Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Route at a glance
This active-paced 10-day itinerary uses 7 bases — Fukuoka (1 night), Kumamoto (1 night), Aso (1 night), Kurokawa Onsen area (Oguni) (1 night), Kagoshima (2 nights), Yakushima (3 nights), Fukuoka (1 night) — to keep hotel changes low while covering Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Aso, Kurokawa Onsen area (Oguni), Kagoshima, Yakushima. Daily spend for mid-range travelers is around ¥19,000 per person including accommodation.
Why this route is ranked #36
Ranked #36 with 85/100: a multi-stop route with more transfer time, strong Kyushu highlights (Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Aso), active pacing for nature lovers, and good value at ¥19,000/day.
| Criterion | Score |
|---|---|
| Route Efficiency & Transit Pacing | 25.5 / 30 |
| Iconic & Cultural Depth | 21.3 / 25 |
| First-Timer Accessibility & Logistics | 17 / 20 |
| Cost-to-Value Ratio | 12.8 / 15 |
| Seasonal Flexibility | 8.4 / 10 |
| Total | 85 / 100 |
Day-by-day plan
Arrive in Fukuoka
Arrive, pick up an IC card and settle in. Easy first afternoon: Canal City, Ohori Park, Dazaifu Tenmangu and Nakasu yatai stalls.
Travel to Kumamoto
Morning transfer to Kumamoto (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Kumamoto Castle and Suizenji garden.
Travel to Aso
Morning transfer to Aso (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Mt. Aso caldera and Kusasenri meadow.
Travel to Kurokawa Onsen area (Oguni)
Morning transfer to Kurokawa Onsen area (Oguni) (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Kurokawa Onsen bath-hopping with a tegata pass.
Travel to Kagoshima
Morning transfer to Kagoshima (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Sakurajima volcano ferry and Sengan-en.
Flexible day in Kagoshima
Free day in Kagoshima: revisit favourites, shop, or rest at an onsen/sento. Ideas: Sakurajima volcano ferry and Sengan-en.
Travel to Yakushima
Morning transfer to Yakushima (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Shiratani Unsuikyo moss forest and Jomon Sugi trek.
Flexible day in Yakushima
Free day in Yakushima: revisit favourites, shop, or rest at an onsen/sento. Ideas: Shiratani Unsuikyo moss forest and Jomon Sugi trek.
Flexible day in Yakushima
Free day in Yakushima: revisit favourites, shop, or rest at an onsen/sento. Ideas: Shiratani Unsuikyo moss forest and Jomon Sugi trek.
Travel to Fukuoka · depart
Morning transfer to Fukuoka (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Canal City, Ohori Park, Dazaifu Tenmangu and Nakasu yatai stalls. Head to the airport in the afternoon.
Transport & rail pass notes
Use an IC card (Suica/ICOCA) for local trains and buses. Long-distance legs may justify a regional or national JR Pass — check with our JR Pass Calculator. A rental car adds flexibility in rural areas — see our car rental route guides.
What to book ahead
- Hotels in peak sakura (late Mar–early Apr) and koyo (Nov) seasons
- Shinkansen seats on weekends & holidays
- Signature experiences in Fukuoka
Ways to adapt this route
- Short on time? Drop Yakushima and add a night to Fukuoka.
- Travelling in winter? Check seasonal closures for mountain roads and ropeways.
- Use our Itinerary Builder tool to customise this plan.
Fukuoka Kumamoto Aso Oguni Kagoshima Yakushima
Frequently asked questions
Is 10 days enough for Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Aso?
Yes — this plan gives Fukuoka (1 night), Kumamoto (1 night), Aso (1 night), Kurokawa Onsen area (Oguni) (1 night), Kagoshima (2 nights), Yakushima (3 nights), Fukuoka (1 night), which is enough for the main highlights at a active pace.
How much does this 10-day Japan trip cost?
Roughly ¥190,000 per person for 10 days (≈¥19,000/day) excluding international flights.
Do I need a JR Pass for this itinerary?
Enter your legs in our JR Pass Calculator; single tickets or regional passes are often cheaper.
When is the best time to do this route?
Late March–May and October–November for the best weather.