In an interview with Nishinippon Shimbun, Susumu Ishihara, the chairman of the Kyushu Tourism Promotion Organization, outlined a goal to attract 4.46 million foreign visitors to Kyushu by 2023. “If all seven prefectures work together and use onsen (hot springs) as a selling point, we can achieve our goal,“ said Ishihara. Commenting on the Organization’s activities for the 2014 fiscal year, Ishihara explained that the completion of the Eastern Kyushu Expressway in FY2014 will connect Kitakyushu to Miyazaki and allow the Organization to promote tourist routes from Kansai and Shikoku to Miyazaki and Oita. “Kyushu’s name recognition overseas is low. We will issue a call for applications for an English logo and catch phrase and roll out a brand strategy centered on onsen,” added Ishikawa. Regarding the Organization’s efforts to train interpreter guides within the Kyushu Island Special Zone, Ishihara noted that 515 people have taken the certification exam and 100 are expected to be certified. He said another urgent issue for Kyushu is the improvement of free public Wi-Fi networks. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 4/8
雲仙温泉(小地獄) Unzen jigoku hot spring