Are you interested in swapping the tourist crowds for more meaningful experiences in a lesser known side of Japan? Then, we recommend visiting Western Japan’s Kyushu region, one of the country’s southernmost areas. This vibrant, multi-prefecture island is teeming with hidden gems that most inbound tourists have yet to discover.
Today, we will share two carefully curated model courses that introduce the region’s renowned hot springs, stunning nature, and delectable eats. The experiences are guaranteed to leave you feeling culturally fulfilled, physically rejuvenated, and mentally inspired.
Model course #1: Jyudan
Our first route, called Jyudan, or Longitudinal, starts in Fukuoka City and then roughly follows Kyushu’s coastline in a circular motion—ending in Kumamoto City. The course leads you on an engaging journey through the region’s food culture, hot springs, unique nature, and cultural highlights.
Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
Start your adventure with a full stomach in Fukuoka City, one of the main gateways to Western Japan. From Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, you can reach the city in under two hours by plane.
One of Fukuoka City’s most popular attractions is its yatai culture. Yatai are small, open-air food stalls that pop up at night, decorating the city’s streets in color and infusing the breeze with irresistible aromas. Every night, about 100 yatai dot areas like Tenjin, Nakasu, and Nagahama, creating a uniquely Japanese atmosphere you cannot find elsewhere. Enjoy a leisurely walk and let your nose choose your next meal. You can find a plethora of Fukuoka flavors, including ramen, oden (a type of Japanese stew), and yakitori (charcoal-grilled chicken skewers).
The intimate food stalls—usually only featuring up to 10 seats—provide ample opportunities to mingle with locals and experience Japan’s warm hospitality up close.
Beppu, Oita
After savoring Fukuoka City’s culinary delights, head to Beppu, one of Japan’s most famous hot spring destinations. This city is about two hours from Fukuoka City by train, bus, or car.
One of the best ways to experience Beppu is with the Beppu Hell Tour. This one-of-a-kind sightseeing attraction showcases Beppu’s seven hot spring sources, where you can enjoy vivid, photogenic landscapes created by the Earth—including cobalt-blue pools, blood-red ponds, and powerfully erupting geysers. At four of the seven “hells,” you can rest your travel-weary feet in free footbaths called Jigoku no Ashiyu, and at Oniishi no Yu, resting beside the “hell” Oniishi Bozu Jigoku, you can even enjoy hot spring bathing in the steaming water.
If you start feeling peckish, dine on some Jigoku-mushi cuisine, which uses the natural steam of Beppu’s Kannawa Onsen to cook ingredients. This oil-free cooking method preserves the natural nutrients of the food, creating a healthy dining experience.
Miyazaki City, Miyazaki
Next is Miyazaki City, which is about three and a half hours by train or three hours by car from Beppu.
Your first stop will be Aoshima, a mystical island connected to the mainland by the cobblestone Yayoi Bridge. Once you step onto the island and pass under Aoshima Shrine’s red torii (gate), subtropical plants will encircle you. The shrine itself is also a must-visit and is regarded as a power spot for matchmaking.
Surrounding Aoshima’s coastline is a striking rock formation called Oni no Sentakuita, or Devil’s Washboard. Designated as a National Natural Monument, this formation is characterized by its distinctive patterns that have long been shaped by the environment.
After the nature adventure, visit Miyazaki’s lively entertainment district, Nishitachi, and choose from over 1,000 local restaurants and bars. We highly recommend trying Miyazaki’s soul food, Chicken Nanban, which is crispy fried chicken topped with a sweet vinegar sauce and tartar sauce.
Kagoshima City, Kagoshima
Then head to Kagoshima City, about three hours by public transportation or two hours by car from Miyazaki City. As you approach the area, the grand Sakurajima, an active volcano resting in the sea, will mark your arrival. To soothe any travel fatigue, we highly recommend booking a stay at Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima. This luxurious hotel is renowned for its exceptional location, offering a world-class panorama of Kagoshima’s urban sprawl against Sakurajima.
The hotel’s hot spring water is popular for its high quantities of bicarbonate that leave your skin feeling smooth and refreshed. The indoor baths are set at a slightly lower temperature, allowing you to soak longer and marvel at the magnificent scenery.
Be sure to also indulge in the hotel’s seasonal cuisine and home-brewed beverages. Shiroyama Brewery produces multiple craft beers that showcase local flavors, including a refreshing Belgian white brewed with Sakurajima komikan citrus.
Kumamoto City, Kumamoto
End your journey in Kumamoto City, located approximately 45 minutes by shinkansen or two and a half hours by car from Kagoshima City, and step back in time at Sakura-no-Baba Josaien.
This bustling recreation of a 17th-century castle town rests at the foot of Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s Three Great Castles. The Sakura-no-Koji area is lined with 23 restaurants and souvenir shops that highlight Kumamoto specialties, immersing you in a local and traditional Japanese atmosphere. You can also admire Kumamoto Castle’s majestic scenery in the surrounding area.
Conclude your trip with relaxation and introspection at Ueki Onsen, situated about 50 minutes by car from Kumamoto City. This long-cherished hot spring town welcomes you with a tranquil setting that is ideal for slowing down and unwinding after a long trip. It is the perfect place to wrap up your cultural adventure of Japan.
Model course #2: Oudan
The second course is called Oudan, which translates to “Crossing.” It starts in Nagasaki City and follows a roughly clockwise route to Yufu in Oita Prefecture. The adventure features remnants of history, scenic cityscape views, beloved hot springs, and high-quality cuisine.
Nagasaki City, Nagasaki
Start your off-the-beaten-path journey in Nagasaki City, about two hours by plane from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.
One of the city’s most unique attractions is Hashima Island, often referred to as Gunkanjima (Battleship Island). Located about 40 minutes by boat from Nagasaki Port, this artificial island once served as a thriving undersea coal mining facility. Today, it is designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage as one of the “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.” Abandoned around 1974, the wind-weathered and plant-reclaimed island now stands as a striking and evocative reminder of history.
At the end of the day, climb aboard one of Nagasaki Ropeway’s glass-walled gondolas for Inasayama Observatory and witness Nagasaki City’s spectacular night view. The glittering urban sprawl, distant mountains, and reflective ocean create a “10-million-dollar-view,” recognized as one of the world’s New Three Great Night Views, alongside Monaco and Shanghai.
Takeo, Saga
Next, head to Takeo Onsen in Takeo, situated about 30 minutes by shinkansen or one hour by car from Nagasaki City.
Takeo Onsen boasts a history of over 1,300 years and is best known for its clear, soft waters. The alkaline simple hot spring is said to help relieve fatigue, muscle pain, and joint pain.
When you arrive, you will first be greeted by the Romon Gate, a symbol of Takeo Onsen. It is treasured for its unique nail-free construction and is designated as an Important Cultural Property, alongside the Takeo Onsen New Building. Past the gate, you will find a collection of public and private baths.
We recommend visiting Kitagata Onsen Shiki no Sato “Nanaironoyu.” This facility has open-air baths, bubble baths, waterfall baths, and a sauna. You can also savor premium Saga Beef, prized for its tender lean meat and finely marbled fat, lending it a rich, yet subtly sweet flavor.
Iki, Nagasaki
Now, it is time for an Iki Island getaway. To reach the island, catch a ferry from Hakata Port in Fukuoka Prefecture or Karatsu Higashi Port in Saga Prefecture. Ferry services are limited, so be sure to review the timetables in advance.
Iki is a naturally rich island blessed with abundant seafood and local produce, including its prized Iki Beef. This premium wagyu is raised exclusively on the island and is praised for its distinctive flavor—a result of the mineral-rich cattle pastures nourished by the sea breeze. The meat has a low melting point, rich depth of flavor, and clean finish, earning it high marks in the national competition commonly referred to as the “Olympics of Wagyu.”
Iki is also the birthplace of barley shochu—a distilled spirit made from rice koji, rice, and barley. Iki Shochu has earned WTO Geographical Indication (GI) status and is known for its gentle barley aroma and subtle sweetness, making it easy to drink. Try the island’s craft beer as well!
Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
Continue your foodie journey in Kitakyushu, located about three and a half hours from Iki Island by ferry and public transportation. Nicknamed the Sushi Kingdom, Kitakyushu is a paradise for seafood lovers.
The city’s renowned seafood legacy stems from its natural environment. Resting on the northern tip of Fukuoka Prefecture, Kitakyushu is surrounded by three distinct seas and sits at the center of major fishing ports in Western Japan, giving it access to a wide array of fish species year-round. The city’s central wholesale market then sells this abundance of seafood—sourced daily from local fishermen. The close and speedy collaboration between fishermen, markets, and sushi chefs has helped solidify the city’s sushi reputation. However, the rich oceans are the strong foundation of this heritage.
While in Kitakyushu, check out its high-end restaurants or casual sushi spots and be sure to try its iconic Kokura-mae sushi, which uses salt or citrus instead of soy sauce and showcases the city’s unique sushi culture.
Yufu, Oita
Conclude your nourishing adventure at Yufuin Onsen in Yufu, situated approximately three hours by public transportation or one and a half hours by car from Kitakyushu.
Recognized as one of Japan’s most prolific hot spring areas, Yufuin Onsen rests far from the bustle of city life, making it a wonderful place to deeply relax your mind and body. Start with the numerous footbaths and handbaths near Yufuin Station. The area’s diverse mineral-rich waters are gentle on the skin and are said to help relieve fatigue and reduce stress.
We also recommend visiting Yunohira Onsen, a historic, over 800-year-old hot spring village characterized by its stone-paved slopes and traditional, samurai-era atmosphere.
If you still have time to spare, head over to Lake Kinrin for a tranquil stroll beside fish and waterfowl. The lake is nourished by hot spring water, resulting in a warm water temperature year-round. On winter mornings, the view is especially magical as steam rises softly from the lake’s surface.
Explore Kyushu’s wonders for yourself
Japan’s Kyushu region is not an area you should overlook. With its nationally iconic food culture, awe-inspiring nature, traditional ambience, preserved history, and truly rejuvenating hot spring areas, Kyushu allows you to lose yourself in the country’s never-ending charms. And better yet, you can experience everything with fewer crowds and more authentic interactions.
Are you interested in Western Japan? Check out our two-model course article that explores the San’in and Setouchi regions.
Local government resources
Fukuoka City
Beppu City
Miyazaki City
Kagoshima City
Kumamoto City
Nagasaki City
Takeo City
Iki City
Kitakyushu City
Yufu City