10 Must-See Historical Sites in Kyushu: Abandoned Islands, Ancient Shrines, and Christian Churches (2023 Edition)

1．Dazaifu Tenmangu (太宰府天満宮)

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Dazaifu Tenmangu is where the god of academics, sincerity, and protection from misfortune is worshipped. Its origin goes back to more than 1000 years ago. The shrine is also known for plum trees with approximately 200 types in the vicinity. Almost 6000 plum trees are in in full bloom from the beginning of February to March, which is quite spectacular and not to be missed. 

4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu-city, Fukuoka Prefecture (福岡県太宰府市宰府4丁目7番1号)

2. Yachiyoza (八千代座)

3. Hikosan Jingu (英彦山神宮)

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Hiko-san is a holy mountain from ancient times.  The shrine is located on the center peak of the three peaks. The view of the architecture from the middle of the mountain is spectacular. The current building was erected in 1842 and is designated as Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government. Not only the buildings are eye-catching but also the magnificent view surrounding Hiko-san is something to be admired all year round.  

1 Hiko-san, Soeda-machi, Tagawa-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture (福岡県田川郡添田町英彦山1)

4. Gunkanjima (軍艦島)

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Hashima Island is commonly known as 'Gunkanjima' as it looks like a battleship (Gunkan) from a distance. It is an abandoned island with some buildings still in sight, including the oldest apartment block by steel in Japan, built in 1916.  It is rather phenomenal seeing buildings and the island itself, once populated within a tiny space of land, slowly depreciating in front of your eyes. Recently UNESCO has recommended  the site to be registered as Cultural World Heritage. 

Hashima, Takashima-machi, Nagasaki-city, Nagasaki Prefecture (長崎県長崎市高島町字端島)

5. Ōura Tenshudo (大浦天主堂)

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Built in 1865, this is the oldest existing Christian church in Japan and declared as a National Treasure by the Japanese government. Since it is located outside the city center the church narrowly escaped the atomic bomb during the war. The architecture of the cathedral is remarkable but the statute of Virgin Mary by the entrance is also awe-inspiring. 

5-3 Minamiyamate-machi, Nagasaki-city, Nagasaki Prefecture (長崎県長崎市南山手町5-3)

6. Glover Garden (グラバー園)

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Western architectures and residential buildings of merchants in the olden days are some of the popular sightseeing spots in Nagasaki and Glover Garden is one of them. Here you can find unique architect styles such as the mesh-patterned ceiling on the balcony and tiled roof on a western architecture.

8-1 Minamiyamate-machi, Nagasaki-city, Nagasaki Prefecture (長崎県長崎市南山手町8-1)

7. Takachiho Jinjya (高千穂神社)

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This is one of the famous power spots in Japan with the history of approximately 1900 years. The current shrine with its grand and stately appearance was constructed in 1778. Surrounding scenes like Takachiho Gorge and waterfalls are also astounding, you can almost feel spiritual vibes from both Shrine and Mother Nature.   

1037 Shinden, Mitai-aza, Oaza, Takachiho-cho, Nishiusuki-gun, Miyazaki Prefecture (宮崎県西臼杵郡高千穂町大字三田井字神殿1037)

8. Fuki-ji Temple (富貴寺)

This temple is the oldest wooden structure in Kyushu and is a National Treasure. The main hall is said to be constructed in the 12th century. The architecture is unique for adopting Heian-style, which is rarely seen outside of Kansai area. The beautiful scenery of autumn leaves in late fall is breathtaking.

2395 Tashibufuki, Bungo-Takada-city, Oita Prefecture (大分県豊後高田市田染蕗2395)

9. Kashii Palace (香椎宮)

4-16-1 Kashii, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka-city, Fukuoka Prefecture (福岡県福岡市東区香椎4-16-1)

10. Nishioka Family Residence (西岡家住宅)

Ko-720 Babashita, Oaza, Shiota-cho, Ureshino-city, Saga Prefecture (佐賀県嬉野市塩田町大字馬場下甲720)