With one-of-a-kind cultural festivals, UNESCO world heritage websites and a thousand years of historical past to uncover, it’s no secret why Kyushu is beginning to develop into a well-liked vacation spot in Japan! On this 7 day Kyushu itinerary, we’ll present you what to go to as a first-time customer.
For a lot of first-time travellers, the primary place individuals consider travelling to in Japan is Tokyo. Strolling throughout the well-known Shibuya Crossing and snapping the proper Instagram photograph in entrance of Tokyo Tower is the last word dream for a lot of first-time guests (it was ours too!). However what if I instructed you that you can nonetheless strive your first bowl of ramen, experience the bullet prepare and have a romantic yukata date in a single place and inside 7 days?
The island of Kyushu is residence to 7 out of Japan’s 47 prefectures and is the place I like to recommend to anybody who’s excited about coming to Japan. To be trustworthy, I’ve been formulating the proper 7 day Kyushu itinerary for over six years. Once I took my first journey to Japan, Kyushu was the primary place I visited. That unforgettable expertise is the inspiration for this itinerary.
Seven days is the proper period of time to get probably the most out of your first journey to Kyushu, whereas nonetheless with the ability to take your time and benefit from the distinctive sights every prefecture has to supply. After spending one week in Kyushu, you’ll perceive why it’s a improbable place to expertise Japan.
So, be part of the fan membership, and let’s get began on our 7 day Kyushu itinerary!
7 Day Kyushu Itinerary
Because of the latest enlargement of the Kyushu Shinkansen line, travelling to all 7 prefectures in 7 days is 100% potential. Travelling through the high-speed bullet prepare is important when you don’t have entry to a automotive, making it an important possibility for first-time guests.
To maximise your journey time, we suggest spending 1 evening in every prefecture. Since this consists of a number of transferring about, it’s greatest to take restricted baggage. Shifting from resort to resort could be tough with an enormous suitcase, particularly when you solely have in the future to discover every place.
A backpack can be nice, or you should use coin lockers at prepare stations to safe your suitcase earlier than with the ability to verify into your resort within the night.
Fukuoka (1 day)
Also known as the “start-up metropolis,” Fukuoka is the primary cease for a lot of travellers earlier than leaping on a bus, airplane or high-speed prepare to their subsequent vacation spot in Kyushu. With a steadily rising inhabitants, it’s the most important metropolis in Kyushu and considered one of Japan’s 10 most populated cities.
Whether or not you’re arriving from Tokyo or from overseas, Fukuoka Airport is the very best place to reach when you’re travelling by airplane. It affords a direct connection to the principle metropolis of Fukuoka (through Hakata Station) in addition to flights to each prefecture on this record.
When you’re including Kyushu as an addition to your Japan itinerary, you possibly can select to go to it after Hiroshima – it solely takes about an hour to journey between the cities on the Shinkansen.
Even when you resolve to shuffle the locations round, Fukuoka will nonetheless be the proper start line on your 7 day Kyushu itinerary.
Issues to do in Fukuoka
For this 7 day Kyushu itinerary, we suggest spending one evening in Fukuoka to kick off our journey. Fukuoka Metropolis has many hidden gems and photogenic sights that make it an important place to go to, particularly when you’re a first-time customer. You’ll be able to learn our full one day Fukuoka itinerary for a extra in-depth information to town.
Because you’ll be spending plenty of time on public transportation throughout your journey, it is perhaps a good suggestion to buy a pay as you go journey card (most individuals use Sugoca or Nimoca in Kyushu – however Suica additionally works).
We suggest beginning at Hakata Station because it offers quick access to the remainder of town. Hakata Station can also be the place you’ll find the Nishitetsu Freeway Bus Station (it’s truly positioned within the constructing subsequent door). Make sure that to take a look at the areas round Hakata Station, Nishitetsu (Tenjin), Ohori Park, and Momochi Seaside Seashore.
Listed here are another issues to do in Fukuoka that you could be need to add to your Kyushu itinerary:
- Dazaifu Shrine: Positioned within the metropolis of Dazaifu, many college college students and oldsters of younger students flock to Dazaifu Shrine to wish for good luck in examinations and job searching. Dazaifu Shrine has been an vital piece of Shintō historical past for over 1,100 years. Whilst you’re on the town, don’t overlook to cease at any memento retailer and take a look at the native delicacy, a plum-blossom imprinted speciality rice cake known as Umegae Mochi.
- Yanagawa: When you seek for this spot on Google Maps (an essential travel app for Japan) you is perhaps shocked to be taught that Yanagawa continues to be in Fukuoka prefecture and is only one.5 hours away by prepare from Hakata Station. Referred to as the “Venice of Kyushu”, it’s a wonderful city that has many canals, quaint streets which are paying homage to Amsterdam and lined with cherry blossom timber. You’ll be able to take the river cruise that passes below stone bridges or take a stroll by means of the outdated fortress city. When you’ve got entry to a automotive, the Yanagawa Sunflower Park can also be one other pretty summer season attraction you received’t need to miss out on!
- Sasaguri: When you’ve seen images of the well-known reclining Buddha at Nanzoin Temple, you’ll have heard of Sasaguri, Fukuoka! Along with the nice Buddha, Dainichiya Inn is one other good spot to go to. Positioned on the foot of the Narufuchi Dam, this cultural gem is a Buddhist temple by day, and conventional Japanese ryokan (inn) by evening. The temple is residence to a 200-year-old cherry blossom tree, a number of red-maple leaf timber often called Momiji, and a big koi fish pond. Visiting throughout spring or fall is a should if you wish to catch the attractive foliage from the inn’s many bay home windows. There’s additionally a personal tub on website that has an allotted time for every room, so there’s no want to fret when you have tattoos or really feel anxious about being round strangers if it’s your first time visiting an onsen.
- Itoshima: If you wish to plan a getaway to the ocean, however aren’t certain the place to go, Itoshima is one other nice day journey that’s lower than an hour by prepare from Hakata Station. Probably the most well-known attraction is Sakurai Futamigaura (Meoto Iwa) Shrine, often known as the “wedded” rocks. In entrance of the well-known rocks rests a wonderful white torii gate that rises up from the ocean in a similar way to Miyajima’s Itsukushima Shrine. It’s an important place to take images and watch the sundown earlier than heading to the following vacation spot on our journey.
Saga (1 day)
On our second day, we’ll head from Fukuoka to Saga. Saga Prefecture is the proper summer season vacation spot. It wouldn’t be the proper 7 day Kyushu itinerary with out stopping right here, and Saga Metropolis is just an hour by prepare from Hakata Station (that’s nearer than Dazaifu!). To maintain inside our 7-day time restrict, we plan to remain in Saga for in the future.
Issues to do in Saga
At all times dreamed of attending a Japanese summer season pageant, tasting iconic Japanese road meals like takoyaki (fried octopus balls), strolling round sporting conventional pageant garments and watching the hanabe (fireworks) mild up the evening sky? Sagajoka Fireworks Festival in Saga Metropolis is the place to be! Each summer season, locals march from Saga Station to look at 1,500 fireworks and stage performances close to Saga’s fortress.
Saga Metropolis can also be the place the annual Saga International Balloon Fiesta takes place. When you’re on the lookout for a spot to pose for some footage, you possibly can rent a kimono and take a tour inside Saga Citadel to get probably the most out of your day (plus, the entree is free!).
When you solely have one evening to spend in Saga, and you may’t make it for any of the festivals, take into account taking the additional 30-minute prepare experience to Takeo-Onsen Station.
Listed here are some extra wonderful issues you are able to do in Saga:
- Takeo Onsen: As you might have guessed from the station title, Takeo is legendary for Takeo Onsen Romontei, which is inside strolling distance of Takeo-Onsen Station. The outside is made of lovely white and crimson lacquer. The inside is retro and paying homage to a bygone period. This tub home affords conventional tatami rooms and well-preserved services that can make you’re feeling such as you’ve stepped again in time.
- Mifuneyama Rakuen: Along with being the occasional host of teamLabs Japan, this 500,000 sq. meter park is positioned on the base of a small mountain and makes a superb addition to our itinerary. You’ll be able to take pleasure in seeing seasonal flowers all yr spherical within the backyard. Admission for the illumination exhibit is 1,200 yen per grownup. The month of April is the very best time to see the cherry blossom timber and azaleas in full bloom.
- Takeo Shrine & Library: These two sights are proper subsequent to one another. The Takeo Metropolis Library is considered one of my favorite locations to sit down down and get some work completed whereas sipping on some Starbucks. It’s forbidden to take footage inside, however you received’t be the one vacationer staring up on the spectacular show of books. Takeo Shrine, whereas small compared to most shrines, lies within the coronary heart of city. When you go to through the night, a particular shock awaits you at Takeo Shrine – we received’t spoil it for you, however you should definitely tell us when you loved it!
- Marukei Shosha Firm: The city of Arita is legendary for being the birthplace of contemporary Japanese pottery and porcelain. Accessible by native trains from each Saga Metropolis and Takeo-Onsen Station, an vintage retailer would possibly seem to be an odd factor so as to add to a journey itinerary. Who needs to go to an vintage pottery retailer on trip? I beloved visiting the Marukei ShoSha Firm and had a good time strolling across the store (very, very rigorously strolling round). The employees was very pleasant and taking footage was completely OK! The Arita Ceramics Fair is held on this city yearly. If you wish to carry residence a one-of-a-kind memento that’s not solely purposeful however stunning, take into account stopping by the Marukei Shosha Firm in your strategy to Arita City.
- Tozan Shrine: The torii gate of this distinctive shrine is product of 100% Arita porcelain, which makes for a stunning sight after climbing up the steps to Tozan Shrine. There are millions of items of pottery scattered about Arita, which makes for an thrilling easter-egg hunt. Lastly, right here’s a secret photograph spot for you: in entrance of Tozan Shrine is a prepare crossing the place you possibly can snap an iconic photograph of a neighborhood commuter prepare whereas safely standing in entrance of the shrine.
Nagasaki (1 day)
It’s day three of our Kyushu journey, and our subsequent cease is Nagasaki. We’ve bought a full information on how to have the perfect day trip to Nagasaki, so make sure that to learn that for extra in-depth details about town.
Issues to do in Nagasaki
To benefit from your journey, I might suggest spending in the future in Nagasaki. Irrespective of the place you go in Nagasaki, you’ll should take the prepare again to Fukuoka to Togitsu Station (through the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen) to succeed in the following vacation spot on our record.
You’ll be able to’t go unsuitable in selecting any of those locations to go to in your journey! Listed here are our suggestions for the very best locations to go to in Nagasaki (aside from those we point out in our one day itinerary):
- Huis Ten Bosch: Pronounced “house-ten-bos,” this theme park is without doubt one of the greatest theme parks in all of Kyushu. The park is designed to appear to be a miniature Dutch village and boasts a number of sights year-round. These embrace a summer season pool get together, the most important fireworks pageant on the island, American-style eating places the place you possibly can strive the well-known Sasebo Burger, stay performances, and each kind of seasonal illumination you possibly can consider. Try the official website for Huis Ten Bosch to find out about ticket pricing and extra.
- Nagasaki Bio Park: One more widespread theme park is the Nagasaki Bio Park. This hybrid zoo and botanical backyard is residence to roaming capybara and a number of other “cage-free” animal displays. There’s additionally a Flower Dome and Pet Animal World (PAW) the place you possibly can pet guinea pigs amongst different small animals.
- Shimabara: This city, positioned on the opposite facet of Nagasaki prefecture, stands out as the most tough location to get to on this itinerary. Nevertheless, I nonetheless consider it’s value a go to. You’ll be able to take a neighborhood prepare from Isahaya Station and attain Shimabara in lower than 1.5 hours, so it’s nonetheless potential to spend an evening right here and have sufficient time to Kumamoto (there’s a a lot quicker possibility to ride a ferry). It’s a small fortress city that rests between the ocean and the draconian Mount Unzen. Shimabara Citadel is beautiful. Inside strolling distance of the fortress is the Samurai Residence Avenue, the place you possibly can see fish swimming in tiny canals on the facet of the street – yet one more widespread photograph spot. Not removed from the Samurai Residence Avenue is the non-public residence of Shimabara’s cutest locals – three, now elderly, shiba dogs that sometimes really feel like saying hi there again to their adoring followers.
Kumamoto (1 day)
One of many nice issues about travelling in Kyushu is how accessible the most important cities are. It takes no time in any respect to get used to the prepare system right here, which makes it the best mode of transportation for first-time guests.
To get to the following metropolis on our journey, merely hop on the Nishi Shinkansen Line and head on over to Kumamoto prefecture. When you resolve to take the prepare versus the ferry, your commute time from Nagasaki Station to Kumamoto Station can be round 2 hours.
Issues to do in Kumamoto
Listed here are among the greatest issues to take a look at when spending a day in Kumamoto:
- Kumamoto Citadel & Sakura no baba Josaien: Kumamoto Citadel is named one of many three most prestigious castles in all of Japan. In your strategy to the fortress, there’s a road filled with traditional-style buildings often called Sakura no baba Josaien. When you’re feeling courageous, it is a great place to strive a neighborhood delicacy often called basashi (uncooked horse meat). There are additionally a number of artwork museums and shrines within the neighborhood of the fortress and Sakura no baba Josaien.
- Suizenji Jojuen Backyard: For a lot of first-time guests, visiting a standard Japanese backyard is a dream come true. There isn’t any higher place than the Suizenji Jojuen Backyard in Kumamoto Metropolis. This backyard is definitely accessible through town tram and you may expertise an actual Japanese tea ceremony and watch a stay Noh efficiency when you come throughout the correct time. At all times make sure that to guide prematurely and arrive early so that you don’t miss out on these wonderful experiences! In 2021, it celebrated its 350th birthday.
Kagoshima (1 day)
Our subsequent vacation spot is the southernmost level of Japan’s primary islands – Kagoshima.
Kagoshima prefecture is residence to a number of UNESCO World Heritage websites, together with however not restricted to the Shoko Shuseikan Museum, Tokunoshima Island, and Yakushima (the island that impressed the setting of Hayao Miyazaki’s 1997 animated movie Princess Mononoke). Kagoshima is considered one of my favorite locations to go to and is the third metropolis I visited once I was a first-time traveller to Japan.
Issues to do in Kagoshima
To maintain issues quick and easy, we’ll deal with Kagoshima Metropolis for this itinerary. To achieve Kagoshima, take the Kyushu Shinkansen Line for 1 – 1.5 hours from Kumamoto Station to Kagoshima Station.
Right here’s a listing of sights to take a look at when spending a day in Kagoshima Metropolis:
- AMU Plaza Kagoshima: Kagoshima Station is a component of a big shopping center known as AMU Plaza Kagoshima. There’s an underground part (which generally is a nice possibility when you’re trying to escape the summer season warmth). There’s additionally a Ferris Wheel positioned on the sixth flooring. AMU Plaza Kagoshima is a superb start line for sightseeing in Kagoshima Metropolis as a result of its shut proximity to Kagoshima Station and the Kagoshima Metropolis Tram station.
- Sakurajima: Do you know that Japan’s most lively volcano is in Kagoshima? And that you can take a ferry experience there for less than a few hundred yen? The island itself doesn’t provide a lot in addition to a neighborhood shrine, a number of memento retailers and the Nagisa Foot Bathtub Park. One of the simplest ways to take pleasure in Sakurajima is to hire a automotive and discover the island. Getting round by metropolis bus can also be an possibility. There’s additionally a “Portrait of a Scream” statue. This off-putting sculpture is definitely a monument to the best rock live performance that was ever held on the volcanic island. Apparently, 75,000 individuals flocked to Sakurajima to hearken to Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi and it was so epic, they constructed a statue to commemorate the occasion.
- Iso Seashore: When you’re on the lookout for a strategy to cool off throughout Japan’s notoriously sizzling summer season, then look no additional than Iso Seashore. Iso Seashore affords breathtaking views of Sakurajima and the Bay of Kagoshima. Dolphins are sometimes noticed close to this seashore and locals typically come right here to jet ski. Simply 20 minutes by bus from central Kagoshima Metropolis, Iso Seashore is an ideal budget-friendly possibility on your day journey to Kagoshima.
- Sengan-en: A little bit farther north of Iso Seashore is yet one more conventional Japanese backyard. Sengan-en is a backyard that resides on the previous grounds of the Shimadzu household property. It’s a pleasant place to stroll round and luxuriate in totally different angles of Sakurajima whereas surrounding your self with the pure fantastic thing about a Japanese backyard. When you go to throughout November, you’ll have an opportunity to attend the annual Sengan-en Chrysanthemum Pageant and luxuriate in seaside views framed by 15,000 chrysanthemums.
Miyazaki (1 day)
We’ve formally made it to the house stretch of our Kyushu itinerary. In our one day Miyazaki itinerary, we’ve outlined locations you possibly can entry with a automotive which are the most well-liked journey locations in Miyazaki prefecture. We’ve included well-known locations like Takachiho, Nichinan and Aoshima. Whilst you technically may go to Takachiho and Aoshima and not using a automotive, for a first-time customer, we’ll simply stick with the locations which are simply accessible through the use of public transportation or on foot.
Issues to do in Miyazaki
Listed here are some highlights of the very best issues to see and do in Miyazaki Metropolis:
- Heiwadai (Peace Park Tower): This monument that appears like the top instance of Brutalist structure is contrasted by tranquil views and newbie to intermediate-level mountaineering trails discovered at Heiwadai or Peace Park Tower. Constructed in 1940 to commemorate the two,600th anniversary of the ascension of the legendary first emperor of Japan, Emperor Jimmu, this park is a superb place to stretch your legs and take images of Miyazaki’s well-known Haniwa Backyard.
- Miyazaki Shrine: Miyazaki Shrine is town’s premier Shintō shrine and is one other well-known Miyazaki attraction that’s devoted to Emperor Jimmu. The shrine is claimed to have been established 2,600 years in the past. You’ll be able to really feel its status as you stroll alongside the shaded method, passing by massive picket lanterns and a big koi pond.
- 6 Raccoon Café & Society: Positioned simply across the nook from downtown Wakakusa Avenue’s retro-style arcade lies 6 Raccoon Café & Society. This native restaurant affords cosy Toronto-inspired eating and scrumptious speciality espresso. When you’re on the lookout for an important place to sit down down and chat with the locals, this beloved cafe is a good place for a break.
- Tachibana Avenue: Miyazaki Metropolis has some nice nightlife. Listed here are a few of our favorite locations {that a}) have pleasant employees, and b) are foreigner-friendly. Please word that for two hours of “nom-mi-ho-dye” (all-you-can-drink) for males it’s ~3,000 yen and for ladies, it’s ~2,000 yen. In case you are on the lookout for a Western-style bar with billiards and a few consuming video games like Jenga, take a look at The Bar Miyazaki. When you’re a craft beer lover and need to strive going to a neighborhood brewery, cease by Miyazaki Phoenix Brewing. When you’ve at all times dreamt of singing karaoke in Japan and seeing what all of the hype is about, the mother-daughter run snack bar often called Cameson is the very best place for first-time guests to go (Cameson is discovered on the 4th flooring of 三輪ビル. Take the elevator up and observe the register hiragana that claims the bar is on the left).
Beppu, Oita (1 day)
For our final day in Kyushu, we take a 3.5–4 hours prepare journey north in the direction of Beppu. Positioned within the Oita Prefecture, Beppu is a well-known onsen city, making it an important final cease on this Kyushu itinerary – it’s time to chill out in a Japanese onsen!
When you resolve to go to Japan within the autumn or winter, Beppu needs to be on the absolute prime of your record. Well-known for its onsens (there are some tattoo-friendly ones, which is nice information since most public onsens don’t allow people with tattoos to enter) and numerous native delicacies, there’s a purpose we’ve saved top-of-the-line cities for final.
Issues to do in Beppu, Oita
Listed here are the very best locations to take a look at in your subsequent journey to Beppu:
- Rakutenchi Zekkei no Yu: The Massive Flower Ferris Wheel (Japan’s solely double Ferris Wheel) is only one of many Showa-esque sights you possibly can see at Rakutenchi Zekkei no Yu. To get to the park, you possibly can take the colorful cable automotive 260 metres as much as the doorway atop Mount Tateishi. Different sights embrace retro-style playgrounds, merry-go-rounds, roller-coasters and the Massive Suspension Bridge – the very best place to get a chicken’s-eye view of Beppu. And sure, there’s additionally an onsen.
- Hachiman Asami Shrine: A brief stroll from Beppu Station, tucked away within the quiet suburbs, is Hachiman Asami Shrine. The doorway to this 1,000-year-old shrine is guarded by two huge cedar timber known as “Meoto-sugi.” There’s additionally a 1,000-year-old camphor tree on the premises. When you go to Japan throughout January, Hachiman Asami Shrine is the proper place to ring within the New 12 months.
- Mount Tsurumi & Beppu Ropeway: The view of the ocean from 1,75 meters up within the air can solely be loved from the highest of Beppu’s Mount Tsurumi. To entry this summit, take the Beppu Ropeway and luxuriate in 360-degree views by means of the gondola’s glass home windows. You may as well hike to the highest. The path at Matogahama Park takes round 4 hours. The unparalleled surroundings in each the winter and summer season months is unmatched. When you’re the outdoorsy kind, visiting Mount Tsurumi would be the cherry on prime of your Beppu day journey.
- Beppu Jigoku Meguri: Lastly, our day journey to Beppu wouldn’t be full with out recommending first-time guests get a one-way ticket to “hell” (simply kidding!). “Hell” is the time period Japanese individuals use for open-air sizzling springs. At Beppu’s jIgoku Meguri, there are seven sizzling springs. You should purchase the Jigoku Go (Hell Go) and go to each spring for round 2,000 yen. 5 of the seven “hells” are inside strolling distance of one another, so when you resolve to go to throughout springtime, take pleasure in strolling beneath the cherry blossom timber.
Ought to You Get The JR Kyushu Go?
When you’re planning to observe this Kyushu itinerary, the JR Kyushu Pass is 100% value it.
As talked about earlier than, probably the most environment friendly strategy to journey round Kyushu is both by automotive or through the use of the prepare system. To maximise your journey time in between prefectures, the quickest manner is utilizing the Shinkansen (high-speed bullet prepare). Particular person tickets can get a bit expensive when you use the bullet prepare, which is why the JR Kyushu Pass is a good selection for travellers.
The JR Kyushu Rail Go covers the entire primary arteries of the island. That is important for planning your Kyushu itinerary. There are a number of totally different ones to select from, however for this itinerary, you’d need to get the All Kyushu Go (which covers all the island of Kyushu) for seven days. There are even some additional advantages for buying the rail go, resembling reductions at choose retailers.
How Many Days Is Sufficient For Kyushu?
Spending seven days in Kyushu provides you the chance to go to all prefectures and get an important first impression of this stunning a part of Japan. Nevertheless, when you have extra time, we extremely suggest spending not less than 10–14 days right here.
There are such a lot of issues to see and do. The entire main cities we lined on this itinerary are 100% value a day journey. We’ve a ton of other Kyushu travel guides on our website, so you should definitely verify them out for extra inspiration.
Is It Price Going To Kyushu?
Sure, Kyushu is 100% value visiting. Kyushu might not be as widespread as different locations like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, however visiting it’s an unimaginable genuine Japanese expertise. It’s a strategy to have much more distinctive experiences in Japan, studying extra in regards to the tradition exterior of the principle touristy locations.
Not too long ago, a number of widespread YouTubers have been making journeys right down to Kyushu. Some extra mainstream examples embrace Currently Hannah and Abroad in Japan. Even Rachel and Jun took a trip to Miyazaki and filmed their expertise strolling throughout the well-known suspension bridge in Takachiho.
Kyushu doesn’t get as a lot consideration because it deserves. Residing in Kyushu myself, I’ll proceed shouting from the mountaintops for first-time guests to come back right here after which go to Osaka and Tokyo. When you’re trying to have the proper journey to Japan, take into account including Kyushu to your Japan bucket list.
Conclusion – One Week Kyushu Itinerary
Kyushu’s subtropical local weather and dry winters make it the proper journey vacation spot all yr spherical. With a lot to supply, we will’t suggest this a part of Japan sufficient as the proper place for first-time guests.
We hope this information has helped you create the very best Kyushu itinerary
