Fukuoka to Kumamoto: How to Design Your 1-week Itinerary

Dreaming of an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Japan? North Kyushu offers a fascinating mix of vibrant cityscapes, tranquil countryside, and pristine coastlines that beckon travelers seeking authentic Japanese experiences beyond the typical Tokyo–Osaka–Kyoto circuit. This one-week road trip will guide you through Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Kumamoto, unveiling a side of Japan where lush mountains meet sweeping beaches, local delicacies warm the soul, and historical landmarks bring centuries of culture to life.

Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island, is often praised for its milder climate, making it ideal for travelers year-round. But there’s more: this region has it all—from rejuvenating hot springs in hidden valleys to bustling food streets in Fukuoka, the mystique of Nagasaki’s historic sites, and the awe-inspiring landscapes surrounding Mount Aso in Kumamoto. Whether you’re a foodie, nature lover, or history buff, Kyushu’s charm lies in its diversity, making it the perfect destination for those who want to experience Japan with a unique twist.

Why North Kyushu? While the island has plenty in common with Japan’s other top travel destinations, it stands out with its warm beaches, hidden rural gems, and a food culture that’s fiercely regional yet universally appealing. Driving around Kyushu gives you the freedom to explore these nuances at your own pace, stopping to savor local ramen, soak in an onsen, or snap photos of dramatic coastal cliffs that feel worlds away from Japan’s urban centers. This itinerary will help you navigate Kyushu’s highlights, including practical tips, must-visit spots, and some of my own travel insights to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.

Ready to experience Kyushu like a local? Let’s hit the road and discover the hidden beauty and unique flavors of Japan’s southwestern gem!

How Many Days Do You Need in Kyushu?

If you’re considering a trip to Kyushu, you might be wondering how much time to dedicate. Ideally, a deep dive into Kyushu’s treasures would take at least two to three weeks to capture its diverse landscapes, historical sites, and cultural gems fully. For those with more limited time, a minimum of 14 days allows you to cover most highlights and visit key attractions without missing out on its iconic onsen (hot spring) resorts and nature escapes.

However, don’t feel pressured to see everything in one go! If you’re working within a week, you can still explore the best of Northern Kyushu with a carefully planned itinerary focusing on Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Kumamoto. Whether you’re a foodie, history enthusiast, or adventure seeker, you’ll find plenty to fill your days. Consider what excites you most, as Kyushu has no shortage of things to see and do, so prioritizing will help make the most of your journey.

If you want to explore the rest of Kyushu, continue your journey to Kagoshima covering Kagoshima and Miyazaki.

How to get around Kyushu?

This week-long itinerary will take you through the highlights of Northern Kyushu, covering three primary cities: Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Kumamoto. With a mix of traditional charm, mouth-watering local cuisine, and serene hot springs, this route is packed with memorable stops.

Traveling around Kyushu is convenient thanks to the JR Kyushu Rail Pass, which grants unlimited train rides on the island’s well-connected railway network.

For those seeking flexibility, renting a car is also a fantastic option, allowing you to explore at your own pace and uncover offbeat gems along the way.

What is the best time to visit Kyushu?

Kyushu’s appeal spans all seasons, making it a versatile destination any time of year. Here’s a quick guide to what each season offers:

• Spring (March to May): This is cherry blossom season, where you can admire sakura (cherry blossoms) in full bloom across Fukuoka’s parks and historic sites.
• Summer (June to August): Perfect for beach lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Head to the coast for dolphin watching, or enjoy a beach day on the island’s warm shores.
• Autumn (September to November): Kyushu’s vibrant foliage season brings stunning shades of red and gold to the mountains and temples – a photographer’s dream!
• Winter (December to February): With a mild winter climate, Kyushu is a wonderful choice for hiking or indulging in its famous hot springs. Winter also offers various regional festivals and seasonal dishes that are sure to delight.

No matter when you go, Kyushu’s charm is ever-present, and each season reveals a unique side of this beautiful island. There’s always something new to discover, making Kyushu a destination worth revisiting!

Day 1-2: Exploring Fukuoka – The Gateway to Kyushu

As the capital of Kyushu, Fukuoka is an ideal starting point for your North Kyushu adventure, with both Fukuoka Airport and Hakata Station offering convenient access. Famed for its culinary scene, historic landmarks, and nightlife, Fukuoka has a little something for everyone.

Taste Fukuoka’s Famous Street Food Scene

Your first stop? The local street food! Fukuoka is the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen, a rich, savory pork-bone broth ramen. You can enjoy this and other iconic Japanese dishes at one of the city’s yatai, traditional street food stalls. For the best yatai experience, head to the southern end of Nakasu Island on your first evening. Here, you’ll find a vibrant row of yatai stalls along the waterfront, serving up tempura, oden (hot pot), kabayaki (grilled eel), and more.

Explore Historic Sites and Modern Marvels

Immerse yourself in Fukuoka’s rich history with a visit to Kushida Shrine, the city’s oldest shrine, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and other revered deities. This historic site is also the centerpiece of the famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival.

Next, check out the city’s latest attraction, the 010 Building along the Fukuoka River. This architectural marvel boasts an immersive theater, innovative dining, and sleek design. Don’t miss GohGan, a unique restaurant collaboration by two acclaimed chefs, Gaggan Anand, and Takeshi “Goh” Fukuyama, blending Indian and Japanese flavors into a mind-blowing culinary experience. Nearby, the 010 Bar serves artfully crafted cocktails by top-notch mixologists for a truly stylish night out.

010 Building is a new landmark in Fukuoka that brings a new experience to the world with its futuristic design by the Fukuoka River. The site features an interactive and immersive theatre, restaurant, and bar. GohGan is a collaboration of two of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant chefs, Goggan Anand and Goh from La Maison de la Nature; they serve new concept Indian dishes that are an umami explosion. The 010 bar is hosted by the best cocktail architects.

A half-hour train ride from Fukuoka, Dazaifu offers a glimpse into Japan’s ancient past and serene temple life. As part of the greater Fukuoka metropolitan area, Dazaifu is easy to reach from Hakata Station via Nishitetsu Railway.

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

For Day 2, begin your day at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, one of Japan’s most significant shrines dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning. Surrounded by lush gardens and historic plum trees, this sacred site draws thousands of students each year who come to pray for academic success.

On your way to the shrine, stroll down Omotesando, the vibrant street leading to Tenmangu. Here, you’ll find a treasure trove of traditional souvenirs, such as calligraphy tools, lucky charms, and matcha-flavored treats.

Cultural Stops Nearby

While in Dazaifu, visit the Kyushu National Museum for its collection of Asian art and artifacts, and the Komyozenji Temple, where you can admire an exquisite stone garden that changes with the seasons. Nearby, Kanzeonji Temple houses some of the oldest Buddhist statues in Japan.

Iconic Architecture at Starbucks Dazaifu

End your Dazaifu visit with a stop at Dazaifu’s Starbucks, one of the most architecturally unique in the world. Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, this Starbucks features a striking woodwork structure blending traditional and modern aesthetics, creating a serene coffee oasis.

Some of the other most beautiful Starbucks include Starbucks at Famille Park in Seoul, Starbucks Reserve Dewata in Bali, and Starbucks Prague Castle.

Day 3: Nagasaki

Nagasaki – a unique blend of history, scenic beauty, and cultural richness – offers a captivating day of exploration on this North Kyushu itinerary. Nestled along the northwest coast, the city’s isolated location makes it a bit off-the-beaten path, but that only adds to its charm. With easy access via the Relay Kamome Limited Express and the Nishikyushu Shinkansen (a 1.5- to 2-hour journey covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Kyushu Rail Pass), getting here is a breeze even without a car.

Historically, Nagasaki’s significance as a bustling port made it a hub for foreign trade since the 16th century. Today, it stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and history.

Traditionally, Nagasaki is known for being a wonderful natural harbor for one of the designated ports for foreign trade at the end of the 16^th century, with buildings on the terraces of surrounding hills. And now, there are four reasons for you to visit Nagasaki: a 10-million-dollar view, a James Bond island, a tragic and impactful past, and delicious castella.

Mount Inasa

For one of Japan’s most iconic city views, head to Mount Inasa. Known as one of the “ten-million-dollar night views” (along with Mount Rokkō in Kobe and Mount Hakodate in Hokkaido), the 333-meter-high observatory atop Mount Inasa offers stunning panoramas, especially at dusk when the city lights create a shimmering tapestry below.

Getting there: Take bus #3 or #4 from Nagasaki Station to Ropeway-mae and enjoy a 2-minute walk to the Nagasaki Ropeway’s Fuchi-jinja Station. The best time to visit is late afternoon, so you can witness the transition from sunlight to the mesmerizing cityscape lit up by night.

Gunkanjima

Gunkanjima (i.e. Battlesip) is located 18 kilometers offshore of Japan’s Nagasaki west coast, and it is an abandoned island that is shaped like a battleship, hence the name. Back in 2012, CNN Travel announced a list of the “10 of the freakiest places around the world”, and the island was put on the list.

Gunkanjima was a coal mine back in the 1950s and 6,000 workers lived on the island during its prime; The island was then completely deserted after the coal mine was shut down in 1972. With its buildings and facilities remaining unattended for decades, it is now a giant ruin that looks like a mysterious sea castle from the water.

To those who like exploring ruins, the island was reopened for tourism in 2009. Check out the details of the guided boat tour in which you can actually walk on the island and get a feel of what life was like 50 years ago. The island is also featured in a number of movies, including a James Bond Hollywood blockbuster “Skyfall” in 2012, and served as the secret headquarters and hideout of the villain.

Nagasaki Peace Park

Hiroshima and Nagasaki are truly unique cities as they are the only two cities in the world (sadly) that have experienced a nuclear weapon attack in human history.

The repercussion was devastating. I visited both cities in Japan and left the memorial with a heavy heart. I learned the tremendous price that people pay for wars, and it only makes you appreciate and treasure what you have so much more. After the attack, Hiroshima has now been rebuilt and the locals looked at their tragic past positively with goodwill that such tragedy will never happen again.

In Nagasaki Peace Park, take a walk in the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and visitors will see the remains of the aftermath. You will also find a pillar in the center of the yard that was originally a church. The ground in the hypocenter area was strewn with huge amounts of debris from destroyed buildings and scorched earth, and displayed here as important evidence of the disaster.

Meganebashi

Constructed in 1634 by the Chinese monk Mokusunyoujo, Meganebashi (meaning “Spectacles Bridge”) is one of Japan’s oldest stone-arched bridges. Its distinctive design creates a reflection in the Nakashima River, resembling a pair of spectacles. Having survived the atomic bombing, Meganebashi is an emblem of resilience and has become a beloved photo spot. As you walk along the riverbank, take in the peaceful scenery and the bridge’s historical significance, an enduring symbol of Nagasaki’s cultural heritage.

Castella

It might sound strange to you because this classic and simple sponge cake was brought to Japan by Portuguese merchants.

This confectionery then hit Japan by storm, and it was developed in Nagasaki as a local wagashi.

While castella can be found everywhere in Nagasaki’s souvenir stores (and Fukusaya has been in operation since 1624), the such cake is also a popular dessert in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan.

Day 4: Kumamoto

Leaving Nagasaki, there are a couple of ways to get to Kumamoto, the best ways are either by train, ferry, or drive. Both taking a train and driving take about 3 hours. If you are driving from Nagasaki, you can also consider taking the car ferry and passing through Amakusa.

Kumamoto was not a key travel destination except for being a travel hub connecting to Aso, it has gained media attention with the mascot Kumamon in 2010.

The character was designed by the local government as a campaign to draw tourists to the region after the Kyushu Shinkansen line opened. Unexpectedly, the mascot became insanely popular, and it has been voted the number one mascot among all mascots across Japan from 2011 to this day. Now Kumamon is not only known as a symbol of Kumamoto, but Japan itself. Yes, there are so, so many mascots (Yuru-chara) in Japan – basically, each and every city has one, and every year (until 2020) there’s a Yuru-chara Grand Prix annually, featuring all participating mascots, and they are super adorable.

Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle is a stunning castle that is a landmark of Kumamoto, and it is also considered one of the three premier castles in Japan, along with Himeji Castle, and Matsumoto Castle.

Kumamoto Castle is among the most important castles that you must visit in Japan. Kumamoto Castle is also the third largest castle in Japan, behind Osaka and Nagoya Castles. The castle dates to 1467, established by Ideta Hidenobu.

The architecture that we see today is a concrete reconstruction built in 1960, keeping the integrity of its original design and beauty. Unlike the Himeji Castle, which is nicknamed the “White Heron Castle,” Kumamoto Castle is covered in black.

It gives a striking contrast with the cherry blossoms if you are visiting there in spring.

If you have more time, Kumamoto is also a great place to get close to nature, go strawberry picking, ride a horse, or go dolphin-watching in the water around Amakusa. Of course, Mount Aso is a must-see for being one of the world’s largest calderas, the natural beauty of Mount Aso is enchanting.

Day 5-6: Aso

The best way to get around Aso is by driving because the locations are scattered among the suburbs and the schedule of public transportation is rather infrequent; another great way to visit a couple of sites in one day is by joining a local tour.

I have shared a two-to-three-day road trip itinerary in Aso, and really it is up to you, to cover the highlights at the most comfortable pace. If you want to get close to the volcano (and you should), you should head to the Mount Aso Visitor Center.

It is the hub of all activities, you can learn about the geology of Mount Aso, eat there, and take a walk you see the smoke emerging from the volcano from afar. To make your visit more fun, you can also ride a horse to trek through the rather unique and barren terrain.

There was originally a ropeway that was built in 1958, claiming to be the first of its kind that was built on an active volcano. However, the ropeway was frequently closed due to high volcanic alert levels, the last operation was in August 2014, and the ropeway was permanently closed and dismantled in 2019.

Drive around the caldera and there are many viewpoints to appreciate the beauty of Mount Aso. One of my favorites is at Daikanbo Peak. It is the highest peak of Mount Aso’s northern outer rim and the lookout at 936 meters high, offers an unobstructed panoramic view of the towns and fields of Aso Vallery, as well as the Mount Aso crater. Stay overnight at one of the hot spring resorts and enjoy the local cuisine – I introduced an excellent resort earlier that has a private outdoor onsen for each room, with a view of Mount Aso. Find out more about my Mount Aso road trip itinerary.

Day 7: Takachiho Gorge

Tucked away in Miyazaki Prefecture, Takachiho Gorge is a mesmerizing, lesser-known gem in Kyushu’s landscape. This natural wonder is an absolute highlight of the journey—its dramatic cliffs, emerald waters, and tranquil aura make it a must-see for anyone exploring North Kyushu.

While Takachiho Gorge has long been cherished by Japanese locals, it’s now gaining well-deserved attention among international travelers for its breathtaking scenery and legendary background.

The most convenient way to reach Takachiho is by self-driving from Mount Aso—about a 50-kilometer journey that takes approximately one hour. However, for those traveling without a car, Takachiho is accessible by bus connections from major Kyushu cities like Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Miyazaki, though these options may take longer.

The Story Behind the Scenery: Geological Wonders and Legends

Takachiho Gorge is carved by the Gokase River, which flows through steep cliffs reaching up to 17 meters. This impressive landscape was formed over thousands of years by volcanic eruptions from nearby Mount Aso, resulting in unique rock formations along the gorge. The basalt cliffs feature distinctive columnar joints that create a dramatic, almost otherworldly appearance, intensified by the lush green foliage above.

The area is also steeped in Japanese mythology. According to legend, the gods descended to Takachiho, marking it as a spiritual site where Shinto rituals and traditions have flourished for centuries. This spiritual significance adds a unique dimension to the natural beauty of the gorge, making it a place of both visual and cultural wonder.

Exploring Takachiho Gorge: Two Spectacular Perspectives

To fully appreciate Takachiho Gorge, try experiencing it from both above and below.

1. Walk Along the Scenic Clifftop Path
   Start your visit with a stroll along the scenic paths that trace the cliff’s edge. From here, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the gorge and Minainotaki Waterfall, which cascades elegantly into the river below. The path is lined with small diners and shops, including open-air cafes with tables that overlook the river—an ideal place to relax and take in the scenery.
2. Take a Boat Ride on the Gokase River
   For an up-close encounter, head to the Takachiho Gorge Boat Rental at the river’s edge. Rowing a boat through the gorge is a surreal experience, allowing you to admire the towering basalt cliffs and get close to Minainotaki Waterfall. The cool mist from the waterfall creates a refreshing atmosphere, but be prepared to get a little wet if you venture too close! This boating journey is an unforgettable way to experience the gorge’s natural beauty from within.

Savoring Local Delights: Nagashi Somen and Other Attractions

A visit to Takachiho wouldn’t be complete without trying Nagashi Somen, a unique and fun summer dining experience that originated here. Nagashi somen involves catching chilled, flowing noodles with chopsticks as they slide down a bamboo chute filled with cold water. The noodles are then dipped in tsuyu sauce—a flavorful blend of soy, onion, ginger, and sometimes myoga (Japanese ginger). Chiho no Ie, the original Nagashi Somen restaurant established in 1950, is still serving this beloved dish today.

While in the area, don’t miss these other highlights:

• Takachiho Shrine: A historic Shinto shrine surrounded by ancient cedar trees, where locals still perform Kagura dances as a tribute to their ancestral deities.
• Freshwater Aquarium: Learn about local aquatic life at this small but educational exhibit.
• Stocked Fishing Pond: For those interested, the nearby pond offers fishing and a serene setting for a leisurely activity.

Takachiho Gorge is an enchanting place where nature and mythology intertwine, creating an atmosphere that’s both awe-inspiring and peaceful. With its striking landscapes and unique local experiences, it’s a place you’ll be talking about long after your North Kyushu journey concludes.

If you’ve visited Takachiho, share your favorite memories in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out our guide to exploring South Kyushu for more unforgettable destinations!

Nagashi somen

Apart from the cliffs, there are a few other attractions to see like the Takachiho Shrine, freshwater aquarium, stocked fishing pond, and somen restaurants.

What is Nagashi somen? They are thin noodles that flow down a bamboo chute with ice-cold water. Diners will have to catch the noodles with chopsticks. This is a seasonal dish that is eaten during summer. They are dipped into tsuyu sauce that has flavors of onion, ginger, or myoga.

The origin of Nagashi somen is right here in Takachiho, created by a restaurant called Chiho no Ie in 1950. The restaurant is still in operation today.