Welcome to Kyūshū, a captivating region of Japan that will leave you amazed! Located in the southwest of Japan, Kyūshū is known for its lush landscapes, volcanic hot springs, and countless historical treasures. From the bustling streets of Fukuoka to the peaceful onsen towns of Yufuin and Beppu, you’ll discover a wide variety of charming landscapes.

Índice
1. How to Get to Kyūshū
2. Best Time to Visit Kyūshū
3. 8-Day Kyūshū Itinerary
4. Accommodation
5. Budget for Two People in Japan
6. Fun Facts
7. Getting Around – JR PASS
8. Internet
9. Travel insurance
10. Money while traveling – N26 Card
11. More Japan blog posts
Sumiyoshi-jinja, Fukuoka

How to Get to Kyūshū

You can reach Kyūshū by plane, train, or car. Fukuoka Airport is the region’s main gateway. We travelled throughout the entire trip by train using the Japan Rail Pass, which made everything much more convenient without having to worry about renting a car, parking, and so on. Local trains and buses also provide excellent connections throughout Kyūshū.

    • From Tokyo to Kyūshū by train:
        • Option 1: Shinkansen (bullet train): Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station to Hakata Station. Without using a Nozomi train (which is not included in the JR Pass), the journey takes approximately 5 to 6 hours. Hakata Station is one of Fukuoka’s main transport hubs, making it easy to continue to other destinations across Kyūshū.
        • Option 2: Domestic flight: You can also take a domestic flight from Tokyo (Haneda or Narita Airport) to Fukuoka Airport. It’s a faster option, although it requires additional travel to and from the airports.
    • From Osaka to Kyūshū by train:
        • Option 1: Shinkansen (bullet train): Similar to the route from Tokyo, take the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Hakata Station. The journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.
        • Option 2: Domestic flight: Another faster alternative is to fly from Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) or Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Fukuoka Airport (FUK).

Best Time to Visit Kyūshū

The best time to visit Kyūshū is during spring (March to May), when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, or autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and you can enjoy the beautiful momiji (autumn foliage). Summer is perfect for experiencing lively festivals, while winter is ideal for hot spring lovers.

8-Day Kyūshū Itinerary

You can easily adapt the following itinerary to suit your personal interests. Nature lovers may want to spend more time in Yufuin and Beppu, while history enthusiasts might prefer exploring cities such as Fukuoka and Kagoshima.

Day 1 – Exploring Fukuoka
    • Morning: Start the day with a visit to the sacred Kushida Shrine, one of Fukuoka’s oldest and most famous Shinto shrines. You can also head over to Canal City Hakata for some shopping.
    • Afternoon: Discover the historic charm of Sumiyoshi-jinja, known for its unique architectural style and peaceful surroundings. For lunch, try a bowl of ramen at the Hakata Issou Nakasu branch.
    • Evening: End the day with a relaxing stroll through the Nakasu district, soaking up its lively nightlife and local atmosphere.
Day 2 – Trip to Tanushimaru Station
    • Morning: Set off on a scenic train journey to Tanushimaru Station, famous for its duck-shaped building dedicated to the kappa, mythical water spirits from Japanese folklore. The station also has a café and a stamp rally where you can collect stamps by searching for kappa statues around the town.
    • Afternoon: Wander around Tanushimaru collecting stamps and enjoy a drink at Kappateria, the café inside the train station.
    • Evening: Return to Fukuoka and find a restaurant serving motsunabe for dinner.
Tanushimaru Station
Day 3 – Trip to Itoshima and a Street Food Adventure in Fukuoka
    • Morning & Afternoon: Travel from Fukuoka to Sakurai Futamigaura, located in Itoshima, a picturesque coastal area famous for its breathtaking views and iconic Couple Stones. Enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant.
      • Train and bus:
          • Take a train from Hakata Station in Fukuoka on either the JR Kagoshima Line or the JR Chikuhi Line to Chikuzen-Maebaru Station. The journey takes approximately 50–60 minutes.
          • Transfer to a bus to Futamigaura: From Chikuzen-Maebaru Station, you can take a bus to Futamigaura. The journey takes around 15–20 minutes.
      • Bus:
          • You can also take a direct bus from the Hakata Bus Terminal (3rd floor). A one-way ticket costs ¥1,150 (around €7.50). The last return bus departs at 6:00 pm.
    • Afternoon: Return to Fukuoka and have dinner at one of the lively yatai (street food stalls) lining the streets, where you’ll find a fantastic selection of local street food.
Day 4 – Heritage and Culture in Fukuoka
    • Morning: Visit the impressive Nanzoin Temple, a Shingon Buddhist temple famous for housing one of the world’s largest bronze reclining Buddha statues. If you decide to visit, keep in mind that there is a strict dress code: no sleeveless tops, skirts, or shorts, and tattoos must be covered, although scarves are usually available at the entrance. The statue measures 41 metres long, 11 metres high, and weighs around 300 tonnes! To get there:
      • Take a train from Hakata Station on the JR Kagoshima Line towards Kurume and get off at Sasaguri Station. The journey usually takes around 30–40 minutes, depending on the train.
      • Nanzoin Temple is about a 20-minute walk from Sasaguri Station.
    • Afternoon: Enjoy a delicious bowl of ramen at Ippudo Nishidori, a renowned ramen restaurant serving Fukuoka’s signature Hakata ramen. Afterwards, visit the Ohori Park Japanese Garden.
    • Evening: Have dinner in the area before returning to your hotel.
Nanzoin Temple
Day 5 – Eevee Manhole Covers in Ibusuki and an Afternoon in Kagoshima
    • Morning (Ibusuki): Travel from Fukuoka to Ibusuki to see the famous Eevee manhole covers. Pokémon launched the PokéFuta (ポケふた) project in 2018, and the nine Eevee and Eeveelution designs were among the very first to be installed. They were placed in Ibusuki because the town’s name sounds similar to “Eevee suki” (イーブイ好き), which means “I like Eevee” in Japanese. Afterwards, you can experience Ibusuki’s famous sand baths on the beach. The naturally heated volcanic sand is believed to have therapeutic benefits and offers a unique spa-like experience. To reach Ibusuki from Fukuoka:
      • From Hakata Station, take the Kyushu Shinkansen to Kagoshima-Chuo Station. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
      • At Kagoshima-Chuo Station, transfer to the JR Ibusuki-Makurazaki Line and board a train to Ibusuki. The journey takes around 1.5 hours.
    • Afternoon (Ibusuki to Kagoshima): Travel from Ibusuki to Kagoshima, where you’ll spend the night before continuing to Yufuin.
    • Afternoon/Evening (Kagoshima): Explore the lively Tenmonkan district, known for its vibrant atmosphere, shops, and local restaurants. While you’re there, be sure to try kurobuta (Kagoshima black pork), one of the region’s most famous specialties.
Eevee manhole covers in Ibusuki
Day 6 – From Kagoshima to Yufuin
    • Morning: we take a train to Yufuin, famous for its hot springs and picturesque scenery. To get there from Kagoshima:
      • Head to Kagoshima-Chuo Station and take the Kyushu Shinkansen towards Hakata Station. The Shinkansen journey takes between 1.5 and 2 hours.
      • At Hakata Station, transfer to the JR Kyudai Main Line Limited Express train bound for Yufuin. The journey from Hakata to Yufuin takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
    • Afternoon: we check in at Musouen Onsen to enjoy a relaxing stay in a traditional ryokan. We spend the afternoon hopping from one hot spring bath to another until dinner time.
    • Evening: more hot spring baths and then off to sleep!
Day 7 – Visit to Yufuin Floral Village
    • Morning: we explore Yufuin Floral Village, a charming area filled with beautiful gardens and unique shops that look like they’ve come straight out of a Studio Ghibli film.
    • Afternoon: enjoy a walk along the Yufuin River and take in the scenic views.
    • Evening: spend another evening at the onsen or explore the local izakaya for dinner.
Yama no Hotel Musouen
Day 8 – From Yufuin to Beppu and a visit to the Seven Hells of Beppu
    • Morning: the final stop of our Kyūshū trip is Beppu, another small town in Ōita Prefecture famous for having the largest volume of underground hot spring water in the world, which explains its incredible number of onsen. To get there from Yufuin:
      • Take a Limited Express or local train on the JR Kyudai Main Line towards Ōita. The journey from Yufuin to Beppu takes approximately 20–30 minutes, depending on the type of train.
    • Afternoon: we check into our hotel and head straight out to explore the Seven Hells of Beppu, a collection of unique hot springs with striking colours and distinctive features. We try to visit all seven Jigoku: Umi, Chinoike, Tatsumaki, Shiraike, Oniishibozu, Oniyama and Kamado. If you’re short on time, I recommend prioritising Umi and Chinoike.
    • Evening: our last night in Kyūshū, so it’s time to treat ourselves to a great farewell dinner!
Umi Jigoku, Beppu

Accommodation

Kyūshū offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxury hotels to traditional ryokan inns. Here are a few options for the different stops we made along our trip:

Dinner at Yama no Hotel Musouen

Budget for Two People in Japan

The exact cost of your trip will vary depending on your travel style, personal preferences, and the choices you make along the way. That said, here’s a breakdown of what we spent during our trip around Kyūshū. 1. Transportation

    • 14-day JR Pass, as we combined this itinerary with other regions of Japan: €520 per person (€1,040 for two people)
    • Bus from Fukuoka to Sakurai Futamigaura: €15 per person
    • Around €15 per person for the rest of the trip (non-JR buses, subways not covered by the JR Pass, etc.)

2. Accommodation

3. Admission fees

    • Ōhori Park Japanese Garden: ¥250 (€1.60) per person
    • Seven Hells of Beppu: ¥2,200 (€15) per person for access to all the Hells
    • One-hour experience at the Natural Sand Bath Center “Saraku” in Ibusuki: ¥1,100 (around €7) per person

4. Other expenses

  • Food (supermarket shopping for dinners at the apartment, restaurants and fast food): €300
  • IATI travel insurance: the price always depends on the length of your trip, but two weeks of cover costs €47.10 per person (5% discount with my link!)
  • eSIM, SIM card or Pocket Wi-Fi: approximately €30.

APPROXIMATE TOTAL COST FOR 2 PEOPLE (INCLUDING JR PASS) – €2,450* (€1,225 per person)

*Not including souvenirs and all the little extras you’ll probably end up buying during the trip.

Sakurai Futamigaura

Fun Facts

Let’s explore some interesting facts about each of these destinations in Kyūshū:

    • The Origins of Hakata Ramen in Fukuoka: Fukuoka, especially the Hakata district, is famous as the birthplace of Hakata ramen, known for its rich and creamy pork bone broth (tonkotsu) and thin noodles. A must-try for ramen lovers.
    • The Hidden Tunnel in Ōhori Park: Ōhori Park features a hidden tunnel that originally formed part of the moat surrounding Fukuoka Castle. It adds an intriguing historical element to the park and offers a glimpse into the city’s past.
    • The Changing Colours of Fukuoka Tower: Fukuoka Tower, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, changes colour at night. Its lighting varies depending on the weather forecast, creating a dynamic and visually striking display.
    • Sakurai Futamigaura: Itoshima is home to Sakurai Futamigaura, famous for its iconic “married rocks” (couple stones) and breathtaking sunset views. Locals believe that couples who pray here for happiness will enjoy a long and happy marriage.
    • Eevee Manhole Covers in Ibusuki: Ibusuki became famous for its Eevee-themed Pokémon manhole covers, a creative collaboration between Pokémon and the town.
    • Natural Sand Bath Experience: Ibusuki is also known for its unique sand baths, where visitors are buried in naturally heated volcanic sand.
    • Sakurajima Volcano in Kagoshima: Kagoshima is dominated by Sakurajima, an active volcano that constantly emits smoke and occasionally erupts. The city offers spectacular views of this natural wonder.
    • Kagoshima’s Unique Shochu Culture: Kagoshima is one of Japan’s leading producers of shochu, a traditional Japanese distilled spirit. The region’s volcanic soil and sweet potatoes contribute to the distinctive flavours of Kagoshima shochu, making it a fascinating destination for spirit enthusiasts.
    • The Seven Hells of Beppu: Beppu, in Ōita Prefecture, is famous for its “Seven Hells”, a collection of spectacular hot springs with different colours and unique characteristics. Each hell is completely different, ranging from boiling mud pools to vibrant cobalt-blue waters.
Yufuin Floral Village

Getting Around – JR PASS

JR PASS! Your best friend when travelling around Japan, and something I highly recommend for this itinerary. Anyone visiting Japan as a tourist with a “Temporary Visitor” visa is eligible to purchase one. It’s a personal, non-transferable discounted rail pass created especially for tourists, allowing unlimited travel throughout the country on JR trains, selected metro lines (such as Tokyo’s Yamanote Line and Osaka Loop Line), buses, ferries and even some airport transfer services. You can find all the details in this dedicated article on my blog.

Internet

I believe having Internet access while traveling is essential, especially if you want to check train schedules, navigate around, or find directions. In Japan, you have several options, and I’ll tell you a bit about the two I’ve personally used:

    • eSIM: nowadays, the most common option is to get an eSIM, so here’s a link with a 5% discount at Holafly. If the discount isn’t automatically applied, you can enter the code “WHERETOFINDJESS” during checkout.

    • Data SIM card: If you prefer a physical SIM card, you can buy one online before arriving in Japan and either pick it up at the airport or have it delivered to your hotel. You can buy one through this link. Once you arrive at the airport, you’ll also find shops selling SIM cards, but I always use this one because it’s well-priced. Airport options are usually a bit more expensive. Another option is to order one through Amazon JP and have it delivered to your hotel.
    • Pocket Wi-Fi: This is a portable device that you can rent and use for Internet access until its battery runs out. It’s very small and easy to carry, allows you to connect multiple devices, and can be picked up at the airport. You can rent yours through this link. The only downside is that you’ll need to keep an eye on the battery level.
Photo spots next to Sakurai Futamigaura in Itoshima

Travel insurance

For this type of trip, I always take out travel insurance with IATI for extra peace of mind in case something happens. We once had an incident in Japan, and it was incredibly helpful. We usually choose either the “IATI Basic” or “IATI Standard” plan, although depending on the destination you may want to consider the “Star” or “Backpacker” options. You can also add or purchase trip cancellation insurance. There’s an “IATI Premium Cancellation” option specifically designed to cover costs related to trip cancellations (flights, accommodation, excursions, and more), up to €6,000, if you’re unable to travel for any of the reasons covered by the policy. By clicking this link, you can purchase any IATI insurance policy with a 5% discount: https://www.iatiseguros.com?r=81717716852618.

Money while traveling – N26 Card

Japan uses the Japanese Yen (¥), and as a rough guide, ¥100 is approximately €0.64. We paid for everything with our credit card during this trip and had no issues. I got this card before traveling to Iceland, and it’s been fantastic on every trip since then. Over the last few years I’ve traveled to Japan and several other countries outside the Eurozone, and I got tired of paying exchange fees at airports or currency exchange offices, the roughly 3% fee my bank charged on every card purchase, and ATM withdrawal fees. So I looked for a solution because, even though the percentage seems small, those fees really add up. Now, whenever I travel, I pay for everything with my N26 prepaid card. You can order yours through this link. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

    • I opened my account free of charge and can withdraw cash at contactless ATMs in Spain and throughout the Eurozone.
    • If you’d like the physical card, you can order it for €10.
    • Adding money to the card is very easy, as it’s done via bank transfer.
    • A few important things to know when traveling with this card:
        • You can pay in any currency other than the euro. N26 doesn’t charge fees for purchases made abroad, even when another currency is involved. The exchange rate used is the one provided by Mastercard.
        • If you have a standard N26 account and want to withdraw cash from an ATM outside Europe, you’ll pay a 1.7% foreign exchange fee (but no withdrawal fee). With an N26 You or Metal account, this fee is waived. I use the Standard account.

Every payment I’ve made in countries using currencies other than the euro has had an excellent exchange rate (Visa’s rate is applied in this case). I constantly compared it with online currency converters, and the rate they used was actually even better than the one shown online. If you have any questions about this, feel free to email me and I’ll be happy to help. It’s a very straightforward process. Here’s the link again: N26.

Ramen and specialty coffee in Fukuoka

More Japan blog posts

Canal City Hakata and Kirby Café Hakata
Chinoike Jigoku, Beppu
Oniishibozu Jigoku, Beppu
Yatai food stalls in Fukuoka