Kyushu Japan
5
Day Itinerary •
Japan
Five days in Kyushu gives the complete experience of Japan's most dramatic southern island, from the extraordinary Takachiho gorge and the remarkable active Aso caldera to the finest ramen in Japan at Fukuoka, the extraordinary Beppu onsen hells and the remarkable UNESCO Yakushima island wilderness. This route covers the full Kyushu: the extraordinary Takachiho gorge, the remarkable Aso volcanic caldera walk, the finest Fukuoka street food, the extraordinary Beppu eight hells onsen, the remarkable Nagasaki peace heritage and the extraordinary Yakushima ancient cedar forest.
Best Time To Visit
March to May or September to November for clear skies.
Getting There
Fly to Fukuoka (FUK). Shinkansen connects main Kyushu cities.
Getting Around
Car for Aso, Takachiho and Yakushima. Train between cities.
Budget Per Day
Approx 80 to 160 euros per person per day
Difficulity
Easy to moderate , volcanic walks and forest hiking
DAY 1
FUKUOKA
MORNING
FUKUOKA OHORI PARK AND KUSHIDA SHRINE
Ohori Park is the most extraordinary urban park in Kyushu, its remarkable central lake and extraordinary reconstructed castle ruins giving the finest morning walk in Fukuoka. The remarkable Kushida Shrine, the guardian shrine of the city, and the extraordinary Hakata Machiya Folk Museum give the finest traditional heritage in western Japan. Park free. Drive: 20 min by metro
MIDDAY
CANAL CITY RAMEN STADIUM
Canal City Hakata contains the most extraordinary ramen complex in Japan, its remarkable eight competing ramen shops in a single food court giving the finest tasting comparison of regional ramen styles in the country. The extraordinary canal architecture and the remarkable Tenjin underground shopping arcade give the finest urban experience in Fukuoka. Ramen approx 900 yen. Drive: 10 min walk
AFTERNOON
NAKASU YATAI EVENING STALLS
The Nakasu yatai are the most extraordinary open-air food stalls in Japan, their remarkable tiny wooden stalls serving the finest Hakata ramen, yakitori and mentaiko spicy roe in the country. The remarkable elbow-to-elbow atmosphere with locals and the extraordinary riverside setting give the finest street food experience in Kyushu. Dishes from 800 yen.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Fukuoka Asian Art Museum contains the finest contemporary Asian art collection in Japan, its remarkable rotating exhibitions of extraordinary works from across Asia giving the most internationally diverse art experience in the country. Entry approx 200 yen.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Hakata ramen shop Outstanding Hakata tonkotsu ramen in the city where this extraordinary style was invented. | Lunch: Canal City Ramen Stadium Outstanding ramen tasting at the finest eight-shop ramen complex in Kyushu. | Dinner: Nakasu yatai stall Outstanding yakitori and Hakata ramen at Japan's most extraordinary outdoor food stalls.
DAY 2
BEPPU AND YUFUIN
MORNING
BEPPU EIGHT HELLS
The Beppu Hells are the most extraordinary hot spring spectacle in Japan, their remarkable eight geothermal pools , the vivid cobalt Umi Jigoku, the blood-red Chinoike and the extraordinary Tatsumaki geyser , giving the finest volcanic landscape accessible in the country. Combined ticket approx 2200 yen. Drive: 20 min by bus
MIDDAY
BEPPU SAND BATH
Beppu's extraordinary sand baths are the most remarkable onsen experience in Japan, their remarkable geothermally heated black sand burying visitors up to their necks in the finest mineral treatment in the country. The extraordinary seafront setting and the remarkable therapeutic heat give the finest volcanic wellness experience in Kyushu. Sand bath approx 1500 yen. Drive: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
YUFUIN VILLAGE
Yufuin is the most extraordinary onsen village in Kyushu, its remarkable craft shops lining the Yunostubo Kaido street to Lake Kinrin giving the finest village atmosphere in the south. The remarkable morning mist over the geothermal lake and the extraordinary glasswork and food shops give the finest artisan experience in western Japan. Free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Kannawa steam cooking in Beppu lets visitors cook in natural volcanic steam vents, the remarkable jigoku-mushi method producing the finest steamed vegetables and seafood in Kyushu. The most extraordinary hands-on volcanic cooking in Japan. Approx 800 yen.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Beppu onsen cafe Outstanding Japanese breakfast before the extraordinary Eight Hells volcanic tour. | Lunch: Yufuin village restaurant Outstanding Kyushu cuisine in the finest onsen village. Local Bungo beef and fresh tofu. | Dinner: Ryokan kaiseki in Beppu Outstanding traditional kaiseki at a Beppu ryokan with private volcanic onsen.
DAY 3
TAKACHIHO AND ASO
MORNING
TAKACHIHO GORGE BOAT TRIP
Takachiho Gorge is the most extraordinary river gorge in Japan, its remarkable sheer basalt walls rising 100 metres above the emerald river and the extraordinary Manai waterfall cascading onto the gorge floor giving the finest boat trip in the country. The remarkable rowing boats give the finest close-up of the extraordinary basalt formations. Boat hire approx 2000 yen. Drive: 30 min walk
MIDDAY
AMANO IWATO SHRINE
Amano Iwato is the most extraordinary Shinto shrine in Kyushu, its remarkable position facing the cave where the sun goddess Amaterasu hid giving the finest mythological heritage in Japan. The extraordinary cedar forest and the remarkable suspension bridges over the gorge give the finest heritage walk near Takachiho. Entry approx 300 yen. Drive: 1 hr drive
AFTERNOON
MOUNT ASO CALDERA
Mount Aso is the most extraordinary active volcano in Japan, its remarkable Nakadake crater with extraordinary turquoise sulphur lake and dramatic emissions giving the finest active volcanic experience in the country. The extraordinary caldera at 25km across and the remarkable Kusasenri grassland give the finest volcanic landscape in Kyushu. Entry approx 1000 yen.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Takachiho Night Kagura ritual dances re-enact the myth of Amaterasu in the extraordinary Takachiho Shrine each night November to February, the finest traditional performing arts in Japan. Ticket approx 1000 yen.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Early cafe before Takachiho Early start for the extraordinary gorge. The basalt walls are most atmospheric in morning mist. | Lunch: Takachiho restaurant Outstanding local Miyazaki chicken nanban and mountain vegetables near the extraordinary gorge. | Dinner: Restaurant en route to Nagasaki Outstanding Kyushu dinner travelling west. Saga beef or fresh Ariake Sea seafood.
DAY 4
NAGASAKI
MORNING
NAGASAKI ATOMIC BOMB MUSEUM
The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum is the most extraordinary peace heritage museum in Japan, its remarkable exhibits of the 1945 bomb damage , the extraordinary melted rosary beads, the remarkable stopped clocks and the fine survivor testimonies , giving the most profound war heritage experience in the country. The remarkable Hypocenter Park marks the exact point above which the bomb detonated. Entry approx 200 yen. Drive: 10 min walk
MIDDAY
NAGASAKI PEACE PARK
Nagasaki Peace Park is the most extraordinary memorial park in Japan, its remarkable bronze Peace Statue and the extraordinary collection of peace sculptures donated by nations around the world giving the finest international memorial in the country. The remarkable Urakami Cathedral, rebuilt after the atomic bomb, and the extraordinary Hypocenter stone give the finest peace heritage in Kyushu. Free. Drive: 15 min walk
AFTERNOON
GLOVER GARDEN AND DEJIMA
Glover Garden is the most extraordinary Meiji-era foreign settlement in Japan, its remarkable clifftop garden of Western-style mansions built by Scottish and Dutch merchants giving the finest example of Meiji-era cultural exchange in the country. The extraordinary Dejima artificial island, the only point of trade between Japan and the outside world during isolation, gives the finest Dutch heritage in Asia. Entry approx 620 yen.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Inasayama viewpoint above Nagasaki gives one of the three finest night views in Japan, its remarkable 333-metre summit looking over the extraordinary natural harbour basin entirely surrounded by glittering lights. Cable car approx 1250 yen return.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Nagasaki cafe before museum Outstanding Nagasaki champon noodle soup, the finest local dish, before visiting the extraordinary peace museum. | Lunch: Nagasaki restaurant near Peace Park Outstanding Nagasaki cuisine. Local shippoku multi-course | Dinner: or the finest sara udon crispy noodles. DINNER Farewell dinner in Nagasaki Outstanding final Nagasaki dinner. Local champon or the finest toruko rice mixed dish in Kyushu.
DAY 5
YAKUSHIMA
MORNING
SHIRATANI UNSUIKYO RAVINE
Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is the most extraordinary ancient forest in Japan, its remarkable moss-carpeted cedar groves said to have inspired the Studio Ghibli film Princess Mononoke giving the finest primeval forest walk in the country. The extraordinary Yakusugi cedars over 1000 years old and the remarkable waterfalls throughout the ravine give the finest forest experience in Asia. Entry approx 500 yen. Drive: 30 min drive
MIDDAY
YAKUSUGI LAND CEDAR FOREST
Yakusugi Land is the most extraordinary ancient cedar sanctuary in Japan, its remarkable accessible trails through forest containing the extraordinary Yakusugi cedars , trees over 1000 years old unique to Yakushima , giving the finest ancient tree experience in the country. The remarkable 3000-year-old Nidai-sugi cedar and the extraordinary forest atmosphere give the finest UNESCO natural heritage in Kyushu. Entry approx 300 yen. Drive: 20 min drive
AFTERNOON
YAKUSHIMA COAST AND TURTLE BEACH
The Yakushima coastline is the most extraordinary sea turtle nesting habitat in Japan, its remarkable Inakahama Beach giving encounters with loggerhead turtles nesting from May to August and the extraordinary emerald water of the Yakushima coast giving the finest coastal scenery in Kyushu. The remarkable combination of ancient mountain forest and tropical coast gives the finest island contrast in Japan. Free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Jomon Sugi cedar on Yakushima, the oldest living tree in Japan at over 7200 years old, requires a 10-hour return hike but is the most extraordinary living heritage site in the country. Book a guide in advance. The finest single day hike in Japan.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Early breakfast before ravine walk Very early start for Shiratani Unsuikyo. The extraordinary moss forest is most atmospheric before 8am. | Lunch: Mountain hut cafe in Yakusugi Land Outstanding simple Japanese lunch in the ancient cedar forest. Rice balls and hot miso soup. | Dinner: Farewell seafood dinner in Yakushima Outstanding Yakushima flying fish dinner, the finest local speciality on the extraordinary island.
Where To Stay
Fukuoka, Nights 1 to 2 Best hub. Hotels from 70 to 180 euros. 5 min airport to city. Shinkansen connections. Beppu ryokan, Night 2 The finest onsen experience in Japan. Ryokans from 120 to 350 euros per person. Budget option Capsule hotels near Hakata station from 30 euros. Business hotels in Nagasaki from 60 euros.
Top Tips
1. Takachiho gorge boats sell out by 10am in peak season. Queue from 7am for the extraordinary boat hire. The 30-minute wait at opening is the finest investment in Kyushu.
2. Mount Aso crater: check volcanic alert level at jma.go.jp before visiting. Frequently closed. The extraordinary caldera grassland is worth the trip regardless.
3. Yakushima Shiratani Unsuikyo: start before 8am for the extraordinary moss forest in mist with no other visitors. The ancient cedar atmosphere is entirely different from midday.
4. Nagasaki Peace Museum: allow 3 hours minimum. The extraordinary survivor testimonies require time and silence. The most profound museum experience in Japan.
5. Beppu sand bath: book the Suginoi seafront location in advance in July and August. The extraordinary combination of geothermal heat and sea breeze is the finest in Japan.
6. Fukuoka yatai stalls: the finest experience in Japan opens at 6pm in rain. The extraordinary intimacy of an outdoor stall with a local ramen master is unmissable.
Total Budget
80 to 160 euros/day