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.

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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

7, 10, or 14 day Kyushu Itinerary:

1. Begin in Fukuoka
2. Beppu
3. Aso
4. Kumamoto
5. Kagoshima
6. Back to Fukuoka
7. 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)

FUKUOKA

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.
• Hotel: 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.

BEPPU

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.

If you prefer to buy tickets in advance, you can do so here: Hells of Beppu Admission Ticket

‘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

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.

You can also take an all-in Day Tour Around Aso, which includes a lot of natural Japanese hidden gems and secret shrines that are hard to get to on your own.

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 Marriott 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.

KUMAMOTO

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.

One of THE most beautiful things you can do in Kyushu is now available to do on a Kumamoto day trip: Take a Takachiho Gorge Day Tour

On this tour, you can take a guided walk along the stunning Takachiho Gorge, go rowing on the gorge to admire the rock formations and turquoise waters, see the beautiful Manai waterfall and visit sacred caves and shrines, plus a regional meal. Don’t miss out and book in advance!

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

KAGOSHIMA

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 ITINERARY

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 beautiful 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. 🙂 

TAKACHIHO GORGE – Wow, this looks gorgeous! Many people skip it because it’s trickier to get to (myself included) but the photos of people boating down the gorge are stunning. This, along with the Miyazaki prefecture it’s situated in, would be a wonderful addition for anyone on a self-drive Kyushu road trip holiday, especially if you love nature! I would love to go back and visit here and the Oita prefecture. As mentioned above, I’ve noticed you can now take a Takachiho Gorge Day Tour from Kumamoto.

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.

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

Click here for your budget transport option around Kyushu: Kyushu SunQ Pass

SELF-DRIVE

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?