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Visit Kyushu The Official Kyushu Travel Guide

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Visit Kyushu

Endless energy, wild beauty and warm smiles.

Be Inspired by Kyushu

Kyushu is a land full of energy, from its vibrant people to its famous volcanoes. Close to the rest of Asia and easily accessible from Tokyo, Kyushu has welcomed new ideas and cultures for over a thousand years. Experience the dynamic landscapes, relax in the many hot springs, and enjoy the warmth of genuine hospitality.

Recommended Travel Blogs

7 Distinct Prefectures

Fukuoka is the geographical and historical gateway to Asia: steeped in history, but open to new ideas and cultures. With a vibrant city and historical sites, it’s a perfect introduction to Kyushu.

A small region with a large cultural impact, Saga is rich in history, craft, and food. Experience the beautiful colors of Saga, from the bright hot air balloons to the elegant shades of Arita pottery.

Nagasaki has been shaped by history, natural forces and a blend of international influences. The city’s turbulent past has created a remarkable culture of peace and tolerance.

Kumamoto is a product of the forces of nature and its samurai heritage, symbolized by two powerful landmarks: Kumamoto Castle and Mt. Aso, Japan’s largest volcano.

Oita is famous for its hot-spring towns Beppu and Yufuin, but it also has charming castle towns and a mountainous inland, perfect for hiking and cycling.

Miyazaki is considered a home of the gods and ancient legends. Dense forests, dramatic gorges and hidden mountain villages take you back to those storied times.

Kagoshima is a beautiful land of contrasts, from Sakurajima, the active volcano, to the ancient forests of Yakushima and the tropical islands around Amami Oshima.

Top Attractions

Dazaifu tenmangu shrine.

This major Shinto shrine less than an hour from Fukuoka's city center, is famous for its abundant plum blossoms and fascinating history.

Hells of Beppu

Beppu Onsen is one of the most famous hot spring towns in Japan. Visit Beppu's colorful "hells," hot springs that reach over 100 degrees Celsius.

Kumamoto Castle

With a black facade and commanding views over the city, the castle is a symbol of Kumamoto. Although it was damaged in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, its restoration is a sigh of hope for the area.

Ibusuki Onsen

This hot spring town at the southern tip of Kagoshima is famous for its sunamushi, or sand bathing. The sands are warmed by volcanic hot springs.

Kujukushima

Although the name translates to ninety-nine islands, there are actually 208 lushly forested islands, scattered across the bay near Sasebo. only four are inhabited.

2024-01-05 New!

cassiethehag

7, 10, 14-day Kyushu itinerary in beautiful Japan

Need some help with your 7 day Kyushu itinerary? In this post, I’ll give suggestions for how to spend one week or 14 days in Kyushu based on my own 10 day route around the island.

Please note that this blog post most likely contains affiliate links to products or services I use and love! If you click on the links, it means I get a little extra pocket money at no additional cost to you. This is what keeps my website ticking over – thank you!

I never expected my week in Kyushu to be my favourite of the four weeks I spent in Japan but it was a truly fantastic place to explore. I loved Fukuoka, the capital of Kyushu and a city with all the arcades, karaoke booths, temples and cute Japanese touches of its more famous city counterparts.

As someone who loves nature, seeing the volcanoes in Aso and Kagoshima was pretty awesome. Plus I was surprised to find multi-coloured hot springs in Beppu!

This post will be particularly helpful for anyone looking for a JR Kyushu rail pass itinerary or budget backpackers on the SUNQ Bus Pass. Everything on this list is accessible by public transport and suitable for families, couples – or solo travellers in Japan like me!

TIP: You must buy your JR Rail Pass before your trip. This is because the rail pass is only attended to be used by tourists. (There is a limited number available for direct purchase in Japan at a higher price.)

Buy your Kyushu JR Rail Pass here.

Click here for a 7, 14, or 21-day JR Rail Pass for the whole of Japan: Whole Japan Rail Pass

Table of Contents

7, 10, or 14 day Kyushu Itinerary :

• Begin in Fukuoka
• Back to Fukuoka
• Alternative Kyushu Japan itinerary route options

This is just an overview – read on below for more info about this fun-filled Kyushu itinerary!

It’s worth remembering Kyushu is huge, and you will have to be selective. I’ve tried to combine the BEST places that are fairly easy to access from each other, so you get a unique range of nature and cities to visit without suffering from travel burnout. If you prefer a slower pace and only have one week, be selective about which places you visit!

Thinking of visiting this beautiful part of Japan? Here are my suggestions for the ultimate 7 – 14 day Kyushu itinerary.

How to get to Kyushu?

Fukuoka great place to start and end your Kyushu Japan itinerary as it’s linked to the rest of Japan by Shinkansen. I took the train from Hiroshima direct to Fukuoka.

Alternatively, Fukuoka is made very accessible by its Hakata Airport. You can fly here internationally, or fly directly from Tokyo. It is particularly easy to fly here via Singapore since this is an international transport hub.

Kyushu itinerary (7-14 days)

I really liked Fukuoka as a city because it still has all of Japan’s craziness but it feels like a real, working city – it is the largest city in Kyushu. Don’t expect to see so many tourists when you visit Kyushu! It’s Fukuoka where I enjoyed arcades alongside the locals, my first karaoke booth experience, ate at a green tea-themed bakery and saw a very impressive anime water show.

This water show is free and can be seen at Canal City Shopping centre any evening at 8pm – it is the best I’ve ever seen, with projections which tell a story over an entire building, with perfectly timed fountains. Hard to explain but honestly worth it!

Speaking of, Canal City Shopping Centre is beautiful and worth a stop if you like shopping or not. The entire mall is built around an artificial canal. They also regularly have upcoming J-pop groups performing (free to view). I saw all the men singing along to 3 separate girl groups when I was just passing through… very unique, that’s for sure.

I visited Tocho-ji Temple to see its red pagoda and Buddha Statue. I also visited Kushida Shrine, famous for being home to the Hakata Gion Yamasaka festival. This festival sees huge decorative floats begin their journey from Kushida Shrine and take a walk through Fukuoka city. I could see them in storage when I visited!

You can also take the tube to the Fukuoka Tower and Seaside Momochi area. 

Fukuoka Tower is very 234m tall with an observation deck at 134m with views of the city. It is the city’s tallest building. Seaside Momochi is a unique ‘modern style’, manmade beach area. Momochihama Beach is a huge stretch of sand, making it popular on sunny days.

When I visited this part of Fukuoka, there were huge, huge crowds of teenage girls outside Fukuoka Yafuoku Dome , waiting for their favourite J-pop band. Merchandisers were making great money selling t-shirts sporting their favourite stars.

One of my favourite things to do in Fukuoka was walking around the Hakata Castle ruins . From here, I walked to Ohori Park . Maybe you’ll see the terrapins and giant carp enjoying the lake in the centre of this park too.

For more information about what to do in Fukuoka, how to spend your evening and where to eat, please view my updated Fukuoka Guide here:

Things to do in Fukuoka – my complete guide.

Wondering where to stay in Fukuoka?

• Hostel: Hostel TOKI is a really cute hostel, perfect for backpackers, with a bar, laundry services, tea and coffee, air-con, and private bunks. Female dorms and private rooms are available. You can rent a bike for 500 yen a day, although it’s within walking distance of the station and nearby temples. From $20 pn.
• Budget: For a budget hotel with single and double rooms, Hotel Grandolce Hakata is centrally located. Rooms have an air-con, a TV, and a private bathroom. For a comfortable, clean, and convenient stay that’s good value for money, this is about the best you’ll find. From $50 pn.
• Apartments: Grand Inn Canalside offers aparthotel rooms with a kitchen, terrace with river views, TV, and air-con. From $88pn. Meanwhile, GRAND BASE Hakata Sumiyoshi offers cosier, centrally-located room for a slightly higher price. From $120pn.
• Ho tel: Pick The Royal Park Canvas Nakasu for a central hotel with gorgeous rooms and onsite facilities including a restaurant, bar, and sauna. From $150pn. For luxury, the beautifully decorated boutique With The Style hotel features a garden, rooftop hot tub, and two restaurants.

2 hours from Fukuoka, Beppu is a small resort city set between Beppu Bay and volcanic mountains, and a must-do spot to add to a Kyushu itinerary.

Beppu is famous for its hot springs – it has over 2000 of them! So this is the perfect place to try out a Japanese onsen. However, the real event here is the hot springs you can’t get into. The famous ‘jigoku’ which literally translates as ‘hell’ refers to multi-coloured springs which reach up to 100 degrees Celsius. The volume of water dispelled daily in Beppu is second only to Yellowstone, USA.

To see Beppu’s 7 hells is 2000 yen (£13.43) for all or 400 yen each.

‘Tornado hell’ is one of the world’s most regularly erupting geysers. It goes off for approx. 8 minutes every 35 minutes and the water reaches up to 150 Celcius! Though it’s the blue and red boiling onsen are the most beautiful.

For lunch, you can head to one of the many stalls selling food boiled in natural hot water. I recommend the Steam Kitchen aka Jigokumushikobo Kannawa – here you pick up your order on a vending machine, and after it’s prepared you to put on big rubber gloves and place it yourself into the natural boiling water! Definitely the most unique foodie experience I had in Japan! (& the great news is, it’s suitable for veggies and carnivores alike.) My lunch experience was 1200 yen.

Head to my Kyushu highlights video on my Instagram @cassiethehag to see videos of the experience or wait till you get there and see if you get as confused as I was!

A very unique activity to try next on your Beppu itinerary is a hot spring sand bath … however, being buried in the sand didn’t appeal to me, despite the rumoured health benefits.

All the geothermic activity in Beppu is not surprising seeing as Kyushu is rife with volcanoes – the nearest, Aso, is 60 miles away and our next stop.

Where to stay in Beppu?

For hostels, J-Hoppers Beppu Guesthouse is ideal! It has a shared lounge and kitchen, and I appreciated the clean female dorms with privacy curtains over the beds. It’s simple but well-located and really friendly. From $15pn.

If you prefer a budget guest house, Guesthouse Sakichi has rooms from $30pn and is a sweet, traditional-style home with welcoming hosts.

For hotels, head to HAJIMARI Beppu for a modern, stylish, and spacious aparthotel with excellent service and an onsite coffee shop. From $100pn. Or stay in luxury at AMANE resort SEIKAI with onsite hot springs baths, multiple restaurants and a spa. Rooms have chic furnishings, ocean views, and comfortable sofas with a TV. From $200pn.

Aso Volcano is the biggest volcano in Japan (and one of the biggest volcanoes in the world). The crater is famous for its aqua blue lake which is sometimes closed due to toxic gas fumes. There are loads of touristy activities in the area, including horse riding and museums, but taking a picnic or doing one of the hiking routes is probably the best option.

Visiting Aso Volcano can be temperamental as it has its own weather system, so check the weather and go early for the best chance of a clear view. Although I was unable to see into the famous crater due to a large display of toxic gas fumes during my visit, I was lucky to have clear views of the gorgeous nature instead. 

Check the status before you go:   http://www.aso.ne.jp/~volcano/eng/

The bus to the crater is 650 yen (£4.42) or 1300 yen return. Hiking or hitchhiking, either way, is of course free. I actually hitchhiked with a local on my way back down because I was worried about getting sunburnt.

Where to stay in Aso?

If you stay in hostels, I would recommend Base Backpackers Aso – it had a great vibe and was one of the best-equipped hostels I’ve ever been to; think great tourist info, super clean kitchen (including cooking basics such as olive oil and fresh garlic) and helpful hosts. On my first evening, they even ordered veggie food at the hostel for me because I was tired! It cost 650 yen.

For budget guest houses, AsoHakuunSanso is a natural hot spring resort guest house with mountain views. It also serves Japanese and Western dishes served in the restaurant at breakfast and dinner. From $58pn. As for hotels, Fairfield by Mar riott is the top-rated option in the area and a good pick for mid-range travellers due to its location near the station, modern facilities, and easy access to Mt Aso. From $110pn.

If you’re able to splash out on a Japanese-style traditional inn, Sozankyo will be a dream. It has outdoor and indoor hot spring baths, special Japanese set meals in a Komorebi dining room (you can even have a traditional multi-course Kaiseki dinner) and has massage treatments available. From $370pn.

I decided to spend a second night in Aso because I loved the landscape so much! On the second day in Aso, you could take a day trip to Karawara Onsen .

I spent my second day in Aso simply enjoying the gorgeous countryside and walking up to one of the small Buddhist temples in the area. Unfortunately, the main gate and offering hall of Aso Shrine (20 minutes by bus from Aso Station) collapsed in the 2016 earthquake. Aso Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan, so one of the small, secluded local temples makes a good alternative.

In Kumamoto, you can see Kumamoto Castle which dates back to the 17th century. Although it was badly damaged in the 2016 7.0 earthquake, it remains a significant landmark. It has a fascinating history and a key visit for anyone interested in samurais!

I had 10 days in Kyushu, and to avoid travel burn out I decided to miss Kumamoto from my itinerary in order to avoid travel fatigue. However, history lovers should definitely add it to their Kyushu itinerary.

I still got to meet the Kumamoto mascot though! Meet Kumamon.

In Kagoshima, the main attraction is Sakurajima volcano which looms just off the coast. It translates to Cherry Blossom volcano and formed during an enormous eruption 22000 years ago. The ferry from Kagoshima to Sakurajima was 290 yen (return) and takes 15 minutes each way.

Once you arrive on Sakurajima Island , it is common to view key attractions by bus. You can pick a budget option, where the bus takes you to three of the key observation points on the island, or get a one-day bus pass for 500 yen. Upon arriving, the visitor centre at the ferry port can help you decide which route to take. You could also choose to rent a bike.

Highly recommended in Kagoshima is the Sengan-en Garden although I didn’t enter as this costs 1800 yen. I decided to skip it because it was out of my budget but this Japanese landscape garden, built in the 1700s, does look serene.

Other things to do in Kagoshima include visiting Mt Shiroyama for a beautiful view over the city or taking a steam sand bath.

Getting around Kagoshima is very easy! From my hostel, I just caught a tram to the ferry port. See how cute my tram was below – and he also had the butt of a pig, for some reason. Finally, I took the train from Kagoshima back to Fukuoka to complete my 10-day Kyushu itinerary. This was the longest distance on my JR Kyushu rail pass itinerary, taking almost 3 hours.

Where to stay in Kagoshima?

There aren’t many good hostel options in Kagoshima, but the well-reviewed Green Guest House was conveniently-located and clean, even if it didn’t have the same character as other hostels I stayed at in Japan.

For hotels, Guest House Carapan is good for budget travellers and has a coffee shop and sea views. From $45pn. Meanwhile, Sheraton Kagoshima is an excellent mid-range with a fitness centre, garden, restaurant, and spa facilities. From $150pn.

ALTERNATE PLACES TO VISIT ON A KYUSHU ITINERAR Y

YUFUIN – another onsen town only 10km from Beppu and perhaps most well-known for its trendy shopping area which includes everything from boutique shops to Heidi-themed market stalls, and even a floral market inspired by The Cotswold in England. Mount Yufu and Lake Kinrinko make it a good stop for nature lovers too.

NAGASAKI – Sadly most well-known for being the second location where an atomic bomb was dropped during WWII, instantly killing thousands. Today it is home to a b eautiful peace park and the lookout point from Mount Inasa has amazing views over the city. 

The city has both traditional Japanese influences and also Chinese, Dutch and Portuguese architecture – interestingly, Nagasaki was the only port city in Japan from the 16th – the 19th century. 

From Nagasaki, you could also visit HUIS TEN BOSCH – a Dutch-themed theme park. I can hear you booking your ticket already. 🙂 

KIRISHIMA or KUROKAWA ONSEN – For a more secluded onsen experience and the perfect place to stay in a Ryokan. The nature here looks incredible so good for those who like chilling out in sleepy villages at the end of a long hike.

YAKUSHIMA – Beautiful island full of moss-covered forests and the inspiration behind Princess Mononoke. Accessible by plane or ferry from mainland Kyushu. Hiking trails can be taken individually with a bit of research, or use of a guide. I would love to visit Yakushima more than anything!

Kyushu Travel Itinerary Q&A

How to get around kyushu.

JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS

This gives you unlimited use of JR trains in Kyushu for 3 or 5 consecutive days. It will cost 8500 – 1800 yen depending on which option you want. You can buy this online or at any major station in Kyushu once you arrive.

3-5 day rail pass just for Kyushu: JR Kyushu Rail Pass (3 or 5 days )

Alternatively, use the Whole Japan rail pass.

SUNQ BUS PASS

Runs on 99% of long-distance and local buses in Kyushu and gives you unlimited use of them for 3 or 4 consecutive days. Usually costs 9000 – 14000 yen depending on which area/length of time you book it for.

If you’re not on a budget, self-drive road trip Kyushu itineraries are an amazing way to immerse yourself more fully in the nature and culture of another country. 

HINT: calculate approximate transport costs based on your itinerary BEFORE buying a pass – it might work out cheaper to buy all tickets separately. 

Best time to visit Kyushu?

Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands, is a fantastic destination year-round. However, the shoulder seasons (Spring and Autumn) are an ideal time to visit.

Spring (March to May) is a beautiful time to visit Kyushu, thanks in large part to the region’s stunning cherry blossom displays, which begin blooming from late March to early April. Parks and gardens throughout the island burst into bloom during this time, creating a truly magical atmosphere. The weather is mild and pleasant – perfect for exploring the outdoors.

Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid in Kyushu, but it’s also a great time to enjoy the island’s beaches. The Kyushu coastline is beautiful, and it’s a great place for surfing or sunbathing. Still bring a rainjacket, as Kyushu is rainier than other parts of Japan during Summer.

Autumn (September to November) is an ideal time to visit Kyushu. The weather cools down slightly, making it ideal for hiking and exploring Kyushu’s many scenic trails. The fall foliage is also spectacular during this time – you can see Autumn leaves in many places around Kyushu, including the Fukuoka castle ruins, Takachiho Gorge, Yufuin, and the Kuju Mountain Range.

Winter (December to February) is a good time to avoid the crowds in Kyushu and the weather is mild. Snowfall is rare except in mountainous areas such as Mount Aso or Kirishima National Park. It’s a perfect time for soaking in hot springs to escape the cold, or wrapping up and enjoying the prefecture’s parks and gardens.

Overall, the best time to visit Kyushu is probably Spring and Autumn, but since Kyushu is mild and not as touristy as other parts of Japan, you can have a wonderful time here all year round. Spring offers cherry blossoms, summer is great for beach days, Autumn is picturesque with colourful foliage, and Winter is the ideal time for unique experiences such as hot springs or winter festivals.

How long should you spend in Kyushu?

If you want to explore major cities like Fukuoka or Nagasaki, three to four days should be sufficient. However, if you plan on visiting multiple destinations within Kyushu, such as onsens, national parks, and historical sites, I recommend planning at least a 7-day Kyushu itinerary. On a 14 day Kyushu itinerary, you’ll have the opportunity to see more of the natural attractions and lesser-known hikes.

FIRST-TIME IN JAPAN?

Get your 7 day JR Rail Pass in advance with a 4G Sim card included.

Or simply save time by purchasing your 4G Sim card in advance – you can pick it up from the airport when you arrive!

See the iconic Mt Fuji on a day tour from Tokyo.

Book top-rated travel insurance with World Nomads . They have flexible insurance options which you can even book when you’re already on the road.

Check GetYourGuide for a list of current and popular tours.

I hope you found this Kyushu travel blog helpful! What else would you like to add to a one-week Kyushu itinerary?

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Hi, I'm Cassie, and I've been solo travelling the globe since May 2018. In this time, I've backpacked around Southeast Asia, Japan and The Balkans, alongside living in New Zealand and Australia. Current location? Mexico

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16 comments.

it really is a stunning part of Japan if you ever have the chance to go! 🙂

Ahh they were definitely my favourites! Thanks so much

The volcano and geyser look fantastic! I’d love to explore more of Japan, I’ve only been to Tokyo and this itinerary is inspiring!

It is such a beautiful region with many unique activities

This looks so amazing! I had never heard of this area in Japan before! Now I wanna go :p

Wow!! Absolutely pinning for later. Japan is such a bucket list trip for me, and this area looks stunning. Thanks for sharing!

This is amazing Cassie. I have never heard of this area before. So wish to see Japan next year.

Kyushu sounds like an amazing place to visit. Hopefully this quarantine will end soon so I can go visit.

I have never heard of Kyushu. Now when I go to Japan I am going to try to make a stop there. It looks breaktakingly beautiful!

Such a detailed guide, thanks so much! A trip to Japan has been on my travel wish list for years, but I haven’t looked into any specific areas/places to visit yet. I’ll certainly take your recommendations onboard though as I love geysers and the mountainscapes in this article look amazing too!

aw thanks so much Kristen! There was so much more I wanted to see there but I was so worried about sticking to my budget at that part of my trip xx

Great post Cassie! I’ve spent months in Kyushu for work but only one day off a week it was hard to get out very much (I still did crazy 10 hour round trips like to Mt Aso tho). This gives me some great ideas for next time I’m down there.

Ahh would love to visit Nagoya!

Japan is my favorite country and I love exploring less touristy places. During our last trip we went to Nagoya and rarely saw tourists. Huis Ten Bosch is definitely on my bucketlist :))

Dang! We already had planned visiting Japan but after this we’re ready to book the flight tomorrow! Beautiful photos and lovely informative article. Thanks for sharing!

Marta & Max | https://www.connectedhorizons.co.uk

These images are gorgeous! I guess I’ve found another spot to add to my to-visit list. Glad you are having a good time.

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The Perfect Kyushu Itinerary: 5-Day, 7-Day & 10-Day

Jackson Groves

Posted on Last updated: June 24, 2023

Categories JAPAN

Are you heading to Kyushu for 1-2 weeks and want to pack your itinerary with lots of epic locations and adventures? I have got you covered. This 5-day Kyushu Itinerary (7-day & 10-day also included) will be your best resource for adventurous activities in Kyushu. I’m talking waterfalls, onsens, volcanoes, and some epic viewpoints along the way.

BEST RENTAL CAR COMPANY IN JAPAN

When you book your Rental Car online, I personally recommend and always use  Klook for car rentals in Japan. They search for both local and international companies, so you get the best deal!

I spent three weeks in Kyushu so I know the best places to use as your base to maximize your time. This is a self-drive itinerary as it is just too hard with public transport to see all of the tourist hotspots in a short amount of time. 

Table of Contents

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CREATING A KYUSHU TRAVEL ITINERARY

What is included in this kyushu itinerary blog post.

• In this  Kyushu itinerary blog post I will first detail how you should structure your five-day itinerary to make the most of your time.
• In each location, I will suggest how to extend the itinerary to 7-days or 10-days or even longer like myself.
• Finally, at the bottom of the blog post, I will share my tips on things to know before you travel to Kyushu ( specific information for adventurous travelers )

So, let’s get into it.

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN KYUSHU

• Ultimate Luxury: Amane Resort Seikai best location and view
• My Favorite: Sankara Hotel & Spa – Natural Forest, Pool & Beautiful surroundings.
• Budget Hostel in Kyushu: WeBase Hakata Hostel is easily the top hostel in Kyushu

HOW TO GET AROUND KYUSHU FOR ADVENTURERS

The Kyushu Itinerary I am creating for you here is based on exploring by rental car . I just didn’t find Kyushu to be a place easy to explore by public transport or even with one base and tour groups etc. It’s spread out and not well linked, especially when we are talking about the hikes, mountains, and waterfalls rather than the city attractions. While the train may suit those in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and even in Fukuoka, it won’t cut it out here on Kyushu.

When I rent a car in Kyushu, I recommend and  I   always use   Discover   Cars , and you can see why below. The best part about  Discover   Cars ? You can add  full coverage  insurance for only about $8 per day.

The trains will get you from major towns and even into some regional areas with bus connections but almost all of the adventure spots I visited had no bus connection. When I searched on Google Maps and clicked the public transport option it would just say ‘not available’. It was very clear, very quickly that Kyushu island is best to explore by rental car, especially if you are doing hikes and activities outside of the city (literally everything on this list).

INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS LICENSE FOR KYUSHU

*** It is extremely important to know that you MUST HAVE an international driver’s license to rent a car in Japan. In fact, they won’t even look at your actual driver’s license and only want to see the international driver’s license. Take that seriously as they genuinely will not give you the car and likely no refund if you don’t have that. To get one you need to be in your country of residence and you can get one on the spot or order online and receive it in a week or so. Make sure you organize that in advance as I almost got caught out not knowing that. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT KYUSHU

I visited in February, which was winter and freezing. I don’t advise it but it was still epic. The best time to visit Kyushu is most definitely not winter. It’s not really a ski destination so likely you will be freezing and all of the leaves will be dead so the landscapes will not be as beautiful as at other times of the year. There are a few drawcards for each season so I will go through them below.

• Fall/Autumn:  The temperature is mild and comfortable making it great for hikes and adventuring. If you time things right, you will get the beautiful fall colors out on the trails!
• Spring:  This is definitely the most popular season to travel to Kyushu with sunny days and comfortable temperatures. It is very popular at this time due to the cherry blossoms and flowers that are in full swing at this time of year.
• Summer:  While not known for its beaches, Kyushu does offer a number of great swimming spots and beaches to explore. For hiking, it may get a little hot but (up to 30 degrees Celsius) never reaching temperatures that would limit your adventures. 

KYUSHU ITINERARY

The way I am breaking this itinerary up is into two locations if you have 5 days and three locations if you have 7 days. The 10-day itinerary will have four locations but will explore more from each base location. So, let’s start with the ideal 5-day itinerary for explorers.

5-DAY KYUSHU ITINERARY

Kumamoto and Beppu will be the home bases for this five-day itinerary so that you can cover the most popular spots and get to all the iconic places in under a week. This is a packed itinerary so don’t be afraid to erase an activity or take a rest day but it is possible with planning to fit them all in. They are all great spots and you won’t be disappointed at any of these locations. I’ve been to them all personally and had an epic adventure. At the bottom of this blog post, I’m going to add a small snippet about each location with a link to the individual blog post I have written for each spot.

Day 1: Mount Aso Day Tour or Mount Aso Hiking/Mount Eboshi

Day 2: GorogoTaki Waterfall in the morning and Mount Neko Hike in the afternoon

Day 3: Takachiho Gorge Tour

Day 4: Onbara Falls mini-hike and Mount Taharamaya/Magaibutsu Buddha

Day 5: Onsen experience and Mount Yufu or Mount Tsurumi

Optional Day 6: Optional extra day in Fukuoka exploring the city and venturing down to Keya No Oto hike in Itoshima 

7-DAY KYUSHU ITINERARY

Kumamoto, Beppu, and Kirishima will be the home bases for this seven-day itinerary. You’ll probably need a rest day unless you are a machine but see how you go. I’ve been to all of the spots personally and had an epic adventure. At the bottom of this blog post, I’m going to add a small snippet about each location with a link to the individual blog post I have written for each spot.

Day 6: Drive to Kirishima in the morning and on the way hike Mount Karakuni

Day 7: Mount Kaimondake hike, Ryumon, and Inukai Waterfall

10-DAY KYUSHU ITINERARY

Day 4: Mount Kuju Hiking circuit and transit from Kumamoto to Beppu

Day 5: Onbara Falls mini-hike and Mount Taharamaya/Magaibutsu Buddha

Day 6: Onsen experience and cable car or hike to Mount Tsurumi

Day 8: Visit Sakurajima (active volcano) 

Day 9 & 10: Overnight trip to Yakushima with two day-hikes.

BEST INSURANCE FOR TRAVELERS

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So, those are the three different Kyushu itineraries I’ve put together. I hope you have a great time in Kyushu and enjoy it as much as I did! Remember these are just suggestions and if you don’t like hiking so much, you can change the activities around and do more cultural activities, visit historical sites and castles, or do food-focused tours.

Below are the snippets of all the activities I suggested in the itineraries above so you can see what I am adding to each itinerary.

ONBARA FALLS

The journey to Onbara Falls is a very, very short trek but will remove you from the town of Beppu and immerse you in the jungle making you feel lost beneath the falls. Onbara Falls is a bit of a hidden gem just outside the town of Beppu in Oita Prefecture of Kyushu, Japan. Beppu is one of the most famous Onsen towns in Japan and even the world. However, amidst all of the hot springs and Onsens are some truly epic waterfalls and Onbara Falls is up there with the most beautiful and most accessible.

The trail is short and well-defined with a dirt/rock path leading you up to the falls. With the morning sun shining through it was actually a beautiful little walk, which is only about 2km return.

Read the full blog post for details: ONBARA FALLS IN KYUSHU, JAPAN

HIKING TO MOUNT KARAKUNI IN KIRISHIMA

Mount Karakuni is the highest peak in the Kirishima Mountain Range of Kyushu Island in Japan with a height of 1,700 meters. Mount Karakuni has a volcanic crater, which is 900 meters and 300 meters deep. The hike up from the visitor center is relatively short with just a few kilometers in distance but quite steep. From the summit, you can look over to the ‘Ring of Fire’, which is the off-limits 

The total hike distance for me was 9.6km for my entire lap of the Kirishima area but there are many ways to make it shorter. If you just go up and down Mount Karakuni from the visitor center it will be about 5-6km in total. I added on the lap of Lake Rokkannonmiike and Lake Byakashiike.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos:  MOUNT KARAKUNI HIKE (KARAKUNIDAKE) IN KIRISHIMA

MOUNT TAHARAYAMA

The Mount Taharayama hike leads you on a steep ascent up to an epic, rocky ridgeline before you descend down into the forest to discover a 10th century stone buddha carving into the cliff wall. It’s an adventure with a tomb-raider vibe and is definitely sure to have you off-the-beaten-path and out there amongst the adventure in the Oita Prefecture of Kyushu Island, Japan.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos:  MT. TAHARAYAMA HIKE TO KUMANO MAGAIBUTSU (BUDDHA STATUE)

INUKAI FALLS

Inukai Falls was probably my favorite waterfall that I visited while based in Kirishima. It was a booming waterfall but I really loved the gorge that led up to the falls, which was lined by woodland and forest giving it a Pacific Northwest vibe. I actually had to wait a while here for the fog to clear enough to see the falls but when it cleared a little, I was able to record a little video on the drone to show you just how epic this gorge is.

What are my favorite pieces of travel gear?

There are four pieces of gear that I simply never travel without. These are four items that I using right now and this list gets updated every year! Here are my travel essentials.

• Packing Cube Set : Once you cube you’ll never go back. Organize your clothes within your luggage with these smart mesh containers. It will revolutionize your packing.
• Quick-Dry Towel : A quick-dry towel is a must for travelers. It hardly takes up any room and dries in seconds.
• Travel Wallet : Keep your passport, wallet, and vaccine card safe as well as any forms and important documents you need to store.
• Grayl GeoPress Water Filter Bottle : I’ve used this for three years. It filters your water with one press and you can drink directly from it. Never buy a plastic water bottle again!

HIKE MOUNT ASO 

In the Aso region of the Kumamoto Prefecture in the center of Kyushu Island is the Mount Aso region, which is one of the largest calderas in the entire world. Hiking in Mount Aso Region is one of the most incredible adventures you can have in Japan. Mount Aso is a volcanic depression, which is essentially a huge crater that has a number of peaks within this region that can be trekked. There are numerous craters within the crater such as the very active Nakadake Crater. 

The Caldera spans 17 kilometers from east to west and 25 kilometers from south to north with a total area of 350 square kilometers. When we talk about this caldera it is a huge area but at the center of the caldera is where all of the action is when it comes to volcanic activity, hiking, museums, and tourism. In the middle of the caldera is the central crater group which consists of the five Aso peaks which are Mt. Taka (Takadake), Mt. Naka (Nakadake), Mt. Eboshi (Eboshidake), Mt. Kijima (Kijimadake), and Mt. Neko (Nekodake).

I hiked all of the peaks except for Kijima. The Nakadake and Takadake loop (when open) is my favorite hike in Kyushu… by far. It looks down on the active volcano crater and makes you feel like you are in outer space or trekking through a post-apocalyptic world.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos:   HIKING MOUNT ASO VOLCANO – A COMPLETE GUIDE

MOUNT EBOSHI HIKE

Mount Eboshi is one of the five peaks of the central cone group of the famous Mount Aso. It’s the easiest peak and probably the safest peak to climb taking just over an hour to get up and down from the summit. The view from the top is quite remarkable as it looks out over the Nakadake Crater, which is where the active volcano of Mount Aso is found.

The Mount Eboshi hike is a great little trail not because of the views or the adventure but because it is usually open! Because Nakadake Crater and the active volcano within it are often spewing ash high into the air, the surrounding trails are often closed. This leaves adventurous hikers feeling a bit stuck. Luckily Eboshi is a bit further away but you still have nice views of the erupting volcano. 

At the summit, you have a view out to Nakadake Crater, which is where the eruptions, smoke, and all the action takes place. In the other directions, you can witness the entire caldera and the various rock formations and craters that are scattered throughout the region. I visited Mount Eboshi as part of the ‘ Around Aso Tour ‘, which was the perfect way to explore this region on a full-day trip from Fukuoka.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos:  MOUNT EBOSHI HIKE (EBOSHIDAKE) IN MOUNT ASO

MOUNT NEKO (NEKODAKE) HIKE

Mount Neko is the second tallest peak in the Mount Aso region at 1,443m high for the Tengu Peak and the opposite Toho Peak is 1,408m high. It’s called Nekodake because from Aso it looks like two cat ears when you see both of the peaks. It was an awesome but steep hike and the jagged peaks were just incredible at the summit during sunset.

As well as the numerous ropes to help you up the summit of Nekodake, you will also encounter several ladders, helping you ascend through the forest. None of the ropes, ladders or bouldering is technical or very difficult but be prepared for a bit of action along the trail.

At the summit, you will look out across to the Tengu Peak, which is the most prominent peak and you really can’t miss it. In the late afternoon, the sun sets behind this peak so it’s a really magical spot to take in the whole ridge.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos: MOUNT NEKO HIKE (NEKODAKE) IN KYUSHU

GOROGA TAKI FALLS

The Gorogotaki Waterfall is the largest falls in Yamato, Kumamoto with a 50m drop into the basin below. The beauty of this waterfall on Kyushu Island is that often it is crowned by a rainbow as the water crashed down onto the rocks, spraying up and catching the light perfectly in a stream of color. My favorite part about this waterfall is that you view it from the suspension bridge. There is also a really nice walk around the region through the rice fields and through the gorge to the base of the falls.

Read the full blog post here:  GOROGOTAKI WATERFALL NEAR KUMAMOTO

HIKING IN THE KUJU MOUNTAINS

The stunning Kuju Mount range is part of the Aso-Kuju National Park and while Mount Kuju might be the most famous it is actually the nearby Nakadake Peak that is the highest peak in the park, which makes it the highest point on Kyushu Island. These mountains are connected by a series of hiking trails so you can kind of make it up as you go, pushing on to ‘one more peak’ time and time again or following a set route. I did a bit of both.

It’s straight up from the get-go so don’t put too many jackets on you will be working that incline straight away. Once you reach the ridge it’s time for the adventure to start. The trail turns into a rocky ridgeline with a number of ladders and some very low-key bouldering required.

The total day of climbing was 1,026m so it’s always an effort when you grab a vertical kilometer. The trail was rocky but quite well defined and we never had too many difficulties finding our way. At the top of Mount Kuju, we could watch over the erupting Mount Aso in the distance and admire the valley below.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos:  HIKING THE KUJU MOUNTAIN RANGE

VISIT THE BEPPU HELLS

The ‘Hells’ of Beppu, as they are known, are seven incredible hot springs all in one area. Unlike many of the onsens or hot springs in the area, these specific hot springs are for viewing only as they are far too hot for bathing. They are quite a tourist attraction and it almost looks like zoo enclosures but instead of almost there is a bubbling, steaming pool of volcanically heated water. The reason these ‘Hells’ are so unique is that they each have a different feature such as the orange Hell or the deep blue Hell. I thought the experience of visiting the Hells of Beppu was quite cool but very touristy. I visited the Beppu Hells as part of this full-day tour from Fukuoka including the Beppu Hells and Yufuin Spa Town.

TAKACHIHO GORGE WATERFALL (Minainotaki Waterfall)

Takachiho Gorge is one of the most incredible natural attractions on Kyushu Island, Japan. In the forest of Miyazaki, the Gokase River runs through a gorge comprised of volcanic basalt columns where the 17-meter high Minainotaki Waterfall pours down on the awe-struck tourists below who are paddling the iconic rowboats through the narrow chasm. 

Kyushu Island is beautiful in the summer and the fall, which are the most popular times for tourists. In the fall you get the beautiful tinged orange and different colors on the trees and in the summer you are blessed with the best weather. I visited in the winter, which was not the prettiest time as lots of the leaves were dead so there were plenty of sparse trees. However, Takachiho Gorge was at a lower elevation and in a spot that was still beautiful and green in the winter. The conclusion is pretty much that it is a year-round attraction, which will only differ slightly at various times throughout the year.

The first way to enjoy Takachio gorge and the Minaionotaki Waterfall is to paddle underneath the stone bridge and then alongside the Minainotaki Waterfall. It sprayed us a little but mostly we just enjoyed the stunning gorge, which is made of volcanic basalt columns. The columns are said to resemble the scales of a dragon where the stones were twisted when the river flowed in the formation of the gorge.

The second way to enjoy the Takachiho Gorge is from one of the many viewing points. My two favorites were the bridge and the lower (most popular) viewpoint. The bridge gives you a very elevated view of the boats and the waterfall below, framed nicely by the overhanging trees and the walls of the gorge.

TAKACHIHO GORGE DAY TOUR

As I said above, Takachiho Gorge is a bit hard to get to with public transport so unless you have rented a car, the best way to get there is on the Takachiho Gorge Day Tour . The tour includes drop-off and pickup from your hotel, an English-speaking guide for while you are at the gorge. Helen the guide is an absolute legend and we loved this tour and this epic location.

CLICK HERE to check rates and availability for the Takachiho Gorge Day Tour

MOUNT KAIMON (KAIMONDAKE) HIKE

Mount Kaimon (Kaimondak) is an inactive volcano along the coast in the south of Kyushu known for its conical shape. The Mount Kaimon hike leads you through the forest on a steep, rocky trail up ladders and boulders to the summit where you are rewarded with coastal views from the top of the volcano.

The trail begins with an incline from the very first moment as you wind your way through the woodlands at the base of the volcano. It was a very beautiful part of the trail as the sunlight shone through the trees and into the mini canyons created by erosion on the path. At some points, the walls on either side of the trail were above head height, which added a unique atmosphere to the trail.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos:  MOUNT KAIMON HIKE (KAIMONDAKE) IN KAGOSHIMA

ENJOY AN ONSEN EXPERIENCE

Kyushu is famous for its hot springs and it is one of the most volcanic places in the world. It is Beppu that is at the center of this volcanic activity when it comes to onsens and hot springs with hundreds of different onsens, spa-resorts and hot springs to test out. It’s definitely an experience you want to try at least once. The general premise of an onsen experience is that you will arrive fully clothed, strip down to naked and then bathe in the hot spring water with the other locals and visitors. The minerals, temperature and meditative experience are said to be very beneficial for your health. I visited Hoyoland Onsen as they allowed people with tattoos to bathe whereas many do not due to traditional laws. There are lots of very scenic onsens to choose from but make sure you try it at least once as this is the most cultural experience you can have and one of the best things to do in Kyushu.

I didn’t take a photo at the onsen as it isn’t allowed and would be very weird as everyone is naked so I’ve added in a stock photo below to show you what it looks like. 

KEYA NO OTO HIKE IN ITOSHIMA

Keya no Oto is a beautiful coastal viewpoint of Itoshima, which has incredible views of the beach from the ominous ridgeline and a 64m cave below! You can hike all the way up onto the top of the ridge as there is a bit of a trail, which includes some basic bouldering/rock climbing. It isn’t a trail I would recommend unless you are athletic and adept at bouldering and climbing. 

Atop the ridge, it was a very narrow path. A 50m+ drop on either side meant we had to focus on our steps until we reached a safer, wider spot on top of the ridge. We took a moment to relax up here, taking in the view of the beach and down to the volcanic cone at the other end of the coastline.

Read the full blog post for details and all photos:  KEYA NO OTO HIKE IN ITOSHIMA

MOUNT YUFU HIKE

While I was based in Beppu I headed up for sunrise one morning to hike Mount Yufu. It’s known as being quite a tough hike due to the consistent incline and relentless switchbacks that lead you up to the two peaks at the summit. However, on the day I visited, it was covered in the cloud at the top. We saw deer along the way and really enjoyed the hike. I know the view from the summit is pretty epic so I’ve added it onto this list with a photo from a day with better weather. It was a 7km round trip with more than 700m of an incline up the switchbacks. I’ve included a photo below of the view from the top and the view from below on a day in better conditions than when I hiked. Keep in mind, it is known for being a peak that is hard to catch on a clear day so do pick the best day of the week regarding weather.

RYUMON FALLS

If you are staying near Kirishima then Ryumon Falls is definitely a spot I would recommend. It isn’t too far from Kirishima town and is a pretty epic waterfall. There is a small parking lot and then you walk about 500 meters to the viewing platform. You can go down closer to the base of the falls as well but it was a stormy, misty day when I visited and I was the only one there. I decided to just enjoy the view from the platform and snapped a photo from right there.

MOUNT TSURUMI HIKE

When you stay in the town of Beppu, you will always notice the mountains looming at the back of the valley. The highest point is called Mount Tsurumi and it’s actually possible to reach by cable car. However, there is a trail to the top if you are up for the very steep challenge.

Of course, if you are just in it for the view, take the cable car but for those who love the adventure and want to spot some deer along the way the trail starts just around the backside of the cable car parking. Drive an extra half mile up the road past the cable car parking and you will find the trail entrance on the right side of the road. It’s on maps.me if you can’t find it.

At the summit, you have a beautiful view down over the town of Beppu and the entire beach. Just like Mount Yufu, on the day I visited, the weather was quite poor visibility with heavy fog so I have included a photo from a clearer day so you can decide if this is a hike you are keen to add to your Kyushu bucket list.

WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU

• Best Luxury Place to Stay in Fukuoka: Hotel WBF Grande Hakata  (Value): This is by far the most popular hotel and one of the most luxurious in Fukuoka.
• Best Value Place to Stay in Kumamoto: Hotel The Gate Kumamoto  (Value):  Hotel The Gate is a well-situated accommodation in the heart of Kumamoto, just across the train station and within walking distance to shops and restaurants.
• Best Luxury Place to Stay in Kumamoto: Kumamoto Hotel Castle (Luxury):  Set near the infamous Kumamoto Castle, this luxury hotel features a wide range of carpeted rooms from standard rooms to suites fitted with plush amenities.

For a full list of the top-rated places to stay in Kyushu, you can check out my comprehensive guide: WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU: BEST REGIONS & HOTELS

ARE YOU FOLLOWING MY KYUSHU BLOG SERIES?

I spent over three weeks exploring Kyushu and visited some incredible waterfalls, hiked some amazing trails, and visited a number of epic volcanoes. I created a number of guides to help travelers find the best spots in Kyushu. You can explore the articles by clicking on the links below.

• The Ultimate Kyushu Bucketlist:   30 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KYUSHU
• The best places to stay in Kyushu in each region:   WHERE TO STAY IN KYUSHU: BEST REGIONS & HOTELS
• How to plan your Kyushu vacation:  THE ULTIMATE KYUSHU ITINERARY: 5-DAY, 7-DAY & 10-DAY
• Interested in chasing waterfalls?:   12 AWESOME WATERFALLS IN KYUSHU
• Keen for some epic hiking?:  11 AWESOME HIKES IN KYUSHU
• Everything you need to know about Oita:   11 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN OITA
• Your Ultimate Guide to Kumamoto:   13 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN KUMAMOTO
• My favorite waterfall in Kyushu:   TAKACHIHO GORGE – MOST BEAUTIFUL WATERFALL IN JAPAN

Wednesday 10th of January 2024

Thanks so much for this detailed and informative post!

Wednesday 23rd of August 2023

Heyo! I'd love to do this but I'm going in January, what month did you go in and would you say January might be too cold?

Tuesday 7th of March 2023

Looks great! Based on your blog, we decided to spend a week in this area next month! Do you remember where you rent a car as nothing looks availbe to me :(?

Sunday 1st of November 2020

Thank you for sharing your information about Kyushu and suggestion for sightseeing. Great job

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Kyushu Starts Here

I’ve had a Kyushu travel guide on this site for a long time—but I haven’t really been satisfied with it, if I’m perfectly honest. Some parts of it were downright superficial, and reflected the fact that I’ve been discovering the island piecemeal over the past several years, rather than having done a deep dive.

This changed recently, of course: In November 2019, I embarked upon a truly extensive Kyushu trip, which saw me visit each of the island’s prefectures. Some destinations were completely new to me, while I simply hadn’t seen others in a while. In both cases, the impact upon my understanding of Kyushu was extraordinary. And I’ve since been back many times.

Some of you have arrived on this page directly from a search engine, while others might have stumbled upon one of my stream-of-consciousness style Kyushu travel blog posts and come in that way. In either case, I’m delighted you’re here—and within a few paragraphs, I’m pretty sure you will be, too.

Practical Matters

When to visit kyushu.

Notice all the perfectly blue skies in this pictures throughout this Kyushu guide ? These are largely due to the fact that I traveled to Kyushu most recently during the month of November which, along with May, is one of my favorite months to visit Japan in general. While it’s true that you’ll need to come during the latter part of the month if you wanted to Kyushu’s autumn colors (or in late March if you want to see the sakura ), these two “shoulder” months (which are also, importantly, typhoon-free) are the best time to visit Kyushu, as far as I’m concerned.

Where to Stay in Kyushu

In general, the best hotels in Kyushu are slightly inferior to the ones you find in major destinations on Honshu, though they’re not as mediocre (in my opinion) as places to stay in Hokkaido and Shikoku. City hotels like Tokyu Stay Hakata and Hotel Forza Nagasaki , for example, are more or less up to Tokyo standards. On the other hand, I do find accommodations in secondary destinations to be lacking, be it guest houses at the foot of Mt. Aso, or all but a few onsen-ryokan properties in Beppu (such as the sea-facing Shiosai no Yado ) are disappointing.

How to Get Around in Kyushu

I’ll be referencing various modes of transport throughout this Kyushu travel guide, but in general I’d say you should expect a mix. The Shinkansen , for example, only runs between Fukuoka (Hakata), Kumamoto and Kagoshima, which means that for travel to cities like Nagasaki, Beppu and Miyzaki, you’ll need to avail ordinary express trains; some destinations (such as Mt. Aso) are currently only accessible by bus, on account of the 2016 earthquake. Additionally, although I generally have very mixed feelings about renting a car in Japan , in many cases this is the best way to explore secondary Kyushu destinations.

Money, Costs and Communication

Your Kyushu visit is unlikely to differ much from traveling elsewhere in Japan when it comes to money or costs: Most travelers will spend around ¥10,000-25,000 per day (this is about $90-230, as of publication time), and a surprising amount of that will be in cash, due to Japan’s resistance to cashless payments as compared to other countries. Kyushu has rapidly improved its Wi-Fi infrastructure alongside the rest of Japan; unlimited data SIMs are available for purchase at Fukuoka Airport, assuming you aren’t arriving at Haneda or Narita and picking one up there . Speaking Japanese helps when travel in Kyushu, but isn’t necessary.

Kyushu vs. Shikoku

The good news? I’ve written a post that compares and contrasts Shikoku vs. Kyushu (which, I’m happy to say, does not trash talk either of these islands, both amazing in their own ways). The better news: I’ll summarize its conclusion for you here. Simply put, Kyushu and Shikoku offer similar experiences (interesting medium-to-large sized cities and unique, easy-to-access natural experiences), with Kyushu being larger (and therefore having more potential choices for travelers) and Shikoku being smaller and having significantly fewer tourists.

Where to Go in Kyushu

Most Kyushu travel starts in Fukuoka , especially if this is where you’re arriving in Japan. I love this city more every time I visit it, from the temples and shrines of the historical Gion district just west of Hakata Station , to the panoramic views of the city from Atago-jinja shrine, which rises above the coast, to the famous Fukuoka Yatai food stalls. I also enjoy taking day trips from Fukouka, be they ones more or less in the city like Nanzo-in ‘s reclining Buddha or the famous Dazaifu Tenman-gu shrine, or Karatsu , a castle town about 90 minutes to the west (which is technically located in Saga prefecture, but whatever).

Nagasaki is one of the best places to visit in Kyushu—and not just because of World War II-era tourism sites, even if I find the area around Nagasaki Ground Zero to be very moving indeed. From the picturesque Oura Cathedral and Glover Garden in the southern part of the city, to the stunning panorama Mt. Inasa offers, Nagasaki is one of the most beautiful and eclectic cities in all of Japan—and not just Kyushu. Nagasaki also offers the opportunity to take several fascinating day trips, including to gorgeous Yutoku Inari Shrine and historical Yoshinogari Park , which re-creates like if the Yayoi era of ancient Japan.

Kumamoto and Mt. Aso

I’ll be honest: Before my latest trip, Kumamoto was not one of my favorite Kyushu destinations. I need to tell another truth, however, which is that I didn’t explore the city at the depth it deserves. While it’s difficult to deny the fact that Kumamoto Castle ‘s lingering damage is disappointing, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out how amazing other destinations in the city are, from lush Suizenji Park to Honmyo-ji , a temple above which a towering park offers a stunning view of the city. Kumamoto is also the nearest major city to Mt. Aso , which is amazing either as a day trip to Mt. Aso from Kumamoto , an overnight excursion.

Oita and Beppu Onsen

In the previous incarnation of my Kyushu travel guide, I focused largely on the Beppu Onsen hot springs you can actually swim in. During my latest trip, however, I got a chance to explore the Seven Hells of Beppu , with my favorites being Chinoike Jigoku (the “blood” hell) and Umi Jigoku (the “sea” hell). Another awesome part of my latest trip to Oita prefecture was renting a car and driving northward to the Kunisaki Peninsula , where destinations like the castle town of Kitsuki , Futago-ji temple deep in the forest and the vibrant Usa Jingu shrine surprised and delighted me.

Miyazaki and Takachiho Gorge

If you can time it right, the Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki prefecture (which is not located particularly close to Miyazaki City , I should warn you— this day trip to Takachiho from Kumamoto illustrates that) is a great place to see Kyushu autumn colors. Even if you can’t, of course, this underrated part of southeastern Kyushu is very much worth a visit, if only because of Udo Shrine . Dedicated to Japan’s first emperor Jimmu, who launched his first military expedition from nearby Hyuga , it’s one of the best-kept secrets in all of Japan, not to mention one of the most gorgeous spots you can visit.

Kagoshima and the Satsuma Peninsula

I didn’t intend to take a Kyushu road trip when I planned my November travel, but I ended up renting five separate cars. One of my favorite reasons for doing this was my day trip to the Satsuma Peninsula from Kagoshima . Spots like Chiran Samurai Village , the matcha fields of Ei , Cape Nagasakibana and the “sand bath” of Ibusuki provided the perfect foil to attractions within the city, from Sengan-en garden, to Sakurajima volcano, to Kagoshima’s answer to Fukuoka’s Yatai .

Yakushima Island

I’ve visited Yakushima during two bouts of my Kyushu travel: On my very first trip to Japan back in early 2014; and during my Kyushu deep dive in late 2019. The good news? The island remains enchanting forever, whether hiking in its interior amid the moss-covered forest at Shiratani Unsuikyo that inspired the anime classic Princess Mononoke , or bathing (or, at least, attempting to bathe) in natural onsen hot springs right at the sea. One thing that definitely made my second trip easier was renting a car, which I’d recommend you do if you have it in your budget.

How Long Should You Spend in Kyushu?

Regardless of why you decide to travel Kyushu or where you plan to go during your trip, I would generally say you should aim to spend as long in Kyushu as possible—things (and trains!) move slower here than they do in Honshu, which means you can’t fit quite as much into such a short amount of time as you might do elsewhere in Japan. In general, I’d say that one week in Kyushu or 2 weeks in Kyushu is a “Goldilocks” length of trip, which will afford you the opportunities to blend city experiences, natural adventures and maybe even a couple of wild cards.

Another factor affecting how many days in Kyushu, of course, is what your larger trip to Japan will look like. If, for example, you take a dedicated Kyushu trip like I recently did, you can afford to spend longer here. On the other hand, if Kyushu is one component of a more comprehensive Japan trip (I’m thinking two weeks in Japan , or perhaps even one month in Japan ), then a few days or a week is likely the longest amount of time you’ll be able to spend in Kyushu.

Is Kyushu Worth Visiting?

This one is easy, though there is some nuance I’ll speak too. On one hand, I would not have written a Kyushu travel guide (and traveled to the island so many times, including on my recent deep dive) if I didn’t feel Kyushu was worth visiting. On the other hand, there are a lot of misconceptions about this island, and one overarching truth: Most people simply don’t know a thing about Kyushu, apart from the existence of cities like Fukuoka and Nagasaki and maybe, the fake spa-musement park in Beppu .

Obviously, my hope is that if you’ve read my guide this far, you’ll be so excited about things to do in Kyushu at this point that literally nothing will be able to keep you off the island. Absent this, I’m not sure what I can say to convince you, other than to re-affirm my love for this island, and the fact that every time I’ve traveled here (I’m at three or four trips now, if I’m not mistaken) I crave a future opportunity to delve even deeper into it.

Other FAQ About Travel to Kyushu

When should i go to kyushu.

I love to go to Kyushu (which is already less crowded than hot spots like Tokyo or Kyoto, even in busy times) during the “shoulder” months like May and October. The good news is that no matter when you travel, much of the advice I present in this Kyushu travel blog will be relevant.

What is famous in Kyushu?

Kyushu is famous for the ramen of Hakata in Fukuoka, the atomic-bomb related sites in Nagasaki, Kumamoto Castle and the onsen hot springs of Beppu. To start with, anyway—as you’ve seen throughout this Kyushu travel guide, Kyushu is a land of treasures.

What is the climate of Kyushu?

Kyushu’s climate is defined by a mild, sunny winter, a hot and very rainy summer, and a spring and summer season that can go either way. Regardless of when you visit, you’ll want to make sure you curate things to do in Kyushu you can enjoy irrespective of the weather.

The Bottom Line

The extent to which you enjoy your Kyushu travel correlates directly with how deeply you can explore the island, although this isn’t necessarily tied to specific length of time. Ideally, you’ll be able to travel for at least a week in Kyushu, pairing urban experiences in large cities like Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto and Kagoshima with nature (Mt. Aso or Yakushima island), culture (hot springs in Beppu or the Udo Shrine in Miyazaki) or something else entirely. Need personalized help planning your Kyushu adventure? Commission a custom Japan itinerary today!

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Kyushu Travel Guide

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Kyushu’s one of the best-connected travel hubs in Japan and makes traveling here easy. Our articles introduce the highlights of this southern region.

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7 Day Kyushu Itinerary For First Time Visitors

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With one-of-a-kind cultural festivals, UNESCO world heritage sites and a thousand years of history to uncover, it’s no secret why Kyushu is starting to become a popular destination in Japan! In this 7 day Kyushu itinerary, we’ll show you what to visit as a first-time visitor.

For many first-time travellers, the first place people think of travelling to in Japan is Tokyo. Walking across the famous Shibuya Crossing and snapping the perfect Instagram photo in front of Tokyo Tower is the ultimate dream for many first-time visitors (it was ours too!). But what if I told you that you could still try your first bowl of ramen, ride the bullet train and have a romantic yukata date in one place and within 7 days?

The island of Kyushu is home to 7 out of Japan’s 47 prefectures and is the place I recommend to anyone who is interested in coming to Japan. To be honest, I’ve been formulating the perfect 7 day Kyushu itinerary for over six years. When I took my first trip to Japan, Kyushu was the first place I visited. That unforgettable experience is the inspiration for this itinerary. 

Seven days is the perfect amount of time to get the most out of your first trip to Kyushu, while still being able to take your time and enjoy the unique attractions each prefecture has to offer. After spending one week in Kyushu, you’ll understand why it’s a fantastic place to experience Japan.

So, join the fan club, and let’s get started on our 7 day Kyushu itinerary!

Beppu, Oita (1 day)

7 day kyushu itinerary.

Thanks to the recent expansion of the Kyushu Shinkansen line , travelling to all 7 prefectures in 7 days is 100% possible. Travelling via the high-speed bullet train is essential if you don’t have access to a car, making it a great option for first-time visitors.

To maximize your travel time, we recommend spending 1 night in each prefecture . Since this includes a lot of moving about, it’s best to take limited luggage. Moving from hotel to hotel can be tricky with a big suitcase, especially if you only have one day to explore each place.

A backpack would be great, or you can use coin lockers at train stations to secure your suitcase before being able to check into your hotel in the evening.

Fukuoka (1 day)

Often referred to as the “start-up city,” Fukuoka is the first stop for many travellers before jumping on a bus, plane or high-speed train to their next destination in Kyushu. With a steadily growing population, it’s the largest city in Kyushu and one of Japan’s 10 most populated cities. 

Whether you are arriving from Tokyo or from abroad, Fukuoka Airport is the best place to arrive if you’re travelling by plane. It offers a direct connection to the main city of Fukuoka (via Hakata Station) as well as flights to every prefecture on this list.

If you’re adding Kyushu as an addition to your Japan itinerary , you can choose to visit it after Hiroshima – it only takes about an hour to travel between the cities on the Shinkansen.

Even if you decide to shuffle the destinations around, Fukuoka will still be the perfect starting point for your 7 day Kyushu itinerary.

Things to do in Fukuoka

For this 7 day Kyushu itinerary, we recommend spending one night in Fukuoka to kick off our adventure. Fukuoka City has many hidden gems and photogenic attractions that make it a great place to visit, especially if you’re a first-time visitor. You can read our full one day Fukuoka itinerary for a more in-depth guide to the city.

Since you’ll be spending lots of time on public transportation during your trip, it might be a good idea to purchase a prepaid travel card (most people use Sugoca or Nimoca in Kyushu – but Suica also works).

We recommend starting at Hakata Station as it provides easy access to the rest of the city. Hakata Station is also where you can find the Nishitetsu Highway Bus Station (it’s actually located in the building next door). Make sure to check out the areas around Hakata Station , Nishitetsu (Tenjin) , Ohori Park , and Momochi Seaside Beach . 

Here are some other things to do in Fukuoka that you may want to add to your Kyushu itinerary:

• Dazaifu Shrine : Located in the city of Dazaifu, many university students and parents of young scholars flock to Dazaifu Shrine to pray for good luck in examinations and job hunting. Dazaifu Shrine has been an important piece of Shintō history for over 1,100 years. While you’re in town, don’t forget to stop at any souvenir store and try the local delicacy, a plum-blossom imprinted speciality rice cake called Umegae Mochi .
• Yanagawa : If you search for this spot on Google Maps (an essential travel app for Japan ) you might be surprised to learn that Yanagawa is still in Fukuoka prefecture and is only 1.5 hours away by train from Hakata Station. Known as the “ Venice of Kyushu ”, it’s a beautiful town that has many canals, quaint streets that are reminiscent of Amsterdam and lined with cherry blossom trees. You can take the river cruise that passes under stone bridges or take a walk through the old castle town. If you have access to a car, the Yanagawa Sunflower Park is also another lovely summer attraction you won’t want to miss out on!
• Sasaguri : If you’ve seen photos of the famous reclining Buddha at Nanzoin Temple, you will have heard of Sasaguri, Fukuoka! In addition to the great Buddha, Dainichiya Inn is another great spot to visit. Located at the foot of the Narufuchi Dam, this cultural gem is a Buddhist temple by day, and traditional Japanese ryokan (inn) by night. The temple is home to a 200-year-old cherry blossom tree, several red-maple leaf trees known as Momiji , and a large koi fish pond. Visiting during spring or fall is a must if you want to catch the gorgeous foliage from the inn’s many bay windows. There’s also a private bath on site that has an allotted time for each room, so there’s no need to worry if you have tattoos or feel anxious about being around strangers if it’s your first time visiting an onsen.
• Itoshima : If you want to plan a getaway to the sea, but aren’t sure where to go, Itoshima is another great day trip that’s less than an hour by train from Hakata Station. The most famous attraction is Sakurai Futamigaura (Meoto Iwa) Shrine, also known as the “wedded” rocks. In front of the famous rocks rests a beautiful white torii gate that rises up from the sea in a similar fashion to Miyajima’s Itsukushima Shrine. It’s a great place to take photos and watch the sunset before heading to the next destination on our trip.

Saga (1 day)

On our second day, we’ll head from Fukuoka to Saga. Saga Prefecture is the perfect summer destination. It wouldn’t be the perfect 7 day Kyushu itinerary without stopping here, and Saga City is only an hour by train from Hakata Station (that’s closer than Dazaifu!). To keep within our 7-day time limit, we plan to stay in Saga for one day.

Things to do in Saga

Always dreamed of attending a Japanese summer festival, tasting iconic Japanese street food like takoyaki (fried octopus balls), walking around wearing traditional festival clothes and watching the hanabe (fireworks) light up the night sky? Sagajoka Fireworks Festival in Saga City is the place to be! Every summer, locals march from Saga Station to watch 1,500 fireworks and stage performances near Saga’s castle.

Saga City is also where the annual Saga International Balloon Fiesta takes place. If you’re looking for a place to pose for some pictures, you can rent a kimono and take a tour inside Saga Castle to get the most out of your day (plus, the entree is free!).

If you only have one night to spend in Saga, and you can’t make it for any of the festivals, consider taking the extra 30-minute train ride to Takeo-Onsen Station .

Here are some more amazing things you can do in Saga: 

• Takeo Onsen : As you may have guessed from the station name, Takeo is famous for T akeo Onsen Romontei , which is within walking distance of Takeo-Onsen Station. The exterior is made of beautiful white and red lacquer. The interior is retro and reminiscent of a bygone era. This bath house offers traditional tatami rooms and well-preserved facilities that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
• Mifuneyama Rakuen : In addition to being the occasional host of teamLabs Japan , this 500,000 square meter park is located at the base of a small mountain and makes an excellent addition to our itinerary. You can enjoy seeing seasonal flowers all year round in the garden. Admission for the illumination exhibit is 1,200 yen per adult. The month of April is the best time to see the cherry blossom trees and azaleas in full bloom.
• Takeo Shrine & Library: These two attractions are right next to each other. The Takeo City Library is one of my favourite places to sit down and get some work done while sipping on some Starbucks. It’s forbidden to take pictures inside, but you won’t be the only tourist staring up at the impressive display of books. Takeo Shrine, while small in comparison to most shrines, lies in the heart of town. If you visit during the evening, a special surprise awaits you at Takeo Shrine – we won’t spoil it for you, but be sure to let us know if you enjoyed it!
• Marukei Shosha Company : The town of Arita is famous for being the birthplace of modern Japanese pottery and porcelain. Accessible by local trains from both Saga City and Takeo-Onsen Station, an antique store might seem like a strange thing to add to a travel itinerary. Who wants to go to an antique pottery store on vacation? I loved visiting the Marukei ShoSha Company and had a great time walking around the shop (very, very carefully walking around). The staff was very friendly and taking pictures was totally OK! The Arita Ceramics Fair is held in this town every year. If you want to bring home a one-of-a-kind souvenir that’s not only functional but beautiful, consider stopping by the Marukei Shosha Company on your way to Arita Town. 
• Sueyama Shrine : The torii gate of this unique shrine is made of 100% Arita porcelain, which makes for a dazzling sight after climbing up the steps to Sueyama Shrine. There are thousands of pieces of pottery scattered about Arita, which makes for an exciting easter-egg hunt. Finally, here’s a secret photo spot for you: in front of Sueyama Shrine is a train crossing where you can snap an iconic photo of a local commuter train while safely standing in front of the shrine.

Nagasaki (1 day)

It’s day three of our Kyushu trip, and our next stop is Nagasaki. We’ve got a full guide on how to have the perfect day trip to Nagasaki , so make sure to read that for more in-depth information about the city.

Things to do in Nagasaki

To make the most of your trip, I would recommend spending one day in Nagasaki. No matter where you go in Nagasaki, you’ll have to take the train back to Fukuoka to Togitsu Station (via the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen ) to reach the next destination on our list. 

You can’t go wrong in choosing any of these places to visit on your trip! Here are our recommendations for the best places to visit in Nagasaki (apart from the ones we mention in our one day itinerary ):

• Huis Ten Bosch : Pronounced “ house-ten-bos ,” this theme park is one of the best theme parks in all of Kyushu. The park is designed to look like a miniature Dutch village and boasts several attractions year-round. These include a summer pool party, the biggest fireworks festival on the island, American-style restaurants where you can try the famous Sasebo Burger , live performances, and every type of seasonal illumination you can think of. Check out the official website for Huis Ten Bosch to learn about ticket pricing and more.  
• Nagasaki Bio Park : Yet another popular theme park is the Nagasaki Bio Park . This hybrid zoo and botanical garden is home to roaming capybara and several “cage-free” animal exhibits. There’s also a Flower Dome and Pet Animal World (PAW) where you can pet guinea pigs among other small animals.
• Shimabara : This town, located on the other side of Nagasaki prefecture, may be the most difficult location to get to on this itinerary. However, I still believe it’s worth a visit. You can take a local train from Isahaya Station and reach Shimabara in less than 1.5 hours, so it’s still possible to spend a night here and have enough time to Kumamoto (there’s a much faster option to ride a ferry ). It’s a small castle town that rests between the sea and the draconian Mount Unzen. Shimabara Castle is stunning . Within walking distance of the castle is the Samurai Residence Street, where you can see fish swimming in tiny canals on the side of the road – yet another popular photo spot. Not far from the Samurai Residence Street is the private home of Shimabara’s cutest locals – three, now elderly, shiba dogs that occasionally feel like saying hello back to their adoring fans. 

Kumamoto (1 day)

One of the great things about travelling in Kyushu is how accessible the major cities are. It takes no time at all to get used to the train system here, which makes it the ideal mode of transportation for first-time visitors.

To get to the next city on our trip, simply hop on the Nishi Shinkansen Line and head on over to Kumamoto prefecture. If you decide to take the train as opposed to the ferry , your commute time from Nagasaki Station to Kumamoto Station will be around 2 hours. 

Things to do in Kumamoto

Here are some of the best things to check out when spending a day in Kumamoto:

• Kumamoto Castle & Sakura no baba Josaien : Kumamoto Castle is known as one of the three most prestigious castles in all of Japan. On your way to the castle, there’s a street full of traditional-style buildings known as Sakura no baba Josaien. If you’re feeling brave, this is a good spot to try a local delicacy known as basashi (raw horse meat). There are also several art museums and shrines in the vicinity of the castle and Sakura no baba Josaien. 
• Suizenji Jojuen Garden : For many first-time visitors, visiting a traditional Japanese garden is a dream come true. There is no better place than the Suizenji Jojuen Garden in Kumamoto City. This garden is easily accessible via the city tram and you can experience a real Japanese tea ceremony and watch a live Noh performance if you come during the right time. Always make sure to book in advance and arrive early so you don’t miss out on these amazing experiences! In 2021, it celebrated its 350th birthday.

Kagoshima (1 day)

Our next destination is the southernmost point of Japan’s main islands – Kagoshima. 

Kagoshima prefecture is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including but not limited to the Shoko Shuseikan Museum, Tokunoshima Island, and Yakushima (the island that inspired the setting of Hayao Miyazaki’s 1997 animated film Princess Mononoke ). Kagoshima is one of my favourite places to visit and is the third city I visited when I was a first-time traveller to Japan. 

Things to do in Kagoshima

To keep things short and simple, we’ll focus on Kagoshima City for this itinerary. To reach Kagoshima, take the Kyushu Shinkansen Line for 1 – 1.5 hours from Kumamoto Station to Kagoshima Station.

Here’s a list of attractions to check out when spending a day in Kagoshima City:

• AMU Plaza Kagoshima : Kagoshima Station is part of a large shopping mall called AMU Plaza Kagoshima. There’s an underground section (which can be a great option if you’re looking to escape the summer heat). There’s also a Ferris Wheel located on the 6th floor. AMU Plaza Kagoshima is an excellent starting point for sightseeing in Kagoshima City due to its close proximity to Kagoshima Station and the Kagoshima City Tram station. 
• Sakurajima : Did you know that Japan’s most active volcano is in Kagoshima? And that you could take a ferry ride there for only a couple of hundred yen? The island itself doesn’t offer much besides a local shrine, a few souvenir shops and the Nagisa Foot Bath Park. The best way to enjoy Sakurajima is to rent a car and explore the island. Getting around by city bus is also an option. There is also a “Portrait of a Scream” statue. This off-putting sculpture is actually a monument to the greatest rock concert that was ever held on the volcanic island. Apparently, 75,000 people flocked to Sakurajima to listen to Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi and it was so epic, they built a statue to commemorate the event. 
• Iso Beach : If you’re looking for a way to cool off during Japan’s notoriously hot summer, then look no further than Iso Beach. Iso Beach offers breathtaking views of Sakurajima and the Bay of Kagoshima. Dolphins are often spotted near this beach and locals often come here to jet ski. Just 20 minutes by bus from central Kagoshima City, Iso Beach is a perfect budget-friendly option for your day trip to Kagoshima.
• Sengan-en : A little farther north of Iso Beach is yet another traditional Japanese garden. Sengan-en is a garden that resides on the former grounds of the Shimadzu family estate. It’s a nice place to walk around and enjoy different angles of Sakurajima while surrounding yourself with the natural beauty of a Japanese garden. If you visit during November, you’ll have a chance to attend the annual Sengan-en Chrysanthemum Festival and enjoy seaside views framed by 15,000 chrysanthemums.

Miyazaki (1 day)

We’ve officially made it to the home stretch of our Kyushu itinerary. In our one day Miyazaki itinerary , we’ve outlined places you can access with a car that are the most popular travel destinations in Miyazaki prefecture. We’ve included famous places like Takachiho, Nichinan and Aoshima. While you technically could visit Takachiho and Aoshima without a car, for a first-time visitor, we’ll just stick to the places that are easily accessible by using public transportation or on foot.

Things to do in Miyazaki

Here are some highlights of the best things to see and do in Miyazaki City:

• Heiwadai (Peace Park Tower) : This monument that looks like the pinnacle example of Brutalist architecture is contrasted by tranquil views and beginner to intermediate-level hiking trails found at Heiwadai or Peace Park Tower. Constructed in 1940 to commemorate the 2,600th anniversary of the ascension of the legendary first emperor of Japan, Emperor Jimmu, this park is an excellent place to stretch your legs and take photos of Miyazaki’s famous Haniwa Garden .
• Miyazaki Shrine : Miyazaki Shrine is the city’s premier Shintō shrine and is another famous Miyazaki attraction that’s dedicated to Emperor Jimmu. The shrine is said to have been established 2,600 years ago. You can feel its prestige as you walk along the shaded approach, passing by large wooden lanterns and a large koi pond.
• 6 Raccoon Café & Society : Located just around the corner from downtown Wakakusa Street’s retro-style arcade lies 6 Raccoon Café & Society . This local restaurant offers cosy Toronto-inspired dining and delicious speciality coffee. If you’re looking for a great place to sit down and chat with the locals, this beloved cafe is a great place for a break.
• Tachibana Street : Miyazaki City has some great nightlife. Here are some of our favourite places that a) have friendly staff, and b) are foreigner-friendly. Please note that for 2 hours of “nom-mi-ho-dye” (all-you-can-drink) for men it’s ~3,000 yen and for women, it’s ~2,000 yen. If you are looking for a Western-style bar with billiards and some drinking games like Jenga, check out The Bar Miyazaki . If you’re a craft beer lover and want to try going to a local brewery, stop by Miyazaki Phoenix Brewing . If you’ve always dreamt of singing karaoke in Japan and seeing what all the hype is about, the mother-daughter run snack bar known as Cameson is the best place for first-time visitors to go (Cameson is found on the 4th floor of 三輪ビル . Take the elevator up and follow the sign in hiragana that says the bar is on the left). 

For our last day in Kyushu, we take a 3.5–4 hours train journey north towards Beppu. Located in the Oita Prefecture, Beppu is a famous onsen town, making it a great last stop on this Kyushu itinerary – it’s time to relax in a Japanese onsen!

If you decide to visit Japan in the autumn or winter, Beppu should be at the absolute top of your list. Famous for its onsens (there are some tattoo-friendly ones , which is great news since most public onsens don’t allow people with tattoos to enter) and diverse local cuisine, there’s a reason we’ve saved one of the best cities for last. 

Things to do in Beppu, Oita

Here are the best places to check out on your next trip to Beppu:

• Rakutenchi Zekkei no Yu : The Big Flower Ferris Wheel (Japan’s only double Ferris Wheel) is just one of many Showa-esque attractions you can see at Rakutenchi Zekkei no Yu. To get to the park, you can take the colourful cable car 260 metres up to the entrance atop Mount Tateishi. Other attractions include retro-style playgrounds, merry-go-rounds, roller-coasters and the Big Suspension Bridge – the best place to get a bird’s-eye view of Beppu. And yes, there’s also an onsen .
• Hachiman Asami Shrine : A short walk from Beppu Station, tucked away in the quiet suburbs, is Hachiman Asami Shrine. The entrance to this 1,000-year-old shrine is guarded by two massive cedar trees called “Meoto-sugi.” There’s also a 1,000-year-old camphor tree on the premises. If you visit Japan during January, Hachiman Asami Shrine is the perfect place to ring in the New Year.
• Mount Tsurumi & Beppu Ropeway : The view of the sea from 1,75 meters up in the air can only be enjoyed from the top of Beppu’s Mount Tsurumi. To access this summit, take the Beppu Ropeway and enjoy 360-degree views through the gondola’s glass windows. You can also hike to the top. The trail at Matogahama Park takes around four hours. The unparalleled scenery in both the winter and summer months is unmatched. If you’re the outdoorsy type, visiting Mount Tsurumi will be the cherry on top of your Beppu day trip. 
• Beppu Jigoku Meguri : Lastly, our day trip to Beppu would not be complete without recommending first-time visitors get a one-way ticket to “hell” (just kidding!). “Hell” is the term Japanese people use for open-air hot springs. At Beppu’s jIgoku Meguri, there are seven hot springs. You can purchase the Jigoku Pass (Hell Pass) and visit every spring for around 2,000 yen. Five of the seven “hells” are within walking distance of each other, so if you decide to visit during springtime, enjoy strolling beneath the cherry blossom trees.

Our one day Beppu itinerary gives you more details on what to see and do in this beautiful city.

Should You Get The JR Kyushu Pass?

If you’re planning to follow this Kyushu itinerary, the JR Kyushu Pass is 100% worth it.

As mentioned before, the most efficient way to travel around Kyushu is either by car or by using the train system . To maximize your travel time in between prefectures, the quickest way is using the Shinkansen (high-speed bullet train). Individual tickets can get a bit pricey if you use the bullet train, which is why the JR Kyushu Pass is a great choice for travellers. 

The JR Kyushu Rail Pass covers all of the main arteries of the island. This is essential for planning your Kyushu itinerary. There are a few different ones to choose from, but for this itinerary, you’d want to get the All Kyushu Pass (which covers the entire island of Kyushu) for seven days. There are even some extra benefits for purchasing the rail pass, such as discounts at select shops. 

How Many Days Is Enough For Kyushu?

Spending seven days in Kyushu gives you the opportunity to visit all prefectures and get a great first impression of this beautiful part of Japan. However, if you have more time, we highly recommend spending at least 10–14 days here.

There are so many things to see and do. All of the major cities we covered in this itinerary are 100% worth a day trip. We have a ton of other Kyushu travel guides on our site, so be sure to check them out for more inspiration.

Is It Worth Going To Kyushu?

Yes, Kyushu is 100% worth visiting . Kyushu may not be as popular as other destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, but visiting it is an incredible authentic Japanese experience. It’s a way to have even more unique experiences in Japan, learning more about the culture outside of the main touristy destinations.

Recently, a lot of popular YouTubers have been making trips down to Kyushu. Some more mainstream examples include Currently Hannah and Abroad in Japan . Even Rachel and Jun took a vacation to Miyazaki and filmed their experience walking across the famous suspension bridge in Takachiho.

Kyushu doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves. Living in Kyushu myself, I will continue shouting from the mountaintops for first-time visitors to come here and then go to Osaka and Tokyo. If you’re looking to have the perfect trip to Japan, consider adding Kyushu to your Japan bucket list .

Conclusion – One Week Kyushu Itinerary

Kyushu’s subtropical climate and dry winters make it the perfect travel destination all year round. With so much to offer, we can’t recommend this part of Japan enough as the perfect place for first-time visitors.

We hope this guide has helped you create the best Kyushu itinerary

ShaSha is a freelance writer based in Miyazaki, Japan. She loves coffee, anime, cats, documentaries, and going for five hour walks. You can visit her portfolio at https://www.thoughts-on-travel.com/

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4 thoughts on “7 Day Kyushu Itinerary For First Time Visitors”

Thank you for this suggested itinerary, ShaSha. I’m planning our second trip to Japan (2025) and wanted to do something extraordinary. Your article is a great start!

I live your itinerary and suggestions thankyou. What us the easiest way to get to tachachino gorge and mt aso? is it better to do a one day bus trip from kumamoto? I am also interested in japanese ceramic museums around nagasaki. Is there an accommodation chain of youth hostels, homestay or other budget accommodation you can suggest?

OMG, ShaSha, this is exactly what we needed! We’ve been once to Japan, Tokyo, Hakone, Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Kyoto, briefly Osaka. But we are going back in April 2024 with the main goal to see Kyushu, so your article here is perfect.

Since we will have 3 weeks, probably a full 2+ in Kyushu (or maybe a couple days on Shikoku?), will it make sense to simply expand on certain parts of your suggested 7-day itinerary to fill out our 2-3 weeks?

Thank you so much for this!

Thank you ShaSha, I have just started researching this area and your tips are amazing. My son lives in Kakogawa and suggested we visit Kyushu on our next visit in October 2024. As there will be 3 of us and our son cannot purchase a JR pass due to residency, do you think a car would be a better option? We will have one week to venture around before he has to return to work.

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One Week in Kyushu Itinerary: Explore the Best of Northern Kyushu, Japan

While most people associate Japan with Tokyo , Kyoto , and Osaka , one area that needs to be on your Japan itinerary is Kyushu Island. Kyushu is the third largest island in Japan’s archipelago and is located in the southern area of the country. 

Where are the best places to visit in Kyushu? Since the island is HUGE, we suggest that you spend the time in Northern Kyushu, specifically Fukuoka, Beppu, and Nagasaki. These underrated cities will give you an introduction to its beautiful landscapes and mountains, history, and mouthwatering local cuisines. Plus, these areas don’t attract huge crowds like in Tokyo and Kyoto. 

We suggest that you spend at least 1 week in Kyushu. This Kyushu 7 days itinerary highlights the cities to visit in Kyushu, transportation options, and recommended places to stay. As with any travel itinerary that we share, feel free to mix up the sightseeing attractions based on your interest and time.

Now let’s visit these Kyushu must-see tourist attractions!

Click on the links below to jump to certain sections of this Kyushu itinerary for 7 days.

• Map of Kyushu 
• How to Travel Around Kyushu
• Fukuoka (Days 1-2)
• Beppu (Days 3-4)
• Nagasaki (Days 5-6)
• Free Day or Departure (Day 7)

*Disclaimer: Traveling to Kyushu, Japan? This post contains affiliate links to Kyushu tourist attractions. If you click on them and make a purchase, we receive a small commission. There is no additional cost to you. Appreciate the support.

Map of Kyushu Itinerary for 1 Week

Click on the image above to see a larger version of where you’ll go on your Kyushu itinerary. Credit: Map data: Google

How to Travel Around Kyushu Using JR Pass

The best way to travel around Kyushu and all of Japan is by using the shinkansen high-speed train operated by Japan Rail (JR) Group. The shinkansen is convenient to use since they are fast, always arrive and depart on time, have comfortable seats, and run constantly. They also connect to the local train lines. Using the shinkansen is also a sustainable way to travel since you reduce your carbon footprint for long-distance travel. 

All visitors with a temporary visa have the opportunity to use the shinkansen if you have a wide-area Japan Rail (JR) Pass , JR Sanyo-Sanin – Northern Kyushu Pass , or JR Kyushu Pass . With the pass, you’re able to travel within a large area (basically all of Japan), take JR local and fast-speed train lines. You won’t be able to take the Nozomi and Mizuho fast line but the Sakura and Hikari still are quite fast with a few extra stops along the way.

You would need to calculate if it’s more cost-efficient to have a wide-area JR Pass, Sanyo-Sanin – Northern Kyushu Pass, or Kyushu Pass. Once you have your Kyushu itinerary ready, you can use this scheduler to determine the cost and the departure/arrival times of the shinkansen. 

The wide-area JR Pass is beneficial if you plan to visit different areas of Japan. They have a 7, 14, and 21-day pass. Buy your JR pass for a discounted price here . 

The Sanyo-Sanin – Northern Kyushu Pass is for the Kyushu area and also travels to/from the Osaka area. This pass lasts 7 days. Buy your pass here for a discounted price.  

JR Kyushu Pass is available but has duration of 3 or 5 days. This pass is good if you fly to Kyushu and don’t plan to travel outside of the island. Buy your JR Kyushu Pass here .

You’ll need to purchase the JR pass in advance and exchange the voucher for the physical ticket at the shinkansen ticket office on your arrival. It’s recommended that you also reserve seats in advance so you don’t need to worry about not getting one in the non-reserved seating car. You can reserve seats in person at the ticket office.

This post will focus on using the shinkansen between the cities since that was our main mode of transportation.

Kyushu Itinerary Day 1-2: Fukuoka

Fukuoka ( 福岡市) is the main city in Fukuoka Prefecture. As the northern city in Kyushu, it’s the perfect introduction to this island. With a mix of traditional and metropolitan architecture and culture, you’ll love spending a few days in Fukuoka (also referred to as Hakata in the Hakata area). If you are a huge ramen eater, you’ll love eating your way through this city. 

Read our detailed Fukuoka itinerary here.

Tochoji Temple is a recommended place to visit in Fukuoka.

How to Get to Fukuoka

Fukuoka has an international airport and it’s only 6 minutes away to get to the main station, Hakata Station ( 博多駅) by train. From the Fukuokakuku Station ( 福岡空港駅) at the airport, hop onto the local train on the Kuko Line and go two stops to Hakata Station. 

By Shinkansen 

If you’re coming from Honshu Island where Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are located, you’ll need to take the shinkansen directly to Hakata Station. Travel times will vary depending on your starting location. 

Top Things to Do in Fukuoka 

• Eat Hakata ramen (also referred to as tonkotsu ramen) when you’re in Fukuoka. Many of your favorite ramen shops originated here such as Ippudo, Ichiran, and Shin-Shin Ramen. You can easily spend the day trying different ramen branches.
• Take a historical walking tour . Visit important temples and shrines such as the Kushida Shrine and Tochoji Temple  which is close to Hakata Station.  
• Walk along the riverfront and try the Yatai food stalls in the evenings. It’s similar to hawker food stalls in Singapore .
• Go shopping at Canal City , a multi-level shopping center that has boutique and popular stores.
• Check out the old ruins of the Fukuoka Castle .
• See the views of Fukuoka city from Fukuoka Tower .
• Explore Dazaifu on a day trip . It was originally Fukuoka’s former government area so you can see ancient ruins of the buildings and also check out the shrines and temples.

Tenmangu Shrine is one of the best attractions to visit in Dazaifu.

Places to Stay in Fukuoka

We stayed at Hotel Mei which is within walking distance to Canal City. It’s a new hotel that offers various rooms whether you want a suite or an executive room. We had a budget-friendly room that was spacious and had the amenities needed for our stay. Book a room at Hotel Mei here .

For other options, check out accommodation reviews and book a room in Fukuoka here.

Kyushu Itinerary Day 3-4: Beppu

Beppu ( 別府市) is a famous onsen (hot springs) location in Japan. Located in Oita Prefecture, this mountainous city is unique to visit as you see steam coming from the rooftops of the onsen. You’ll love the opportunity to relax in a hot spring and also get a chance to see the multi-colored bubbly hot springs up close. Two days is a good amount of time to relax in the middle of your Japan itinerary. 

Click to read more about our Beppu itinerary here. 

How to get to beppu from fukuoka.

Take the shinkansen high-speed train from Fukuoka’s Hakata Station ( 博多駅) to Beppu Station ( 別府駅). It’ll take 2 hours. 

Top Things to Do in Beppu

• Relax at an onsen . You can choose to stay overnight at an onsen or spend time in one with mineral spring water, mud bath, or in the sand.  
• The main highlight of Beppu is to visit the Seven Hells of Beppu . Take the Jigoku Meguri (Hells Tour) to visit the seven hot springs – Chinoike, Tatsumaki, Shiraike, Oniyama, Kamado, Umi, and Oniishi Bozu. You’ll love the different colors from cobalt to mud pits for the hot springs. There are 8 Jigoku in the area but one isn’t a part of the Jigoku Meguri ticket combination. This attraction will take about half a day. 

Read our Seven Hells of Beppu guide here. 

Out of the Seven Hells of Beppu, Umi Jigoku is our favorite!

• Eat Beppu specialties such as steamed foods, steamed custard pudding and eggs, and toriten (tempura battered chicken).
• Take a day trip to Yufuin, one of the best onsen towns in Japan . Although it’s a smaller town, you can’t miss the relaxation opportunities and go hiking up Mount Yufu. 
• Visit Harmonyland , an outdoor Sanrio amusement park. See Hello Kitty and friends here or visit them in Tokyo’s Sanrio Puroland .

Places to Stay in Beppu

We stayed at Beppu Hostel U&T which was an affordable option and close to the Beppu Station. The rooms are larger than other places that we stayed at. Plus, this place has unlimited tea and beverage services! Book a room at Beppu Hostel U&T here.

For other options, click here to read reviews of Beppu accommodations and make a reservation . 

Kyushu Itinerary Day 5-6: Nagasaki 

Nagasaki ( 長崎) is a location that has both Japanese and Western influences. As the largest city in the Nagasaki Prefecture and former port city, you’ll see influences with the Portuguese and Dutch with the architecture and Christianity. It’s also known as the second location to experience the atomic bomb on August 9, 1945 (3 days after the Hiroshima incident). Since Nagasaki is a large area with lots of local attractions, you can easily spend 2-3 days here. 

Read more about our Nagasaki itinerary here. 

The Peace Statue at the Peace Park is a lovely place to visit in Nagasaki.

How to Get to Nagasaki from Beppu

To get to Nagasaki from Beppu, you’ll need to allocate 4 hours and do one transfer on the shinkansen fast-speed train. From Beppu Station ( 別府駅) to Fukuoka’s Hakata Station ( 博多駅) , the shinkansen ride will take 2 hours. Afterward, transfer at Hakata Station to go on a different train that goes to Nagasaki Station (長崎駅) . This will take another 2 hours. It’s a long journey so it’s recommended that you purchase a meal or snacks ahead of time for your ride. 

Top Things to Do in Nagasaki

• Learn about the history and events leading up to the atomic bomb incident at the Atomic Bomb Museum and the National Peace Memorial Hall for Atomic Bomb Victims.  Pay your respects at the Peace Park and also see the atomic bomb hypocenter at the Hypocenter Park .
• Visit Nagasaki’s churches such as Oura Church and Urakami Cathedral.
• Explore the isolated island for Dutch merchants at Dejima . 
• Eat champon , a noodle specialty dish from Nagasaki. It’s one of our favorite Japanese foods to eat!
• Visit Chinatown to shop and eat. If you can visit during the Nagasaki Lantern Festival , you’ll see over 15,000 lanterns light up the area. Nearby Chinatown is also the Spectacles Bridge that looks like a pair of glasses.

If you have a chance to visit Nagasaki during the Lantern Festival, you’ll see incredible decors and displays.

• Check out the nighttime views from the summit of Mount Inasa at 333 meters (1,093 feet) above sea level. You can take the ropeway to the top of the mountain.
• Take day trips to visit the Huis Ten Bosch , the Netherland-inspired amusement park, or see the abandoned island of Hashima Island (Battleship Island).

Places to Stay in Nagasaki

We stayed at MP Hotel Nagasaki Mizubenomori which is a quiet location in the residential area. This place is great if you’re looking for an apartment-style hotel room. The best part is that this room has a washing machine. Regardless, this place is close to the streetcar so you can travel around the city. Book a room at MP Hotel Nagasaki Mizubenomori here.

For other options, click here to read reviews of Nagasaki accommodations and make a reservation .

Kyushu Itinerary Day 7: Travel Day or Departure

On your last day in Kyushu, this is your free day to do whatever you’d like! Depending on your schedule you can visit neighboring areas in Kyushu, head to the neighboring Honshu Island, or depart back home via plane at Nagasaki or Fukuoka airport.

If you have extra time to explore Kyushu, take a day trip to Kumamoto ( 熊本市). The city is known for the Kumamoto Castle ( 熊本城) so you’ll get an opportunity to explore a historic landmark. 

How to Get to Kumamoto from Nagasaki

From Nagasaki to Kumamoto, take the shinkansen for a two-hour ride. From Nagasaki Station ( 長崎駅) , head to Shin-Tosu Station ( 新鳥栖駅) . The ride takes 1.5 hours. Transfer here and take the shinkansen to Kumamoto Station ( 熊本駅) for another 25 minutes. 

How to Get to Honshu Island from Nagasaki

If you are planning to head to Honshu Island, you’re in luck as there are many places to explore. Honshu Island is the largest island out of Japan’s archipelago. It has popular cities such as Hiroshima, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, and other exciting places. 

The nearest main city that is closest to Fukuoka is Hiroshima. We recommend that you stop by Hiroshima for two days to learn more about the Hiroshima atomic bomb , visit the Hiroshima Castle , and do a day trip to Miyajima Island . 

Although Hiroshima Castle is rebuilt, it’s still gorgeous to see!

How to Get to Hiroshima from Nagasaki

From Nagasaki to Hiroshima, take the shinkansen for a 3.5-hour ride. From Nagasaki Station ( 長崎駅) , head to Shin-Tosu Station ( 新鳥栖駅) . The ride takes 1.5 hours. Transfer here and take the shinkansen to Hiroshima Station ( 広島駅 ) for another 1 hour and 20 minutes. 

Have a safe departure! 

This one week in Kyushu went by quickly! This island has so many hidden gems to explore. We hope you enjoyed Kyushu as much as we did so you can return to visit Southern Kyushu in the future. 

What are you most interested in seeing in Northern Kyushu? If you have questions about this Kyushu travel guide or itinerary, ask one in the comments below.  

Save this post to your Japan Pinterest board. 

Featured photo & pin #1 photo credit: sepavone via Depositphotos.com

I'm Jackie - world explorer, hiker, and wanderer. I love planning things whether it is a trip or an upcoming event, exploring nature, hiking up mountains, and seeing new places. I'm notorious for getting lost, so you may see me circling a place a few times.

One Day in Fukuoka, Japan: A Fukuoka Itinerary That Is Great for Ramen Lovers

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This looks like such an amazing place. Unfortunately, when we were in Japan we didn’t have enough time to go to Nagasaki. We do hope to go back to visit places like this instead of all the big cities! Saving for later.

Thanks Pamela. There is so much to see in Japan! Once the current situation is over, hope you can make a plan to return to Japan. We would love to go back to Kyushu and spend time in the southern areas to see waterfalls and more beautiful landscapes.

Interesting places in Kyushu and we already know that Japan has many amazing places where we can spend our time. I love this place and will plan to go there.

Thank you! Kyushu Island is underrated since it takes a while to get there from Osaka and has fewer crowds. Look forward to hearing about your experiences when you visit.

I’ve always wanted to go to Japan!! What an amazing guide you’ve created. There’s so much to do and see especially in the Kyushu area. I’ll save this for my trip!

Thanks Katie! If you have any questions during your future Japan planning, I’m happy to help!

This is a great guide you’ve created for Japan. I’ve been to some Asian countries like India and I’m always excited to explore more countries there!

Thanks Olga! Glad you enjoyed this Kyushu itinerary! I’m overdue for a return trip to India. I’ve only been to Bangalore for work so I can’t wait to explore other tourist attractions.

I am truly blown away by everything Japan has to offer. We returned from our trip to Japan in February and I never thought to visit Kyushu – thank you for taking the time to write this. I feel like one could spend years in Japan and still not see it all!

Hi Sarah. We returned from our trip to Japan in February as well! Where did you go? Hope you get a chance to visit Kyushu in the future.

Just by your photos I already want to go Kyushu area! Great post!!

We visited Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka and Nara! So much we still need to see!

Hi Sarah – I agree! There is never enough time to explore all of Japan. Justin and I haven’t been Hakone yet, but it’s on the bucket list.

I’m late to this post but am planning a trip to Kyushu later this year for my first visit to Japan. Thanks for the insight, can’t wait to see what the island has to offer.

Hi JJ. Thank you for sharing a comment. Enjoy your time in Kyushu! Would love to hear back from you on your experience. We can’t wait to go back and explore more on Kyushu island.

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Girl Eat World

A girl's adventure in food and travel around the world, 7-day kyushu itinerary: where to go and what to see in kyushu.

The hardest yet most exciting part of traveling is often the planning stage and narrowing down where to go given the time you have. I visited the Kyushu region in Japan this past September. This is how I planned (and nearly failed to follow said ambitious plan) for the trip!

Tips for planning Kyushu Itinerary

Narrow down the city you want to visit – Kyushu is a huge region, and if you have limited time, you need to narrow down the experiences you want to see. No joke – whenever I am in a trip planning mode, I would open up google maps and see if there are any familiar names in the vicinity. I immediately zeroed in on the familiar cities: Hiroshima (not really in Kyushu but it’s very close), Fukuoka , Nagasaki, Kumamoto , and Kagoshima.

Plan out the order to visit the places you want to go to  – Once again, I used google maps to see where each place are in relative to each other, then I checked the train routes to map out the best ways to travel between these cities and how long the journey would take. Once I’ve done this, it became clear that we needed to make Fukuoka our base since it’s the center point of the cities we’ve picked.

Yes, You WILL need a JR Pass! JR Pass is the train pass that allows you to take intercity trains in Japan for cheaper. The sights to see in Kyushu are spread apart in different cities, so unless you’re planning to only visit one city, you will definitely need the JR Pass as you’ll likely be using the train to move around. You can buy Unlimited JR Pass or JR Kyushu Pass . Scroll down to the end of this post for more information about the JR Pass and which one is more suitable for you.

You must buy the JR Pass from outside of Japan before your trip . The JR pass is solely for tourists and it used to not be available for purchase within Japan, though there are now limited quantities for sale in Japan for a higher price. You should still buy it ahead of time to make sure and have it sent to your home before your trip, so make sure you get it way ahead of time so that it arrives before your trip.

Check the first and last train out of the city – I also checked for the first and last shinkansen out between cities so that I know the earliest time I can get to a city and the latest time I can leave. This helps me narrow that what activities I can do in the city.

Account for travel fatigue – I have to admit I got over-excited when I planned for this trip. I was really intent on hitting up all 5 cities in 7 days. My biggest advice here and a lesson I had to learn is to account for travel fatigue. You can’t feasibly be moving every other day and not get tired by the end of it. All of the cities I mentioned above are great destinations that I don’t want to miss – but it is very ambitious to hit up all five in 7 days. I had to sacrifice visiting Kagoshima since it isn’t convenient to get to if I want to also include Nagasaki in the itinerary.

My 7-Day Kyushu Travel Itinerary

In the end, after all the research, this is the Kyushu itinerary I went with:

• Day 1: Hiroshima . Land in Osaka in the morning, go to Hiroshima immediately, and spend all day in Hiroshima.
• Day 2: Fukuoka . Travel to Fukuoka in the morning, then spend time in  Fukuoka All-Day
• Day 3: Nagasaki . Travel to Nagasaki in the morning and spend the rest of the day in Nagasaki
• Day 4: Stay in  Nagasaki All-day
• Day 5: Nagasaki & Fukuoka . Spend time in Nagasaki in the morning, then go to  Fukuoka in the afternoon.
• Day 6: Kumamoto Day trip
• Day 7: Spend time in  Fukuoka in the morning, Fly back to Singapore in the afternoon

What to do and where to go in Kyushu, Japan

Here are some places you can consider visiting in Kyushu:

1. Fukuoka (2 days)

Fukuoka is the biggest city in Kyushu. It’s a great starting point for Kyushu – lots of direct trains leaving Hakata station, the main station of Fukuoka. Aside from that, they are also known for food! Yep, the Hakata ramen is actually from Fukuoka! You can read about the food in Fukuoka and Yatai stalls here .

2. Nagasaki (2-3 days)

Nagasaki needs no introduction, the city offers an extensive insight into Japan during the World War II period. Although they are mostly known for its bleak fate as the site of the second atomic bombing, Nagasaki holds an important place in Japanese history. During the era of seclusion called Sakoku, the Japanese were forbidden to leave the country, and the only foreign trade allowed within Japan was done through a manmade island in Nagasaki, called Dejima. Nowadays you can see history from the seclusion period as well as the era that follows after – the Dutch, Portuguese and Chinese influences from the 16-19th century when Nagasaki becomes the only open port in Japan.

3. Kumamoto (Day trip from Fukuoka)

In 2016, Kumamoto was hit by a series of very strong earthquakes. However, it’s still interesting to see the city after the earthquake. The Kumamoto castle, for one, was able to sustain the strong 7.0 earthquake, just as its Japanese architects had intended when the castle was built four centuries ago.

You can also do a road trip or tour to Mount Aso , one of the most beautiful areas in Kyushu. Kumamoto is a very doable day trip from Fukuoka. Read about my day trip to Kumamoto from Fukuoka here .

4. Kagoshima (1-2 days)

I did not make it to Kagoshima due to limited time in Kyushu, but I wish I had made it down here. Kagoshima is a seaside city in Kyushu and is best known for Sakurajima, a volcanic mountain often referred to as Japan’s Vesuvius. Aside from that, Kagoshima is also well known for its food and produce – most notably, the Kurobuta aka black pig, which is highly regarded in Japan for being high in protein and low in calories. Kurobuta is normally eaten in shabu-shabu style, aka Japanese hot pot.

If you have time and are interested in nature, you can also visit Yakushima, an island off the coast of Kagoshima. The island is covered in cedar forest that contains some of Japan’s oldest living trees – some as old as 7,000 years.

5. Beppu (1 day)

Beppu is a spa resort town, known for its range of onsens (Japanese hot springs) – they have over 2,000 onsens in Beppu! Aside from the usual hot springs, they also have sand baths, mud baths, and steam baths. You can relax in one of the Japanese’s favorite past times – a bath in the hot spring and eating Onsen food after. You can reach Beppu by train from Fukuoka, but if you’re a true Onsen enthusiast, you might want to check out this Beppu and Yufuin Onsen spa tour , which includes hotel pick-up and drop-off!

Booking Accommodations in Kyushu

Tips for booking hotels.

• Book ahead of time – Sometimes I like to “wing it” and book accommodations last minute in the spirit of being spontaneous. I quickly learned this isn’t a very smart move when it comes to visiting Japan, as the good hotels get booked up really fast.
• If you are a non-smoker, pay attention while booking and make sure you tick a non-smoking room  in the room type section. Smoking indoors is not illegal in Japan, so some hotels would segregate smoking and non-smoking rooms by floor. I had to stay in a smoking room in Nagasaki because I booked a smoking room by mistake and they had no more non-smoking rooms 🙁
• As we are traveling heavily by train, I find that staying at hotels that are on the main station itself  (the station where the shinkansen line stops) really helped us during traveling days since we don’t need to worry about the logistics of getting to the train station. As a bonus point, these areas also tend to be very convenient since in Japan the main station would also come attached with all the amenities like convenience stores, major stores for shopping, and restaurants.

Kyushu Hotel Recommendations

Here are the hotels we stayed in each city. Each of these is very close or attached to the main station of the city, so they are located in a  really good location.

• Hotel Granvia Hiroshima is literally on top of the Hiroshima station. Despite this, it was not noisy since the hotel rooms are located high up and they are good with noise insulation.
• JR Kyushu Hotel Nagasaki – yes, JR as in Japan Rail. Nagasaki station is quite small and the lobby of this hotel is right outside the exit of the station!
• Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Hakata , next to the Hakata Central station in Fukuoka – about 5 minutes walk. I ended up staying here because my first choice was booked up.
• JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Hakata Central – This was my first choice for Fukuoka, but it was booked up during my visit! It would have been really convenient because Hakata is a major station with all the convenience stores, shopping, and restaurants.

Using JR Pass in Kyushu: The FAQs

I have been to Japan many times before, but I’ve never used the JR pass. Getting a JR Pass only makes sense if you are moving around from city to city, it didn’t make economic sense to get the pass. But when visiting Kyushu, there is a big chance you actually need the JR Pass since the attractions in the Kyushu region span many cities.

What is JR Pass exactly?

JR pass is a form of rail pass that gives you unlimited access to all JR trains in Japan for 7, 14, or 21 days. I bolded the JR train part for emphasis since this gets confusing for some people – in Japan, there are many train companies and Japan Rail (JR) is one of them, and this pass is only valid for JR trains!

If you are coming to Japan, you HAVE to have already bought the JR Pass before your trip, from outside of Japan. The pass CAN NOT be bought from inside of Japan.

Which JR Pass do I need?

If you are planning to go all over Japan, you might want to get an unlimited pass. You can buy the unlimited JR pass here, which can be valid for 7, 14, or 21 days depending on the length of your trip.

However, if you are just going to places in the Kyushu area and your travel schedule fits within 3-5 days, then you can take a look into the JR Kyushu Pass since it’s much cheaper than the unlimited JR Pass.

I found this page to be very useful in terms of pass validity information. Since I was in Kyushu for 7 days and will be moving around a lot, it made sense for me to get the 7-day ticket for 29,110 yen (US$260), even though it was more expensive.

How do I find out the train schedules?

Surprisingly, the most user-friendly way is through Google Maps ! Use the public transport filter (The icon that looks like a train) and play with the “Depart at” filter to see the next train available from point A to B. I find their schedule to be quite accurate. Other than that, you can go to the station and look at the schedule there or use local websites like HyperDia .

Which Shinkansen train can I use with JR Pass?

Shinkansen is the famous Japanese bullet train. It is a much, much faster way to travel than taking a regular train and thus it became the preferred mode of transport for tourists and locals alike.

There are different types of Shinkansen trains running on the same route. Most of the time you don’t have to worry about it since they are all the same, and will get you from point A to B. However, in Kyushu, if you want to use your JR Pass you cannot take Mizuho or Nozomi trains . During my trip, I took mostly Sakura and Haruka trains.

How do you know which train is what type? You can tell the type of trains by looking at the schedule at the train station itself. If you are looking at Google Maps, it is the colored label next to the JR Logo. For example:

The screenshot above is a sample route from KIX to Osaka. In this case, this Shinkansen type is the blue ribbon with the JR logo next to it, which is Haruka . Since it is not Mizuho or Nozomi, you can take this train on JR Pass.

Cool, so how do you use the JR Pass?

First, a voucher for a JR pass must be purchased from outside of Japan , so you have to sort this out before you go on your trip. Once you have arrived in Japan, and on the day when you want the pass to be activated, you trade in the voucher at any major JR station for the actual pass.

The pass looks like this:

Once you have received the pass, you have to keep it with you for the duration of your travel and must always bring it with you when you do a train journey. Don’t lose your pass! It’s like your passport to take the train in Japan.

Also, whenever you want to use the JR pass, you don’t go through the automated gate like everyone else. Instead, you walk up to any JR station gate and show your pass to the ticket officer, usually to the left or right of the automated ticket gates.

Tips on how to travel on unreserved seats on Japanese Trains

JR Pass allows you to reserve seats for free, but in case you ever need to take unreserved seats (which is cheaper when you aren’t on JR Pass), such as if you are traveling with a friend who does not have JR Pass, here’s what I have learned from my experience:

1. Make sure you know ahead of time which cars are designated for unreserved seating

The digital signboard at any major Shinkansen station tells you all the information you need. It flips between Japanese and English, so don’t worry if you can’t read Japanese! Just wait a few seconds until it flips to English.

Things to note here are the Non-Reserved car indicator on the far right. In the picture above, it’s Cars 1-3. Also note the train type to the left of it, usually 8 or 16 cars. In the picture above it is 8 cars. I’ll explain why later.

2. Plan to line up 15-20 minutes before the schedule

During peak travel time it is entirely possible you might not get to sit next to your travel buddies when the train is full. Or worse, you may not get a seat at all! I have seen people standing up in the space between train cars. So to avoid this, allocate some time for lining up ahead of the scheduled train arrival time.

How do you line up properly in Japan? Easy! Get to your train platform and look down on the floor to find out where you are supposed to line up – usually, there would be a mark that looks like this:

3. Find out where exactly you are supposed to line up

Remember when I said to note the Non-Reserved car numbers and train type ? This comes in handy when you need to find out where the train will stop, so you know where exactly to line up. On the floor, they would normally have something a sign that looks like this:

This is when the train type matters – whether it’s 8 or 16 cars or whatever number. In the picture above, if your train is an 8-car train then you look at the green box. But if your train is a 16-car train then you look at the yellow box. So just match up the car numbers to the Non-reserved cars from the signboard to make sure you are lining up at the correct spot designated for unreserved seats. When the train comes, the door will open up exactly at this spot!

That’s all! It might seem complicated, but after doing this a few times it’s pretty easy 🙂

Are you planning a trip to Japan? I’ve written loads about the beautiful country. Check out the  ‘Japan’ category of this blog for some travel inspiration.

23 Comments

• September 14, 2023

Hi and thanks for this article, it’s very informative. Just wondering, if you follow your day 1 arrival in Osaka then back to Singapore on day 7 from Fukuoka? Then what rail pass you need to use from Osaka-Hiroshima and Hiroshima-Fukuoka? Thanks again

• March 15, 2023

THANK YOU!! I am SO glad I read this, especially about the shinkansen, how to work out the unreserved cars and also where to line up. There is just so much to know, I’d be lost if I hadn’t read it. Plan to go in May with my son. I can speak Japanese but am still overwhelmed by all this. Hope I get it right!!

I’m glad it helped you, Helen! Just note that if you travel with JR Pass you can reserve seats at the train station, so you won’t need to go on the unreserved car.

• April 26, 2020

Hello! This is actually quite informative. I’ve been to Fukuoka too, but I think I’ve missed out a lot of places once I’ve read your blog. Haha!

• January 7, 2020

Hello Melissa, what a wonderful blog!! I really like the way you present Japan in such a natural way. If you ever come back to Kyushu, let me show you around my hometown, Kobayashi. Kobayashi is in Miyazaki, so most travellers with limited time don’t put it on their list. But it is more than worth a visit! The Kirishima mountains are great for hiking and the lack of tourists makes for a very authentic Japanese experience. I’d be happy to help you with planning your trip or take you to the mountains or the other fabulous sights in the area.

• December 9, 2019

Hi Melissa, Did you buy subway pass for travel in Fukuoka? Was it useful or convenient to visit tourist sites around Fukuoka? Please advise.

Hey Soo, I didn’t buy travel pass in Fukuoka since we were mostly using it as a base for nearby attractions.

• October 4, 2019

Hi, good article but I do believe if you’re from Osaka and only going up (down to) Kumamoto in 7 days, you should consider the Sanyo san’n pass instead. 7 Day JR Sanyo-San’in-Northern Kyushu Area Pass Obtain your Exchange Order in prior by delivery / pick up, activate your 7 consecutive days rail pass that covers unlimited rides from Osaka/Kyoto to Northern Kyushu at a great price https://www.klook.com/activity/5769 It is not only save you a bit of money but also allows you to take faster Sanyo shinkansen which is not allowed only using ordinary JR Pass.

• September 14, 2019

Hi Melissa,

Have you been to Oita and Yufuin before? are both of these places near to beppu?

• September 15, 2019

Hey Ellisha, I haven’t been to those places unfortunately, but they are very close to Beppu.

• July 1, 2019

can i just buy the train tickets without having a JR pass? do they sell it over the counter?

• July 2, 2019

yes they sell tickets over the counter at the station at regular price

• May 15, 2019

Hi, if I am scheduling to hang around in Fukuoka area for 5 days only. Which pass are you recommending to me？ JR Kyushu Pass or JR Pass? Tq

• May 16, 2019

depends on your travel plan, but if you are only going to be in Kyushu then JR Kyushu will be sufficient.

• May 13, 2019

Hi! How much did you spend for the entire tour?

Can i rearrange the line up? Example will start in Kagoshima on Day 1 and so on?

• May 14, 2019

Hey Kaye, This was so long ago that I unfortunately don’t remember the budget. I think we spent less than $1500 per person though including flight from Singapore which was about $700. You can definitely rearrange the line up, as long as you are ok for long travel on Day 1. Kagoshima is located the furthest down from Fukuoka.

• January 30, 2019

hi thanks 4 sharing. hope you’ll explain more abt fukuoka n nagasaki soon becoz i’ll be there on april. and i need extra info for my iti. tq

• July 2, 2018

Thank you for the article. Very clearly written

• March 13, 2017

Just wondering why you didn’t get the JR Kyushu pass instead?

i think its because i needed it to be valid for 7 days

• November 21, 2016

Nice article! Wish to have JR pass experience. Thank you Melissa.

• November 14, 2016

Yes! They are very exact and punctual too!

last photo its so curious and funny. Train really stop in the place??

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Kyushu Travel Guide

Last updated on March 3rd, 2024

Find out the complete Kyushu travel guide and itinerary with the best things to do from northern to southern Kyushu. We spend an amazing time in Kyushu and here is our Kyushu travelogue including Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and more.

Here is our Kyushu travel guide with best things to do, best food to do, and best place to stay, that separate by prefecture and region:

For a quick idea on how to plan for your Kyushu itinerary , here is the ultimate travel guide to guide you on interesting things to do in Kyushu. Most importantly, how to getting around and some money-saving tips.

How To Plan Your Kyushu Itinerary: Ultimate Guide

Popular places to visit in Kyushu (Northern and Southern):

Northern Kyushu Region : Fukuoka Prefecture: Fukuoka, Dazaifu Kumamoto Prefecture: Kumamoto, Mt Aso, Kurokawa Onsen Nagasaki Prefecture: Nagasaki, Sasebo (Kujukushima Island), Huis Ten Bosch Oita Prefecture: Oita, Beppu, Yufuin, Kokonoe Saga Prefecture: Takeo Onsen

Southern Kyushu Region : Miyazaki Prefecture: Miyazaki, Nichinan, Takachiho Gorge Kagoshima Prefecture: Kagoshima, Sakurajima, Kirishima, Ibusuki

Awaiting place to explore in Kyushu: Okinawa Prefecture.

For a complete list of Kyushu travel info: 

• Kyushu food guide: What To Eat in Kyushu
• Where To Stay in Kyushu – Our Favorite Areas & Best Hotels

Added, we also have a separate travel blog to guide you with Kyushu SunQ Pass itinerary by traveling in central and southern Kyushu by using the bus in more detail. Places covered with SunQ Pass are Kumamoto, Mount Aso, Kurokawa Onsen, Takachiho Gorge, Miyazaki, and Beppu.

Read more:  Kyushu SunQ Pass itinerary: From North To South By Bus

Kyushu Transportation Guide

Public transport is one of the budget way when visiting Kyushu Japan. However, there is something that you need to know when traveling in Kyushu by bus and train. Below useful transport tips will help you save a lot of effort and money.

Kyushu JR Pass vs SunQ Pass: Which One To Choose?

Here are the useful Kyushu Transport Guide to make a reservation for train and bus:

• Tips For JR Kyushu Pass Seat Reservation Online and Onsite
• How to make reservation on Kyushu Odan Bus
• How to reserve highway bus ticket in Kyushu Japan

Detail explanation on easy travel from Fukuoka Airport to downtown city and other places:

• From Fukuoka Airport To City, Explained
• From Fukuoka Airport to Kumamoto by Bus, Explained

Fukuoka (福岡) is the biggest and busiest city in the Kyushu region. It is also a great base to plan for a day trip to nearby attractions, starting and end your Kyushu trip. Added, Fukuoka also the birthday to Hakata ramen, motsunabe, and mizutaki delicacy. Make sure to sample those local cuisines in Fukuoka when visiting Fukuoka.

• Fukuoka Itinerary: Ultimate Travel Guide
• Where To Stay in Fukuoka: Hakata or Tenjin

Easy short Day Trip From Fukuoka :

• Dazaifu Itinerary: Easy Day Trip From Fukuoka To Dazaifu
• Nanzoin Temple: Travel Guide Blog to Fukuoka Reclining Buddha
• [Kitakyushu] 1-Day Kitakyushu Itinerary To Shimonoseki, Mojiko, Kokura

The Complete Lists of Fukuoka Food Guide for the best food to eat in Fukuoka.

• Fukuoka Food Guide: Best Must Eat Food in Fukuoka
• Best Fukuoka Breakfast: Where To Eat Breakfast in Fukuoka
• Hakata Motsunabe Ooyama: Fukuoka Must Eat Food
• Hakata Showraku: Motsunabe For Solo Traveler
• Motsunabe Rakutenchi Hakata: Tasty Fukuoka’s Specialty Restaurant
• Tanya Hakata: Breakfast with Beef Tongue in Fukuoka
• Hakata Hanamidori Mizutaki: Fukuoka Best Chicken Delicacy

For Fukuoka Best Ramen :

• Top 6 Must-Try Best Fukuoka Ramen (Where To Eat)
• Hakata Issou: Local Favorite Best Ramen in Fukuoka
• Hakata Ikkousha Fukuoka: Must Eat Ramen Shop

Mojiko – Kokura – Shimonoseki

Kitakyushu (北九州) is located in the northernmost city in Kyushu. A day trip to Kitakyushu (Mojiko, Kokura, and Shimonoseki) from Fukuoka is full of mouthwatering food, historical monuments, and fun experience.

• [Kitakyushu] Karato Market: Sushi Battle Event in Shimonoseki

Nagasaki – Sasebo

Nagasaki (長崎) is a vibrant and exciting city, full of history and culture. There are many places to visit in Nagasaki and you can spend a couple of days going around the city.

Nagasaki city has extensive insights into World World II with Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, Nagasaki Peace Park, and historical memorial. Moreover, being one of the port cities open to foreigners during Japan’s isolation period, Nagasaki is a charming city that perfectly combined Japanese and Western cultures.

• Nagasaki Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Nagasaki: Best Hotels and Areas

For Nagasaki Best Food :

• Nagasaki Food Guide: What To Eat in Nagasaki
• Yossou Nagasaki: Best place for Chawanmushi

Kujukushima (99 Island) in Sasebo  is one of the top attraction spots that we highly recommended for your Kyushu itinerary. Although the name is called ninety-nine islands, there are a total of 208 uninhabited islands at the coast bay.

• Sasebo Itinerary: Kujukushima Sightseeing Cruise

Kumamoto – Aso – Kurokawa Onsen

The Kumamoto (熊本) is one of the must-visit places in Kyushu Japan. Plan your visit to explore the Kumamoto city, Aso, and Kurokawa Onsen. 

Kumamoto city (熊本市, Kumamoto-shi)  with what to do and eat during our visit.

• Things To Do in Kumamoto: 1-Day Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Kumamoto: Best hotel and areas

Kumamoto Food Guide :

• Kumamoto Food Guide: What To Eat in Kumamoto
• Suganoya Kumamoto: Must Try Food in Kumamoto
• Katsuretsutei Kumamoto: Best Tonkatsu Ever

Aso (阿蘇) is known as nature sightseeing. Mount Aso (阿蘇山, Asosan) is the largest active volcano in Japan and worth spending time to get closer to the volcano activities.

• Aso Travel Guide: How To Get There and Visiting Attraction Around
• Things To Do in Aso For 1-Day Aso Itinerary

Located at the northern foot of the Mount Aso, Kurokawa Onsen (黒川温泉) is the most popular hot spring spot in Kyushu. It boasted by numerous open-air baths and high quality of natural hot spring water. Many visitors are coming all the way to experience their authentic natural onsen bath in Kurokawa onsen.

• Kurokawa Onsen: A Guide To Natural Hot Spring Town
• Onsen Hopping in Kurokawa Onsen
• Yamamizuki Onsen Hopping: Access and Visit Information
• Where To Stay in Kurokawa Onsen
• Ryokan Ikoi: Best Stay in Kurokawa Onsen

Miyazaki – Takachiho Gorge

An amazing tropical city in Southern Kyushu, Miyazaki (宮崎) worth spending one or two days to slowly discover. It is ideal to plan on Miyazaki itinerary for an excellent day trip and visit the popular attractions along the Nichinan coastline.

• Miyazaki Itinerary: What to do and eat in Miyazaki
• Aoshima Island with Devil’s Dashboard and Aoshima Shrine
• Udo Shrine: A Stunning Shrine at Seaside Cliff
• Sunmesse Nichinan With Moai Statues
• Where To Stay in Miyazaki: Best Places and Hotel

Miyazaki Food Guide for best local specialties in Miyazaki:

• Miyazaki Food Guide: What To Eat in Miyazaki
• Tsukada Nojo Miyazaki: Best Food To Eat in Miyazaki
• Nichinan Best Food: Bonito Fish in Multiple Way

Takachiho Gorge (高千穂峡) is the most popular geological attraction and must-visit in the Kyushu region. Many locals and travelers from many countries coming to mesmerized this stunning natural wonder. Difficult to reach by public transport. Please read on my Takachiho Gorge travel guide, itinerary, things to do and transport arrangement to this dramatic columnar rock formations.

• Takachiho Gorge Travel Guide: 1-Day Itinerary Blog
• How To Get To Takachiho Gorge From Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Fukuoka
• What To Eat in Takachiho Gorge: Nagashi Somen

Oita – Beppu – Yufuin – Kokonoe

Located in Oita Prefecture, there are many attractions and things to do and see when visiting here. We plan our time visiting Beppu, Yufuin, and Kononoe Yume Otsurihashi and had a great time here.

Beppu (別府) , one of the famous onsen towns in Kyushu Japan. My Beppu itinerary and food hunting tour in this amazing hot spring town as below:

• Beppu Itinerary: Ultimate Travel Guide Blog
• Where to Stay in Beppu [Best Hotels and Ryokans]
• Nogami Honkan Ryokan: Beppu Best Budget Stay
• Umi Jigoku Beppu: Beautiful Blue Color Hot Spring Pond
• Chinoike Jigoku: Reddish Bloody Pond in Beppu

Yufuin (由布院/湯布院) is a renowned onsen town in Oita prefecture and famous for its unique charm. There are many boutiques, art museums, antique toy, restaurants, and shops can easily spend your time discovering.

• Yufuin Travel Guide: Must Eat Food And Things To Do
• Where To Stay in Yufuin: Best Ryokan in Yufuin

Half-Day Trip to Kononoe Yume Otsurihashi (九重”夢”大吊橋 ). It is Japan’s Highest Pedestrian Suspension Bridge.

• Kokonoe Yume Otsurihasi: A Walk To Japan Highest Suspension Bridge

Oita, Beppu, Yufuin Food Guide :

• Oita Food Guide: What To Eat in Oita, Beppu and Yufuin
• Beppu Must Try Food: Jigokumushi Kobo Kannawa
• Toyotsune Beppu: The Best Tempura Rice Bowl
• Rokusei Beppu: A Bowl of Handmade Reimen
• Yufumabushi Shin Food Blog: Must Eat Food in Yufuin
• Kotsukotsuan: Best Place To Try Oita Must Eat Food

Kagoshima – Sakurajima – Kirishima

Kagoshima (鹿児島) has plenty to offer. This charming city is undeniably the slowly moving island time. Take your time strolling along the rural and town areas, mesmerizing the active volcano in Mt. Sakurajima, exploring the Sengan-en Garden, soaking into the unique hot springs, and tasting the local cuisine.

• Kagoshima itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Day Trip Sakurajima Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Kagoshima: Best Areas and Hotels

Don’t miss out on the chance to indulge in the best Kagoshima food has to offer. We have explored some of the most popular and here is our recommendation food to eat in Kagoshima.

• Kagoshima Food Guide: Where and What To Do in Kagoshima
• Juan Kagoshima: Berkshire Pork Shabu-shabu

Kirishima (霧島) is an active volcanic mountain range that lies on the border between Miyazaki and Kagoshima Prefectures. It is well-known for its natural beauty (stunning mountains, highlands, volcanic lakes, and onsen). Here are what to do and see in the Kirishima area.

• Kirishima Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Kirishima: Best Onsen Hotel and Resort

We stayed in  Kirishima Hotel , one of the popular onsen resorts in Kirishima. Our stay included a hearty dinner and breakfast. It is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring Kirishima.

Check for room availability at Kirishima Hotel here ( Booking.com  |  Agoda.com )

Related Read : Kirishima Hotel Review: Ultimate Onsen Experience

• Country: Japan
• Location: Kyushu Region
• Places Visited (North Kyushu): Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Aso, Kurokawa Onsen, Beppu, Yufuin, Nagasaki, Sasebo, KitaKyushu (Shimonoseki, Mojiko Retro, Kokura)
• Places Visited (South Kyushu): Miyazaki, Takachiho Gorge, Kagoshima, Sakurajima, Kirishima

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DESTINATION Kyushu

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Easily reached by land, sea and air, dynamic Kyushu is bubbling with energy, culture and activity

Japan’s third-largest island is internationally famous for its tonkotsu ramen, varied hot springs, dramatic mountains, and peaceful beaches. While the startup hub of Fukuoka bubbles with international attention, the volcanic terrain to the south continues to rumble and smoke. The seismic activity has created a craggy wonderland of eight steaming hot spring areas, known collectively as Beppu Onsen , as well as soaring peaks to hike, such as Mt. Karakuni in the Kirishima mountain range . Offering a taste of both cutting-edge modernity and slow-paced living, Japan's southern island is best explored at a leisurely pace. Head south to relax on an island bursting with spectacular nature, culture and cuisine.

• The bubbling, beneficial waters of Beppu Onsen
• Chow down on a bowl of rich, creamy tonkotsu ramen in Fukuoka
• Views of smoking Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes
• Staring into the crater of a volcano atop Mt. Aso

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Home Travel Adventure through the heartland in Japan’s Kyushu

Adventure through the heartland in Japan’s Kyushu

This article is brought to you by Visit Kyushu.

Experiencing Kyushu for the first time is like unwrapping the best of presents. An unexpected surprise that warms the heart and soul. It is achingly beautiful, with aquamarine water, verdant islands, steaming hot springs, historical significance, soaring mountains, and everywhere, the warmth of the local people and the richness of the culture is all-encompassing.

Kyushu is an island located in the southwestern part of the Japanese archipelago and is a fertile destination; its rich volcanic soil ensures enticing food, and equally enticing scenery. While there are many spectacular prefectures on Kyushu, two stand out for the adventures you can experience there, Kunisaki, and Hirado. Let the team from Visit Kyushu inspire you to walk or cycle in the footsteps of the Samurai.

Discovering Kunisaki on two feet

The Kunisaki Peninsula is a place where you can come face-to-face with Japan’s national spiritual culture, with a thousand years of heritage and history – much of which remains unchanged today.

A wonderful way to immerse yourself in this history and culture is to undertake a four-night, five-day adventure along the Kunisaki Peninsula Ridge Long Trail, a path taken centuries ago by Shugendo Buddhist monks. Each step you take, when walking or cycling, will teach you about the monks back in ancient times, while you interact with the people who live on this land today.

Nada Midori-s. Image credit: Visit Kyushu

The itinerary

With a medium degree of difficulty, this tour is for groups of four -to -eight people and includes all meals along the way. Fly into Oita Airport, and meet your guide at Nada Midori-so, located by the sea on the Nada coast. The rhythmic sound of the waves as everyone is welcomed will set the scene for the harmonious nature of the journey.

From here, a private transfer will take you to Kitsuki, a town set around a castle that still looks much the same as it did during the Age of the Samurai. There are samurai residences on the hills to the north and south, with the historic merchant town sandwiched between them. Explore the town and visit the Tomaya tea shop to learn about tea etiquette and the tea ceremony. Tomaya should know, as it has been in business for almost three centuries.

Hop on your e-bike to start your cycling adventure over the mountain to Tashibu-no-Sho, with its truly beautiful landscape of rice terraces and villages that remain unchanged after many centuries. Meet some of the locals over a traditional lunch, then ride on through less hilly country towards Maki Odo and its Buddhist statues before pedalling on to Fukiji Temple, with its main hall a national treasure of Japan. It is a very spiritual place, and will help ease the tiredness of the 38km ride over the day.

Visitors cycling from Kitsuki to Tashibu-no-Sho. Image credit: Visit Kyushu

Wake at your ryokan and be blessed with ‘zazen’, a morning Zen meditation in the sanctuary that is Fukiji Temple. Mind clear, and breakfast done and dusted, you will be transferred by private car to Saihoji no Sato – the starting point of what will be a 9km hike over the day. With every step, you will feel the history of all that has gone before, as this path was used by Shugendo practitioners. Stop and take in the incredible views at the top of the pass, then venture to Ofudo Iwaya. This cave is called an Iwaya, and people worshipped it as a place where Buddha resided. Ofudo Iwaya is one of the largest, and the panorama is achingly beautiful.

Climbing the rocky incline from Saihoji no Sato to Ofudo Iwaya. Image credit: Visit Kyushu

After refuelling with lunch in this special place, descend down the mountain and stop off at Senso-ji Temple to make a wish on a ‘goma’ (piece of wood), then climb up the hill to Itsutsuji Fudo, the highest point of Kyu-Sento-ji, the remains of the former temple, which was one of the greatest in Kunisaki. Atop this steep rock, the goma on which you wrote your wish will be burned, and worshippers will pray that your wish will come true. Hike down the mountain then transfer by private vehicle to Imi Port, for the 20-minute boat trip to the island of Himeshima.

Painting a traditional mask in Himeshima; Standup paddling boarding in Beppu Bay. Image credits: Visit Kyushu

Known for its Fox Dance, you’ll learn to make a traditional mask and ‘Imokiri’, a local samurai cuisine. With that samurai energy you’ll be ready to walk up Mount Yahazu, a volcano that was active about 90,000 years ago, and look over the Kunisaki Peninsula, before heading back on the ferry and private car to Beppu Onsen, where you can experience the hot spring culture.

On your final day, stroll through the steamy hot springs of Myoban Onsen, then go for a stand up paddle to a secret cave in Beppu Bay. End your trip with a visit to the ruins of Hiji Castle.

Find out more about this itinerary to Kunisaki visit the new adventure page on the Visit Kyushu website.

Heavenly Hirado

The island of Hirado is in the western part of Kyushu, connected to the Kyushu mainland by a large suspension bridge. Hirado became the gateway to Japan in the 16 th century, when Portuguese ships arrived during the global Age of Discovery. This was the very place where the samurai first met the West. It was from here, that Western culture flowed into the rest of Japan and began to influence Japanese culture.

The island is mountainous with hilly terrain extending to the coast. The people here learned to grow crops on the limited land they had, and thanks to the warm currents that flow along the coast, fish are in great supply.

Cycling around Ikitsuki Island. Image credit: Visit Kyushu

This three-night, four-day journey, for a group of between two and four people, will see you based in the city of Hirado, a mysterious city with the typically Japanese-style Hirado Castle at its heart.

Day one will see you catch the ferry to Hirado, then take a bicycle tour of around 5.2km around the city, starting with Hirado Castle, which has incredible views over the city, mountains and the sea from the top floor.

Afterwards, visit the Matsuura Historical Museum to see the incredible collection of the Matsuura clan, who ruled Hirado. Marvel at the authentic samurai armour, and learn about the role Hirado played historically, as the place where Christianity was introduced. In the city, you can see ancient Japanese Buddhist temples, but you can also see a Catholic church standing next to them. 

Visiting Matsuura Historical Museum in Hirado. Image credit: Visit Kyushu

Day two will see you climbing the World Heritage-listed Mount Yasumandake. Ride the bike to the trailhead, stopping to take in the vistas at the Kawachi Pass on the way and purchase from hot spring water from a vending machine. It is an unusual place.

Mt. Yasumandake tells a wonderful story. It has become a spiritual stronghold for local residents, who created stone steps up the mountain so they could pay homage at the shrine at the top. There is also a history of visits to the shrine by hidden Christians. From the top, enjoy the views over the East China Sea.

Mount Yasumandake. Image credit: Visit Kyushu

Trek down towards Kasuga Village, a World Heritage Site. Kasuga Village has one of the few flat areas of the region with its terraced rice paddies a beautiful sight.  Return to the village in a private car, resting your legs after the 8km cycle and 5.3km trek.

Head out on the water on day three, on board a fishing boat. A fixed net is set in the bountiful sea and you will experience pulling up the fish with the net. Even better, you get to eat the fish you caught for breakfast. Back on dry land, learn how to make local specialty, ‘oshizushi’ (pressed sushi) before heading off on your bike for a 30km ride around the neighbouring island of Ikitsuki. The first half of the ride will be on the Sunset Road which has cliffs on the right and the sea on the left en route to your lunch stop – Obae Lighthouse at the northern tip of the island.

Cycle back along the eastern side of the island stopping along the way to learn more about the local people’s way of life on this. Dinner will be at a local ‘izakaya’ loved by the locals.

On the last day, learn to make ‘casdoce’, a sweet form of castella cake that was introduced to the locals when the Portuguese ships came here in the 16 th century.  A very sweet way to end a wonderful exploration of this fascinating island.

Catching fish in Hirado; casdoce cake. Image credits: Visit Kyushu

For more information on this Hirado itinerary, visit the new adventure page on the Visit Kyushu website.

Plan your next adventure to Kyushu by visiting visit-kyushu.com

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Best of Kyushu

Day 1 - Fukuoka

Day 2 - Fukuoka to Nagasaki

Day 3 - Nagasaki to Kagoshima

Day 4 - Kagoshima to Yakushima

Day 5 and 6 - Yakushima

Day 7 - Kagoshima to Kirishima

Day 8 - Kirishima to Kumamoto

Day 9 - Kumamoto to Takachiho

Day 10 - Takachiho to Kurokawa via Aso

Day 11 - Yufuin via Mount Kuju

Day 12 and 13 - Beppu

The above itinerary is somewhat fast-paced. Tourists preferring a slow pace of travel should consider spending more time at some of the destinations along the way.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Kyushu Package Tour

Tour highlights, best of kyushu private tour.

We know all the best Kyushu sightseeing spots. Ask us to arrange a private Kyushu package tour and see them for yourself.

Travel with just your friends or family with our English-speaking guide on a private tour bus. Airport transfers, hotels, meals, and entrance fees are all included. You just need to book your flights and pack your suitcase!

Contact us to request detailed itinerary or read below for more information. Book with confidence with an all-in-one price (no hidden extras).

Note: if you prefer to travel without a guide (“free and easy”) by train or self-drive rental car visit this page instead .

TOUR SCHEDULE

8 days tour (7 nights) Starts and ends in Fukuoka city

Contact us if you prefer a longer or shorter tour.

SAMPLE TOUR OUTLINE

Day 1: Overnight in Beppu

Fukuoka airport meet and greet → Old town strolling → Exploring bygone era Japanese stores → Exquisite handmade dolls extravaganza → Discover the Hells of Beppu →  Natural hot spring (onsen) bathing

Tour Day 2: Hells of Beppu

Day 2: Overnight in Takachiho

Traditional crystal-growing huts → Birds’ eye view suspension bridge → Scenic countryside drive → Riverside cave shrine → Comical and poignant traditional dance at 1,900 year-old shrine

Day 2: Comical and poignant traditional dance

Day 3: Overnight in Kumamoto

Strolling the wonderful Takachiho gorge → Active volcano crater visit →  Kumamoto Castle (one of Japan’s top castles)

Day 3: Active volcano crater

Day 4: Overnight in Nagasaki

Ocean ferry ride → Remains of volcanic buried houses → Explore vibrant Nagasaki → Ropeway to sparkling night-time viewpoint

Day 4: Kumamoto Castle

Day 5: Overnight in Ureshino

Nagasaki atomic bomb museum and Peace Park → Wonderful ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) → Indoor and outdoors onsen bathing (best quality water) → Unforgettable ‘Kaiseki’ dinner

Day 5: Onsen bathing (best quality water)

Day 6: Overnight in Fukuoka city

Hands-on green tea making class → Village of the Secret Kilns → Pottery shops stolling → Late afternoon ocean viewpoint (except wintertime) → Free and Easy evening in Fukuoka city

Day 6: Village of the Secret Kilns

Day 7: Free and Easy

Breakfast at the hotel > free and easy day in Fukuoka city for shopping and dining

Fukuoka riverbank at night

Day 8: End of tour

Hotel checkout  > Transfer to airport. The tour is over but the memories remain. Thanks for trusting Kyushu Journeys for your Best of Kyushu Tour.

Contact us for pricing (price varies depending upon group size).

Included: meals, transport, accommodation, guide, entrance fees

Excluded: flight

Meet Moo: company owner and chief trip planner

ABOUT KYUSHU JOURNEYS

Owned and managed by a Kyushu local we want to help you find the real Japan and avoid the tourist traps. It’s our mission to introduce you to our amazing island of Kyushu so you can tell the world.

We strive to operate at all times with honesty and integrity. Expect the highest levels of customer service and expert local knowledge.

Kyushu Journeys is a fully registered travel agent with all legal protections in place.

We are proud to bring you this unique and memorable Best of Kyushu Tour.

FOODIE HIGHLIGHTS

Charcoal grilled eel

Let’s enjoy saké tasting

Unforgettable ‘kaiseki’ (eat like an Emperor)

PREVIOUS SAKURA WORDS & PICS

The cherry blossoms were awesome and the timing just right! Thanks for a memorable trip.

Kyushu Tour FAQS

Read the most common questions here or send us a message. We are waiting for your questions about our Best of Kyushu Tour.

WHAT IS THE DETAILED ITINERARY?

Above is a sample tour. Contact us to request a detailed itinerary, price and info about inclusions, exclusions and booking conditions. Feel free to ask any other questions about this tour.

WHAT KIND OF ACCOMMODATION WILL I STAY?

You will stay in a mix of clean and comfortable city hotels and traditional Japanese ryokan inns with onsen baths. In the city hotels you will be sleeping in western beds. In the Japanese ryokan inns you will be sleeping in a mix of western beds and traditional Japanese-style futon beds on tatami mat flooring. 

WHAT KIND OF FOOD CAN I EXPECT ON THIS TOUR?

Your trip planner is a passionate foodie. She has carefully selected every eatery to highlight the quality cuisine that Kyushu is so famous for throughout Japan. If you have any dietary restriction please ask us about alternatives available before booking your tour.

WHAT IS ONSEN (HOT-SPING) BATHING?

Kyushu is known as ‘Onsen Island’ so we have included some quality onsen on this tour. An onsen is a bathing pool using water from natural hot-springs. It’s a wonderful pleasure with many health benefits. As nudity is required, onsen bathing is usually sex-segregated with males in one public bath and females in a different public bath. If you feel uncomfortable being naked you can skip this activity and relax in your room instead. Feel free to contact us with any questions you have about onsen bathing or ask us about options for private family bathing.

HOW WILL I TRAVEL AROUND?

Comfortable private bus.

HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN JOIN?

This is a private tour so any number of participants in your group can join.

CAN YOU RUN A TOUR FOR 1 OR 2 PEOPLE?

For single travellers or couples we suggest you join one of our group tours (Autumn Leaves, Cherry Blossom, or Foodie Tour). Visit our homepage to see the latest group tours with spaces still available.

IS THIS TRIP SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?

This is an adult tour with no activities for children. However because this is a private tour participants of any age can join.

IS THIS TRIP SUITABLE FOR SENIORS?

Definitely yes! You will be travelling by private bus and accompanied at all times by an English-speaking tour leader. There are no long hikes on this tour but of course you will need to walk around various attractions. There will be some non-paved paths and steps to climb (especially in shrines or temples). It will be no problem if you prefer to skip any activity and wait for the group on the bus or in a seated area.

WHO RUNS THIS TOUR?

This tour has been commissioned by Walking Wise Tours & Travel (UK) after extensive discussion of the itinerary with ourselves (Kyushu Journeys). It is based on our recommendations and we will operate and manage all aspects of the tour here in Japan.

WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?

Inform us how many participants and any questions you want to ask. We’ll get back to you with everything you need to know about this Best of Kyushu Tour 2023.

REQUEST ITINERARY

Or ask questions, share your love of japan travel, more kyushu info and ideas.

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