Daytrip from Fukuoka | 4 Days of Family-Friendly Activities in Kyushu

The largest city on the island of Kyushu, Fukuoka is a popular tourist destination, and while visitors have no problem filling an itinerary with Fukuoka attractions, a daytrip from Fukuoka can be super rewarding. Venture to Oita Prefecture and Miyazaki Prefecture to find family-friendly cultural activities, natural attractions and a satisfying amount of local Japanese food.

Daytrip from Fukuoka: Day 1 – Kitsuki, Oita Prefecture

It’s just about two hours by train from Fukuoka to Kitsuki, a city known for Kitsuki Castle, the smallest castle in Japan. Kitsuki is also noteworthy because it is home to some of the country’s best-preserved samurai houses. The castle city prides itself on its historic feel and encourages visitors to explore the culture by dressing in kimono. There are a number of shops that will rent traditional dress to visitors for a brief photo shoot or to wear as they go sightseeing. In fact, many of the local attractions, including the Kitsuki Castle, offer free admission to anyone wearing kimono.

Places to Visit in Kitsuki (while wearing a kimono!)

• Kitadai samurai houses: The best preserved of the samurai houses are in the northernmost section of the town in an area known as Kitadai. Many of these ancient homes are hidden behind mud walls, and thanks to the lack of visible power lines and modern signage, it’s easy to imagine that you have been transported back in time.
• Minamidai samurai houses: Minamidai is the southern samurai district, and while it is does not have the untouched feel of Kitadai, it is still worth a stop to see Warakuan, a thatched samurai house that has been transformed into a kimono rental shop.
• Kitsukijokamachi Museum: this museum was once a samurai residence and now displays artifacts related to the building of Kitsuki Castle Town. It features an observation park and three floors of permanent exhibitions.
• Kitsuki Retro-kan: featuring a large collection of memorabilia from the Edo period through the mid-20th century, Kitsuki Retro-kan contains thousands of unique and fascinating items including toys, instruments, and even an old car!

Check In to Yamaga Onsen Kazenosato, Step Out to Kitsuki

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Daytrip from Fukuoka: Day 2 – Saiki Castle Town, Oita Prefecture

Home to more Oita Prefecture landmarks, Saiki is known as a samurai town with scenic castle ruins. The mountainous village offers visitors the perfect opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of Japan’s larger cities, and the quaint cobblestone streets are lined with lanterns, statues, and traditional Japanese homes.

It is about a 20-minute walk from Saiki Station to the ruins of Saiki Castle Town (Saeki Kunikida Doppokan), which sits on Mount Hachiman. Visitors enter the site through ancient gates, which were built in 1637 and are the castle’s only remaining structures. One of the historic samurai homes at the base of the mountain also is open to the public. Visitors who decide to take the easy hike to the peak will be rewarded with a view of the town, coastline, and on clear days, the island of Shikoku.

More Things to Do Near Saiki Castle Town

• Saiki City Peace Memorial Hall Yawaragi
• Saiki City History Museum
• Saiki City Tea House
• Saiki City Library

Check In to Hotel Kinsui-en, Step Out to Saiki

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Daytrip from Fukuoka: Day 3 – Nobeoka, Miyazaki Prefecture

Nobeoka is a city in northern Miyazaki Prefecture that is known for its natural beauty and wealth of outdoor activities. While there are castle ruins in Nobeoka, the region’s striking natural resources are the main draw. The area boasts clear, rushing rivers, striking mountains, and of course, the Pacific Ocean coastline on its eastern border.

Outdoor adventure enthusiasts will find much to enjoy in and around Nobeoka thanks to its varied terrain and large swaths of natural preserves. The Gokase and Kitagawa rivers both flow through the city, and nearby Mt. Hiei and Mt. Okue tempt mountain climbers and add to the region’s scenic beauty. Hiking, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding are also popular activities in the Nobeoka area.

Outdoor and Family Activities in Nobeoka

• Sobo-Katamuki Quasi-National Park – an unspoiled natural region known as “Kyushu’s last hidden spot”
• Shimo Aso Beach – voted the best swimming beach in Kyushu
• Sumie Family Resort Village – features a swimming beach, an aquarium and other fun activities
• Hamayuu Village – recreation area with camp sites, tennis courts, golf, and shopping
• Kumanoe Swimming Beach – an 800-meter beach popular for families

Check In to Hotel Route Inn Nobeoka Ekimae, Step Out to Nobeoka

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Daytrip from Fukuoka: Day 4 – Miyazaki City

For the final adventure during a daytrip from Fukuoka, visitors will want to hop aboard the Umisachi Yamasachi train for a ride to Miyazaki. More than just a mode of transportation, these luxury trains are an experience in and of themselves. The train runs along the striking Nichinan Coast and stops at several points along the way to allow travelers to take in the vistas. The train also stops in the historic castle town of Obi before arriving in Miyazaki.

Miyazaki is the capital of Miyazaki Prefecture and a popular resort destination. The city is also a great place to sample Miyazaki beef, which is consistently ranked as some of the best Wagyu in the country. Likewise, the region’s free-range Jittoko chicken is popular nationwide.

Visitors interested in a bit of physical activity after sampling all of Miyazaki’s culinary specialties will want to check out the cycling opportunities along Nichinan Coast. There is an organized ride each year that begins in Miyazaki and ends in the southern city of Nichinan. The scenic route allows cyclists to take in the breathtaking scenery along the coast while also giving them the chance to catch sight of the wild horses of Cape Toi or even stop to photograph Kashihara Shrine along the way.

The 125 kilometers of coastline between Miyazaki and Nichinan also offers lots of opportunities to sample more of the area’s gourmet offerings.

Niku-Maki Onigiri

Cheese Manju Dumpling

Kama-age Udon

Best Local Japanese Dishes to Try in Miyazaki

• Niku-Maki Onigiri – rice ball wrapped in pork
• Cheese Manju Dumpling – a specialty sweet treat made of dough stuffed with cheese
• Kama-age Udon – chewy noodles in a rich broth
• Mango – known as the “eggs of the sun,” mangoes ripen to sweet, juicy perfection in Miyazaki’s climate
• Japanese spiny lobster – fresh from the Pacific and featured in a variety of local dishes

Check In to Dormy Inn Miyazaki Natural Hot Spring, Step Out to Miyazaki

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