Kyushu is the third largest island in Japan and is located southeast of the main island. The mountainous island has high geothermal activities, active volcanoes and an abundance of hot springs scattered throughout the island.
If it is your first time visiting Kyushu, the perfect itinerary includes the three major cities on Kyushu Island: Fukuoka, Kumamoto and Kagoshima. Plus, it must include hikes around volcanoes, hot spring experiences and sampling food unique to the region.
The easiest way to see Kyushu is with a car. However, if you are a solo traveller (on a budget) or someone who prefers to travel without a car, it is still possible to see all the places mentioned in this itinerary with public transportation. I’ll show you exactly how you can see the best Kyushu attractions with my 10-day Kyushu itinerary without driving.
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Before you plan a trip to Kyushu, Japan
Before you visit Kyushu Island, take a look at my post on everything you need to know before going to Japan. I included a lot of information, including how to get around Japan and other travel tips.
Here are additional travel tips that you may find useful for your Kyushu itinerary:
- Kyushu is a safe for solo female travellers. Even though it is off-the-beaten-path and quieter than other parts of Japan, I felt safe travelling around the island for several weeks on my own.
- SUGOCA is the prepaid IC card for Kyushu. It is a rechargeable smart card where you can take public transportation, including bus, train and other transportation modes throughout Japan. You can also use other IC cards from other regions.
- You can follow this Kyushu itinerary throughout the year.
- It is possible to follow the entire itinerary in reverse if you prefer to start from Kagoshima and travel north to Fukuoka. Check the train schedules for the opposite direction.
- Pack minimally so you can move around easier as my Kyushu itinerary is relatively fast-paced. Since I’m suggesting to travel by train and bus, travelling with a backpack is easier. Following my minimalist packing list template and pack a carry-on bag weighing less than 7kg.
How to travel around Kyushu Island without a car
Kyushu Island is rather big, and it may be the easiest to see it with a car.
However, renting a car may not be ideal for some people, especially if you are travelling solo. Plus, the total cost of the rental car, insurance, petrol and highway toll can be quite expensive if you decide to have a car in Kyushu for ten days.
Long-distance Bus and Train
To save (a lot) of money, take advantage of the excellent public transportation in Kyushu. All major cities in Kyushu are well-connected by trains and highway buses.
In each section below, I listed all the train and/or bus options so you can choose a transportation mode that fits your budget and style.
Kyushu Itinerary: 10 Days in Kyushu from North to South
The best way to spend 10 days in Kyushu Island is by flying into northern Kyushu and start your 10 day Kyushu itinerary in Fukuoka.
First, explore Fukuoka and use it as a home base and visit several neighbouring cities before heading south to Kumamoto. Then, visit Kumamoto and Mount Aso on your own. And finish the trip by visiting Kagoshima, the southernmost city on Kyushu Island.
Here is a summary of all the places you will visit and the number of days you will spend in each city:
- Day 1-4: Fukuoka (including day trips)
- Day 5: Yanagawa
- Day 6-7: Kumamoto (including Mount Aso day trip)
- Day 8-10: Kagoshima (including Sakurajima day trip)
Kyushu Itinerary Day 1-4: Fukuoka (4 days)
Fukuoka is your first stop on your 10 day itinerary in Kyushu. It is the 7th largest city in all of Japan. And with strong food culture and numerous things to do in Fukuoka, there is plenty to do to occupy a couple of days in the city.
Plus, the accommodation in Fukuoka is the cheapest and nicest compared to the rest of Kyushu. Using Fukuoka as a base and leisurely tour of the city and visiting neighbouring towns makes the most sense.
Recommended Fukuoka Accommodation: Book four nights at The Lively Fukuoka Hakata. The hip hotel has nice rooms and common spaces. Plus, it is not very far from Hakata Station and the main bus terminal. Check prices and reviews on Agoda and Booking.
Day 1-2: Fukuoka
Once you arrive in Fukuoka, start exploring the city! All the best attractions in the city can be visited in two days. Plus, Fukuoka has many excellent places to eat and shop. It is a food and shopping haven!
Here are some of the best things you must do while you are in Fukuoka:
- Fukuoka food specialties – try local food like Hakata ramen, udon, mentaiko (pollock fish roe), motsunabe (offal hot pot), mizutaki (chicken hot pot) and so much more
- Yatai outdoor food stalls – there are over 150 food stalls around the city and it is one of the most unique eating experiences
- Hakata Old Town – visit temples and the Folk Museum
- Maizuru Park and Ohori Park – see Fukuoka Castle Ruins and the large pond that used to be a moat for Fukuoka Castle
- Souvenir Shopping – there are plenty of places to shop! Go to Kawabata Shopping Arcade, JR Hakata City, Canal City Hakata, and Tenjin
- teamLab Forest Fukuoka – enjoy a one-of-a-kind 3d interactive space where you can immerse yourself in a world of colourful art, light and sound.
Day 3-4: Fukuoka Day Trips
Fukuoka is an excellent home base for taking day trips. Many places are located outside of the city and can be easily accessed via public transportation.
For day 3 and 4, explore some places outside of Fukuoka and experience a bit of rural Kyushu. Here are some suggestions:
- Dazaifu – visit the famous temple and eat and shop on the main shopping street. This is the most popular day trip destination. Take the express train on Nishitetsu Railway.
- Nanzo-in Temple – visit the 19th century reclining bronze Buddha and 4,000+ small statues. Dress appropriately. The Kyushu train only takes 30 minutes.
- Nokonoshima Island – see blooming flowers all year round at Nokonoshima Island Park. The Meinohama Ferry takes only 10 minutes.
- Itoshima – see the famous “couple rock”, giant white torii gate and northern Kyushu beaches during a day trip to the peninsula. Take the subway then walk or take taxi.
- The Outlets Kitakyushu – probably the best outlet mall in Fukuoka. Take the train on Kagoshima Line – this is the cheapest way to get there.
How to take day trips from Fukuoka: there are many public transportation options. Solo travellers can take the train, ferry, subway or taxi to many places outside of Fukuoka.
Kyushu Itinerary Day 5: Yanagawa (1 day)
After four days in Fukuoka, make your own south to Yanagawa, a serene canal town that is off the beaten path and a wonderful town to spend a day.
Recommended Kumamoto Accommodation: Book one night at Yanagawa Hakuryuso. The boutique hotel is near the train station and it has traditional and western rooms. Check prices & reviews on Agoda or Booking
Travel from Fukuoka to Yanagawa
The best way to travel from Fukuoka to Yanagawa is by taking the Nishitetsu Railway. Many limited express trains on the Nishitetsu-Tenjin-Omuta Line travels from Fukuoka to Yanagawa.
Recommendation: take the Nishitetsu train from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station to Nishitetsu-Yanagawa Station. The train journey takes 50 minutes. Use your IC card to pay.
Day 5: Yanagawa
Drop off your bags at the hotel and start exploring Yanagawa. The quaint town has an old castle, Yanagawa Castle, and moats were built around the town to keep the enemies out.
However, the town is better known for the scenic river cruise down the picturesque Yanagawa River. And the highlight includes the boatmen jumping from the boat to a bridge and then back onto the boat.
While you are in Yanagawa, here’s what to look for:
- Yanagawa river cruise – there are two types: one near the train station with shuttle bus service to city centre. This boat tour is convenient with the free shuttle option. The other boat cruise is in the town. This is the one where the boatmen jump from the boat to a bridge and then back onto the boat.
- Unagi no Seiro-mushi (freshwater eel steamed over rice in a bamboo basket) – many local restaurants serve this specialty. The eel at Saraya Fukuryu is delish!
- Hiyoshi Shrine – see the giant quirky Otafuku-san (Japanese mask of a smiling woman who brings good fortune) gate.
- Yanagawa town centre – see places like Tachibana Museum Yanagawa, Shoto-en Garden, Mihshira Shrine, the Former Residence of the Toshima Family, Kitahara Hakushu’s Birthplace and Memorial Hall.
Kyushu Itinerary Day 6-7: Kumamoto (2 days)
The next destination on your Kyushu itinerary is Kumamoto, the capital city of Kumamoto Prefecture. The city has one of Japan’s top 3 castles, Kumamoto Castle, and many other historic temples and shrines. And it is also the gateway for visiting Mount Aso.
Recommended Kumamoto Accommodation: Book two nights at REF Kumamoto by Vessel Hotels and get a modern and clean room in the city. Excellent value for the price. Check prices & reviews on Agoda or Booking
Travel from Yanagawa to Kumamoto
You don’t have to go back to Fukuoka to continue forward. Take a combination of Nishitetsu Railway and JR Railway so you can travel directly from Yanagawa to Kumamoto.
Recommendation: take the Nishitetsu train from Nishitetsu-Yanagawa Station to Omuta Station on the Nishitetsu Railway. Then walk 2 minutes to the JR Railway and take the Kyushu train on the Kagoshima Line from Omuta Station to Kami-Kumamoto Station (closer to the hotel) then take the tram on Route B to city centre/hotel.
Day 6: Kumamoto
Many attractions in Kumamoto are in the city centre. Once you have checked into your hotel, spend the day in Kumamoto and see:
- Kumamoto Castle – see one of the top three castles in Japan. Many parts of the castle were destroyed during the 2016 earthquake. Some parts are restored and are open to visitors
- Sakuranobaba Johsaien – sample local food in the Edo-esque shopping arcade
- Suizen-ji Jojuen Garden – see a manicured garden and drink Japanese tea at the zen garden
- Contemporary Art Museum, Kumamoto (CAMK) – see modern art installations by Yayoi Kusama and James Turrell
- Shimotori Shopping Arcade – shop and eat along the covered pedestrian arcade
- Eat Kumamoto Ramen – try the local ramen with aromatic kogashi garlic
Day 7: Day Trip to Mount Aso
Mount Aso can be visited as a day trip from Kumamoto, even if you don’t have a car. And when you spend a day on the active volcano, look for these highlights:
- Mount Nakadake – see the highest peak and one of the world’s largest volcanic craters (check to see if the latest condition allows you to see the crater)
- Hike the marked trails from Kusasenri to Eboshidake and to Kishimadake
- Kusasenro-ga-hama – horseback riding at this grassland plateau
- Aso Volcano Museum – learn more about the active volcano
- Mount Komezuka – see the dormant dome volcano on the way back down to Aso Station
How to get to Mount Aso from Kumamoto: First, take Kyushu train or Kyushu Odan Bus from Kumamoto Station to Mount Aso Station. Then catch the dedicated Mount Aso Bus at Aso Station that goes up to Aso Nishi-eki.
Kyushu Itinerary Day 8 – 10: Kagoshima (3 days)
Kagoshima is the southernmost city on Kyushu Island and the last city in your Kyushu travel itinerary. Your last three days will be spent exploring the capital of Kagoshima Prefecture and Sakurajima, an active volcano and the gateway to many islands in Southern Japan.
Recommended Kagoshima Accommodation: Book three nights at FAV LUX Kagoshima Tenmonkan. Get a queen room with your own sauna at this modern hotel. It is right in the centre of Tenmonkan, a shopping district with many restaurants and shops. Excellent value for this calibre of accommodation. Check prices & reviews on Agoda and Booking.
Travel from Kumamoto to Kagoshima
There are many trains and buses from Kumamoto to Kagoshima. The fastest way is to take the Shinkansen but the cheapest way is to take the highway bus.
BUS: Take the Kirishima-go Bus from Kumamoto Station to Kagoshima Station (3.5 hours)
TRAIN: Take the JR Train for 4.5+ hours or Shinkansen for less than an hour (covered by Kyushu JR Pass) from Kumamoto Station to Kagoshima Chuo Station.
Day 8: Kagoshima
Try to get into Kagoshima as early as you can. Then after you drop off your luggage at the hotel, explore the city and see as much as you can during your first day in the city. Here’s what to look for:
- Mount Shiroyama – an easy hike to the Shiroyama Observatory where you can see an unobstructed view of Kagoshima
- Kagoshima Fish Market – take a tour around the 7th oldest fish market and have sushi for breakfast
- Kagoshima City Museum of Art – admire artwork by local artists
- Local Kagoshima cuisine – try Kagoshima Ramen and Kagoshima Kurobuta Pork
- Tenmonkan – do all your shopping and eating at the old-styled pedestrian shopping arcade
Day 9: Sakurajima
Sakurajima is the symbol of Kagoshima. It used to be an island until the active volcano erupted in 1914 and connected the island to the Osumi Peninsula. Spend the entire day hiking the trails and soaking in hot springs. Some highlights include:
- Sakurajima Island View Bus – get the one day pass and see attractions like Karasujima Observatory, Akamizu Observatory and Yunohira Observatory
- Nagisa Lava Trail – follow the easy hiking trail from the ferry terminal
- Nagisa Park Foot Bath – the hot spring foot bath is completely free
Day 10: Kagoshima
It is the last day on your 10 day Kyushu itinerary. Depending on the time of your flight leaving Kagoshima Airport, you may have more time to roam around the city before going home.
So spent your last few hours visiting places you haven’t seen in Kagoshima and then go to the airport.
How to travel from Kagoshima to Kagoshima Airport: Take the Airport Limousine Bus from Kagoshima Chuo Terminal Building. The journey takes 45 minutes (about 4 buses per hour).
Are you ready to spend 10 days on Kyushu Island?
Kyushu Island may not be as well known as the rest of Japan, but the island is excellent for anyone who wants to get off the beaten path and explore something different in Japan.
You could easily add this itinerary to the end of your month in Japan or you could spend more time exploring Kyushu Island. Either way I think you will really enjoy this part of Japan.
Let me know in the comments if you like the itinerary or any suggestions on improving it.
Ready to plan your trip to Japan? Here are some of my go-to travel planning resources:
* Book your flight: find flight deals on Skyscanner
* Book accommodation: find the best Japan accommodations on Agoda or Booking
* Buy insurance: Safetywing is my go-to provider for travel insurance, as it covers many things. I will never travel without the Nomad Insurance Package because it protects me against unforeseen events. Get a quote today.
* Order a SIM card: order a SIM card in advance and set up your mobile phone before arriving in Japan.
* Join tours: check Klook or Get Your Guide for the best tours around Japan.
Thank you for reading my Kyushu itinerary
I have many posts on Japan and you might also like these other posts on solo travel in Japan:
Introduction to Japan
- Solo Travel to Japan: 17 best cities for solo travellers
- Things I wish I knew before going to Japan
- 11 Off-the-beaten-path places in Japan
- One month in Japan: from Tokyo to Hiroshima
Kyushu region
- Best things to do in Fukuoka Japan
- Fukuoka Food Guide: What to Eat
- Day trip to Dazaifu from Fukuoka
- Kumamoto City in one day
- Day trip to Mount Aso from Kumamoto
- Top things to do in Kagoshima Japan
- 1-5 day Okinawa itinerary without a car
- Where to stay in Naha Okinawa: best boutique hotels
- Okinawa food guide: best food to try
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Hi, my name is Queenie, and I’ve been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!
