Kyushu 8-Day Itinerary: Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Beppu & Kagoshima
Kyushu is Japan’s volcanic heart - active craters, natural hot springs, and regional food that rivals anywhere in the country. This tested route takes you through the island’s highlights without the crowds of the Golden Route.
Who This Itinerary Is For
- Travelers who’ve done Tokyo/Kyoto and want something different
- Hot spring enthusiasts (this is Japan’s onsen capital)
- Food lovers seeking regional specialties
- Anyone fascinated by volcanoes and dramatic landscapes
Trip Overview
| City | Days | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Fukuoka | 2 | Ramen, temples, canal city |
| Kumamoto | 2 | Castle, horse meat cuisine, gateway to Aso |
| Beppu | 2 | Hell hot springs, Yufuin day trip |
| Miyazaki | 1 | Coastal shrines, Easter Island statues |
| Kagoshima | 1 | Sakurajima volcano, return to Fukuoka |
Why this order? Counter-clockwise loop starting and ending in Fukuoka. Minimizes backtracking while hitting every major region.
JR Kyushu Pass: Essential for This Trip
The math for this itinerary:
| Route | Individual Cost |
|---|---|
| Fukuoka → Kumamoto | ¥5,230 ($50) |
| Kumamoto → Aso (round trip) | ¥4,640 ($44) |
| Kumamoto → Beppu | ¥7,500 ($72) |
| Beppu → Yufuin (round trip) | ¥2,200 ($21) |
| Beppu → Miyazaki | ¥5,500 ($53) |
| Miyazaki → Kagoshima | ¥4,500 ($43) |
| Kagoshima → Fukuoka | ¥11,500 ($110) |
| Total | ¥41,070 ($393) |
JR Kyushu Pass (5-day): ¥18,000 ($173)
Verdict: The pass saves you over ¥23,000. Essential purchase. Buy the 5-day Northern Kyushu or All Kyushu pass depending on whether you’re including Miyazaki/Kagoshima.
Pro tip: The scenic “Yufuin no Mori” train requires seat reservations - do this at JR ticket counters with your pass.
Day 1: Arrival in Fukuoka
Getting to Fukuoka
| From | Option | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo (HND) | Flight | 2h | ¥8,000-25,000 |
| Osaka | Shinkansen | 2h 20min | ¥15,000 |
Fukuoka Airport advantage: Only 5 minutes by subway to Hakata Station - one of Japan’s most convenient airport-to-city connections.
Afternoon: Asakusa Temple (浅草寺) Area
If arriving from Tokyo, you might explore Asakusa first:
| Time | Place | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30-9:00 | Kaminarimon Gate | Iconic red lantern photo spot |
| 9:00-9:30 | Nakamise Shopping Street | Traditional snacks, souvenirs |
| 9:30-10:15 | Senso-ji Temple | Tokyo’s oldest temple |
| 10:30-11:00 | Sumida River Walk | Skytree views |
Evening in Fukuoka
Stay: Near Hakata Station for easy access (APA Hotel Hakata-eki Chikushiguchi recommended)
Dinner: Hit the famous Yatai (屋台) food stalls along Nakasu Island. Order:
- Hakata ramen (tonkotsu style)
- Gyoza (one-bite dumplings)
- Mentaiko (spicy cod roe)
Day 2: Fukuoka Full Day
This day covers Fukuoka’s highlights in one efficient loop.
Morning: Parks & Shrines
| Time | Place | Duration | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:30-9:30 | Ohori Park (大濠公園) | 1h | Subway to Tojinmachi, 8min walk |
| 9:30-10:30 | Fukuoka Castle Ruins | 1h | 5min walk from park |
| 10:30-12:00 | Dazaifu Tenmangu | 1.5h | Subway + Nishitetsu train (35min) |
Dazaifu Tenmangu: This shrine is dedicated to the god of learning. The approach street has famous umegae mochi (plum-shaped rice cakes) - don’t skip them.
Lunch: Hakata Ramen
Ichiran Ramen (Dazaifu branch near the shrine) or return to Hakata for Ippudo - both are tonkotsu ramen legends.
Afternoon: Tower & Beach
| Time | Place | Duration | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14:30-15:30 | Fukuoka Tower | 1h | Subway to Nishijin, bus 15min |
| 15:30-16:30 | Momochi Beach | 1h | 10min walk |
Fukuoka Tower: 234m observation deck with panoramic views of Hakata Bay.
Evening: Nakasu Night Scene
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 17:30-19:30 | Nakasu River area |
| 19:30+ | Yatai street food dinner |
Must-try at Yatai: Hakata gyoza, yakitori, motsunabe (offal hot pot)
Day 3: Fukuoka → Kumamoto
Train: JR Kyushu Shinkansen, Hakata → Kumamoto, 40 minutes
Morning: Kumamoto Castle (熊本城)
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30-10:30 | Kumamoto Castle | One of Japan’s top 3 castles |
| 10:30-11:30 | Josaien (城彩苑) | Shopping street below castle |
Castle note: The 2016 earthquake damaged many structures. The main tower is restored and open - the ongoing reconstruction is fascinating to see.
Lunch: Kumamoto Specialties
Try these local dishes:
- Basashi (馬刺し) - raw horse meat sashimi (Suganoya restaurant recommended)
- Karashi renkon - lotus root with mustard
- Kumamoto ramen - thicker, garlicky tonkotsu
Afternoon: Japanese Garden
| Time | Place | Duration | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13:00-14:30 | Suizenji Garden (水前寺成趣園) | 1.5h | Tram 20min from castle |
This traditional garden features a miniature Mt. Fuji and represents the 53 stations of the Tokaido Road.
Optional: Amakusa Day Extension
If time allows, take a ferry from Kumamoto Port to see the Amakusa Five Bridges - stunning ocean views.
Stay: Super Hotel Kumamoto-Ekimae (near station, has natural hot spring bath)
Day 4: Aso Volcano Day Trip
This is the highlight of Kyushu for many travelers.
Getting to Aso
| Time | Route | Transport |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00-9:20 | Kumamoto → Aso Station | JR Hohi Line (1h 20min) |
| 9:30-10:00 | Aso Station → Crater | Kyushu Sanko Bus (30min) |
Volcano Experience
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00-11:30 | Aso Crater (中岳火口) | Active crater - may close if volcanic activity high |
| 11:30-12:30 | Volcano Museum | Learn about Aso’s geological history |
| 12:30-13:30 | Lunch | Try Aso beef or “volcano curry” |
| 13:30-15:00 | Kusasenri Grasslands | Vast meadow, horseback riding available |
| 15:30-16:30 | Shirakawa Water Springs | Crystal-clear natural spring |
Important: Check volcano status before going. The crater closes during high sulfur emissions.
Return: Bus to Aso Station, JR train back to Kumamoto (arrive ~18:00)
Dinner: Try Katsureitei for tonkatsu or local izakaya
Day 5: Kumamoto → Beppu
Route: Kumamoto → Hakata (Shinkansen, 40min) → Beppu (Limited Express Sonic, 2h)
Arrival: ~11:00 in Beppu
Beppu: Japan’s Hot Spring Capital
Beppu produces more hot spring water than anywhere else in Japan - 8 distinct hot spring areas, each with different mineral properties.
Afternoon: Hell Tour (地獄めぐり)
| Time | Place | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 13:00-15:00 | Beppu Hells | 7 unique colored hot springs |
Must-see hells:
- Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) - stunning cobalt blue
- Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell) - deep red
- Oniishibozu Jigoku (Monk’s Head Hell) - bubbling mud
Buy the combination ticket (¥2,000) for all 7 hells.
Late Afternoon: Onsen Time
| Option | Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Takegawara Onsen | Traditional | ¥300 | Sand bath available (¥1,500) |
| Hyotan Onsen | Modern | ¥800 | Multiple pools, restaurant |
| Beppu Beach Sand Bath | Sand | ¥1,500 | Buried in naturally heated sand |
Stay: Super Hotel Beppu Ekimae
Dinner: Try Jigoku Mushi (hell-steamed) cooking - food cooked in natural steam vents
Day 6: Yufuin Day Trip
The most scenic train ride in Kyushu.
Yufuin no Mori (由布院之森)
| Time | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9:16 | Beppu → Yufuin | Book seats in advance with JR Pass |
| 10:26 | Arrive Yufuin |
On the train: The panoramic windows showcase mountains and rice paddies. There’s an onboard shop selling limited-edition snacks.
Yufuin Town
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10:30-12:00 | Yunotsubo Street | Boutiques, cafes, art galleries |
| 12:00-13:00 | Lunch | Try Bungo beef (local wagyu) |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lake Kinrin (金鳞湖) | Morning mist rises from the warm lake |
| 14:00-15:00 | Yufuin Floral Village | European-style craft village |
Must-eat in Yufuin:
- B-speak roll cake
- Milch pudding
- Bungo beef rice bowl at Yufu Mabushi Shin
Return to Beppu
| Time | Route |
|---|---|
| 15:30 or 17:00 | Yufuin → Beppu (regular JR, 1h) |
Evening: Another onsen session, dinner at izakaya
Day 7: Beppu → Miyazaki
Train: JR Limited Express Hyuga, 3h 20min
Arrival: ~12:00 in Miyazaki
Lunch in Miyazaki
Local specialties:
- Chicken Nanban - fried chicken with tartar sauce (invented here)
- Jidori - free-range charcoal-grilled chicken
- Hiyajiru - cold miso soup over rice (summer specialty)
Afternoon: Coastal Shrines Route
| Time | Place | Transport | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13:30-15:00 | Aoshima Island & Shrine | JR to Aoshima (30min) | “Devil’s Washboard” rock formations |
| 15:30-16:30 | Sun Messe Nichinan | Bus (20min) | Replica Easter Island moai statues |
| 17:00-18:00 | Udo Shrine (鵜戸神宮) | Bus (30min) | Clifftop shrine overlooking ocean |
Udo Shrine tip: Buy lucky clay balls (undama) and try to throw them into a rope circle on the rocks below for good fortune.
Return: Bus to Miyazaki Station (~1h)
Stay: JR Kyushu Hotel Miyazaki (inside the station)
Day 8: Miyazaki → Kagoshima → Fukuoka
An action-packed final day covering Kagoshima’s highlights before returning to Fukuoka.
Morning: To Kagoshima
| Time | Route | Transport |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00-10:00 | Miyazaki → Kagoshima-Chuo | JR Limited Express (2h) |
At Kagoshima-Chuo Station: Store luggage in coin lockers or baggage service
Kagoshima Highlights
| Time | Place | Transport | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:30-11:30 | Shiroyama Observatory | City View Bus | Panoramic city + Sakurajima views |
| 11:30-13:30 | Sengan-en Garden | Bus (30min) | Edo-era garden with volcano backdrop |
| 13:30-14:00 | Lunch at Sengan-en | - | Try kurobuta (black pork) |
Sakurajima Volcano
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 14:30-15:00 | Ferry to Sakurajima (15min, ¥200) |
| 15:00-16:00 | Visitor Center + lava trails |
| 16:00-16:30 | Sakurajima onsen foot bath |
| 16:30-17:00 | Return ferry |
Sakurajima: This active volcano erupts almost daily (small ash eruptions). The foot baths use naturally heated volcanic water.
Tenmonkan & Departure
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 17:00-18:00 | Tenmonkan Shopping Street |
| 18:00-18:30 | Shirokuma shaved ice (Kagoshima’s famous dessert) |
| 18:30-20:15 | Shinkansen to Hakata (1h 45min) |
Flight connection: If flying out next morning, Hakata is 5 minutes from Fukuoka Airport by subway.
Regional Food Guide
Fukuoka
| Dish | Description | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Hakata Ramen | Thin noodles, creamy tonkotsu | Ichiran, Ippudo |
| Motsunabe | Offal hot pot | Yatai stalls |
| Mentaiko | Spicy cod roe | Any izakaya |
Kumamoto
| Dish | Description | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Basashi | Raw horse meat | Suganoya |
| Kumamoto Ramen | Garlic-rich tonkotsu | Kokutei |
| Ikinari Dango | Sweet potato & red bean dumpling | Street vendors |
Beppu/Oita
| Dish | Description | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Jigoku Mushi | Steam-cooked food | Jigoku Mushi Kobo |
| Toriten | Chicken tempura | Local restaurants |
| Bungo Beef | Premium wagyu | Yufuin restaurants |
Kagoshima
| Dish | Description | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Kurobuta | Black pork | Sengan-en, Tenmonkan |
| Shirokuma | Shaved ice with fruit | Tenmonkan |
| Shochu | Sweet potato liquor | Everywhere |
Onsen Etiquette Quick Guide
- Wash thoroughly before entering any bath
- No swimsuits - everyone bathes nude
- Small towel goes on your head, not in the water
- Tattoos: Many onsen ban them. Ask “Tattoo OK?” or look for tattoo-friendly places
- Don’t splash or make noise
Kyushu’s Scenic Trains
Kyushu has Japan’s best collection of design trains. These aren’t just transport - they’re attractions.
Must-Ride Trains
| Train | Route | Highlights | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yufuin no Mori | Hakata ↔ Yufuin | Panoramic windows, retro wood interior, onboard cafe | 3x daily |
| Aso Boy! | Kumamoto ↔ Aso | Kid-friendly, dog mascot “Kuro”, panoramic seats | Weekends/holidays |
| Ibusuki no Tamatebako | Kagoshima ↔ Ibusuki | Two-tone design, steam effect at doors, ocean views | 3x daily |
| A-Train | Kumamoto ↔ Misumi | Jazz-themed, stained glass, bar counter | 3x daily |
| Hayato no Kaze | Yoshimatsu ↔ Kagoshima | Black retro design, mountain scenery | 2x daily |
| SL Hitoyoshi | Kumamoto ↔ Hitoyoshi | Real steam locomotive (seasonal) | Weekends |
Train Booking Tips
How to reserve scenic train seats:
- At JR stations: Go to the “Midori no Madoguchi” (Green Window) counter
- JR Kyushu website: jrkyushu.co.jp - available 1 month ahead
- JR Kyushu app: Book and manage reservations on mobile
Important booking notes:
- Yufuin no Mori: Most popular - book 2-3 days ahead, especially weekends
- All scenic trains require reservations - free seats don’t exist on these
- JR Kyushu Pass holders: Still need to reserve seats (free) at counter
- Peak seasons: Golden Week, Obon, New Year - book as early as possible
- Seat selection: Request window seats on the mountain/ocean side when booking
Pro tip: If Yufuin no Mori is sold out, take the regular “Yufu” limited express - same route, comfortable seats, just less fancy.
What to Book Ahead
| Priority | What | How Far Ahead |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | JR Kyushu Pass | Before arrival |
| 2 | Scenic train seats (Yufuin no Mori, etc.) | 1-7 days (at JR counter or online) |
| 3 | First night hotel | 1-2 weeks |
Unlike Tokyo/Kyoto, Kyushu attractions rarely need advance booking. Most places welcome walk-ins.
Best Times to Visit
| Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | Cherry blossoms, mild weather | Golden Week crowds |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Festivals, green landscapes | Hot, humid, rainy June |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Fall colors, comfortable | Typhoon risk Sep-Oct |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Fewer tourists, onsen season | Some mountain areas cold |
Best months: Late March - early April (cherry blossoms) or November (fall colors, comfortable temps)
Getting Around Tips
- JR Kyushu Pass: Covers Shinkansen and most limited express trains
- City buses: Buy day passes at tourist information centers
- Trams: Kumamoto and Kagoshima have easy tram systems
- Ferries: Kagoshima-Sakurajima ferry runs every 15 minutes
Need Help Customizing?
This route works as a complete Kyushu circuit, but you can easily add:
- Nagasaki (2 days): Atomic history, European influences
- Yakushima Island (2-3 days): Ancient cedar forests, Ghibli inspiration
- Takachiho Gorge (day trip from Kumamoto): Dramatic waterfall, mythology