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Kyushu

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Kyushu is the third-largest island in Japan. It is also the most southern of the four main islands.

Geofeatures map of Kyushu Japan ja
Geofeatures map of Kyushu Japan ja

Because it is the closest island to the Asian continent, it has long served as a gateway to Japan. The island is separated from the larger island of Honshu by the Kanmon Straits. You can cross this gap using the Kanmon Bridge or the Kanmon Railway Tunnel.

Kyushu-Japan-ISS-Space
Kyushu-Japan-ISS-Space

The island is a very large place with a land area of 36,782 square kilometers. This makes it slightly larger than the total area of Taiwan.

The landscape of Kyushu is very mountainous. It is home to Japan's largest active volcano, which is named Mount Aso.

Kyushumap-en
Kyushumap-en

Because of the volcanic activity, there are many hot springs across the island. Some of the most famous ones are in Beppu on the east shore. These hot springs can even be made of mud. Tiny living things called extremophiles live in this very hot water. The highest point on the island is found on Mount Kujū.

Kyushu has a long and interesting history. In ancient times, people believe it may have had its own independent dynasty. This allowed a unique culture to grow that was different from the culture on Honshu. The name Kyushu actually comes from nine ancient provinces. These provinces were Chikuzen, Chikugo, Hizen, Higo, Buzen, Bungo, Hyūga, Ōsumi, and Satsuma. In the 8th century, a special administrative area called Dazaifu was established there.

JMSDF major fleets en
JMSDF major fleets en

Today, many people live in the northwest part of the island. Big cities like Fukuoka and Kitakyushu have many residents. The economy of Kyushu is very strong and accounts for about 10% of Japan's total output. It is the fourth largest economic region in the country. Kyushu is a major center for making cars and semiconductors. You can even see rockets launch from the Tanegashima Space Center.

M-V with ASTRO-E2 on launch pad
M-V with ASTRO-E2 on launch pad

Life in Kyushu is full of special flavors and traditions. People often use sweet soy sauce and barley miso in their cooking. You might try delicious Hakata ramen or sweet treats like Karukan.

Gansonagahamaya
Gansonagahamaya
Akashiya Karukan-manju (1)
Akashiya Karukan-manju (1)

Many traditional crafts are also made here, such as porcelain and bamboo crafts. People in Kyushu are often very proud of their home. They even have a special instrument called the gottan.

ゴッタン
ゴッタン
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🖼️ Images & Media (8)
File:Kyushu-Japan-ISS-Space.png
Kyushu-Japan-ISS-Space.png
File:Geofeatures_map_of_Kyushu_Japan_ja.svg
Geofeatures_map_of_Kyushu_Japan_ja.svg
File:M-V with ASTRO-E2 on launch pad.jpeg
M-V with ASTRO-E2 on launch pad.jpeg
File:Kyushumap-en.png
Kyushumap-en.png
File:JMSDF major fleets en.JPG
JMSDF major fleets en.JPG
File:Gansonagahamaya.jpg
Gansonagahamaya.jpg
File:Akashiya Karukan-manju (1).jpg
Akashiya Karukan-manju (1).jpg
File:ゴッタン.jpg
ゴッタン.jpg
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