Exploring Kyushu: Japan’s Southern Gem – A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Welcome to Kyushu, Japan’s captivating southern island known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. This guide will take you through a day-by-day exploration of Kyushu, ensuring you experience the best this region has to offer. Let’s begin with Day 1!

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration in Fukuoka

Your journey starts in Fukuoka, the largest city in Kyushu and a major hub of culture and entertainment. Fukuoka is known for its delicious food, bustling markets, and historical sites. Here’s a detailed itinerary for your first day:

Morning: Arrival and Early Exploration

Upon arrival in Fukuoka, check into your hotel and freshen up. Agoda offers a range of accommodations to suit your preferences, whether you want luxury or budget-friendly options.

Late Morning: Visit Ohori Park

Once settled, head to Ohori Park, a serene oasis in the heart of the city. Take a leisurely stroll around the large pond, visit the Japanese Garden, and soak in the peaceful ambiance.

Tip: Don’t miss the Fukuoka Art Museum located within the park, housing a diverse collection of modern art and ancient treasures.

Lunch: Hakata Ramen

Fukuoka is famous for its Hakata ramen, a rich and flavorful pork bone broth noodle soup. Head to a nearby ramen shop for an authentic culinary experience. Ichiran Ramen and Ippudo are popular choices among travelers and locals alike.

Afternoon: Explore Fukuoka Castle Ruins

After lunch, make your way to the Fukuoka Castle Ruins located in Maizuru Park. While only remnants of the castle remain, the site offers panoramic views of the city, especially stunning during cherry blossom season.

Evening: Nakasu Yatai Stalls

As dusk falls, head to Nakasu, Fukuoka’s famous nightlife district. Here, you’ll find the Nakasu Yatai stalls—open-air food stands serving a variety of local dishes. Try some yakitori (grilled chicken), oden (Japanese hot pot), and other local delights.

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and engage with friendly locals. It’s a perfect way to end your day in Fukuoka.

Accommodation

Return to your hotel for a good night’s rest. Tomorrow, your Kyushu adventure continues!

Day 2: Cultural Treasures in Nagasaki

After a delightful day in Fukuoka, it’s time to embark on a journey to Nagasaki, a city rich in history and culture. Nagasaki’s unique blend of Western and Eastern influences makes it a fascinating destination. Let’s dive into your activities for Day 2:

Morning: Travel to Nagasaki

Start your day early and take a train from Fukuoka to Nagasaki. The journey offers scenic views of Kyushu’s coastal and mountainous landscapes. The Limited Express Kamome will get you there in about two hours.

Late Morning: Nagasaki Peace Park

Your first stop in Nagasaki is the Peace Park, a poignant reminder of the city’s wartime history. The park is home to the Peace Statue and several memorials dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb dropped in 1945.

Visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum nearby for a deeper understanding of the events and their impact on the city.

Lunch: Chinatown

Head to Nagasaki’s vibrant Chinatown for a delightful lunch. Try champon, a local noodle dish that reflects the city’s multicultural heritage. Shikairou and Kozanro are popular restaurants in the area.

Afternoon: Glover Garden

After lunch, make your way to Glover Garden, an open-air museum featuring Western-style houses from the Meiji era. The garden offers stunning views of Nagasaki Harbor and provides insight into the lives of Western merchants in the 19th century.

Don’t miss the famous Glover House, the oldest Western-style building in Japan, and the beautiful gardens surrounding it.

Evening: Spectacular Night View from Mount Inasa

As evening approaches, head to Mount Inasa for one of the best night views in Japan. You can take a ropeway to the summit, where an observation deck offers a panoramic view of Nagasaki’s sparkling cityscape.

Tip: Time your visit to catch the sunset followed by the illuminated night view for a truly memorable experience.

Accommodation

Check into your hotel in Nagasaki for a restful night. Agoda offers a variety of accommodations to suit your needs.

Day 3: Exploring Kumamoto and Mount Aso

On Day 3, venture into the heart of Kyushu to explore the historic city of Kumamoto and the majestic Mount Aso. This day promises a blend of cultural enrichment and natural beauty. Let’s see what awaits you:

Morning: Travel to Kumamoto

Start your day with a train ride from Nagasaki to Kumamoto, which takes about two and a half hours. Kumamoto is known for its historic castle and beautiful gardens.

Late Morning: Visit Kumamoto Castle

Upon arrival, head straight to Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s most impressive castles. Though it suffered damage during the 2016 earthquakes, restoration efforts have allowed parts of it to be reopened to the public.

Explore Honmaru Goten Palace, the main keep, and the surrounding castle grounds to get a taste of Japan’s feudal history.

Lunch: Local Delicacies

Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant and be sure to try Kumamoto’s local specialties such as basashi (horse sashimi) and karashi renkon (mustard-stuffed lotus root).

Afternoon: Road Trip to Mount Aso

In the afternoon, rent a car for a scenic drive to Mount Aso, Japan’s largest active volcano. The drive itself is an experience, offering stunning views of the Aso caldera and rolling landscapes.

Late Afternoon: Explore the Aso Volcano Museum

Visit the Aso Volcano Museum to learn more about the geological history and significance of Mount Aso. The museum features exhibits on volcanic activity, local flora and fauna of the volcano.

Evening: Relax at an Onsen

After a day of exploration, unwind at one of the many onsen (hot springs) in the Aso area. Kurokawa Onsen is particularly famous for its picturesque settings and soothing waters. Many ryokan (traditional inns) offer day passes for onsen baths.

Accommodation

Stay overnight at a ryokan in the Aso region to fully enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and traditional Japanese hospitality.