Raybel Travel | Kyushu, Japan.

Kyushu

Kyushu is one of the four main islands of Japan, located in the southwestern part of the country.

Areas to explore in 12D/11N:
Fukuoka City, Kurume City, Imari City, Nagasaki City, Unzen Onsen, Kumamoto City, and Kirishima City.

Point of Interests

Day 1: Fukuoka → Kurume

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Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, located near Fukuoka, is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the Shinto deity of learning and scholarship. It’s a popular destination for students praying for academic success and is known for its historical architecture, serene gardens, and vibrant shopping street leading up to the shrine.

Day 2: Kurume

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Yanagawa is a charming canal town in Fukuoka Prefecture, often called the "Venice of Kyushu." It's best known for its scenic punting boat rides through historic waterways, lined with willow trees and old merchant houses. The town is also famous for unagi (eel) dishes.

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Mamedamachi is a beautifully preserved historic district in Hita City, Ōita Prefecture. Dating back to the Edo period, the area is known for its traditional white-walled merchant houses, stone- paved streets, sake breweries, and charming local shops.

Day 3: Kurume → Imari → Nagasaki

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Okawachiyama is a historic pottery village near Imari, known as the “Village of Secret Kilns.” Once used by the Nabeshima clan to produce high-quality porcelain in secrecy, it’s now a scenic spot where visitors can explore traditional kilns, pottery shops, and enjoy hands-on ceramic experiences.

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Nagasaki Bio Park is a zoo and botanical garden in Saikai, Nagasaki, designed around natural, open habitats where visitors can interact closely with animals. One of its most famous residents is the capybara. You can pet them, feed them, see them relaxing in their open‐field space. The park also features a charming “Guinea Pig Bridge,” a daily spectacle where guinea pigs parade across a small bridge back to their sleeping quarters.

Day 4: Nagasaki

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nagasaki atomic 1

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The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum is a poignant memorial located in Nagasaki, Japan. It commemorates the devastating impact of the atomic bombing on August 9, 1945, and serves as a testament to the resilience of the city's residents. The museum's exhibits include artifacts from the bombing, photographs, and personal stories of survivors, all aimed at educating visitors about the horrors of nuclear warfare and the importance of peace.

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Glover Garden is a historic hillside park in Nagasaki, Japan, showcasing the residences of 19th-century foreign merchants who played pivotal roles in Japan's modernization. The centerpiece is the Former Glover House, built in 1863 for Scottish merchant Thomas Blake Glover, recognized as Japan's oldest surviving Western-style house. The park offers panoramic views of Nagasaki Harbor and features other preserved Western-style homes, such as the Ringer and Alt houses.

Day 5: Nagasaki → Unzen → Kumamoto

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Unzen-Amakusa National Park, established in 1934, is one of Japan’s first national parks—renowned for its volcanic terrain, soothing hot springs, and scenic coastline.

Explore Unzen Jigoku, where bubbling springs and sulfur vents reveal the region’s volcanic power. Then take the Unzen Ropeway for sweeping, year-round views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

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Kumamoto Castle (optional), built in the early 1600s by Kato Kiyomasa, is one of Japan’s most famous castles known for its strong defenses and striking black exterior. The surrounding grounds, including Sakura no Baba, is a vibrant cultural complex located at the foot of Kumamoto Castle, offering visitors a rich blend of history, cuisine, and entertainment. Designed to evoke the atmosphere of a 17th-century castle town, it's an ideal destination for exploring Kumamoto's heritage.

Day 6-7: Day Trips from Kumamoto

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Mount Aso*, located about an hour and a half from Kumamoto city, is one of the world’s largest active volcanoes and a must-visit for nature lovers. On a day trip, you can explore the expansive caldera, which is one of the largest in the world, and enjoy panoramic views from observation points. The surrounding Aso region offers beautiful hiking trails (optional).

*Please note that a visit to Mt. Aso highly depends on the volcanic activities.

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Takachiho Gorge, about a 2-hour drive from Kumamoto, is a stunning natural spot known for its dramatic cliffs, clear blue river, and beautiful waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the gorge, rent rowboats to explore the river, and visit nearby historic sites and shrines. It’s a peaceful and scenic day trip perfect for nature lovers.

Day 8: Kumamoto → Kirishima (Kagoshima)

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Driving from Kumamoto to Kirishima takes around 2.5–3 hours. A worthwhile stop is Ebino Plateau, a scenic highland known for volcanic views, hiking trails, and seasonal wildflowers. Take a short walk for panoramic mountain and crater vistas—a refreshing break before continuing through the countryside and mountain roads to Kirishima.

Day 9: Kirishima (Kagoshima)

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Kirishima’s black vinegar breweries showcase the traditional method of making kurozu, a rich rice vinegar prized for its health benefits and unique flavor. Visitors can learn about the natural fermentation process using large ceramic jars, enjoy scenic views of the vinegar fields against volcanic backdrops, and taste dishes infused with kurozu’s distinctive tang.

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Sakurajima is an active volcano located in Kagoshima Bay, known for its frequent eruptions and iconic shape. Once an island, it became connected to the mainland after a major eruption in 1914. It’s a symbol of Kagoshima and offers visitors stunning views, hot springs, and volcanic landscapes to explore. You can go to Sakurajima and spend a few hours there, or you can view it from afar.

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Sengan-en is a historic Japanese garden and former samurai residence in Kagoshima, built in 1658 by the powerful Shimadzu clan. The garden features traditional landscaping, seasonal flowers, and beautiful views of Sakurajima across the bay. It also includes a museum and preserved buildings that offer insight into feudal life in southern Japan.

Day 10: Kirishima (Kagoshima) → Fukuoka

Driving from Kagoshima to Fukuoka takes a long time, so we recommend taking the Shinkansen instead for comfort and speed. You’ll drop off the rental car in the morning, then take the Shinkansen to Fukuoka. The rest of the day will be free and easy to explore the city at your own pace. Driving takes about 4.5 to 5.5 hours, while the Shinkansen only takes around 1 hour 20 minutes, making the train a much faster and more convenient option.

Day 11: Fukuoka (Free & Easy)

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Fukuoka is famous for its yatai, or open-air food stalls, which are a unique part of the city’s culture and nightlife. These small, mobile eateries typically seat about 8–10 people and serve local favorites like Hakata ramen, yakitori, and oden. Yatai usually open in the evening and are mostly found around areas like Tenjin, Nakasu, and the riverside. They offer a casual, lively atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious food and chat with locals.