Fascinating Fukuoka & Kaleidoscopic Kyushu 8-Day Itinerary

Fascinating Fukuoka & Kaleidoscopic Kyushu 8-Day Itinerary

7-Day JR Sanyo-Sanin Northern Kyushu Area Rail Pass 

From $2,125 per person, twin share

Package price inclusions:

  • 7 Day Sanyo-Sanin Northern Kyushu Area Pass
  • 7 nights accommodation (room only)
  • Dazaifu & Yanagawa Excursion Pass
  • Small group 2.5 hour food tour of Fukuoka
  • Nagasaki 6 hour private walking tour

Highlights:

  • Fukuoka’s unique street food culture
  • Be transported back in time at Mojiko Port in Kitakyushu
  • Nagasaki’s fascinating culture and moving history
  • Relax in your own ryokan room in Beppu, with private onsen bath and half board included.

Day 1 – City Delights (arriving in Hakata from Shin-Osaka)

Accommodation: Fukuoka

After arriving at Hakata Station, make your own way to your accommodation. The rest of the day is yours to discover Fukuoka City. Suggested sights include Odori Park, Tochoji Temple and Kushida Shrine. At night, why not join the “Food Tour Fukuoka,” allowing you to taste the famous night yatai street food stalls of the city. Be sure to save room for the many culinary delights that await you in Kyushu!

Day 2 – A Slower Pace in Dazaifu and Yanagawa

Accommodation: Fukuoka

Next, head to the nearby town of Dazaifu, using the Dazaifu & Yanagawa Excursion Pass. In Dazaifu, pay your respects at the 1,100 years old Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to the God of learning, and make sure you exchange the voucher, (with the pass), for a umegae mochi snack whilst in Dazaifu. Afterwards, travel to the canal town of Yanagawa. Any trip to Yanagawa, known as the “Venice of Kyushu,” is not complete until you’ve boarded a boat down the many canals that cover the city. You’ll be impressed at the multi-talented boatmen, as they sing and duck under the low bridges that dot the town.

Day 3 – Step back in time in Mojiko

Accommodation: Fukuoka

Today, you’ll step back in time at Kyushu’s second largest city of Kokura. In Kokura, visit Kokura Castle and if you’re after something a bit different, why not check out the fascinating Manga Museum or innovative TOTO Museum? Next, you’ll make your way to nearby Mojiko to explore the Mojiko Port historical area, centered around the heritage listed Mojiko Station. Mojiko was once a bustling international port and luckily many of the buildings are still standing today. Mojiko’s western influence can be illustrated by the most commonly found local dish- Mojiko curry!

Day 4- Hidden Gems in Karatsu

Accommodation: Fukuoka

Next, head west to Saga Prefecture to the town of Karatsu (please note that the rail pass is valid from Meinohama to Karatsu, you can purchase the subway ticket from Fukuoka City to Meinohama locally). In Karatsu, be sure to check out Karatsu Castle, known as the ‘dancing crane’ due to it’s resemblance and sweeping views of the seaside town and Nijo no Matsubara pine grove, home to over a million trees! Make time to also pay a visit to the many pottery establishments in the town, which make Karatsu Ware well known in Japan.

Day 5– Historic Nagasaki

Accommodation: Nagasaki

Head further west to Nagasaki with a change at Takeo-Onsen station. Fascinating Nagasaki has a variety of attractions, where you can learn about the wartime and global influences that have affected the region for hundreds of years. Drop-off your bags at your hotel then meet your guide for the Nagasaki Full-Day Private Tour, which is a 6 hour walking tour with an entirely customisable itinerary. Recommended sights include the solemn Nagasaki Peace Park and Memorial Museum, and then be transported to another world at the World Heritage listed Oura Cathedral, Glover Garden and the former Dutch trading settlement of Dejima Island. Don’t forget to pick up some lunch at Japan’s oldest Chinatown district. Later on, be sure to check out the view from Mt Inasa at night- one of Japan’s top three night views!

Day 6- Captivating Kumamoto

Accommodation: Kumamoto

Head south on the shinkansen to Kumamoto City, with changes at Takeo Onsen and Shin-Tosu stations. In Kumamoto, you can learn about Kyushu’s samurai history at Kumamoto Castle. Next up, walk around the centuries old landscaped Japanese garden called Suizenji Jojuen, before sampling the local delicacies of renkon and Kumamoto ramen. Keep an eye out for the prefecture’s famous mascot, Kumamon- one of Japan’s most well-known characters!

Day 7- Relax in Beppu

Accommodation: Beppu

Lastly, finish your Northern Kyushu trip by heading east on the Kyushu Odan Tokkyu train (reservations required), where’ll you pass the mesmerizing Aso Caldera. After changing trains in Oita City, you’ll arrive at the famous onsen (hot spring) town of Beppu, in Oita prefecture. Be sure to visit the Beppu Onsen Geo-Museum at the seven hells Beppu Jigoku, before finishing your trip with a relaxing stay in a ryokan (traditional Japanese style accommodation) room, with your own private onsen bath. You’ll soon discover why Kyushu is known as the “land of fire!”

Day 8- Departure

Continue on to your next destination from Beppu Station or Oita Airport.

 























    I consent to receive communications by email. I understand I may opt out at any time using the unsubscribe link provided in all communications *
    We are aware of our responsibility to protect your personal data. We act in accordance with the principles introduced by applicable legal regulations and the general principle on good faith in the processing of personal data.
    We determine clearly and precisely its legitimate and lawful purpose for processing personal data and process personal data to the extent necessary and in connection with the products and services we offer.
    We transfer your personal data in compliance with applicable laws and only when it is necessary. We take required technical and administrative measures to protect your personal data and also we ensure that Data Processors take administrative and technical measures regarding data security by signing non-disclosure agreements.