Thinking of visiting Kyushu? Good idea!
Here's a few itinerary ideas for 5 days in Kyushu. A whistlestop tour of a few highlights of Kyushu, including recommendations for sights, restaurants and hotels for each day, with photos.
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5 days in Kyushu
The starting point for our return trip was Kobe - 20 minutes east of Osaka by train. But you could be starting in any number of cities in Japan that have an airport.
Of course, you could start in one city, fly to Kyushu, use this itinerary, and then fly onto a new city as your next destination.
Just choose somewhere where the flight time isn't too long so that you can make the most of your first and last days in Kyushu.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Kobe to Fukuoka
Day 2: Fukuoka
Day 3: Fukuoka to Nagasaki
Day 4: Nagasaki to Saikai
Day 5: Saikai to Kobe
RECOMMENDED: Discover Kyushu (Island Guide)
Ohori Park, Fukuoka
Day 1: Kobe > Fukuoka
Fly: 08:00 Osaka Itami to Fukuoka (5am start)
Lunch: Cafe Brasileiro - Fukuoka's oldest cafe (food OK, coffee good, atmosphere great)
See: ACROS building (stunning 'half-pyramid' architecture cultural centre covered in greenery)
Stay: Hotel Forza (just thirty seconds from Hakata Station)
ACROS Building, Fukuoka
Day 2: Fukuoka
Activity: Stroll around Ohori Park (walk across bridges connecting three islands in a large lake)
Lunch: Restaurant Mizutaki Nagano (top quality, proper nabe, reservations essential)
Coffee: Cafe 'Knock' (run by an 89 year old lady for more than 40 years)
Buy: Traditional sweets from Ishimura Manseido Deitos (gorgeous original shop and sweets)
Nabe at Mizutaki Nagano, Fukuoka
Day 3: Fukuoka > Nagasaki
Train: 09:55 Kamome Limited Express from Hakata (interior looks like business class airline designed by Mercedes Benz)
Stroll: Nakashima River/Tera-machi districts (more than 10 bridges + traditional machiya repurposed as shops, cafes, galleries, etc.)
View: The stunning city lights at night by taking the Nagasaki Ropeway to the top of Mt. Inasa
Video: Nagasaki Ropeway at Night
Dinner: Restaurant Yossou (chawan mushi - steamed egg custard specialist, incredible pork)
Stay: Hotel Forza (rated #1 hotel in Nagasaki on Trip Advisor)
Nakashima River district, Nagasaki
Want to see the famous 'Spectacles Bridge' for yourself? Use this self-guided tour of Nagasaki (ideal for couples).
Your Personal Travel Concierge Service in Japan
Thinking of spending 5 days in Kyushu or more? Then start your Japan vacation on the right foot with this convenient Meet & Greet service.
Meet & Greet at Fukuoka Airport
With this Meet & Greet service, you don't have to worry about the language barrier and is ideal for families traveling together, first time visitors to Japan and business travelers.
Your assistant will monitor your flight status and wait for you in the arrival hall, holding a sign board with your name on.
After welcoming you, your personal assistant can help you deal with various procedures such as buying train or bus tickets, buying a SIM card or rent a mobile phone, etc.
If you encounter any issues, your bilingual helper smooths things out.
The service is also available at the main train stations in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and Fukuoka.
Your assistant will escort you to the boarding point of your chosen mode of transportation (Limousine Bus, train, taxi). They can also inform awaiting party of your arrival time, train car and seat number (if requested).
Assistance with:
- Buying train or bus tickets
- Exchanging the Japan Rail Pass voucher for the actual pass
- Exchanging currencies
- Withdrawing cash from ATMs
- Buying a SIM card or rent a mobile phone
- Handing over documents
- Bilingual assistant helps with any language difficulties
Book Your Personal Travel Concierge Service HERE or simply scan the QR code:
Video: Nagasaki Tram Ride - Route 5
Day 4: Nagasaki > Saikai
Ride: The Nagasaki Electric Tramway for a cool retro way to get about the city
Experience: Atomic Bomb Museum, Nagasaki (sobering, be sure to visit the blast hypocentre outside)
Train: 15:00 Sea Side Liner from Nagasaki Station to Huis Ten Bosch Station
See: Omura Bay (sit on the left hand side of the train when leaving Nagasaki Station for the best views)
Stay: Minshuku (stay in a regular home with a local family)
Atomic Bomb Museum, Nagasaki
Day 5: Saikai > Kobe
Experience:
Mikan picking at Saikai Genkimura eco-village (thoroughly recommended - full article to follow!)
Lunch: Restaurant Kasayama (good quality Japanese staples, reasonably priced, large portions served in private dining rooms)
Bus: From Huis Ten Bosch (we didn't go inside the theme park) to Nagasaki Airport
Fly: 17:20 Nagasaki to Kobe Airport
Mikan picking - Saikai Genkimura eco-village, Saikai
I hope this article gave you some inspiration if you're thinking of spending 5 days in Kyushu. Of course, this quick snapshot is just a small sampling of what Kyushu offers.
I have a real fondness for the island. I'll keep going back for sure.
I also hope this inspires you to do some research, maybe dig a little deeper, start some planning yourself.
If you have any feedback or comments to add please and let me know what you thought.
SEE ALSO: Discover Kyushu (Island Guide)
Kyushu Location Map
About the Author
A writer and publisher from England, Rob has been exploring Japan’s islands since 2000. He specialises in travelling off the beaten track, whether on remote atolls or in the hidden streets of major cities. He’s the founder of TheRealJapan.com.
Resources
More Itinerary Ideas
2 Week Tour of Chugoku: Easy 16 Day Itinerary
Accessible Japan Sightseeing Tips (How We Honeymooned in Japan)
Our First Trip To Japan: 16-Day Itinerary & Review
Tokyo, Kyoto & Hiroshima (Book Review) Must Buy?
Valuable Insights From my 17th Trip To Japan (Includes 28 Day Itinerary)
Official Tourism Websites and Guided Tours
Visit Nagasaki | The Official Guide to Nagasaki Prefecture
Fukuoka - Japan National Tourism Organization
Nagasaki Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour
Experience a Self-Guided Tour of Nagasaki (ideal for couples)
When traveling from the western US, consider flying Hawaiian Air into Fukuoka. They offer major savings over flights that go through Tokyo. It’s about 30% cheaper to fly through Honolulu instead of Haneda.
I wasn’t aware of that Eric. 30% is a big saving! Thanks for sharing.