Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands, is known for its natural beauty and for being an off-the-beaten-path Japanese travel destination. During a Kyushu itinerary, you can visit steaming hot springs, active volcanoes, ancient castles, and bustling cities. This 7-day Kyushu itinerary captures all of the above, and has something for every traveler to explore and enjoy.
If you’re looking to explore a less-traveled side of Japan to experience Japanese culture, history, and nature, Kyushu should be at the top of your list.
I’ve also included options to extend your time in Kyushu with a 10-day Kyushu Itinerary, which hits up more hot spring towns including the beautiful countryside in the photo below, and a National Park. My 14-day Kyushu itinerary gives a recommendation on how to spend your extra days as well.
All of my Kyushu itineraries below start and end in Fukuoka. As the home of Hakata station and Fukuoka international and domestic airport, Fukuoka is well-connected to the rest of Japan.
In addition, my Kyushu itineraries are also doable by public transit (including bus, train, and ferry) which is how I traveled in Kyushu, as well as by car if you prefer to road trip these Kyushu itineraries. Since information and availability of some busses can change based on the season, it’s best to check ahead of time for availability if choosing to go the public transport route for your Kyushu itinerary.
Kyushu Itinerary: 7-days
Here’s a snapshot of my Kyushu 7-day itinerary:
Day 1 – Fukuoka
Day 2 – Nagasaki
Day 3 – Unzen
Day 4 – Unzen to Kumamoto via Shimabara
Day 5 – Kumamoto
Day 6 – Beppu
Day 7 – Beppu to Fukuoka
Just a note again that you can choose to self-drive this itinerary (and all itineraries) as a road trip in Kyushu, or you can use public transport to get between these locations as well.
Day 1 - Fukuoka
This Kyushu itinerary starts in Fukuoka, Kyushu’s largest city and the perfect gateway to the island. I loved this city immediately after I stepped out of the Hakata train station for its laid-back vibes as well as its mix of old Japanese culture and modern amenities. Compared to Tokyo and Osaka, Fukuoka felt to me like a much smaller city, even a town, despite its 1.5 million residents.
Known for its delicious food and street food scene, particularly the famous (pork-based) Hakata ramen, Fukuoka is a great introduction to how Kyushu cuisine differs from the rest of Japan.
Some unmissable things to do during one day in Fukuoka include:
- Ohori Park: Start your day with a leisurely stroll around Ohori Park, a beautiful urban oasis with a large pond, lush gardens, and serene walking paths. It’s the perfect place to unwind and soak in the natural beauty within the city.
- Fukuoka Castle Ruins: Explore the remnants of Fukuoka Castle, offering panoramic views of the city from its elevated position. The castle grounds are also home to Maizuru Park, which is particularly stunning during cherry blossom season.
- Canal City Hakata: Spend your evening at Canal City, a massive shopping and entertainment complex with everything from shops and restaurants to theaters and arcades. This mall is also home to Fukuoka’s Hakata Ramen Street, a spot similar to Tokyo Station’s ramen street.
Day 2- Nagasaki
Head to Nagasaki, which is accessible from Fukuoka by train, bus, or car.
Nagasaki is a city with a rich and complex history, deeply influenced by international trade and tragic wartime events. Nagasaki feels like a small port town, nestled among lush hills and overlooking a small harbor. Aside from its wartime historical significance, Nagasaki is a beautiful and bustling Japanese town.
Things to do in Nagasaki include:
- Visit the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park: Gain a profound understanding of Nagasaki’s past and its journey towards peace at the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park. The museum’s exhibits are both educational and moving. The adjoining peace park serves as a tranquil space for reflection and remembrance.
- Explore Dejima: This artificial island was once Japan’s only window to the rest of the world. During the Edo period, only Dutch traders were allowed into Japan through Dejima island. This historical site has been carefully restored into a museum, offering a glimpse into Japanese-Dutch interactions.
- Wander through Glover Garden: Glover Garden is an open-air museum showcasing Western-style houses from the Meiji period. The gardens are beautifully landscaped, and with beautiful views of Nagasaki harbor and the surrounding city, it’s a great place to relax after a day of exploring.
- Visit Chinatown: End your day with a visit to Nagasaki’s Chinatown, where you can sample delicious Chinese-Japanese fusion dishes. This Chinatown is the oldest of the three main Chinatowns in Japan (the others are in Kobe and Yokohama).
Day 3 - Unzen Onsen
On Day 3 of your Kyushu itinerary, venture to Unzen Onsen, a small town famous for its hot springs and beautiful mountainous scenery. Unzen Onsen town (located here) is located high up within the Unzen-Amakusa National Park, and a great place to see geothermal activity and the dramatic mountainous landscapes of Kyushu.
Unzen is accessible from Nagasaki by bus and car.
Things to do in Unzen include:
- Explore Unzen Jigoku (Unzen Hell): Explore the steaming, bubbling hot spring fields known as Unzen Jigoku, where the volcanic activity creates a unique and otherworldly landscape. The sulfurous steam and boiling pools make for a dramatic and memorable sight. Here, you can try eggs boiled in the onsen waters too!
- Unzen Onsen: Relax and rejuvenate in one of Unzen’s many onsen baths, enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the natural hot spring waters. The town offers a range of traditional ryokan, providing a perfect way to unwind.
- Nita Pass: Take a scenic drive or cable car to Nita Pass for panoramic views of Mount Unzen and the surrounding countryside. The views from the top are particularly spectacular during the autumn foliage season.
- Take a hike: Unzen has a number of hiking trails, ranging from 1 hour to half a day, making for a perfect nature getaway.
Day 4 - Unzen to Kumamoto via Shimabara
This day on your 7-day Kyushu itinerary is a transit day to get from one Kyushu peninsula to another. But don’t worry, there’s plenty to see and experience on the way!
To travel from Unzen to Kumamoto, the best way is to take a ferry which depart from the historic town of Shimabara. You can take a bus or drive from Unzen to the ferry terminal, and then after the ferry, also bus or drive to Kumamoto.
Shimabara is known for its history and beauty. Here, you can find koi fish swimming in the historic district’s strorm drains because the water is so clean!
Things to do in Shibamara include:
- Visit Shimabara Castle, a beautifully reconstructed fortress with a rich history and a fascinating museum. The castle’s impressive architecture and well-maintained grounds provide a window into Japan’s feudal era.
- Stroll through the historic samurai district. The preserved samurai residences and gardens here create a sense of stepping back in time. Many homes are now teahouses where you can relax and enjoy the surrounding gardens.
To continue your Kyushu itinerary to Kumomoto, take the scenic ferry ride across the Ariake Sea to Kumamoto, enjoying the coastal views along the way. The ferry journey is a relaxing way to travel, offering a unique perspective of Kyushu’s coastline.
Day 5 - Kumamoto
Kumamoto is another large town in Kyushu known for its majestic castle, beautiful gardens, and the black bear mascot Kumamon, who you will see everywhere during your time Kyushu!
In 2016, Kumamoto was devastated by two consecutive magnitude 7.0 earthquakes as well as numerous aftershocks, which caused heavy damage to the city and Kumamoto castle. The newly restored castle and the city that rebuilt itself around it serves as a symbol of strength and resilience in Kyushu.
Things to do in Kumamoto (besides buy cute Kumamon character souvenirs!) include:
- Explore Kumamoto Castle: One of Japan’s most impressive and famous castles, as well as one of few castles in Japan with a black exterior. The castle’s massive stone walls and elegant architecture are a testament to its historical importance.
- Stroll Suizenji Jojuen Japanese Garden: a traditional Japanese garden designed to represent the 53 stations of the Tokaido road. The garden even features a miniature replica of Mount Fuji!
- Visit Kumamoto museums like the Shimada Museum, Kumamoto City Museum, and the Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto.
- Take a pic with One Piece statues: Fans of the anime One Piece can visit statues of beloved characters like Monkey D. Luffy in and around Kumamoto, which is the hometown of One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda. Check out the location of all 10 One Piece statues here. Fan can also check out the One Piece store near the Kumamoto JR station.
Day 6 - Beppu
Next on your Kyushu 7-day itinerary, head from Kumamoto to Beppu. Several busses and trains run between this route, so it’s no problem to travel by public transport or car here.
Beppu, one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resort towns, is the perfect place to unwind and experience Kyushu’s geothermal powers. Known for its high number of hot spring sources, even some drinkable onsen, Beppu offers a unique Kyushu onsen town experience. Much of Beppu’s main activities center around experiencing Beppu Onsen hot spring baths. Mostly likely, your accommodation in Beppu will have onsen available on-site as well!
Things to do in Beppu include:
- Visit the Seven Hells of Beppu: Tour the “Seven Hells” of Beppu, a series of unique hot springs with features like boiling mud and vibrant blue water. Each “hell” or jigoku in Japanese has its own distinct characteristics, making the tour an intriguing and diverse experience.
- Go on a walking tour of Beppu: Visit the local market, meet and learn about Beppu’s artisan craftspeople, and learn about Beppu’s onsen as part of a local-led walking tour.
- Mount Tsurumi: Take the Beppu ropeway up Mount Tsurumi for stunning views of Beppu, its steaming onsen buildings, and the surrounding landscape.
Day 7 - Back to Fukuoka
Return to Fukuoka for your final day in Kyushu, and take the opportunity to revisit any favorite spots or discover new ones. Beppu to Fukuoka is also well-connected by bus and train lines, making it an easy transfer back to the gateway to Kyushu.
Fukuoka’s diverse attractions make it an ideal place to wrap up your 7-day Kyushu itinerary. Spend your last day shopping and dining in the Tenjin district, known for its trendy boutiques and delicious eateries, or visiting Fukuoka’s many famous shrines.
End your Kyushu itinerary with a meal at Fukuoka’s famous riverside yatai food stalls. Here, you can savor local street food dishes and the lively atmosphere. The yatai culture is a key part of Fukuoka’s charm, offering a communal and casual evening dining experience.
If you have more time...
Kyushu Itinerary 10-days
If you have a few extra days in Kyushu, there are a number of additional incredible Kyushu destinations you can add to your itinerary. Here is a suggestion for how to extend your adventure by exploring more onsen towns and a National Park that captures the beauty of this island.
Instead of heading from Beppu back to Fukuoka on Day 7 as I mentioned above, travel just 30 minutes west to Yufuin, a beautiful mountainous onsen town. This is a charming town with many hidden gems to explore for an extended Kyushu itinerary.
Day 7 - Yufuin
Yufuin is a charming hot spring town that offers a peaceful retreat from busy Beppu. Yufuin is located in a picturesque valley and is known for quaint streets and boutique shops, as well as hot springs.
The town is home to a number of traditional ryokan and retro onsen hotels, each which offer onsen baths that draw water from the area’s natural hot springs.
Aside from soaking in onsen, here are some top things to do in Yufuin:
- Stroll Yunotsubo Street the main historic shotengai or shopping and street food street in Yufuin.
- Explore Yufuin Floral Village, which looks straight out of a fairytale. Many tiny stores and cafes line the quaint streets in this adorable village-inside-a-village.
- Visit the Retro Motor Museum or Yufuin Showa Museum for blasts from the past.
- Relax at by the side of scenic Kinrin Lake.
Day 8 - Kurokawa Onsen
Kurokawa Onsen is a hidden gem onsen village in the heart of Kyushu. It’s known for offering an authentic and intimate Japanese hot spring village experience.
Alongside both sides of the Tanoharu River stand a handful of traditional wooden onsen ryokan, some which have been serving patrons for centuries. Each ryokan offers unique onsen bath settings, making onsen-hopping a popular activity for visitors here.
In fact, visiting onsen and relaxing in a traditional Japanese ryokan is one of the only things you’ll be able to do here! Like other onsen towns though, you can find small souvenir shops and quaint cafes lining the streets as well.
Kurokawa Onsen’s rustic, old-world atmosphere, makes it a perfect escape during your Kyushu itinerary for those looking to disconnect and unwind.
Day 9 - Mt. Aso
Day 10 - Back to Fukuoka
Kyushu itinerary 10 days summary
Day 1 – Fukuoka
Day 2 – Nagasaki
Day 3 – Unzen
Day 4 – Unzen to Shimabara and Kumamoto
Day 5 – Kumamoto
Day 6 – Beppu
Day 7 – Yufuin
Day 8 – Kurokawa Onsen
Day 9 – Mt. Aso
Day 10 – Back to Fukuoka
Kyushu 14-Day Itinerary
Both of my Kyushu 7-day and 10-day itineraries above try to fit in a LOT to make the most of a trip to Kyushu. If you have 14 days in total, I recommend spend more time in a few key cities so you can experience them to the fullest. You can also get a long hike in at the National Parks if you stay an extra day!
Below is how I recommend spending 14 days in Kyushu.
Day 1 – Fukuoka
Day 2 – Fukuoka
Day 3 – Nagasaki
Day 4 – Nagasaki
Day 5 – Unzen
Day 6 – Unzen to Shimabara and Kumamoto
Day 7 – Kumamoto
Day 8 – Kumamoto: With an extra day in Kumamoto, you can take a day-trip to Takachiho Gorge, one of the most scenic spots in Kyushu.
Day 9 – Mt. Aso
Day 10 – Mt. Aso (hike)
Day 11 – Beppu
Day 12 – Yufuin
Day 13 – Kurokawa Onsen
Day 14 – Back to Fukuoka
Are You Prepared For Your Trip To Japan?
Be sure to check out my Japan home page for Japan travel information, insider tips, reading list, and must-haves for traveling to Japan!
- Book Your Flights – To find the cheapest flights, flexibility is key. I use both Google Flights for their low fare calendar, and Skiplagged, which uses airfare loopholes to get the lowest prices. For a trip to Japan, check flights to both Tokyo airports (Haneda, Narita) and to Osaka (Kansai).
- Getting Around Japan: Prepare your JR Pass and Suica transit card before you depart.
- Book Your Accommodation – Check out Booking.com for the largest selection of accommodation in Japan. Consider having a bit of fun at one of these Weirdest Hotels in Japan too 🙂
- Book Local Excursions – Don’t miss out on world-class experiences, like Teamlab Borderless or Tokyo Disneyland, by booking tickets online now. Check GetYourGuide and Klook for fun experiences all around Japan.
- Stay Connected: Order a pocket WiFi for airport pickup if you’re traveling with family or with a large group. Solo traveling to Japan? Order a SIM card just for you.
- Pack Your Essentials – Check out my posts about Long Term Travel Gear, and Carry-On Luggage Packing Essentials.
- Read more on my Travel Resources page!
