1.
Kyushu
The third-largest and southwesternmost of Japan's four main islands. It includes the prefectures of Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. Known for its hot springs, volcanoes, and distinct regional cuisine.
来月九州に旅行する。
I'm traveling to Kyushu next month.
九州は温泉が多いことで有名だ。
Kyushu is famous for its many hot springs.
九州には活火山が多く、阿蘇山は世界最大級のカルデラを持つ。
Kyushu has many active volcanoes, and Mount Aso has one of the largest calderas in the world.
USAGE:
The name literally means "nine provinces" (九州), referring to the historical provinces that made up the island. Today it comprises seven prefectures. Okinawa is sometimes included in the broader 九州 region for administrative purposes.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 九州地方 (the Kyushu region)
- 九州新幹線 (the Kyushu Shinkansen)
- 北九州 (Kitakyushu, northern Kyushu)
- 九州大学 (Kyushu University)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 本州: Honshu (the largest main island)
- 四国: Shikoku (the smallest main island)
- 北海道: Hokkaido (the northernmost main island)