11 days, 10 nights

The following is a suggested, very fast paced itinerary for travelers who spend 11 days and 10 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 - Satsuma Peninsula
Make a side trip to the Satsuma Peninsula. Check out the sand baths in Ibuski.
Day 5 - Kirishima
Explore the Kirishima area and overnight in Kirishima Onsen.
Day 6 - Kumamoto
Return to Kagoshima and take the shinkansen to Kumamoto. Explore the city and check out Kumamoto Castle.
Day 7 - Takachiho
Rent a car and drive to Takachiho. Explore the town and check out the Yokagura Performance at Takachiho Shrine in the evening.
Day 8 - Aso and Kurokawa
Drive to Mount Aso and check out the crater. Continue on to Kurokawa and stay at a ryokan there.
Day 9 - Yufuin via Mount Kuju
Drive to Yufuin via the Kuju Mountains and overnight in Yufuin.
Day 10 - Beppu
Drive to Beppu and visit the town's hot springs. Return your rental car.
Day 11 - Return to Fukuoka
Take a train back to Fukuoka via Kokura Station.

A rail pass does not pay off for this itinerary. A rental car is recommended for days 7-10 and would simplify transportation on days 4-5. 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.

	Single Traveler	Two Travelers
Low Budget	149,000 - 207,000 yen	238,000 - 334,000 yen
Medium Budget	207,000 - 322,000 yen	334,000 - 484,000 yen
High Budget	over 322,000 yen	over 484,000 yen

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