5-Day Northern Kyushu JR Pass Itinerary: Exploring Northern Kyushu in December

Day 1: Fukuoka Exploration

Fukuoka, Japan on December 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tetsunabe Yakiniku

Enjoy a hearty Japanese BBQ breakfast, perfect to energise your day in Fukuoka.
JPY1500, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Ohori Park

Stroll through this large city park with a beautiful pond, wonderful for a peaceful morning walk.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Fukuoka Castle Ruins

Explore the historic ruins located within Maizuru Park offering lovely city views, especially in crisp December weather.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ichiran Ramen

Experience Fukuoka’s famous tonkotsu ramen at Ichiran, known for its tasty broth and solo dining booths.
JPY1000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Canal City Hakata

Shop and enjoy seasonal winter decorations at this large shopping and entertainment complex.
Free entry, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Yatai Food Stalls

Dine al fresco at one of Fukuoka’s famous street food stalls offering local delicacies, ideal in cool December evenings.
JPY1500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Kitakyushu Culture

Kitakyushu, Japan on December 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a convenient and tasty hotel breakfast before setting off for the day.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Kokura Castle

Explore this well-preserved castle with exhibitions on samurai culture and winter views of the surrounding grounds.
JPY350, 1h30m

11:00am

Riverwalk Kitakyushu

Visit this modern complex with shopping, cafes, and a theatre, decorated for the winter season.
Free entry, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Kushikatsu Daruma

Enjoy delicious, deep-fried skewers that are a popular treat in the region.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Mojiko Retro District

Walk through this charming historical port area with wintertime scenic views and old-style shops.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Mori No Gohan

Dine on Japanese seasonal and local dishes in a cosy setting completing your day in Kitakyushu.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Historic Nagasaki

Nagasaki, Japan on December 3, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Cafe Deutsu

Start your day with fresh bread and coffee in this popular Nagasaki bakery.
JPY900, 1h0m

8:30am

Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum

Visit the poignant peace park and museum commemorating Nagasaki’s history; open 8:30am–6:00pm in December.
JPY200, 2h0m

11:00am

Glover Garden

Explore this beautiful open-air museum of western-style houses set on a hillside with winter garden scenery.
JPY610, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Shikairo

Enjoy Nagasaki’s famous champon noodle in one of the city’s oldest restaurants.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Nagasaki Chinatown Walk

Stroll through vibrant Chinatown with winter decorations, soak up the atmosphere, and try festive street snacks.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Mount Inasa Ropeway

Take the ropeway to the summit of Mount Inasa for spectacular panoramic night views of the city’s winter lights; operates till 10:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Saikyo Sakaba

Experience a cosy izakaya dining with local seafood specialities, perfect after a chilly day out.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Hot Springs in Beppu

Beppu, Japan on December 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a Japanese or western breakfast to prepare for a relaxing day of hot springs.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Beppu Jigoku (Hell Tour)

Visit Beppu’s famous hot springs with colourful thermal features. Open 8:00am–5:00pm in December.
JPY200 for multiple sites, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Daruma

Feast on Beppu’s famous toriten (tempura chicken) in a popular local eatery.
JPY1000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Take a Onsen Bath at Hyotan Onsen

Relax in outdoor and indoor hot spring baths, enjoying the soothing December atmosphere.
JPY800, 2h0m

4:00pm

Stroll around Beppu Park

Enjoy a calm late afternoon walk; the park is beautiful with seasonal winter foliage.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Warajiya

Delight in traditional Japanese cuisine focusing on local ingredients in a warm environment.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 5: Kumamoto History and Nature

Kumamoto, Japan on December 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick and nourishing breakfast before a day of exploring Kumamoto.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Kumamoto Castle

Visit one of Japan’s most famous castles, beautifully restored and covered in festive winter decorations; open 9:00am–5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

11:00am

Suizenji Jojuen Garden

Sunny winter weather is perfect for visiting this traditional Japanese garden with picturesque paths and a pond.
JPY400, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kumamoto Ramen Mokkosu

Enjoy the rich flavour of Kumamoto ramen, known for its black garlic oil and hearty broth.
JPY1000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Shopping in Shimotori Arcade

Explore this covered shopping street with winter sales and souvenirs available.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Early Dinner at Sushi Zanmai

Enjoy fresh sushi to end your Northern Kyushu trip on a high note.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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