circumstances, getting round Kyushu is best and most nice in the event you hire a automotive.
The Backside Line
Is Kyushu or Shikoku the higher Japanese island? The actual fact is that each these Japan locations maintain very particular locations in my coronary heart, and for very totally different causes. Generally, I’d say that Kyushu affords a higher variety of experiences, however can be bigger and take extra time and power to discover and admire. Tiny Shikoku, for its half, is even much less touristic than Kyushu, and its sights (which, let’s be clear, are very excessive in quantity certainly) are barely extra acceptable for shorter Japan journeys. Talking of which, the perfect method to determine whether or not to go to Kyushu, Shikoku (or each!) is to fee a customized Japan itinerary, and let me type out the main points for you!
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