History

Across Kyushu, several new attractions have opened in the past few years. Whether you’re visiting Kumamoto, Kitakyushu, or Fukuoka, there’s plenty to see and do. 1. Kumamoto Castle Reconstruction The 2016 earthquakes severely damaged Kumamoto Castle. Although the reconstruction will likely continue until 2030, visitors are now at least able to see the interior of the castle again — it reopened in June 2021. This also gives them access to all the exhibits, including the Renewal Exhibition, which covers the entire history of the castle, explaining why it was damaged and how it was rebuilt. 2. Kitakyushu Peace Museum One of the most famous museums in Japan is the peace museum in Hiroshima, which commemorates the victims of the atomic bomb. Kokura City (now part of Kitakyushu) was the original target for the other atomic bomb. It was only because bad weather limited visibility that Nagasaki became the target instead. Kitakyushu Peace Museum documents this history, including the severe damage the city suffered in the months leading up to the atomic bombs. 3. Zenrin Museum If you enjoy looking at maps, you need to pay Zenrin Museum in Kitakyushu a visit. It was set up by the Zenrin company, the…