Kyushu itinerary 7 days. How to spend 7 days in Kyushu perfectly?

Discover an exciting Japan with a 7-day 6-night Kyushu itinerary (Kyushu itinerary 7 days), taking you to unique historical, cultural, natural and culinary attractions.

When mentioning Kyushu, people often think of the “Land of Fire” – a volcanic island located in southern Japan. This place is famous for its wild, majestic nature with active volcanoes, natural hot springs and diverse natural landscapes. Not only that, Kyushu is also the birthplace of unique cuisine, rich in local flavors.

For first-time visitors to Kyushu, the journey of discovery can start from famous cities such as Fukuoka, Nagasaki and Kumamoto.

Here is a suggested itinerary for a 7-day, 6-night trip to visit these 3 cities below.

Day 1: Arrive in Fukuoka and Explore the City (#Kyushu itinerary 7 days)

Once you arrive at Fukuoka Airport, the first thing you need to do is get your travel essentials. Be sure to grab a 4G mobile wifi device or sim card and a JR Kyushu Pass (available at Hakata Station) before you set off! Luckily, Fukuoka Airport is not far from the city center. It only takes a few minutes by subway, bus or car to get to the bustling Fukuoka city center (Hakata).

Ichiran Ramen Restaurant

Food is a top priority. You’ve probably heard of the famous Ichiran Ramen, known for its rich tonkotsu broth and private ramen booths where you can eat alone without feeling embarrassed. But did you know that Fukuoka is where Ichiran is from? Start your Kyushu trip with a delicious bowl of hot ramen at Ichiran Ramen OG in Hakata.

Explore Fukuoka’s historical and cultural sites

After refueling, explore Fukuoka’s rich history and culture. Fukuoka Castle, once the largest castle in the region, will take you back in time. Although most of the structure has been destroyed, the city park is still a popular tourist destination, especially in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom.

Fukuoka is also home to many sacred shrines such as Kushida, Sumiyoshi-jinja, Dazaifu Tenman-gū. If you’re looking for some peace, visit Nanzoin Temple with its giant reclining Buddha or take a relaxing stroll in the tranquil Ohori Park. For museum buffs, don’t miss the Fukuoka Museum of Art, the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, or the Kyushu National Museum.

Enjoy Fukuoka’s vibrant night scene

As dusk falls, Fukuoka city puts on a magical shimmering coat. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at Canal City Hakata, a bustling commercial complex with a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Don’t forget to admire the impressive fountain show that takes place every half hour! For a panoramic view of the sparkling city at night, head up to Fukuoka Tower.

End the day in the bustling Tenjin district, home to department stores, bustling restaurants, and street food stalls (yatai). This is a great place to eat, shop and enjoy the bustling nightlife of Fukuoka.

Day 2: Take the train to Beppu, Kyushu’s relaxing hot spring town

Travel from Fukuoka to Beppu

To travel from Fukuoka to Beppu, you can choose to travel by train. This is the most popular means of transport with a travel time of only about 2 hours, and also gives you the opportunity to admire the beautiful scenery along the way.

To save on travel costs, you should use the JR Kyushu Pass – a travel card exclusively for foreign visitors. This card allows you to travel unlimitedly on JR Kyushu train lines for a certain period of time, which is very suitable if you plan to explore many places in Kyushu.

Beppu Hot Springs Paradise

Beppu is famous for its more than 2,000 large and small onsen (hot springs), offering visitors a relaxing and unique experience. There are 8 special hot springs called “eight hells” (jigoku) with their own unique characteristics, attracting visitors to visit and explore.

The experience of visiting the hells is a unique activity that cannot be missed when coming to Beppu. Visitors will admire the boiling hot springs, violent eruptions, or lakes with strange colors. However, visitors should note that these hot springs are very hot and cannot be bathed.

In addition to visiting the “eight hells”, visitors can also enjoy a wonderful feeling of relaxation at public baths or ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) with private hot springs. Bathing in onsen is a typical Japanese culture and brings many health benefits.

Other places to visit

Beppu has many attractive tourist attractions. Among them, Beppu Park is an ideal place to relax, breathe fresh air and enjoy the scenery. On the top of Mount Takasaki, Kijima Kogen Park offers visitors a beautiful panoramic view of Beppu. It is famous for Japan’s first wooden roller coaster, along with many other exciting amusement rides. Visitors can also participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and skiing (in winter).

At 100 meters high, Beppu Tower is the most prominent tourist attraction in town. From the observation deck at the top of the tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Beppu, including Beppu Bay, the Tsurumi Mountains and the “eight hells” (jigoku). Beppu Tower also has a unique revolving restaurant where visitors can enjoy a meal while admiring the view.

Day 3: Fairytale-like Yufuin Town

Yufuin is one of our favorite places in Kyushu. Located in Oita Prefecture, Yufuin is a peaceful town with breathtaking scenery and a style similar to the town in the anime “Vspirited Away”.

Getting to Yufuin

The easiest way to get to Yufuin is by train. You can take the beautiful Yufuin no Mori limited express train, with its cozy wooden interior, connecting Hakata to Beppu via Yufuin. This train takes only about 1.5 hours from Fukuoka and is included in the JR Kyushu Pass.

Your exploration of Yufuin will start at Yufuin Yunotsubo Street – the town’s vibrant shopping district. Stretching from Yufuin Station to the picturesque Lake Kinrinko, this street attracts visitors with its cute little cafes, cozy restaurants and unique shops selling a variety of items, from souvenirs, artworks to street food, desserts and snacks.

Highlights of Yufuin Yunotsubo Street:

• Snoopy Tea House: Satisfy your passion for the adorable dog Snoopy at the tea house named Snoopy.
• Donguri no Mori: A paradise for Studio Ghibli animation fans. The giant Totoro symbol at the entrance will help you easily recognize this shop.
• Yufuin Flower Village: Get lost in the colorful world of brilliant flowers.
• Themed shops: Explore unique shops dedicated to dogs, cats, Alice in Wonderland, Miffy and Hello Kitty.

Kinrinko Lake

Take a 20-minute stroll along Yufuin Yunotsubo Street and you will arrive at Kinrinko Lake – a hidden gem in the heart of Yufuin. The lake shimmering in the sunlight is an ideal place for visitors to stroll and enjoy the romantic atmosphere. Around the lake, there are also a number of cafes and restaurants where you can stop to rest and enjoy local cuisine.

Day 4: First Day in Nagasaki

Nagasaki is the next destination in your journey to explore Japan. This place has a tragic history but is also full of vitality. Spend a day exploring Nagasaki, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and admiring the breathtaking scenery of this city.

Getting to Nagasaki

From Fukuoka, you can easily reach Nagasaki in just 2 hours by Kamome Express. The train is included in the JR Kyushu Pass and the JR All Japan Pass. A little tip for you is to choose a seat on the left side of the train to have a chance to admire the poetic Ariake Sea.

Explore Nagasaki

In the morning, you can start your journey by paying tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing at the Nagasaki Peace Park. Then, visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum to learn more about the history and consequences of the war. Next, you can go to the Nagasaki Prefectural Museum of Fine Arts to immerse yourself in the world of Japanese art.

In the afternoon, the journey will take you to the Urakami Cathedral with its impressive architecture. If you love entertainment spaces, don’t miss the Huis Ten Bosch theme park, which recreates an interesting miniature world of the Netherlands. Nagasaki Chinatown will be the next destination, where you can learn about culture and enjoy special Chinese dishes.

In the evening, challenge yourself by conquering Mount Inasa. You can choose to take the cable car or hike to the top. Here, you will admire the panoramic view of Nagasaki’s magical “Million Dollar Night View”. To end a perfect day, enjoy dinner at Yossou restaurant, famous for its famous chawanmushi, prepared with 9 special ingredients.

Day 5: Day 2 in Nagasaki

Option 1: Battleship Island

Start your 5th day in Nagasaki with an impressive excursion to Battleship Island (Hashima Island or Gunkanjima). Located about 15 km from the city center, this small island carries a unique historical story of underground coal mining and was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 2015.

Join a boat tour, visitors will admire the ruins, abandoned buildings and solid concrete walls – evidence of the island’s existence for more than a century. Exploring Battleship Island promises to bring you an emotional experience and reflection on history and time.

Option 2: Have fun at Huis Ten Bosch – “Miniature Netherlands”

If you are looking for a lighter and more fun experience, Nagasaki also has a great option for you. Step into Huis Ten Bosch – Asia’s largest resort-style theme park, inspired by 17th-century Dutch and European culture, located in Sasebo, Nagasaki.

Huis Ten Bosch recreates a “Miniature Netherlands” with life-size replicas of ancient buildings, poetic canals, majestic windmills, exciting amusement rides and a colorful seasonal flower park. In particular, the park also hosts seasonal flower and light festivals, creating a magical and sparkling scene that will captivate visitors.

Tip: Book your Huis Ten Bosch tickets easily and quickly on Klook! In addition to the full-day ticket, you can save money by choosing the half-day ticket (entry after 3PM or 5PM) with a discount of up to 50%. Plan wisely and enjoy your time at Huis Ten Bosch with Klook!

Day 6: Day Trip to Kumamoto

Start your 6th day by taking a train to Kumamoto, about 3 hours away from Fukuoka City. If you’re worried about getting hungry on the way, buy snacks from a convenience store or “ekiben” (bento box sold on the train) to enjoy Japanese-style.

Visit Kumamoto

When mentioning Kumamoto, people often immediately think of a large city hidden in the heart of Kyushu with the majestic and towering Kumamoto Castle as its symbol. This place not only attracts tourists by its heroic historical value but also by other unique beauties.

Mount Aso – Japan’s largest active volcano – offers visitors the experience of exploring wild and majestic nature. Admiring the giant crater with your own eyes and feeling the power of nature will be unforgettable moments.

Kurokawa Onsen – a poetic hot spring town – is where you can relax in warm hot water, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and forget all fatigue. Bathing in onsen is a typical Japanese culture and brings many health benefits.

And Kumamoto would not be complete without the lovely Kumamon bear. With a cheerful expression, Kumamon has become the city’s tourism ambassador and is loved by many tourists.

Enjoy Kumamoto Cuisine

End your Kumamoto exploration with a sumptuous dinner at Katsuretsutei Shinshigai Honten. This Michelin-starred Tonkatsu (pork cutlet) restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Kumamoto also has a rich culinary scene with its own specialties. Horse meat Sashimi, a unique local dish, is a fun challenge for adventurous travelers. If you like fusion cuisine, try Taipien – a noodle soup with a Kumamoto and Chinese style. Finally, don’t forget Kumamoto Ramen, a special version of ramen with rich pork cutlet. Explore and enjoy these dishes to complete your Kumamoto experience!

Day 7: Last Day in Fukuoka

Spend your last day relaxing and enjoying what Fukuoka has to offer! If you want to get away from the city center a bit, try taking a train to Yanagawa – a charming city known as the “Venice of Kyushu”.

Less than an hour by train from Hakata, Yanagawa is famous for its winding rivers and canal system built to protect the city’s castle. The most unique experience here is a cruise on the Yanagawa River.

Sitting on traditional “donko” boats, you will be rowed along the riverbank, admiring Japanese architecture with rows of warehouses from the early 20th century. Depending on the time of your visit, you also have the opportunity to see seasonal flowers blooming on both sides of the river. Spring and autumn are the best times to take a cruise.

Kyushu Travel Tips for 7 Days 6 Nights

When is the best time to travel to Kyushu?

Kyushu attracts visitors all year round with its beauty that changes with each season. Each season brings its own interesting experiences:

Spring (March – May): The warm, pleasant climate is the ideal time for sightseeing. Cherry blossoms bloom everywhere, decorating parks, castles and historical sites. Many localities also organize bustling cherry blossom festivals, bringing a joyful atmosphere to visitors.

Summer (June – August): The bright yellow sunshine and warm weather are perfect conditions for marine activities. Enjoy swimming, diving to explore the rich coral world, or challenge yourself with majestic mountain climbing routes. Cities also often organize sparkling fireworks festivals in the summer, creating vibrant summer nights.

Autumn (September – November): The cool, pleasant climate is a great season for hiking and sightseeing. Yellow and red leaves cover the slopes and valleys of Kyushu, creating a beautiful natural picture. This is also the season for the autumn leaf festival, attracting many tourists who love the romantic beauty of autumn.

Winter (December – February): The weather is cold, some areas have snowfall, bringing an interesting winter experience. You can try winter sports such as skiing, or relax in the warm hot springs – a specialty of Kyushu. In winter, some localities also organize snow festivals with many exciting recreational activities.

Means of transportation in Kyushu, Japan

Traveling to Kyushu, you will not need to worry about transportation. The public transport system here is well developed, catering to all itineraries:

Train

• Modern Shinkansen trains take you to Kyushu from other major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto in a short time.
• The dense JR Kyushu railway network connects major cities, towns and attractions across Kyushu, making it a great choice for inter-regional trips.
• Some major cities such as Fukuoka, Kumamoto and Kitakyushu also have convenient subway systems for inner-city travel.

Bus

• The extensive bus network takes you to most tourist destinations in Kyushu.
• Highway buses are an economical solution for travelers who want to travel between major cities at a reasonable cost.

Car rental

• Self-driving car rental is an ideal choice for those who love initiative and flexibility. You can easily explore remote rural areas or little-known places as you like.
• Note that you need to book a car in advance during the peak tourist season to ensure availability.

Kyushu Travel Costs for 7 Days 6 Nights Reference

Plan a 7-day 6-night itinerary full of experiences in Kyushu – the beautiful island of Japan with the following estimated cost table:

Catergory	Cost (USD)	Note
Round trip airfare	588.12	Ticket prices vary depending on airline, booking time and seat class.
JR Kyushu Pass	164.67	Travel economically and conveniently by train with the 7-day JR Kyushu Pass.
Accommodation	411.68	Choose a mid-range hotel for 58.81/night/person.
Eat and drink	329.35	Enjoy diverse local cuisine with VND 11.76/person/day for breakfast at the hotel and VND 19.60/person/day for lunch and dinner.

Sightseeing costs:

• Entrance fee: $137.23/person
• Inner-city transportation: $54.89/person
• Other expenses | $39.21 | Souvenir shopping and other expenses.

Total cost: $1,725.15

Saving tips:

• Book air tickets and accommodation early.
• Use the JR Kyushu pass to travel.
• Enjoy street food or cook for yourself.
• Buy a combo ticket or use the Kyushu Pass.
• Visit free places such as parks and markets.

Note: This cost is for reference only and may change depending on your needs and travel time.

This 7-day, 6-night Kyushu tour promises to be a trip filled with unforgettable experiences. From the vibrant city of Fukuoka to the ancient towns of Yufuin and Beppu, you will be immersed in the majestic natural beauty of Aso volcano, Beppu hot springs and Kagoshima Bay. Every step on this land is a journey to discover unique history and culture through temples, museums and historical sites. Plan your trip to Kyushu today and immerse yourself in the wonderful things this island has to offer!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Fukuoka you can refer to

• Private Fukuoka Airport (FUK) Transfers for Fukuoka City
• Yanagawa and Tosu Premium Outlets Day Trip from Fukuoka
• JR Kyushu Rail Pass
• Historical Hakata Tour
• 3/5 Day JR All/North/South Kyushu Pass (Japan Pick Up)
• Fukuoka Subway 1 or 2-day Unlimited Pass
• Kyushu Beppu Internet celebrity attractions
• Takachiho Train & Takachiho Gorge & Tenyasu River One-Day Tour (Depart from Fukuoka)
• Fukuoka City Subway 1-Day Pass
• Fukuoka Tower Admission Ticket
• BOSS E ZO FUKUOKA Amusement Facility Ticket in Fukuoka
• Fukuoka Kimono Rental(Dazaifu/Yanagawa)
• Shiraito Falls, Keya no Ohto, & Sakurai Shrine Day Trip from Fukuoka
• Kani Honke (かに本家) in Nanokawa – Popular Crab Specialty
• Fukuoka Tourist City Pass
• Bic Camera Tourist Privilege Discount Coupon in Fukuoka and Kumamoto
• Sanyo Shinkansen Train Ticket
• Kamishikomi Kumano Shrine, Mt. Aso, and Kurokawa Onsen Day Tour
• Uminonakamichi Marine World Admission Ticket in Fukuoka
• teamLab Forest Fukuoka Ticket
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
• 4G WiFi (Japan Pick Up) for Japan
• JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

Are you looking for more top things to do in Fukuoka: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Fukuoka travel blog — The fullest Fukuoka travel guide for a great trip to Fukuoka on a budget for the first-timers.