For many first-time visitors to Japan, the top destinations that come to mind are Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. Taking a selfie with Glico Man in Dotonbori, strolling through Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, and crossing the Shibuya Scramble with hundreds of others are must-do experiences. These were my dreams too! But if you’ve already checked those off your list and are looking to explore more of Japan, I highly recommend heading to Northern Kyushu.
If you’re looking for a self-drive itinerary for all of Kyushu, you won’t find that here, as I didn’t experience it myself. However, if you’re interested in a 7-day itinerary for Northern Kyushu using public transportation, this post should help you plan your trip. It covers my actual itinerary, budget and expenses, hotel recommendations, rail passes, and more. So, let’s get in to it!
Table of Contents
What is Kyushu and Where is it Located?
Kyushu is Japan’s third-largest island, located in the southwestern part of the country. It is home to diverse attractions ranging from hot springs, volcanoes and rich cultural landmarks. The island is made up of several prefectures, including Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Kumamoto, and is easily accessible by train, plane, or ferry from any major cities.
How to get around Northern Kyushu
Self-drive in Kyushu
Renting a car in Kyushu is the ideal way to explore, especially since many of the top attractions, like its mountains and waterfalls, are spread out and not easily accessible by train or bus. As a solo traveler, the cost of renting a car was too high, so I focused on destinations that were well connected by public transportation. However, if you’re traveling with family or friends, splitting the cost of a rental car makes it an excellent option for convenience and flexibility.
JR Northern Kyushu Rail Pass
If you’re planning to follow this Northern Kyushu itinerary, I highly recommend JR Kyushu Rail Pass (North Kyushu 3 day/5 day Pass). It offers unlimited rides on JR trains throughout Northern Kyushu, including major cities like Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Beppu. It covers both the Shinkansen (bullet trains) and local JR lines, making it convenient to travel between cities.
Prepaid IC Cards in Japan
Nimoca (offered by Nishitetsu) and Sugoca (provided by JR Kyushu) are IC transportation cards available for purchase in Kyushu.You can also use these IC cards to pay for purchases at convenience stores and select restaurants. Alternatively, if you have Welcome Suica, Suica, Pasmo or Icoca, you can use them in Kyushu, as they are accepted in many locations across Japan that support IC cards.
My Actual Northern Kyushu 7-day Itinerary (Summer)
On my first trip to Kyushu, I decided to focus on Northern Kyushu. It is an area known for its chemical and heavy industries, particularly iron and steel. For this trip, I explored the following cities/prefectures:
- Fukuoka, the region’s largest city, known for its vibrant food scene and historic temples.
- Kumamoto, stands out for the iconic Mt. Aso and the majestic Kumamoto Castle.
- Nagasaki, known for its international relations and the impact of World War II.
- Beppu, famous for its hot springs and geothermal wonders.
- Usuki, known for its ancient stone Buddhas and tranquil charm.
Day 1: Arrival in Fukuoka
I arrived in Fukuoka at night, flying in from Manila on Cebu Pacific (2:10 PM to 7:00 PM). After landing, I headed to Hakata Station and purchased a JR Kyushu Rail Pass, getting ready for the adventures ahead. Then, I took a quick taxi ride to &Hotel Hakata, my home away from home in Fukuoka.
Day 2: Fukuoka
On Day 2, I experienced the thrilling Hakata Gion Yamakasa early in the morning. It was already the last day of the summer festival so I got to witness the intense race through Hakata’s streets. In the afternoon, I visited Dazaifu Tenmangu, a beautiful shrine dedicated to the god of learning. Then I ended the day with a delicious bowl of Hakata Ramen.
Day 3: Kumamoto Day Trip from Fukuoka
On Day 3, I took a day trip to Kumamoto from Fukuoka. The tour included visits to the majestic Kumamoto Castle and the scenic Kusasenri plains at Mt. Aso. This tour can be done DIY-style too, but if you prefer convenience and comfort, a Kumamoto Group Tour from Fukuoka is a great option.
Day 4: Nagasaki Day Trip from Fukuoka
On Day 4, I took a day trip to Nagasaki from Fukuoka, using my JR Kyushu Rail Pass for the limited express train ride. Upon arrival, I bought a 1-day Nagasaki Tram Pass, which was economical and convenient for getting around. I did this day tour DIY-style, but if you prefer convenience and comfort, a Nagasaki Walking Tour is a great option.
Day 5: Beppu
On Day 5, I traveled from Fukuoka to Beppu on a limited express train using my JR Kyushu Rail Pass. The two-night stay gave me plenty of time to explore the Hells of Beppu and enjoy the open-air hot spring in my hotel room. Beppu is famous for its numerous public onsen, many of which offer unique experiences like mud baths. Although I would have loved to try Beppu’s public onsen, I was solo traveling and unsure of the process at these public baths. When I return with friends, I’ll definitely make it a point to experience them firsthand! Read about my 2-night trip to Beppu here.
Day 6: Usuki Day Trip from Beppu
On Day 6, I took a day trip to Usuki from Beppu. The Usuki Samurai District, a former castle town on the east coast of Ōita Prefecture, offers a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past, preserving the charm of its centuries-old community. After exploring the district, I hopped on a local bus to visit the Usuki Stone Buddhas (Usuki Sekibutsu), which have been designated a Japanese National Treasure since 1995. The JR trains to Usuki are covered by the Japan Rail Pass and the full version of the JR Kyushu Rail Pass, but keep in mind the JR Northern Kyushu Rail Pass is not valid south of Ōita Station.
Day 7: Beppu to Fukuoka (Departure)
On Day 7, I started my morning with a relaxing soak in the hot spring bath in my hotel room before heading back to Fukuoka. With my evening flight to Manila, I had plenty of time to explore JR Hakata City, the commercial complex of Hakata Station. I conveniently left my luggage in a station coin locker, allowing me to move around freely. Then, I indulged in ramen I hadn’t tried yet, picked up snacks, and did a bit of last-minute shopping.
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Where to Stay in Northern Kyushu
If you’re following my itinerary, I recommend booking accommodation in Fukuoka and Beppu. You’ll stay for 4 nights in Fukuoka, which serves as a great base for exploring the surrounding areas, and 2 nights in Beppu to experience its famous hot springs. If you’d prefer to spend 1-2 nights in Nagasaki instead, that’s totally fine too—it’s a beautiful city with rich history, and staying there gives you more time to explore its attractions.
Where to stay in Fukuoka
I highly recommend booking a hotel near JR Hakata Station (the bullet train stop). Another great option is the Tenjin area, known for the yatai food stalls. For 4 nights, I stayed at &Hotel Hakata. The location is excellent, with plenty of great restaurants nearby and just a short walk from both Canal City and JR Hakata Station. Although check-in is a bit late at 4:00 PM, the hotel allows you to drop off your bags beforehand.
Where to stay in Beppu
For your stay in Beppu, I recommend booking a hotel near Beppu Station or close to the hot springs. For two nights, I stayed at Nisaino Yuyyado Asahiya, a ryokan close to Beppu’s famous ‘Hells of Beppu’ hot springs. The open-air bath in the room was an absolute highlight! The room blended traditional Japanese aesthetics with a modern western-style bed and stunning coastal views. It’s a popular ryokan among Japanese tourists, so be sure to book in advance!
How much did I spend on this trip?
In total, I spent ₱45,654.62 ($830.08 USD) on my 7-day trip to Northern Kyushu. This amount covered everything—airfare, accommodation, food, tours, local transportation, and shopping. I found it to be quite reasonable given the length and variety of experiences. Of course, costs can vary depending on your choice of accommodation and how many paid activities you include. Airfare is usually a major expense, but I was fortunate to snag a budget-friendly flight from Manila to Fukuoka, making the trip even more affordable!
| Expenses | Amount (PHP) |
|---|---|
| Airfare | 2,821.08 |
| Visa Application | 1,300.00 |
| Philippine Travel Tax | 1,620.00 |
| Accommodation | 26,160.00 |
| JR Kyushu Rail Pass | 5,680.00 |
| Other Transport Expenses | 1,948.46 |
| Food | 4,021.62 |
| Shopping | 1,948.46 |
| Miscellaneous | 155.00 |
| Total | 45,654.62 pesos ($830.08 USD) |
Staying connected in Japan
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Pin this for future reference!
And that wraps up my adventure in Northern Kyushu! I hope this guide helps you plan your own trip to this beautiful region. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, feel free to share them below. I love hearing from you!
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