Jul 9

Jul 9 Kyushu Quest Recap: Two Weeks, Five Prefectures, Countless Memories

Our two-week road trip across Kyushu brought us through five of its seven prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Oita. As with all our trips, I tried to limit daily drives to a maximum of three hours. This approach left us plenty of time and energy to explore and soak in the sights.

Why Only Five Prefectures?

You might wonder why we skipped Kagoshima and Miyazaki. Kagoshima, with its 1,256 islands (both inhabited and uninhabited), deserves its own trip. It's home to Tanegashima Space Center, where JAXA launches rockets, and it's historically significant as the site where guns were first introduced to Japan. Miyazaki is known for its stunning coastal resorts and tropical fruits like mangoes. These prefectures demand a slower, more focused vacation, so we decided to explore Kyushu’s northern half this time.

Fun fact: Kyushu means "nine states" in Japanese, but there are only seven prefectures today. The name dates back to the Edo period when the region was divided into nine states.

Highlights of Kyushu

Onsen

Kyushu is a hotspot for hot springs, or onsen, thanks to its volcanic activity. During this trip, we visited:

Each destination offers a unique atmosphere and family-friendly accommodations. Kurokawa Onsen, for example, is famed for its serene open-air baths, which feel almost meditative. However, onsen etiquette is crucial: avoid noise, don’t bring towels or toys into the bath, and clean yourself thoroughly before entering. For families with young children, resorts like I+land Nagasaki are more forgiving and lively, though basic manners still apply.

Theme Parks and Museums

Kyushu's theme parks and museums blend education, culture, and fun. Some of our favorites included:

Yoshinogari Iseki (Saga)
Huis Ten Bosch, Biopark, and I+land Nagasaki (Nagasaki)
Kumamoto Castle and Mount Aso (Kumamoto)
Jigoku Meguri (Oita)
Environmental Museum and Space Labo (Kitakyushu)
Anpanman Museum (Hakata)

Japan’s museums are not only engaging but also affordable compared to their Western counterparts. However, securing tickets can be tricky, especially for tourists without a Japanese phone number. Many websites cater only to local residents. When in doubt, ask your hotel for assistance—they can often help navigate booking challenges.

Local Delicacies

Kyushu is a foodie’s paradise. Some must-try dishes include:

Ramen, mentaiko, motsu nabe, Gomasaba, and Odorigui (Fukuoka)
Kasutera and Chanpon (Nagasaki)
Baniku and Karashi Renkon (Kumamoto)

Reservations can be challenging, as many restaurants only accept bookings by phone or cater primarily to locals. If you're struggling, try enlisting the help of your hotel or credit card concierge service.

Budgeting for Kyushu

Keeping track of expenses was tricky because cash is still king in many parts of Japan. While credit cards are widely accepted, some smaller businesses only take cash or Japan-specific cashless apps like PayPay. Always carry 10,000 to 20,000 yen for emergencies.

Here’s the breakdown, excluding costs associated with entering and leaving the country, such as flight tickets and airport parking. For simplicity, I converted 1 point into 1 cent. Numbers are rounded, so they may not add up perfectly to the total.

  
      Category
      Expense ($)
      Expense (%)
    
      Accommodation
      $2,399
      47%
    
      Dining
      $600
      12%
    
      Entertainment
      $800
      16%
    
      Transportation
      $811
      16%
    
      Other
      $500
      10%
    
      Total
      $5,110
      100%

Ryokans (traditional inns) made up the bulk of our expenses, as they often include onsen access and full-course meals. While pricier than hotels, the cultural experience is worth it. Many ryokans now offer meal-free plans, which can lower costs and allow more flexibility to explore local dining options.

Final Thoughts

Our Kyushu adventure was unforgettable, filled with breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, delicious food, and rejuvenating hot springs. We’re already looking forward to returning to explore Kagoshima and Miyazaki.

If you're planning your own Kyushu journey, I hope this recap helps inspire and guide your travels. Enjoy every moment in this incredible region!