This itinerary takes you from north to south through Japan’s southern most main island, Kyushu in 14 days. All the way from the bustling metropolis of Fukuoka in the north, over the historic and picturesque pottery village of Arita, the culturally diverse Nagasaki, steaming onsen baths on valcanoes, and to Kagoshima’s active volcano Sakurajima and Ibusuki’s famous sand baths in the south. The itinerary is fairly comfortable, and relies fully on public transportation.
Japan consists of thousands of islands. The 4 largest islands however make up almost the entire country; Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. Kyushu is located the furthest south of the four islands, and is thus considered to be the southern part of mainland Japan, with all that follows like warmer weather, hospitable locals and a unique cuisine.
Kyushu, which is home to about 14 million people, is a large island. The distance by car, from one end of the island to the other is about 400km a distance which would take 5-7 hours to drive. Luckily the railway network is very well developed in Kyushu, and travelig around the island without a car is very easy. That makes train travel a highly practical option for visitors who wish to experience all the unique cities, ancient castles, local traditions, wild nature, active volcanoes and steaming onsen baths that Kyushu has to offer.
14-day itinerary Kyushu
| Day | Location |
|---|---|
| Day 1-4 | Fukuoka and trips to Dazaifu, Nanzo-in and Nokonoshima |
| Day 5 | Saga |
| Day 6 | Arita – town of porcelain |
| Day 7-8 | Nagasaki |
| Day 9 | Unzen – onsen stay on a volcano |
| Day 10-11 | Kumamoto and Mt. Aso |
| Day 12-13 | Kagoshima and Sakurajima |
| Day 14 | Ibusuki |
Details of itinerary
Day 1 details (Fukuoka)
| Hotels Miyako Hotel Hakata, Via Inn Hakataguchi Ekimae, Fukuoka Guesthouse HIVE Destinations Kushida Shrine, Hakata Old Town, Tocho-ji Temple, Seiryu Park, Canal City, Rakusuien Garden, Sumiyoshi Shrine, Nakasu Description of the day On your first day in Fukuoka you will explore many of the citys famous locations, as well a some hidden gems which many visitors don’t find! On this day you will focus on the central and old part of the city. The above list is suggestions for destinations on this day. Check out the 1-day itinerary and 2-day itinerary for Fukuoka for inspiration. |
Day 2 details (Fukuoka)
| Hotels Miyako Hotel Hakata, Via Inn Hakataguchi Ekimae, Fukuoka Guesthouse HIVE Destinations Ohori Park, Fukuoka Castle Ruins, Ohori Park Japanese Garden, Fukuoka City Museum, Fukuoka Tower, Nishi Park, Tenjin Shopping and Entertainment Area, Gokoku Shrine Description of the day The second days is focused around the western park of the central city, where we find the famous Ohori Park. Above is a list of options for you to explore. Check out the 1-day itinerary and 2-day itinerary for Fukuoka for inspiration. Make sure you don’t miss the (almost hidden) Japanese Garden which is located at the southern entrance to Ohori Park, right by the Art Museum. |
Day 3 details (Fukuoka)
| Hotels Miyako Hotel Hakata, Via Inn Hakataguchi Ekimae, Fukuoka Guesthouse HIVE Destinations Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Nanzo-in Temple Description of the day The third day offers a day-trip out of the city. The first stop is Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, a shinto shrine which is dedicated to the scholar and politician Michizane who lived over a thousand years ago. It is very popular amongst students as a place to pray for luck in studies. Strolling through the streets leading up to the beautiful shrine, you will pass through Tenjinsama Street which is lined with traditional shops and booths. After finishing at Dazaifu, you will transfer to Nanzo-in temple – a beautiful forest temple, with an impressive large reclining buddha statue! |
Day 4 details (Fukuoka)
| Hotels Miyako Hotel Hakata, Via Inn Hakataguchi Ekimae, Fukuoka Guesthouse HIVE Destinations Nokonoshima Island Park Description of the day On this fourth day you will take the ferry from Fukuoka to the island of Nokonoshima (shima means island). Here you can experience the authentic Japanese island life and visit the Nokonoshima Island Park, a flower park which attracts many visitors to the island. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, and explore the small settlements by foot or bicycle. You can get your lunch a one of the cafe’s around the port area. |
Day 5 details (Saga)
| Hotels Garden Terrace Saga Hotel & Maritopia, Hotel Route Inn Saga Ekimae, Saga City Hotel Destinations Saga Ballon Museum, Saga Castle Ruins, Saga Prefectural Art Museum, Saga City Observation Deck, Saga-jinja shrine, Matsubara-jinja shrine Description of the day Saga is very famous for it’s yearly Hot Air Balloon Festival! Chances are that you won’t be in Saga during the festival, so start out with a visit to the Ballon Museum which is dedicated to this unique festival and it’s history. You can then visit Saga Castle Ruins and Saga Prefectural Art museum before stopping by the two very contrasting shrines of Saga-jinja and Matsubara-jinja. End the day with a panoramic view over Saga. The free Saga City Observation Deck is located on the top floor of Saga Prefectural Government Office, and is open until 22:00 (10pm). |
Day 6 details (Arita)
| Hotels ILHA / ACCOMODATION, Guesthouse Sofusha Destinations Arita Main Street, Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Tonbai walls, Arita Porcelain Park, Izumiyama quarry Description of the day On the 6th day you will move from Saga city to Arita. The town of Arita is famous throughout the world for its pottery. Arita was the first place in Japan where porcelain was produced in the 1600’s and today the town still lives strong on its history and reputation of fine pottery. You don’t have to be a porcelain aficionado to enjoy Arita. It is a scenic little town full of Japanese culture and it has played a very important part in Japanese history. You will spend the day strolling the town, enjoying the amazing slow-life atmosphere of a Japanese country side village, and you will have great opportunities for shopping for authentic souvenirs at the dozens of small porcelain shops which line the main street. A visit to the ceramic museum is also recommended! Read more about Arita and it’s history. |
Day 7 details (Nagasaki)
| Hotels Hilton Nagasaki, APA Hotel Nagasaki Ekimae, Hotel Wing Port Nagasaki Destinations Nagasaki Peace Park, Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, 26 Martyrs Museum and Monument, Nagasaki Chinatown, Dejima, Mount Inasa Night View Description of the day On the 7th day you will travel from the country side village of Artia to the bustling city of Nagasaki (2-day itinerary). During your 2 days in Nagasaki you will explore the rich history of the city. You will learn about the arrival of the Europeans in Japan in the 1500’s, the rapid spread of Christianity and the governments response to the new religion. You will see old trading posts, explore European-style churches, Chinese temples and shrines, Western mansions and taste Nagasaki’s famous Champon noodle dish. Of course, you will also visit the Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum, a part of recent history which has defined Nagasaki. On this first day in Nagasaki you will explore both the dark part of the city’s history, but also encounter the diversity which has defined Nagasaki for centuries. Check out the 2-day itinerary for inspiration! |
Day 8 details (Nagasaki)
| Hotels Hilton Nagasaki, APA Hotel Nagasaki Ekimae, Hotel Wing Port Nagasaki Destinations Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture, Meganebashi Bridge, Kofuku-ji Temple, Sofuku-ji Temple, Kōshi-byō Confucius Shrine, Dutch Slope, Glover Garden, Oura Church Description of the day On this 8th day you will explore the earlier history of Nagasaki, from before 1945. >>You will visit historic museums, land marks, Chinese and Japanese temples as well as see the clear architectural influence of the Dutch! Check out the 2-day itinerary for inspiration! |
Day 9 details (Unzen)
| Hotels Ryotei Hanzuiryo, Unzen Fukudaya, Azumaen Destinations Unzen Ropeway, Unzen Jigoku, Description of the day Today you will explore and stay on an active volcano! You will spend most of the morning transferring from Nagasaki to Unzen. First you will enjoy a scenic train ride, then a scenic bus ride up the mountain to Unzen. Here you can explore the natural hot springs which made this town famous. In fact this area is located inside Japans first national park. Visit Unzen Jigoku (Unzen Hell) and wander through the crazy scenery of steam and hot water, then find transportation to the Unzen Ropeway which will take you up the mountain for a spectacular view. But most importantly, it is highly recommended to book accommodation which has Onsen baths so you can spend all afternoon and evening soaking in the fantastic hot spring water. Unzen is a truly spectacular location! If you want to extend your trip, taking an extra day here to relax is a good choice. |
Day 10 details (Kumamoto)
| Hotels THE BLOSSOM KUMAMOTO, Route-Inn Kumamoto Ekimae, Hotel The Gate Kumamoto Destinations Suizen-ji Jōju-en Garden, Lafcadio Hearn’s Former Residence, Kumamoto City Hall Observation Floor, Sakura-no-baba Johsaien “Castle Town”, Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art, Explore the central city Description of the day On the morning of day 10 you will transfer from Unzen to the larger city of Kumamoto by bus and ferry. Spend the rest of the day in Kumamoto exploring some of it’s many attractions and it’s city center. You can get inspiration from the Kumamoto 2-day itinerary. Some of the highlights include Kumamoto Castle and Suizen-ji Jōju-en Garden. |
Day 11 details (Kumamoto)
| Hotels THE BLOSSOM KUMAMOTO, Route-Inn Kumamoto Ekimae, Hotel The Gate Kumamoto Destinations Mount Aso Active Volcano Day Trip (book tour) (sometimes the volcano is closed for safety reasons, so be prepared for cancellations). Description of the day Spend day 11 either on a day trip from Kumamoto or explore the sites you didn’t have time to see yesterday. The most popular day tour destination is the (very) active volcano Mt. Aso. Mount Aso is truly spectacular, but due to the dangerous nature of an active volcano, the area is often closed for public access and tours are either cancelled or changed. You can book a tour here or an alternative tour here. Both tours have other interesting destinations included, so chances are the tour won’t be cancelled all together. You can also take inspiration from the Kumamoto 2-day itinerary. |
Day 12 details (Kagoshima, Sakurajima)
| Hotels Sheraton Kagoshima, Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kagoshima, Hotel Taisei Annex Destinations Sakurajima Description of the day On the 12th day, travel from Kumamoto to Kagoshima by the Shinkansen bullet train. Move from the station to the port area (can be done on foot or by public transport) and get on the ferry to Sakurajima. Sakurajima is the third and last active volcano on this trip and is an experience which you can’t miss. Sakurajima is (almost) and island, and can be explored in part by foot and bus (tourist buses circle the island). The landscapes are fantastic, and from everywhere you have a spectacular view of the smoking volcano. Don’t be surprised if you see puffs of smoke coming out of the crater several times during your visit. Don’t be alarmed – it is normal. 1-day itinerary Guide for hiking on Sakurajima Sakurajima Visitor Guide |
Day 13 details (Kagoshima, Sakurajima)
| Hotels Sheraton Kagoshima, Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kagoshima, Hotel Taisei Annex Destinations Senganen Garden, Kagoshima Aquarium (tickets here) Description of the day On your second day in Kagoshima, explore some of the city’s local attractions like the Japanese landscape garden Senganen Garden, and Kagoshima Aquarium which has both Whale Sharks and Dolphins. You can pre-book tickets for Kagoshima Aquarium. |
Day 14 details (Ibusuki)
| Hotels Ryokan Ibusuki Syusui-en, Ibusuki Seaside Hotel, Family Ryokan Kawakyu Destinations Saraku Sand Bath, Chirin Island, Ryugu Shrine Description of the day Day 14 brings you to Ibusuki which is known for something unique: hot sand baths! The hot-spring water in the area naturally heats up the beach sand, and it is very popular to take sand baths! At Saraku Sand Bath Hall you can pay to get covered in naturally hot sand, which gives an experience much like a sauna. It’s a unique thing which you can’t try in many other places. Continue the day by traveling to Cape Nagasakibana where you can enjoy spectacular views of Mount Kaimon across the sea while visiting Ryugu Shrine and Satsuma Nagasakibana Lighthouse. Alternatively you can visit Chirin Island which is known locally as “the island of mystery”. Chirin Island is only connected to the main land by a sandbar for a couple of hours every day during low tide, so prepare well! For your stay in Ibusuki it is recommended to book an Onsen hotel to fully enjoy this hot-spring area. |
Planning your Kyushu Roundtrip
Hotels
Here are some suggestions for hotels for the entire itinerary. There are three hotels suggested for each destination where possible; a high-end hotel, a comfortable hotel and a cheap hotel. The suggested hotels are usually located near the most convenient station or bus stop to minimize how much you have to drag around your luggage, however it may not always be possible to find all categories of hotels near the stations.
Fukuoka (4 nights):
Saga (1 night):
| Saga City Hotel |
| ☆☆☆ Affordable hotel located just a few minutes walk from Saga Station. |
| Book with agoda |
Arita (1 night):
| Information: |
| Arita is a small village with few hotels. Here are two suggestions. Alternatively, you can stay an extra night in Saga and take the train to and from Arita. |
| Being a small village, options for restaurants are slightly limited. Please keep this in mind when reserving a hotel. |
Nagasaki (2 nights):
Unzen (1 night):
| Unzen Fukudaya |
| ☆☆☆ Traditional Japanese style accomodation, with access to onsen hot spring baths. Rooms are available in different price groups. When in Unzen, take the chance to indulge on a full luxury experience with access to traditional Onsen Hot Spring Baths. |
| Book with agoda |
| Book with booking.com |
| Azumaen |
| ☆☆☆☆ Comfortable hotel, which offers different price groups of rooms. This hotel also has cheaper rooms, however Unzen is an area of luxury onsen baths, so hotels are never super budget friendly. When in Unzen, take the chance to indulge on a full luxury experience with access to traditional Onsen Hot Spring Baths. |
| Book with agoda |
| Book with booking.com |
Kumamoto (2 nights):
Kagoshima (2 nights):
Ibusuki (0 or 1 night):
Trains and transportation
This itinerary relies fully on public transportation. The train, bus and ferry networks in Kyushu are amazing, frequent and on time. It is suggested that you purchase a Japan Rail Pass in advance. The JR Pass will cover most of the train rides in this itinerary (subway in Fukuoka is not included). Alternatively it is possible to buy individual tickets at the station. There will be a couple of bus rides and few ferry rides during the trip which aren’t covered by the Japan Rail Pass either.
Day 1: Fukuoka City
- subway or busses in Fukuoka
Day 2: Fukuoka City
- subway or busses in Fukuoka
- Train from Nishitetsu Fukuoka Tenjin Station to Nishitetsu-Futsukaichi Station (ltd express or local)
- Train from Nishitetsu-Futsukaichi Station to Dazaifu Station
- Bus “都 Hakata Station” from Dazaifu Station to Hakata Station
- Train “Fukuhokuyutaka Line (local)” from Hakata Station to Kidonanzoin-Mae Station. Covered by JR Pass.
- Train “Fukuhokuyutaka Line (local)” from Kidonanzoin-Mae Station to Hakata Station. Covered by JR Pass.
Day 4: Nokonoshima
- Bus 301 or 302 from Fukuoka (find stop nearest your hotel) to Noko Tosenba (Meinohama Ferry Passenger Terminal)
- Ferry from Meinohama Ferry Passenger Terminal to Nokonoshima (能古旅客待合所). About 10 minute ride.
- Ferry from Nokonoshima (能古旅客待合所) to Meinohama Ferry Passenger Terminal. About 10 minute ride.
- Bus 301 or 302 from Noko Tosenba (Meinohama Ferry Passenger Terminal) to Fukuoka (find stop nearest your hotel).
Day 5: Saga
- Train” Kasasagi Line” or “Midori-Huis Ten Bosch Line” from Hakata Station to Saga Station. About 45min ride. Covered by JR Pass.
Day 6: Arita
- Train “Midori-Huis Ten Bosch Line” from Saga Station to Arita Station. About 35 minutes. Covered by JR Pass.
Day 7: Nagasaki
On this day you will take the slower, but more scenic train route from Arita to Nagasaki. If you are short on time, there is a faster, but less scenic option via Takeo-Onsen Station.
- Train “Midori-Huis Ten Bosch Line” from Arita Station to
Huis Ten Bosch Station. Change trains here. Covered by JR Pass. - Train “Omura Line” from Huis Ten Bosch Station to Nagasaki Station. Covered by JR Pass.
- Local busses and tramways
Day 8: Nagasaki
- Local busses and tramways
Day 9: Mt. Unzen
On this day you will take the slower, but more scenic train route from Nagasaki to Mt. Unzen along the coast, via Shimabara.
- Train “Nagasaki Line” from Nagasaki Station to Shimabara Station. The train changes name at Isahaya Station, but stay onboard. About 2 hours. Change to bus here. Covered by JR Pass.
- Bus “青雲荘行” from Shimabara Station to Unzen Bus Stop. About 50 minutes. Bus departs once per hour.
Day 10: Kumamoto
- Bus “島原駅前行” from Unzen Bus Stop to Shimabara Port (島原港). About 35 minutes. Bus departs about once per hour.
- Ferry from Shimabara Port to Kumamoto Port. About 35 minutes.
- Bus from Kumamoto Port to Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal. About 40 minutes.
- Local busses and tramways.
Day 11: Kumamoto
- Local busses and tramways.
Day 12: Kagoshima
- Train “Kyushu Shinkansen” from Kumamoto Station to Kagoshimachuo Station. About 45min. Covered by JR Pass.
- Local busses and tramways.
Day 13: Daytrip to Sakurajima
- Ferry from Kagoshima Port Terminal to Sakurajima Ferry Terminal. About 10 minutes.
- Ferry from Sakurajima Ferry Terminal to Kagoshima Port Terminal. About 10 minutes.
Day 14: Ibusuki
- Train “Ibusukimakurazaki Line” from Kagoshimachuo Station to Ibusuki Station. About 1-1.5 hours. Covered by JR Pass.
Going back: to Fukuoka
