Feedback on public transport itinerary in Kyushu

Hi there, I’d love to get some feedback on the itinerary I’m considering, since I’ll be using public transport. The order might not be ideal: -Fukuoka: 4 days (including 1 day in Yanagawa, and I’d also like to visit Yutoku Inari Shrine) -Nagasaki: 2 days (I’m a bit unsure about including it) -Kumamoto: 2 days (including 1 day in Yamaga) -Beppu: 2 or 3 days (1 day in Kitsuki) -Yufuin: 2 days I was also thinking about adding Ukiha and Usuki, but I’m not sure how to fit them in. Thanks for your input! Carole

Hi there,

I think 2 days in Nagasaki is a bit short, especially considering the time it takes to move between places. Given the rest of your itinerary, I’d suggest skipping Nagasaki to make room for the other cities you want to add (Ukiha and Usuki). That way, you can plan Ukiha along the way to Beppu. Another city on the route after Ukiha and heading toward Beppu from Fukuoka is Hita—worth checking out if it interests you.

Alternatively, with those 2 days, you could extend your stay around Kumamoto.

Where are you flying out from? (Your international flight)

Thanks for your reply! I’ll be heading back from Tokyo—I’ve planned 4 days there at the end of my trip.

Hi, I think the base is good. It makes for a nice loop: Fukuoka - Saga (for Yûtoku Inari) - Nagasaki - Kumamoto - Ōita without ever retracing your steps.

To optimize your loop, the best idea would be to go via Unzen to get from Nagasaki to Kumamoto by ferry across Shimabara Bay. It’s very doable by public transport. To do this, you’d need to add a day in Nagasaki, which can be done by taking a day away from Yufuin. That’s plenty of time for this city, especially if you’re using public transport.

Usuki from Beppu takes a full day. Ukiha by public transport just means seeing the Ukiha Shrine (with the torii) and a bit of the historic downtown, but you have to walk a lot from the nearest station. Having done it, it’s not worth the effort. The rest of the city’s points of interest aren’t accessible by public transport.

Don’t hesitate if you have any questions.

Hi, Is it possible to go to Uzen and get to Kumamoto in a day, or is it better to spend a night in Uzen? Do you think the situation in Kumamoto will be back to normal in about 3 and a half weeks? Thanks for your reply