The phrase “off the beaten path” is so overused as almost to be meaningless, especially when it comes to Japan. At the same time, Japan’s secondary islands are literally disconnected from Honshu, so I suppose the label fits in this case.
Well, to some extent—all of these islands have become much more popular in recent years, as tourism to Japan has boomed, and visitors of all stripes seek to escape the crowds.
If Japan’s sub-tropical reaches appeal most to you, I hope you’ll continue reading as I litigate the Shikoku vs Kyushu debate. Travelers rightly draw comparisons between these two islands, but you need to keep key distinctions in mind when choosing which one to visit.
Why So Many Travelers Compare Shikoku and Kyushu
Although it’s not extraordinarily similar (when you break it down) to Shikoku, Kyushu ends up in the same discussions among travelers as its smaller sister, more often than you might think. Specifically, people tend to cite the following qualities:
- Size: Both islands are much smaller than Japan’s main island or Honshu, and than Hokkaido as well
- Exoticness: Kyushu and Shikoku both seem “alternative” when compared to more mainstream Japan destinations
- Mystery: The majority of travelers to Japan know nothing (or almost nothing) about Shikoku and Kyushu
- Specific destinations: Castle cities like Kumamoto and Kochi draw comparisons, as do the natural Iya Valley and Mt. Aso
Next, I’ll delve into some more specific factors about the Kyushu or Shikoku debate that might end up swaying you one way or another (or both, which would obviously be my preference!).
Ways to Compare Kyushu with Shikoku
Destinations
Whether you’re unsure about where to go in Kyushu or can’t decide which Shikoku destination to choose, allow me to quiet your mind: They’re all amazing! On the other hand, while I’d say Shikoku’s four main cities are generally more reliably enjoyable destinations than certain ones in Kyushu, I’d say the range of places to visit in Kyushu (just compare cosmopolitan Fukuoka with rough-and-tumble Kagoshima, less than two hours away by Shinkansen!) is more eclectic.
Experiences
Speaking of which, one thing that makes a Kyushu itinerary easier to tackle than a list of Shikoku things to do is the fact that Kyushu has a bullet train (not to mention many limited express services). To be sure, while Shikoku offers truly unique experiences such as the Naoshima “Art Island” and the Naruto Whirlpools near Tokushima (not to mention the Awa Odori dance tradition within the city), Kyushu experiences like the “hells” of Beppu and the underrated city of Miyazaki are more easily accessible than most Shikoku destinations.
Seasonal spectacles
Neither the Kyushu winter nor Shikoku’s are all that cold; summers on both islands are wet and typhoon-filled, especially due to climate change. On the other hand, both Kyushu and Shikoku and underrated destinations for Japan’s most beautiful seasons: Spring’s cherry blossoms and the incredible autumn colors. In my experience, Shikoku’s wealth of castle cities (namely Matsuyama) makes it a slightly better sakura choice, while Kyushu’s forestation (especially at Takachiho Gorge near Miyazaki) is more beautiful in fall.
Food
It’s not inaccurate to say that both Kyushu and Shikoku are food islands. How this manifests itself is different, however. In general, I’d say I prefer the food culture in Kyushu, while I prefer the actual food of Shikoku. For example, I love the Fukuoka yatai food stalls (and also ones in Kagoshima), though if I’m honest the city’s famous cuisine (tonkotsu ramen) is something I can take or leave. Which is not to say that some Kyushu cuisine (namely the beef!) isn’t amazing, but that I prefer specialties in Kyushu (such as seared bonito tataki in Kochi, or beef udon noodles in Marugame) on the whole.
Getting around
Still having a hard time choosing Kyushu or Shikoku? Let’s look at it from a practical lens. In addition to having
n trips to explore destinations you’ve missed can be as long or short as you’d like!
Itinerary Ideas for Kyushu and Shikoku
As I’ve stated many times throughout this post, the best option (in my opinion) is to take a combined Kyushu and Shikoku tour, since both of these islands are can’t-miss destinations. Assuming this isn’t possible, you might need to plan trips to one of the other. In the case of Shikoku, I’d say one week is generally sufficient, whether you see the major cities (Tokushima, Kochi, Matsuyama and Takamatsu) and take day trips from there, or spend time in natural or even doing part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.
If, on the other hand, the Shikoku or Kyushu decision you make favors Kyushu, you might need longer. I would say that two weeks in Kyushu is ideal, based on my own personal experience, though 10 days in Kyushu will do you just fine if that’s all you can manage. This would afford you 1-2 days each in and around the major cities of Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto and Kagoshima, plus time in one or two outlying prefectures: Oita; Miyazaki; Saga; or Yakushima Island.
Other FAQ About Kyushu and Shikoku
What is Shikoku known for?
Shikoku is known for its 88-temple pilgrimage trail, for culinary delights such as Kochi’s Bonito Tataki, for cultural traditions like Tokushima’s Awa Odori dance and for being home to several of Japan’s 12 remaining original castles, including the ones in Matsuyama and Marugame.
What is Kyushu known for?
Subtropical Kyushu is known for Hakata ramen from Fukuoka city, for the bubbling onsen baths of Beppu on its east coast, for Kumamoto Castle (and the city’s bear mascot Kumamon) and for volcanoes such as Mt. Aso and Sakurajima. Globally, many people know the city of Nagasaki for what happened to it during World War II, although few realize that it’s in Kyushu.
How do you get around Kyushu?
The Kyushu Shinkansen bullet train runs from Hakata (Fukuoka) to Kaghoshima via Kumamoto and several intermediary stations, although you’re more likely to take one of the local, semi-express or rapid trains or highway buses circling the island instead. Many cities in Kyushu (all of them except Fukuoka, actually) lack the subway systems found in Tokyo and Osaka, and instead are home to charming streetcars. In some cases, getting around Kyushu is easiest and most pleasant if you rent a car.
The Bottom Line
Is Kyushu or Shikoku the better Japanese island? The fact is that both these Japan destinations hold very special places in my heart, and for very different reasons. In general, I’d say that Kyushu offers a greater diversity of experiences, but is also larger and take more time and energy to explore and appreciate. Tiny Shikoku, for its part, is even less touristic than Kyushu, and its attractions (which, let’s be clear, are very high in number indeed) are slightly more appropriate for shorter Japan trips. Speaking of which, the very best way to decide whether to visit Kyushu, Shikoku (or both!) is to commission a custom Japan itinerary, and let me sort out the details for you!
