Day Trips from Fukuoka | 5 Itinerary Ideas for DIY Day Tours in Kyushu

Fukuoka might be the capital of Kyushu, but it’s certainly not the only city worth seeing on Japan’s southernmost island. Day trips from Fukuoka are super simple to plan thanks to Japan’s amazing railway system. Plan DIY day tours in Kyushu with five destinations perfect for any itinerary in Japan.

Day Trips from Fukuoka | DIY Itinerary Ideas for Itoshima

One of the quickest and most lovely day trips from Fukuoka, Itoshima is a quiet seaside resort town less than an hour by train west of Fukuoka. Because the region is less known by tourists, Itoshima offers a relaxing escape from big city crowds in Fukuoka. Plus, it teeming with natural attractions and things to do.

Can’t-miss attractions in Itoshima

• Sakurai Futamigaura of Meotoiwa– this natural landmark known as the “couple rocks,” united for eternity with a Shinto rope, is a dreamy spot for photographs at sunset.

• Anego-hama Beach – also known as Anego no Hama Beach, this seaside spot is loved for its “singing sands,” or sands so clean they squeak when you walk on them.

• Raizan Sennyo-ji Temple (Raizansennyoji Taihioin) – located in the mountainous wilderness of Itoshima, this temple is a popular spot to see cherry blossoms in spring and picturesque fall foliage.

• Keyanooto Park – located on a small peninsula on the northern tip of Itoshima, this park area is popular for spelunkers and adventurists. It contains the largest basalt cave in Japan and several other outdoor activities.

• Shiraito Waterfall – this gorgeous natural wonder makes a great day trip from Fukuoka on its own. The area offers hiking, fishing and plenty of restaurants and kid-friendly places to eat.

Check In to Hotel New Gaea Itoshima, Step Out to Itoshima

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Day Trips from Fukuoka | DIY Itinerary Ideas for Kitakyushu

Just one hour northeast of Fukuoka is Kitakyushu, the closest city to Honshu, Japan’s main and most well-known island. Kitakyushu’s location as the gateway between the two islands offers a unique feel as well as one-of-a-kind tourists attractions.

Top attractions in Kitakyushu

• Kawachi Wisteria Garden – these gorgeous purple wisteria tunnels are best scene in April and May, but the garden grounds are beautiful and peaceful any time of year.

• Kokura Castle – this restored castle symbolizes Kitakyushu’s important location on the coast, and it’s the last one of its kind standing in Fukuoka Prefecture.

• TOTO Museum – if there is one thing Japan does well, it’s toilets, and this museum is dedicated to the history of them. TOTO Museum is a must-see attraction in Kitakyushu, indeed!

Check In to Sun Sky Hotel Kokura, Step Out to Kitakyushu

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Day Trips from Fukuoka | DIY Itinerary Ideas for Dazaifu

Nestled 45 minutes south of Fukuoka lies Dazaifu, a countryside village loved for its charming temples, shrines and natural scenery. Backpackers looking for a peaceful refuge should plan a trip to Dazaifu.

Top things to do in Dazaifu

• Komyozen-ji – this Zen temple lures tourists in with its beautiful Japanese gardens and rock gardens.

• Dazaifu Tenman-gu – one of the most important shrines of its kind in all of Japan, Dazaifu Tenman-gu offers a quiet stroll through a traditional Shinto shrine complex lined with plum trees. There is an onsite museum as well.

• Kyushu National Museum – a modern and mirrored complex surrounded by historical attractions, the Kyushu National Museum features rotating exhibits that highlight art and history in the region.

Check In to Route Inn Grantia Dazaifu, Step Out to Dazaifu

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Day Trips from Fukuoka | DIY Itinerary Ideas for Kumamoto

This bay region is situated about an hour and a half south of Fukuoka and is home to one of the most iconic castles in Japan as well as a volcano. Kumamoto attractions also include world-class Japanese gardens and some of the best Japanese food in Japan.

Top attractions in Kumamoto

• Kumamoto Castle – with a prominent spot atop a hill overlooking the sea, Kumamoto Castle is one of the best castle tours offered in all of Japan. The grounds were established in 1607, and tourists now are welcome to explore reconstructed buildings while learning the history and significance of the castle.

• Suizenji Jojuen Garden & Suizenji Park – Suizenji Jojuen Garden is a well-manicured landscape that has been wowing visitors since the 17th century. Visitors can continue their journey on walking paths through neighboring Suizenji Park.

• Shimotori Shopping Arcade – pick up everything from souvenirs to sushi at this popular shopping street near Kumamoto Castle.

• Former Hosokawa Residence – on the same grounds as Kumamoto Castle, this historical mansion denotes the life of a high-ranking samurai.

• Mount Aso – ride the ropeway to the top of this scenic peak in Aso-Kuju National Park.

Check In to Ryokan Seiryuso, Step Out to Kumamoto

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Day Trips from Fukuoka | DIY Itinerary Ideas for Yufuin

Travelers looking for onsen and hot springs towns in Kyushu should consider a trip to Yufuin from Fukuoka. The hour-and-a-half long trip is a short price to pay for a day in foothills filled with hot springs and never-ending views of Mount Yufu. Besides hot springs, Yufuin contains a shopping area with trendy boutiques and cafes, a museum and a quaint lake.

What to do in Yufuin beyond onsen & hot springs

• Lake Kinrin – this picturesque lake is small but famous for its mirror-like surface and fish that create golden shimmers at sunset. Visitors are welcome to hike along walking trails around the lake.

• Yunotsubo Street – don’t miss a walk down Yufuin’s main street, lined with quirky cafés and novelty shops like Gallery Alice’s Tearoom (Cheshire Cat’s Forest) and Yufuin Floral Village.

• Mount Yufu – sometimes called Oita Prefecture’s Mount Fuji, this stratovolcano is a local favorite for hiking and outdoor activities.

Check In to Yufuin Tabinokura, Step Out to Yufuin

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