Kyushu 7-Day Itinerary

  1. Saturday, November 25: Fukuoka
    15 minutes (5 miles) from Fukuoka Airport

    Start your Kyushu adventure in Fukuoka, a vibrant city known for its delicious food and ancient shrines. In the morning, explore the bustling Hakata district and sample some famous Hakata ramen. In the afternoon, visit the historic Fukuoka Castle and enjoy a peaceful stroll in Ohori Park. In the evening, indulge in a traditional Japanese izakaya experience in the lively Tenjin area.

    • Hakata Ramen Tasting: £10, 1 hour
    • Fukuoka Castle Visit: £5, 2 hours
    • Izakaya Experience: £20, 2 hours
  2. Sunday, November 26: Nagasaki
    2 hours 30 minutes (120 miles) from Fukuoka

    Embark on a day trip to Nagasaki, a city with a rich history and cultural significance. In the morning, visit the Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum to learn about the devastating atomic bombing in World War II. In the afternoon, explore Glover Garden, a beautiful hillside park showcasing Western-style houses. End your day with a visit to the iconic Nagasaki Lantern Festival, featuring stunning illuminated displays.

    • Nagasaki Peace Park: £5, 2 hours
    • Glover Garden: £8, 1.5 hours
    • Nagasaki Lantern Festival: Free, 2 hours
  3. Monday, November 27: Kumamoto
    2 hours 30 minutes (110 miles) from Nagasaki

    Head to Kumamoto, a city renowned for its majestic castle and natural beauty. In the morning, explore Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's most impressive castles. Take a leisurely stroll through Suizenji Garden in the afternoon and immerse yourself in its tranquility. End your day with a relaxing soak in one of the city's renowned hot springs.

    • Kumamoto Castle: £6, 2 hours
    • Suizenji Garden: £4, 1.5 hours
    • Hot Spring Experience: £15, 2 hours
  4. Tuesday, November 28: Beppu
    2 hours (75 miles) from Kumamoto

    Discover the enchanting town of Beppu, famous for its hot springs and unique "Hells" hot spring attractions. Start your day with a relaxing dip in one of the renowned hot spring baths. In the afternoon, marvel at the steaming geothermal landscape of the Beppu Hells. Don't miss the rejuvenating sand baths for a truly unique experience. In the evening, savor a delicious seafood dinner in one of Beppu's local restaurants.

    • Hot Spring Bath: £10, 2 hours
    • Beppu Hells Tour: £8, 1.5 hours
    • Sand Bath Experience: £15, 1 hour
    • Seafood Dinner: £30, 2 hours
  5. Wednesday, November 29: Miyazaki
    2 hours 30 minutes (90 miles) from Beppu

    Explore the picturesque city of Miyazaki, known for its stunning coastline and outdoor attractions. Start your day with a visit to Aoshima Island, famous for its unique rock formations and beautiful beaches. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Japanese mythology at the Udo Shrine, perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean. End your day with a relaxing walk along the scenic Nichinan Coastline.

    • Aoshima Island Visit: £5, 2 hours
    • Udo Shrine Exploration: £3, 1 hour
    • Nichinan Coastline Walk: Free, 2 hours
  6. Thursday, November 30: Kagoshima
    2 hours 30 minutes (110 miles) from Miyazaki

    Visit Kagoshima, a city renowned for its active volcano and natural beauty. In the morning, take a ferry to Sakurajima Island and hike to the summit of the volcano for breathtaking views. In the afternoon, explore Sengan-en, a beautiful Japanese garden with a rich history. Don't miss the chance to try Kagoshima's famous black pork for dinner.

    • Sakurajima Volcano Hike: £10, 3 hours
    • Sengan-en Garden Visit: £8, 1.5 hours
    • Black Pork Dinner: £25, 2 hours
  7. Friday, December 1: Nagasaki
    2 hours 30 minutes (110 miles) from Kagoshima

    Return to Nagasaki for a second day of exploration. Visit the Megane Bridge and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Nagasaki Harbor. In the afternoon, take a cable car ride to Mount Inasa for panoramic views of the city. End your day with a visit to Dejima, an artificial island that played a significant role in Japan's history as a trading post.

    • Megane Bridge Walk: Free, 1 hour
    • Mount Inasa Cable Car: £5, 1 hour
    • Dejima Visit: £7, 2 hours

Recommendations

Are there any other local attractions, events, or experiences I should also consider? How about day trips? Any good ideas on how to get the most for my money and have a lot of fun?

While visiting Kyushu, consider adding the following attractions and experiences to your itinerary:

  • Visit Yufuin, a charming hot spring town known for its picturesque scenery and open-air baths.
  • Explore the stunning Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki Prefecture and witness the breathtaking Manai Falls.
  • Take a day trip to Yakushima Island and hike through its ancient cedar forests, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Experience a traditional tea ceremony in Ureshino, known for its high-quality green tea.
  • Indulge in Kyushu's local cuisine, including mentaiko (spicy cod roe) and basashi (horse sashimi).

To check hotel and flight prices, click here.

0