Kyushu, An Overview: One of Japan’s four main islands, Kyushu is known for its samurai history. In fact, “The Last Samurai” was filmed in Sasebo Harbor and on the southern part of the island. James Bond defeated The Main Bad Guy who killed his wife, Tracy, near the city of Fukuoka in “You Only Live Twice.” There are palm trees here, and it’s warmer than at my house, which–when I left this morning–was having a snow day. This island is straight west of Tokyo and just a three-hour ferry ride from Korea. 
All I know is somewhere between Haneda and Fukuoka airports, lumpy cloud blankets gave way to sunshine sparkling off a peacock Oriental sea. Welcome to Kyushu!