Planning a trip to Kyushu Island, Japan? Look no further than our 10-day Kyushu Itinerary, which hits all the major attractions you need to visit. From Fukuoka to Nagasaki to Kagoshima to Beppu - we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn more.

Kyushu Island is Japan’s third largest island, and occupies about 10% of Japan’s population. Despite its natural beauty, it is largely overshadowed by Honshu Island, Japan’s largest and most populated island.

If you’re coming to this under-visited part of Japan, congratulations – you’re in for a great trip, and you’re going to see a lot of places not many people have visited.

We’ve cooked up this 10-day itinerary for you, which we think is perfect for first time visitors to the island.

4 Days in Fukuoka

Kick off your trip with a visit to Fukuoka, the most populated city on the island. Fukuoka boasts a population of 1.6 million people, and features most of the things to love about modern Japan. Large shopping malls? Check. Efficient transport system? Check. Excellent food? Check.

And on the topic of food, Fukuoka is known to be the birthplace of Hakata Ramen, so you should definitely indulge your tastebuds in this city. Also try the local mentaiko (Pollock roe), which is a famous Fukuoka delicacy.

One must-see sight is Nanzoin Temple, which is actually reachable by a short 25-minute train ride from Hakata Station.

Fukuoka is a compact sized-city, so you’ll get to see most things in one day. Because you’re staying 4 days in Fukuoka, take advantage of some great day trip opportunities.

Day Trip to Nokonoshima 

On one of the days, take a day trip out to Nokonoshima, a rural island famous for its beautiful Flower Park by the sea.

Day Trip to Itoshima

The beautiful city of Itoshima is a beachy city popular with local surfers and hikers. It is particularly known for Futamigaura Bay, a picturesque beach featuring a shrine and two rocky outcrops.

Make sure to also visit Keya no oto for an amazing sunset spot.

Day Trip to Nagasaki

Another day trip you should definitely take is to the city of Nagasaki. Nagasaki is sadly best known for being one of two cities that fell victim to nuclear bomb attacks during World War II (the other being the more well-known city of Hiroshima).

Although visiting can be a sobering moment, it’s important to remember the lives lost in such a horrible tragedy.

When visiting Nagasaki, be sure to take the ropeway up to the top of Mt Inasa. The view is considered to be one of Japan’s best night views.

2 Days in Kagoshima

Next, you’re going to head south of Kyushu Island to the city of Kagoshima. Kagoshima is a mid-sized city famous for its volcano, Sakurajima, which remains active to this day. You can actually board a short ferry ride to set foot on the volcano, which is a must do experience.

Other than the volcano, Kagoshima is also known for its pristine Sengan-en Garden, an iconic traditional Japanese garden and stately home that has been passed down for generations by the Shimazu family.

1 Day in Takachiho Gorge and Nobeoka

Visiting Takachiho Gorge will possibly be the most picturesque stop on your itinerary.

Takachiho Gorge is a gorge-ous attraction featuring several waterfalls and a gorge that you can row kayak boats on. The town of Takachiho also features several shrines and temples worth visiting on the same day.

At night, stay over in the throwback city of Nobeoka, a place that feels stuck in time for several reasons.

3 Days in Beppu

Cap off your Kyushu Island trip by unwinding and relaxing in Beppu, possibly Japan’s most famous hot spring resort town.

Because of its geothermal location, Beppu produces more hot spring water than any other resort in the country.

It’s a little kitschy and a little gimmicky, but a lot of fun. Make sure you stay in one of Beppu’s many renowned onsens, while you soak in the hot water and bathe your worries away.

When you want a break from soaking in the hot water, visit the 7 Hells of Beppu and view some of Japan’s most scenic hot springs. Make sure to check out our blog post about these hells here.

Day Trip to Yufuin

Take one last day trip out to Yufuin, a smaller onsen resort town only a short distance away from Beppu.

Yufuin is full of cute and quirky attractions and features a unique, calming vibe. Make sure to visit the whimsical Yufuin Floral Village and scenic Lake Kinrin. 

If you’re looking for a more active day, you can hike to the top of Mt Yufu.

Pass through Oita

Wherever your next destination is, Oita is a major city in Kyushu closely located to Beppu.

We spent a few hours shopping around JR Oita City and having our dinner there.

If you’re flying somewhere, Oita has an airport that schedules flights out to most major cities in Japan.

Alternatively, you can also use the bullet train to get to your next destination. 

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