History, Culture & Natural Wonders on Japan's Kyushu Island - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Fukuoka, Self-Guided City Tour

Welcome to Japan! Your flight lands in Fukuoka, capital of the beautiful island of Kyushu. Kyushu is the southwesternmost of Japan's main islands, known for its gorgeous beaches, hot springs, and rich culture. Once you've gotten settled into your hotel, head into the city to explore.

You can stretch your legs after the long flight with a walk through Oohori Park, a lovely green space centered around a large pond. Ohori translates to "moat" in Japanese, and the pond here was actually once part of the moat system of Fukuoka Castle. The ruins of the castle are located nearby, and if you happen to be here in spring, this is an excellent spot to see the cherry blossoms in bloom. 

Visit the Nanzo-in temple to see the huge reclining Buddha ensconced there, then continue to Canal City, where you'll find more than 250 shops, cafés, and restaurants. There's a canal running through the complex (hence the name), and you can take a walk around the area and get ahead on your souvenir shopping. By now, you've probably worked up an appetite, so be sure to stop at one of the many food shops to try some hakata tonkotsu ramen (pork bone ramen), a rich noodle soup that makes for a hearty and satisfying end to the day. 

Day 2: Day Trip to the Canals of Yanagawa

Step outside the city today, boarding a train in the morning and enjoying a peaceful ride through the countryside to the town of Yanagawa. Known for its many canals, this quaint village might remind you of Venice—it's often called the "Venice of Kyushi"—as you watch locals getting from place to place via boat. You'll have the opportunity to take a guided boat tour, learning more about the history of the region from your expert guide as they navigate the waterways.

Have lunch at a local restaurant, sampling some freshly caught eel, which is a specialty here, then take a visit to the historic villa of Ohana, once owned by the former rulers of the town, the Tachibana clan. The villa overlooks the gardens of Shoto-en, which has hundreds of trees arranged around a rock-filled pond. Before boarding the train back to Fukuoka, stop in at the former home of Japanese poet Hakushu Kitahara, now a museum dedicated to his life and legacy.

Day 3: Transfer to Beppu, Explore the Seven Hells Hot Springs

You're off to the hot springs of Beppu today, home to a series of spectacular natural springs referred to as the Seven Hells of Beppu. Once you've arrived at your accommodations here, you'll have a chance to explore the springs and see why they're such a popular attraction. Characterized by bright colors, sulfur clouds, and bubbling mud, these steaming springs once frightened and angered the people who tried to settle here. Today, you can witness the same gas emissions, blowing steam, and hot mud that have spooked guests and locals since the beginning of time.

While the Seven Hells springs are too hot for bathing, local people have been cooking food in the springs' hot steam for centuries. You can try some of these unusual snacks at food stalls around the area, then spend the rest of the day at one of Beppu's many spas, soaking and relaxing in the healing waters.

Day 4: Beppu Beach Sand Bath, Visit Mount Tsurumi

Today you'll experience a one-of-a-kind sand bath on the beaches of Beppu! You'll be submerged in the hot sand along the shore, leaving only your head and face exposed as you take in the ocean views. The sand, heated by the nutrient-rich waters, is thought to have various health benefits. After you've sufficiently warmed up in the sand, shower off and head to Mount Tsurumi.

Standing at more than 4,500 feet (1,375 m), this imposing mountain overlooks all of Beppu, with tons of hiking trails, small shrines, and photo-worthy views. Ride the Beppu Ropeway up to a small park near the summit and enjoy panoramas of the city and ocean, or take a hike around the area before returning to your hotel. 

Day 5: Visit the Hot Springs of Historic Kurokawa Onsen

Visit the village of Kurokawa Onsen, located approximately 1.5 hours from Beppu and known for its traditional architecture and hot springs. Spend the day walking around its well-preserved city center, which has a river flowing through it and contains charming cafés, shrines, and old-style houses with earthen walls. Stop in at one of several public baths to soak in the hot springs, many of which are open to the sky, then sit down to a multicourse meal featuring regional specialties. Return to Beppu for a final evening, resting up before you continue your journey tomorrow. 

Day 6: Transfer to Aso, Horseback Riding & Volcano Museum

The next part of your travels take you to the Aso region. Your journey through this volcanic landscape takes you past dairy farms and panoramic lookout points before you arrive in picturesque Kumamoto city and check in at your hotel. Popular for its proximity to Mount Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan, Kumamoto offers a wide range of cultural and outdoor activities. 

Take advantage of the fresh air and outdoors with a guided horseback ride, which travels along the mountain and local trails. Meet your guides, and after a safety briefing and an introduction to the horses, you'll enjoy an easy ride through nature. You can also take a walk through the Kusa-Senrigahama grasslands, where horses and cattle graze against dramatic mountain peaks, or if you want to learn more about the volcano and its history, visit the Aso Volcano Museum before retiring for the evening. 

Day 7: Hike the Volcanoes of Mount Aso

Hike up Mount Aso today, an impressive giant of a mountain that's considered the crowning glory of this very active volcanic region. Take a guided trek along the many trails here, and if it happens to be a clear day, you can walk to the edge of Nakadake, the volcano's center. If you want a faster-paced tour, you also have the option of renting mountain bikes to explore the area, traversing narrow routes and exhilarating switchbacks as you ascend. You'll have time afterward to relax at your hotel or step out to see more of the sights around Kumamoto on your own. 

Day 8: Transfer to Nagasaki, Visit Peace Park, Cable Car to Mount Inasayama

After hotel check out this morning, you'll transfer to historic Nagasaki, located on Kyushu's northwest coast. The town sits on a natural harbor, with terraced hills surrounding it. While it's perhaps most known for the nuclear attack that took place here during World War II, Nagasaki has a rich history and culture. Once you've settled at your hotel, you'll have a free afternoon to see some of the city's most notable sights. 

Start at the reclaimed island of Dejima, an artificial island originally built to segregate Portuguese residents from the Japanese population. It eventually became the home of the Dutch Trading Station, where Dutch traders were relegated during Japan's centuries of isolation from the Western world. 

Continue to Peace Park and learn about the events that took place in the city during World War II, with stops at the nearby Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Memorial Hall. Finish the day with a cable car ride to the top of Mount Inasayama, which towers more than 1,000 feet (333 m) above the city and offers incredible sunset views. 

Day 9: Tour the Abandoned Island of Gunkanjima

Make the most of your last full day in Japan with a trip to Gunkanjima, also known as Hashima, a small island that was once home to a coal mine. The mine was closed in 1974, and the now deserted, yet eerily preserved, city stands as a ghostly reminder of times past. Return to the harbor in time for lunch, then take a walk to Meganebashi Bridge, a historic stone bridge that dates back to 1634. Take some photos of the bridge's stunning reflection over the waterway below, then stop to see the penguins playing at Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium before finding a local restaurant for one last authentic Japanese dinner.

Day 10: Depart Nagasaki