Kyushu Travel Itinerary – The Underrated Region of Japan

Located in the southernmost part of Japan’s four main islands, Kyushu is often overshadowed by the fame of Tokyo , Kyoto or Osaka. But once you set foot in Kyushu, you’ll uncover a completely different side of Japan — peaceful, rustic, and full of unexpected charm.

What makes Kyushu truly special is its slower pace of life and the absence of overwhelming tourist crowds. This gives travelers the rare chance to capture authentic, unspoiled scenes, and to connect more deeply with the true beauty of Japan.

For those who love photography and seek unique travel experiences, Kyushu is the perfect destination — a place where you can discover a more authentic, less commercialized side of Japan, yet one that is deeply captivating.

In today’s blog post, I’ll be sharing a 4-day Kyushu itinerary starting from Osaka, with a strong focus on nature experiences and photography. Let’s dive in!

I. TRANSPORTATION

1. Getting from Kansai to Kyushu

There are three main ways to travel from Osaka to Kyushu: by plane, ferry, or car.

• Airfare is usually quite affordable, ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 JPY per person (excluding checked baggage).
• If you’re looking for a road trip experience, driving from Osaka to Fukuoka — the capital of Kyushu — is a great option. The journey covers about 700 km and passes through several well-known cities such as Kobe, Okayama, Hiroshima, and Yamaguchi.

For a more unique journey to Kyushu, consider taking the Hankyu Ferry — an overnight cruise from Osaka or Kobe to Fukuoka (and vice versa), where you can enjoy both sunset and sunrise views from the deck.

You can purchase ferry tickets either directly at the ticket counter or online. I highly recommend booking online so you can choose your preferred cabin type in advance.

Book your ticket on the official Hankyu Ferry website: https://www.han9f.co.jp/en/

Simply go to the website, fill in your details, choose your preferred cabin, and submit your booking request. You’ll receive a reservation code via email. On your departure day, just bring this code to the ticket counter, make the payment, and collect your boarding pass. Make sure to arrive at the terminal at least one hour before departure.

The ferry comes fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable journey — including a restaurant, hotel-style cabins, public onsen baths, convenience store, game room, and karaoke lounge. What’s more, Hankyu Ferry offers vehicle transport services, allowing you to bring your car, motorbike, or even bicycle on board, making it easy and convenient to explore Kyushu with your own wheels.

Cabin prices on the Hankyu Ferry range from 8,000 to 30,000 JPY, depending on the room type. The journey departs in the evening and arrives the next morning. To enjoy the full experience, I took the Hankyu Ferry on the way to Kyushu, and flew back to Osaka by plane to save time.

I’ve also written a separate blog post sharing my first-hand experience on the Hankyu Ferry — feel free to check it out here: Sailing to Kyushu: A Journey with Hankyu Ferry

2. Getting around in Kyushu

While it’s possible to get around Kyushu using public transportation, renting a car or joining a tour can help you save both time and money, while also allowing you to fully enjoy the journey at your own pace.

You can rent a car in Fukuoka here: Fukuoka Car Rental

Kyushu is known for its breathtaking nature and peaceful landscapes, many of which aren’t accessible by train or bus. So be sure to keep this in mind when planning your trip — having your own vehicle can make a big difference.

II. Accommodation.

Since I traveled by car, I created my own itinerary, mapped out the places I wanted to visit, and then chose accommodation located centrally between those spots. This approach helped save travel time and avoid the hassle of changing hotels too often.

You can rent a car in Fukuoka here: Fukuoka Car Rental

After marking all the places I wanted to visit on the map, I decided to stay in Kumamoto. The city had everything I was looking for — a central location, convenient transportation, reasonable accommodation prices, and plenty of great dining options nearby.

III. My Kyushu exploration itinerary.

As shared earlier, my journey began aboard the Hankyu Ferry from Osaka/Kobe to Fukuoka, and I returned to Osaka by plane. To make traveling easier and maximize my experience, I dedicated the first and last day to discovering Fukuoka, the vibrant gateway to Kyushu.

The Hankyu Ferry arrived at Shinmoji Port, a seaside terminal in Fukuoka Prefecture. From there, I took the shuttle bus to the nearest train station, then continued to Hakata Station, where I picked up my rental car and officially began my road trip across Kyushu.

You can rent a car in Fukuoka here: Fukuoka Car Rental

1. DAY 1: Fukuoka – Nagasaki – Kumamoto

• Nanzoin Temple (Fukuoka)

After picking up the car and grabbing a quick meal, I headed to the first stop of my Kyushu journey — Nanzoin Temple.

Address: Google Map

Located just about 30 minutes by car from Hakata Station, Nanzoin is a Buddhist temple famous for housing one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in the world.

The temple has a history of over 1,000 years. It was originally located on Mount Koyasan in Wakayama, but due to political reasons, it was relocated to its current site in the late 19th century. (You can also read my blog post "Koyasan - The Buddhist Sacred Site of Japan" to learn more about the spiritual temples in that area.)

The statue is made of bronze, measuring about 41 meters long and 11 meters tall, making it one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in the world.

• Sakurai Futamigaura's Couple Stones (Itoshima – Fukuoka)

The next place I visited was Sakurai Futamigaura's Couple Stones , about an hour's drive southwest of Nanzoin Temple .

Address: Google Map

Sakurai Futamigaura Rocks, also known as Meoto Iwa of Sakurai, are two large rocks standing side by side in the sea, connected by a sacred Shinto rope called Shimenawa.

The two rocks are seen as a symbol of harmony between man and woman, representing a peaceful and loving marriage. In Shinto belief, they hold a spiritual meaning, with the Shimenawa rope symbolizing the boundary between the sacred and the earthly world.

It’s no wonder that Sakurai Futamigaura's Couple Stones are featured in both “Japan’s Top 100 Beaches” and “Top 100 Sunset Spots”. Take your time here if you can — watching the sun slowly sink behind the twin rocks is an experience that feels both peaceful and enchanting.

As much as I wanted to stay longer at Sakurai Futamigaura, I had one more stop on my itinerary. So, around 4 PM, I left for Doya rice terraces, another spot famous for its breathtaking sunset views — just as stunning in its own way.

• Doya Rice Terraces (Nagasaki)

Doya Rice Terraces (also known as Doya Tanada) are located on Fukushima Island, in the northern part of Nagasaki Prefecture, about 70 km southwest of central Fukuoka. With their majestic beauty overlooking the sea, they’ve been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Most Beautiful Rice Terraces.

Address: Google Map

The drive from Sakurai Futamigaura to Doya Rice Terraces took about an hour, leading me through beautiful, peaceful countryside roads that perfectly capture the essence of Kyushu. Unlike driving in big cities, the experience here felt calm and relaxing, and I truly enjoyed every moment behind the wheel.

If you leave Sakurai Futamigaura around 4 PM, you’ll arrive at Doya Rice Terraces just in time for sunset. If you’re following a similar itinerary, make sure to keep an eye on the time — you won’t want to miss the most beautiful moments here.

Overlooking the Genkai Sea and surrounded by rolling mountains and small islands scattered across the horizon, Doya Rice Terraces offer a truly one-of-a-kind view. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and photography.

Every September, the area hosts a festival known as the “Doya Tanada Fire Festival”. During the event, over 3,000 lanterns are lit around the rice terraces, creating a magical, picture-perfect scene that glows beautifully through the night.

I’ve also written a detailed blog post about the Doya Rice Terraces, where I share more photos and travel tips. You can check it out here: Doya Rice Terraces, Nagasaki Prefecture – Travel with Minh

After capturing the last moments of the beautiful sunset, I got back on the road and headed to my homestay in Kumamoto. The drive was about 160 km and took roughly two and a half hours, so I left shortly after the sun went down to arrive in time for dinner and a good night’s rest — getting ready for a long journey the next day.

By the end of the first day, I had driven for over five hours, covering more than 300 kilometers. To keep your trip smooth and enjoyable, I recommend traveling with friends who can share the driving, so everyone gets time to rest. If you’re traveling solo, consider extending your itinerary — spend more time at each destination to explore deeply while avoiding exhaustion.

2. DAY 2: Oita – Kumamoto

After a packed first day with lots of driving, I decided to start the second day a little later to rest and recharge. Around 8 AM, I left my homestay in Kumamoto and officially began the next leg of my Kyushu journey. The first stop of the day: Harajiri Falls, one of the most famous natural landmarks in Oita Prefecture.

Address: Google Map

Measuring about 120 meters wide and 20 meters high, Harajiri Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Japan. Often called “the Japanese version of Niagara Falls”, it’s known for its distinctive semicircular shape and the powerful flow of water that cascades year-round.

What makes Harajiri Falls special is that, unlike many waterfalls hidden deep in the mountains, it appears unexpectedly in the middle of peaceful farmland. This creates a beautiful contrast between wild nature and the quiet charm of rural Japan.

One of the best things about visiting Harajiri Falls is that you can easily admire its full grandeur from the suspension bridge stretching across the front. It’s the perfect spot for panoramic photos that capture the waterfall in all its power and beauty.

There’s also a walking trail that circles around the falls, allowing you to enjoy the scenery from different angles. In spring, the area is beautifully decorated with fields of colorful tulips, while late summer brings the golden glow of ripened rice fields — both seasons offering picture-perfect views.

What’s even better is that Harajiri Falls is free to visit. The site also provides ample parking and clean public restrooms, making it an easy and comfortable stop for travelers exploring Kyushu by car.

Here are some of the best times to visit Harajiri Fallss, depending on what kind of scenery you’re after:

• Spring (March–April): When vibrant tulips bloom around the falls.
• Summer (July–August): The waterfall is at its most powerful and full.
• Autumn (October–November): The surrounding landscape is painted in fiery red and orange foliage.

After spending some time relaxing, taking photos, and having lunch by the falls, I continued my journey to the next destination — and the main highlight of the day: Mount Aso, the iconic volcano that represents the majestic heart of Kumamoto Prefecture.

The closer I got to Mount Aso, the more breathtaking the scenery became — with endless mountain ranges unfolding on both sides of the road. This is one of the reasons why I’ve fallen in love with Kyushu — a place where even the time spent driving becomes a memorable part of the journey. With each turn, the views outside the window grew more beautiful, making me forget the long distance and slowly easing away any sense of fatigue.

The closer I got to Mount Aso, the more breathtaking the scenery became — with endless mountain ranges unfolding on both sides of the road. This is one of the reasons why I’ve fallen in love with Kyushu — a place where even the time spent driving becomes a memorable part of the journey. With each turn, the views outside the window grew more beautiful, making me forget the long distance and slowly easing away any sense of fatigue.

After spending nearly an hour soaking in the stunning scenery along the road to Mount Aso, I continued the journey. The main stop for today was Komezuka— a small mountain with a uniquely beautiful presence in the Aso region.

Komezuka Address: Google Map

Komezuka is a unique cone-shaped hill located in the Mount Aso area, and is a beautiful tourist destination every summer.

Komezuka is famous for its almost perfect shape, like a hat or an upside-down pile of rice. Because of this shape, it is called "Komezuka," which means "pile of rice" in Japanese.

The brilliant sunset at Komezuka marked the perfect end to my second day exploring Kyushu. As the last light faded, I made my way back to central Kumamoto, enjoyed a relaxing dinner, and got some rest — ready for the adventure awaiting the next day.

Day two of my Kyushu journey ended with around 180 kilometers on the road. Unlike the packed schedule of the first day, I intentionally cut a few stops from today’s itinerary to have more time to truly soak in the beauty of each place I visited.

In addition to the key destinations, there are a few hidden gems nearby that are well worth a visit — especially if you have some extra time. If your itinerary allows, don’t miss the chance to explore the following places:

• Daikanbo: A popular scenic lookout point in the Aso region, Daikanbo offers stunning panoramic views of the caldera and surrounding mountains. It’s especially famous for its sea of clouds (unkai) that often appears in the early morning, making it a favorite spot for sunrise chasers and photographers alike.
• Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine: Located along the route between Harajiri Falls and Komezuka, this mystical Shinto shrine gained fame after appearing in the anime film Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light (蛍火の杜へ). With its moss-covered stone steps and forested surroundings, Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine feels like a portal into another world — quiet, sacred, and deeply atmospheric. . . ..

3. DAY 3: Miyazaki

I dedicated the entire third day of my Kyushu journey to exploring Miyazaki Prefecture, with my main destination being the iconic Takachiho Gorge — often referred to as the “Origin of Japan.”

Address: Google Map

Takachiho Gorge was formed more than 100,000 years ago, after many eruptions of Mount Aso . It is also known as the origin of Japan in ancient myths.

From central Kumamoto, it takes about 1.5 hours by car to reach Takachiho Gorge. If you don’t have your own vehicle, don’t worry — there are also guided tours available from Fukuoka, making it accessible for all kinds of travelers. As one of the top attractions in Kyushu, the area offers a wide range of tourist-friendly services and facilities.

Check out the Takachiho Gorge Tour , departing from Fukuoka here: Takachiho Gorge Tour

At Takachiho Gorge, you can also rent a rowboat and enjoy drifting along the Gokase River, getting up close to the stunning Manai Falls. However, boat tickets often sell out early, so if you’re hoping to try this, it’s best to arrive early or book online in advance. Unfortunately, I missed the chance because I didn’t check ahead and the tickets were already sold out when I arrived.

Boat rental tickets are released at 8:30 AM, with only around 60 tickets available daily. On my visit (July 30, 2024), they were completely sold out by 10:50 AM.

You can book your boat ticket online via the Takachiho Town Tourism Association website at this link: Takachiho Gorge Boat Reservation Site|Takachiho Town Tourism Association (eipro.jp)

Alternatively, you can join a Takachiho day tour from Fukuoka, which already includes the boat ride — check it out HERE .

Not far from the falls is a small corner where visitors can make wishes or pray for love and good fortune. You can buy a heart-shaped wooden plaque, write your wish on it, and hang it up as an offering to the spiritual world.

If you're interested in trying some local food in Takachiho, there’s a famous somen restaurant where noodles are served flowing down bamboo slides — a fun and refreshing experience that attracts many visitors. You’ll also find a variety of seafood dishes worth sampling. Restaurant address: Google Map

My visit to Takachiho Gorge left such a strong impression that I decided to write a full article just about it. If you’d like to dive deeper into this magical place, check out the post here: Takachiho Gorge – The ideal destination for hot summer days

After having lunch and taking a short break, I continued on to the second stop of the day — a place located about 60 kilometers southeast of Takachiho Gorge. This is a hidden gem that not many travelers know about and is often overlooked in most Kyushu travel itineraries.

• Umagase – the largest columnar rocks in Japan

My next stop was Umagase, a hidden gem in Miyazaki Prefecture, located about an hour’s drive from Takachiho Gorge.

Umagase Address: Google Map

Umagase (馬ヶ背) is a natural viewpoint known for its dramatic, steep cliffs formed by ancient volcanic lava flows. Stretching along the Pacific coastline, it's considered one of Japan’s largest columnar cliff formations.

It takes about 15 minutes on foot from the parking lot to the main viewpoint. I’ve included the Google Maps link below to make it easier for you to find the spot: Skeluccha Viewing deck

A new glass observation platform has recently been added here, giving visitors the thrilling sensation of floating above nature while enjoying an unobstructed, panoramic view of the coastline.

Just a few more minutes on foot from the viewing deck, you’ll reach the Cape Hyuga Observation Deck — a stunning viewpoint where you can take in wide-open views of the Pacific Ocean and the scattered islands nearby, with nothing blocking your view.

This is the most breathtaking viewpoint at Umagase, where you can truly feel the raw power of nature and admire the distinct hexagonal basalt columns up close. I stayed here for quite a while, just to fully capture the overwhelming beauty through both video and still photos.

I stayed until sunset, soaking up every last moment of the stunning landscape. It wasn’t until around 6 PM, after the sun had fully set, that I finally got back in the car and began the return drive. At first, I planned to stop in Miyazaki City for dinner, but since there weren’t many appealing options nearby, I decided to head straight back to Kumamoto and have dinner and rest there instead.

Wrapping up Day 3 of my Kyushu trip, I covered about 280 km in total. I had originally planned to visit one more spot in Miyazaki, but it was too far and had already closed by 5 PM, so I couldn’t fit it into the schedule. If you have more time than I did, here are a few other places in Miyazaki you might want to check out:

• Sun Messe Nichinan is best known for its seven Moai statues , which were officially reconstructed from the ones on Easter Island. These iconic stone figures have become one of Kyushu’s most recognizable attractions.

Address: Google Map

Open 9:30 – 5pm daily, closed on Wednesdays.

4. DAY 4: Oita – Fukuoka

On the final day of my Kyushu journey, I visited Yufuin Floral Village in Ōita Prefecture — a fairytale-like village inspired by the Cotswolds region of England, known for its charming honey-colored stone cottages.

Address: Google Map

Yufuin Floral Village is free to enter, which makes it quite popular — especially on weekends. If you want to take photos comfortably and avoid the crowds, it's best to arrive early.

In addition to driving yourself, you can also join tours from Fukuoka to Yufuin – this option is quite popular and convenient for those who want to save time and effort.

Below are some tours from Fukuoka to Yufuin that many people choose. I have compiled them so that everyone can easily compare and find the most suitable option:

Fukuoka – Yufuin – Beppu: Yufuin no Mori Sightseeing Train & Yufuin Town & Yufuin Floral Village & Dazaifu & Beppu Ropeway Day Trip | Departure from Fukuoka

Beppu – Yufuin Private car tour: Beppu & Yufuin & Oita Private Car Tour with Driver

You can see more pictures of Yufuin Village in my detailed article below: Yufuin Floral Village – Travel with Minh

After taking some photos and exploring Yufuin Floral Village, I hopped back in the car and started driving back to Fukuoka. Although my flight back to Osaka wasn't until late afternoon, I decided to leave early just in case — traffic jams or unexpected car trouble could easily mess up the plan. If I arrived in Fukuoka early, I’d take the chance to squeeze in a few more stops before heading to the airport.

Just as I had anticipated, there was a bit of light traffic on the way back from Oita to Fukuoka, which made the journey take longer than originally expected. Luckily, I had planned to leave early, so I still had a few extra hours to explore Fukuoka before my flight. I decided to spend that time at Canal City Hakata – a lively shopping and entertainment complex located right in the heart of Hakata.

Address: Google Map

Canal City Hakata is a prominent shopping and entertainment complex in central Fukuoka. With over 250 stores, it offers endless shopping opportunities, a variety of regional ramen flavors at the famous Ramen Stadium, and impressive sound-and-light fountain shows. Visitors can also enjoy movie theaters, arcades, and seasonal family-friendly events throughout the year.

From here, you can easily take the train straight to Fukuoka Airport, which takes only about 15 minutes and is virtually free of delays.

The final day of my Kyushu adventure covered around 200km — from Kumamoto through Oita, and finally to Fukuoka Airport. After three packed days of exploring and long drives, I decided to slow things down, opting for a more relaxed pace and some well-deserved rest before flying back to Osaka.

In total, I travelled around 1,000km over four days, with a total cost of about ¥250,000 for our group of five — including flights, Airbnb, food, and car rental. Quite reasonable, considering the unforgettable experiences we had along the way. This was also my final trip in Japan before moving to Australia to begin a new chapter in life and work — a meaningful milestone for me. It wasn’t just a farewell journey to the country I’d called home for years, but also a valuable step in gaining experience for future self-drive adventures — especially those long road trips I plan to take in Australia.

This post holds a lot of personal meaning for me — a way to capture my journey through Kyushu in 2024, right before leaving Japan and starting a new life in Australia. Still, I truly hope the information and experiences I’ve shared here can be helpful as you plan your own self-guided adventure through Kyushu. If you found this post useful, feel free to share it with others who might be planning a similar trip. Thanks so much for reading all the way to the end!