Kyushu: Japan's Southern Tropical Island

Kyushu, Japan's third largest island, blends natural beauty with rich culture that's different from Japan's more visited areas. With its warm subtropical climate, this southern gem features lush landscapes, active volcanoes, and some of Japan's best hot springs. In Beppu, visitors can see the famous 'Eight Hells' thermal attractions. History lovers will appreciate Nagasaki's Peace Park and Museum, while Fukuoka draws food fans with its delicious tonkotsu ramen and lively yatai food stalls. The island hosts important festivals throughout the year, including Fukuoka's Hakata Gion Yamakasa in July with its exciting float races, and Nagasaki's Lantern Festival during Chinese New Year. From Kyushu's ports, travelers can easily take ferries to other Japanese islands, South Korea (especially from Fukuoka to Busan), and mainland China, making it a great starting point for exploring East Asia.

Ehime: Japan's Sunny Citrus Haven

Ehime Prefecture sits on Japan's Shikoku Island, offering a perfect mix of natural beauty, historic sites, and tasty local food. With its port town of Matsuyama, this sunny region enjoys Japan's mildest climate, making it great to visit any time of year. You can explore Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan's 12 original castles, or soak in the famous Dogo Onsen, which inspired the bathhouse in 'Spirited Away.' The area is known for its mikan (Japanese oranges) and has many citrus-themed attractions. Spring brings the Uchiko Soy Sauce Festival celebrating traditional food, while fall features the colorful Matsuyama Festival with traditional dancing. From Ehime, you can easily take ferries to other parts of Shikoku, or head to Hiroshima and Kyushu across the beautiful Seto Inland Sea, making it a great starting point for exploring more of Japan.