When you think of Kyushu, do you only think of Fukuoka? But besides Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, Oita, Nagasaki, and Saga all have amazing places to explore! This guide covers transport, must-visit spots, and recommended passes to help you plan the perfect Kyushu trip!
The Location of Kyushu
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Kyushu sits southwest of Honshu and is Japan’s third-largest island, made up of seven prefectures including Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. It’s known for beautiful nature, rich culture, and great local food. With many volcanoes, Kyushu is called the “Land of Fire,” and is famous for its hot springs.
How to Get to Kyushu?
- From Taoyuan Airport:
Fly directly to Fukuoka Airport and take the Airport Subway Line for about 5 minutes to JR Hakata Station. - From Osaka:
1. Shinkansen: Take the Sanyo Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Hakata in about 2.5 hours.
2. Ferry: Take the Meimon Taiyo Ferry from Osaka Port (about 11.5 hours) to Shinmoji Port, then use the free shuttle bus to JR Moji or JR Kokura Station.
🎞️Video：Overnight Ferry from Osaka to Kitakyushu – First-Class Cabin & Facilities
Classic Kyushu Itinerary Highlights!
Here are top picks from Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, Oita, Nagasaki, and Saga.
Fukuoka Highlights
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Fukuoka Tower is 234 meters tall, and from the 123-meter deck you get a 360° view of Fukuoka City and Hakata Bay. Inside, there are fun activities like stamp hunting, sky capsule toys, and an aerial marble game. At night, the tower lights up with different themed illuminations and is listed in the Japan Top 100 Night Views. It’s also a Lovers’ Sanctuary, perfect for dates and photos.
- Address: 2-3-26 Momochihama, Sawara Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
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Dazaifu Tenmangu enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning, and is the head shrine of about 12,000 Tenmangu shrines in Japan. People visit to pray for exam success. The grounds include the Important Cultural Property Main Hall, a museum, sculptures, and contemporary art. Touching the sacred ox statue is said to bring wisdom!
- Address: 4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu, Fukuoka
3.Forest Adventure Aburayama Fukuoka
Located in Fukuoka’s Mt. Aburayama, Forest Adventure Kyushu offers two new courses: the Safety Net Course, reaching up to 8 meters high for free climbing among the trees, and the Zipline Course, where you can enjoy scenic aerial glides. It’s a great spot for families and adventure lovers.
- Address: Fukuoka, Minami Ward, Kashihara, 710‐2 ABURAYAMA FUKUOKA
※Available with the Have Fun in Kyushu Pass.
Kitakyushu Highlights
Kokura Castle was built in the late Sengoku period, notable for its fifth-floor keep wider than the fourth. Stroll through the garden to enjoy the scenery and experience Japanese tea ceremonies. Around 300 cherry trees bloom in spring, making it a popular spot, and the castle frequently hosts events, earning it the title of “Japan’s Most Fun Castle.”
- Address: 2-1 Jonai, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
※Available with the Have Fun in Kyushu Pass.
Moji Port was an important 19th-century trading port and one of Japan’s three major ports. Preserved Western-style buildings create a nostalgic atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy views of the Kanmon Strait, taste baked curry and Moji Port pudding, and visit the Kyushu Railway History Museum, Kanmon Strait Museum, and old Osaka Merchant Ship for a cultural experience.
- Address: Moji Station Area, Moji Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture
※Available with the Have Fun in Kyushu Pass.
It offers one of Japan’s top night views, dubbed “a $1 billion view,” and is listed among the New Three Major Night Views of Japan. A 10-minute cable car ride takes visitors to the 622-meter peak, making it a must-see in Kitakyushu.
- Address: 1481-1 Oaza Ogura, Yahata-Higashi-ku, Kita-Kyushu City, Fukuoka
Recommended Spots in Oita
1. Yufuin Onsen (Yufuin Hot Springs)
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Yufuin Onsen is a famous hot spring area in Kyushu, located in a valley surrounded by mountains. Winter mornings often feature mist over the river, creating a magical scene. Its hot springs are known for relieving nerve, muscle, joint pain, and fatigue. Visitors can stay at traditional inns or modern hotels and enjoy day-use onsen.
- Address: Yufuin Town, Yufu City, Oita Prefecture
2. Beppu Onsen
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Beppu Onsen is Japan’s largest hot spring area, producing over 130,000 tons of water daily. Comprising eight districts, it is called “Beppu Hattou,” each with unique charm. Beppu also features the colorful “Hells of Beppu,” with blue and red waters, perfect for experiencing the “Seven Beppu Jigoku Tour.”
- Address: Motomachi, Beppu City, Oita Prefecture (around JR Beppu Station)
Nakatsu Castle, built during the Sengoku period, is one of Japan’s three major water castles and listed among the Continued Top 100 Castles. Its garden, designed by “Green Magician” Ishihara Kazuyuki, is called Japan’s only “Flower Castle.” Visitors can learn about Sengoku to Edo history and enjoy seasonal flowers, blending history and nature.
- Address: 1273-2 Ninomachi, Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture
※Available with the Have Fun in Kyushu Pass.
Nagasaki Recommended Attractions
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Mount Inasa Observatory offers Nagasaki’s famous night view. In 2021, it was listed as one of the “New Three Major Night Views of the World” alongside Shanghai and Monaco, and in 2018, it was included in Japan’s New Three Major Night Views with Sapporo and Kitakyushu. Visitors can take an aerial cable car or track car designed by Ferrari’s team to enjoy a 360° view of Nagasaki. The city lights at night are stunning.
- Address: Inasayama Park, 364 Inasa-cho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
Huis Ten Bosch is a large theme park replicating medieval Dutch streets, featuring seasonal events and rides. It occasionally collaborates with famous IPs, and at night, millions of LED lights illuminate the park, paired with projection mapping and award-winning light shows. The largest fireworks festival in Kyushu is held here, with events year-round.
- Address: 1-1 Huis Ten Bosch Machi, Sasebo, Nagasaki
Built in the 1620s, has a 33-meter five-story white keep that stands out against the blue sky. From the top floor, visitors can overlook the town. After being decommissioned in the Meiji era and undergoing multiple changes, it was reconstructed in 1964 based on historical records. The castle houses precious exhibits on Japanese Christian history, offering a unique historical experience.
- Address: 1-1183-1 Jonouchi, Shimabara City, Nagasaki
※Available with the Have Fun in Kyushu Pass.
Saga Recommended Attractions
Yutoku Inari Shrine is one of Japan’s three major Inari shrines, alongside Fushimi Inari and Kasama Inari. Built along the mountainside and famous for colorful architecture. Every December, the Fire Festival reaches flames up to 20 meters. In autumn nights, the “Night Walk & Fox Wedding” event features illuminated scenery and unique wedding experiences.
- Address: 1855 Otsu, Furueda, Kashima-shi, Saga-ken
2. Tozan Shrine
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It features Japan’s only ceramic torii gate, with stone lanterns, lion statues, amulets, and ema all made from Arita ware. Outside the main gate runs a railway track, and if timed correctly, trains pass through the torii, a rare sight featured on Japanese TV as one of the country’s unique landscapes.
- Address: 2 Chome-5-1 Odaru, Arita, Nishimatsuura District, Saga
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Built in the late Edo period, spans 500,000 sqm with a large strolling pond garden against the towering Mifuneyama cliffs. About 2,000 cherry trees bloom in spring, and the garden is famous for illuminated night cherry blossoms. It also features azaleas, wisteria, and spring maples, with autumn foliage and winter snow, offering beauty year-round.
- Address: 4100 Ooaza Takeo, Takeo-chou, Takeo city, Saga
Kyushu Transportation Pass Recommendations:
JR Sanyo-San’in Northern Kyushu Area Pass
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This pass allows unlimited travel for 7 days across the Northern Kyushu area (Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita) and from Kansai to Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Tottori, and Shimane!
JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS(All Kyushu)
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For direct flights to Kyushu, the JR Kyushu Rail Pass covers the entire island, available for 3, 5, or 7 days depending on trip length. For partial travel, consider Northern Kyushu or Southern Kyushu passes.
Other Recommendations: Have Fun in Kyushu Pass
For easier exploration, the “Have Fun in Kyushu Pass” includes popular attractions, shopping, and restaurants across Kyushu, letting you travel efficiently and enjoyably with one ticket.
