Kyūshū is a card selection and map building card game set in feudal Japan. It is the third installment in the Nippon-series, preceded by Honshu and Hokkaido, and released simultaneously with Shikoku.

Take a tour around the four main islands of feudal Japan during different seasons. With Kyūshū the journey continues southwards. It’s summer, and lush greenery blankets the terrain, making it even more beautiful. It’s time to relax, visit the natural hot springs, and enjoy the company.

Each game in the Nippon series consists of two main phases. In the first phase, you select a card that you will later add to your personal map during the second phase. The card selection mechanism differs in each game, and the mechanisms can be used interchangeably across the series. The map cards, scoring options, and optional scoring cards also vary from game to game, ensuring a fresh combination of challenges with every play.

In Kyūshū's selection phase players will have a Map card in front of them, in what's called their "pick box". Players take turns selecting a Map card from a player's pick box by choosing one of four options. You may take the card in your own pick box by replacing it with any card, but the card number might prove to be a challenge if you wish to take a card from another player's pick box. Discarding a resource will enable you to take any of the cards. The card you choose must be replaced with a card from your hand.

Kyūshū also introduces a new terrain type - Hot Spring. Hot Springs have their own unique method of scoring, and a new optional rule enables you to send your travelers to visit and enjoy the Hot Springs of other players for extra victory points.

Another new optional rule introduces most/fewest scoring cards, where you will compete with the players on your left and right to meet the criteria of the scoring card between you.