one less day

Nationwide from TokyoNationwide from OsakaKanto RegionKansai RegionKyushu 3D2N4D3N5D4N6D5N7D6N8D7N9D8N10D9N11D10N12D11N13D12N

one more day

The following is a suggested, very fast paced itinerary for travelers who spend 9 days and 8 nights in Kyushu. This itinerary is designed around using a rental car for some of the rural areas where public transportation is inconvenient. Public transportation can be used instead of a rental car, however, it will result in longer travel times.

Day 1 - Arrive in Fukuoka

Arrive at Fukuoka and explore the city. In the evening, check out the city's famous food stalls.

Day 2 - Nagasaki

In the morning take the train to Nagasaki and explore the city. Spend the night in Nagasaki.

Day 3 - Kagoshima

Take an early train to Kagoshima. Spend the rest of the day checking out Kagoshima.

Day 4 - Kirishima

Explore the Kirishima area and overnight in Kirishima Onsen.

Day 5 - Kumamoto

Return to Kagoshima and take the shinkansen to Kumamoto. Explore the city and check out Kumamoto Castle.

Day 6 - Aso and Kurokawa

Rent a car and drive to Mount Aso and check out the crater. Continue on to Kurokawa and stay at a ryokan there.

Day 7 - Yufuin via Mount Kuju

Drive to Yufuin via the Kuju Mountains and overnight in Yufuin.

Day 8 - Beppu

Drive to Beppu and visit the town's hot springs. Return your rental car.

Day 9 - Return to Fukuoka

Take a train back to Fukuoka via Kokura Station.

A 7-day All Kyushu Rail Pass pays off for this itinerary if used for days 3-9. A rental car is recommended for days 6-8 and would simplify transportation on day 4. Alternatively, public transportation can be used for the entire itinerary at a possibly lower cost, but with appropriate adjustments made to account for the longer travel times. Below are some sample budgets for the itinerary, excluding airfare. Find out more about the sample budgets and about the current yen exchange rates.