I get excited to travel, so that is why I am asking this so far in advance. I am going to Japan for the World Cup in June. I arrive in Oita the day before the first game I am going to see (in Oita). Then I have two days to travel before the next game (Oita), then two days again to travel before my third and last game (Oita). I have already planned to spend the last three days of my trip in Kansai (Kyoto and Hemji-jo). My question is, what sights should I go see if I choose to stay on Kyushu between games? Are there any "must sees" (other than Tokyo and Kyoto) that I can get to and back within 48 hours?

I went to Kyushu 4-5 years ago, I thought Nagasaki was a pretty town. I wasn't really there to see the A-bomb memorial, but was there to visit a friend. But the memorial is worth seeing; but more over the town itself was very "Japanese" for lack of a better word. Great noodle soups. <BR>Also in Kyushu Kumamoto has a very nice castle - but however impressive the sight, nothing really tops Kyoto and Nara in my opinion.

Traveller - where did you stay in Nagasaki and Kumamoto that is cheap and that you can recommend? I would like to stay in a ryokan or minishuku (sp?) if possible.

I stay with my friend in nagasaki. Kumamoto I stay in a cheap business hotel - can't remember the name tho. Sorry not much helps here for I didn't stay in a Ryokan.

You can plan daytrips to Fukuoka, Saga and Imari (pottery towns), of course Kumamoto, Mount Aso, Beppu (the "boiling hells". <BR> <BR>For cheap accomodation, have a look at <BR>Japanese Inn Group: http://members.aol.com/jinngroup/ <BR>Welcome Inns: http://www.itcj.or.jp/index.html <BR> <BR>Have a good trip.