If you're looking to experience Japan's natural side, Kyushu is a perfect choice. It's known for its volcanoes, hot springs, and delicious tonkotsu ramen.
Compared to Tokyo and Kyoto, it has fewer travelers and a slower pace of life, making it a great place to enjoy a more local side of Japan.
So, where should you start when planning a trip to Kyushu without missing the highlights? In this article, we'll share first-hand experience and tips from our own trip to help you plan your first visit to Kyushu.
Where to Go in Kyushu for a First Visit?
For your first trip to Kyushu, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Beppu are the best places to go. They cover the main highlights and give you an overview of the region. Around a week is enough to explore them.
Fukuoka: It is the largest city in Kyushu and often the first stop for travelers. It's famous for its tonkotsu ramen (the birthplace of this famous ramen), shopping malls, and a relaxed city vibe.
Nagasaki: A port city full of history. Besides the famous atomic bomb sites, you can also go on a dolphin-watching tour.
Kumamoto: Home to many natural highlights, including Mount Aso, Takachiho Gorge, and Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine.
Beppu: It's all about onsens. The must-see is the "Hells of Beppu," seven hot springs with different colors that are for viewing only.
If you have 10 days in Kyushu, you can explore more cities for a richer experience. One great option is Kagoshima in the south, where you'll see Sakurajima, one of Japan's most active volcanoes.
Top 3 Things to Do in Kyushu - Experience the Best of Kyushu
The three must-do experiences in Kyushu are soaking in hot springs, exploring volcanoes, and tasting tonkotsu ramen.
1. Relax in a Traditional Onsen
No trip to Japan is complete without soaking in an onsen. Beppu is the hot spring capital of the country, with the highest output in Japan. As you walk around the city, you'll often see steam rising from the ground.
Beppu is different from other onsen cities in Japan. You can soak in hot springs here, but you can also see the "hells" over 100°C that are only for viewing. They come in red, blue, white, and other colors, and look very unique.
We highly recommend staying at a traditional Japanese ryokan in Yufuin. It's a quiet hot spring town near Beppu, with many high-quality ryokans with onsens. Soaking in an open-air bath while looking out at the mountains is one of the most relaxing experiences you can have in Kyushu.
And it's not just about regular hot springs. In Beppu, you can also try unique experiences like sand baths, mud baths, and steam baths, which are much harder to find elsewhere in Japan.
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2. Get Up Close to Volcanic Landscapes
If you're coming to Kyushu, you shouldn't miss its volcanic landscapes. This is one of the most volcanically active parts of Japan, so you'll get to see craters, steam, and even gorges shaped by old eruptions up close.
The three must-visit places are Takachiho Gorge, Mount Aso in Kumamoto, and Kagoshima.
Takachiho Gorge is a canyon formed by volcanic activity. The best way to explore it is by boat. You need to book online in advance. If you don't, try signing up on site, but it's best to arrive between 9 and 10 am. Otherwise, you might miss your chance.
If you're short on time but still want to see a volcano, Mount Aso is a great choice. You can see steam rising from the crater and a blue-green crater lake. On a clear day, you can walk along the trail for a close-up view.
If you have more time, you can visit Sakurajima. It's one of Japan's most active volcanoes, with frequent small eruptions. You can see it from Kagoshima City, or go up to an observation deck on the mountain for a closer look.
Don't worry about safety. If volcanic activity gets stronger or the weather turns bad, areas will be closed off, so visitors won't be allowed into dangerous zones.
3. Taste Authentic Tonkotsu Ramen in Its Birthplace
Ramen is a must-try when visiting Japan. For tonkotsu ramen, Fukuoka is the best place to go.
Hakata in Fukuoka is where tonkotsu ramen was born. Many famous ramen shops started here, including Ichiran Ramen, which opened its first shop in Fukuoka.
Personally, I think tonkotsu ramen in Fukuoka tastes better than in Tokyo or Kyoto. The broth is richer, and the flavor is stronger.
Just tell us what you want to experience in Kyushu and Japan, and we'll help you choose the right activities. We'll take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy your trip.
How Many Days to Spend in Kyushu?
For first-time visitors to Kyushu, 7 days is ideal. It gives you enough time to see the main highlights of the region.
If you prefer to explore more places in depth, you can extend your trip to 10 to 12 days.
A Classic 7-Day Kyushu Itinerary
With a week in Kyushu, you can follow the Golden Route: Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Beppu. It is a bit tight, but still enough to see the main highlights.
- Fukuoka (2–3 days): Explore Kyushu's liveliest city, try authentic tonkotsu ramen, and enjoy its laid-back atmosphere.
- Nagasaki (1 day): Visit the atomic bomb sites and learn about the city's history in World War II.
- Kumamoto (2 days): Enjoy the natural beauty of Takachiho Gorge and Mount Aso.
- Beppu (1 day): See the Hells of Beppu, then stay overnight in a ryokan with an onsen in Yufuin.
10-12 Days Kyushu Itinerary for more Depth
If you have 10 to 12 days, you can build on the 7-day itinerary and add a few more cities.
- Kagoshima (1–2 days): Get views of Sakurajima from the city and also explore it up close.
- Miyazaki (1–2 days): Enjoy stunning coastal views and visit a shrine built inside a cave on a seaside cliff.
Use our itinerary as inspiration to create your own Kyushu tour. Our Japan travel advisors are here to help you craft a unique itinerary tailored to your interests.
How to Get to and Get Around Kyushu Easily?
You can easily take the Shinkansen from Tokyo or Osaka to Kyushu. Once there, getting around is also very convenient with the Shinkansen and local trains.
Getting to Kyushu from Osaka and Tokyo
As the gateway to Kyushu, Fukuoka is the most popular entry and exit point for travelers.
It's best to get from Osaka to Fukuoka. It is a shorter distance, and the journey takes about 2.5 hours.
If you are traveling from Tokyo, flying is a better option. It takes about 2 hours to reach Fukuoka. The Shinkansen takes around five hours and is usually two to three times more expensive than flights.
Getting Around Kyushu
Shinkansen and JR trains connect the major cities in Kyushu, including Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, and Kagoshima.
However, getting to some attractions outside the city, like Mount Aso and Takachiho Gorge, can be difficult by public transport. Only buses go there, and they don't run often. You may end up waiting 30 minutes or more, which can take up a lot of time and energy.
Many people online may suggest self-driving in Kyushu, but we don't recommend it. Japan drives on the right side of the road, and it may take a few days to get used to if you are from a left-hand driving country. It can also be less safe.
Therefore, if you want to see more places in a limited time, a private car is a better choice. You can travel directly from your hotel to each attraction, have more flexibility, and spend more time at the sights.
If you book with us, our expert Japan travel advisors will take care of everything, including hotels, transportation, and itineraries, so you can enjoy a stress-free trip.
Where Should You Stay for Your Kyushu Trip?
If you are visiting Kyushu for the first time, I recommend using three main bases: Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Beppu. You do not need to change hotels often, so you can spend more time enjoying attractions instead of traveling.
- Base in Fukuoka: Perfect for a day trip to Nagasaki.
- Base in Kumamoto: Ideal for visiting Mount Aso and Takachiho Gorge.
- Base in Beppu or Yufuin: Great for an onsen stay. Beppu is closer to the station and main attractions, while Yufuin is known for its high-end ryokans with onsens and a peaceful atmosphere. Choose the one that best suits your travel style.
FAQs about Travelling in Kyushu
1. Is It Worth Going to Kyushu for First-Timers?
Of course, it is worth it! You can experience a different side of Japan's nature.
If this is your first trip to Japan, we recommend focusing on the Golden Route of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. It covers the country's main highlights and gives you a great introduction to Japan.
If your trip is longer than 10 days, you can also explore Kyushu. We recommend choosing one or two major cities to visit.
2. Which Should You Visit, Beppu or Yufuin?
Both are worth visiting. We recommend visiting Beppu first, then staying overnight in Yufuin. This way, you can enjoy the best of both.
Beppu is famous for the Hells of Beppu and its many unique hot springs, including sand baths and mud baths.
After sightseeing, stay in Yufuin. It has many high-end ryokans with onsen, where you can enjoy hot springs with mountain views. It feels more relaxing and resort-like than staying in downtown Beppu.
3. Is Takachiho Gorge Worth Visiting?
It is definitely worth it. Takachiho Gorge looks just as beautiful in real life as it does in photos.
A boat ride in Takachiho Gorge is a must. You can get close to the gorge and even go under the waterfall, which is much more interesting than walking the trail.
We recommend booking your boat ride online in advance. If you cannot book online, you can still try on-site, but spots are limited. It is best to arrive at Takachiho Gorge around 9 to 10 am. Otherwise, you may not get a spot for the day.
It is also easier to reach Takachiho Gorge from Kumamoto, as it is only about a 1.5-hour drive.
Plan Your Kyushu Adventure Now!
Tell us what you want to experience in Kyushu, and our expert Japan travel advisors will tailor everything for you. Just relax and enjoy your trip.
Need some inspiration? Explore our handpicked Japan tour that includes Kyushu: