Hidden Japan: Southern Kyushu

Itinerary - 4 Days

1. Day 1

   Location

   Miyazaki

   This tour leaves from Fukuoka and heads straight for Miyazaki. In Miyazaki, there are two fantastic locations.
   
   First, you will be visiting the birthplace of the mythical first emperor of Japan, Jimmu at the Udo Shrine. The water at Udo shrine is said to help those approaching childbirth and the terrace outside overlooks the ocean, with fantastic views.
   
   Following this you will be headed to Aoshima also in Miyazaki prefecture, a small and beautiful island with a colourful shrine, but not to fret, the whole island's circumference is only 1.5km so it is perfect for a short walk, where you will get to enjoy the tranquillity of this natural setting.
   
   Suggested route:
   Depart from Hakata bus terminal at 08:35, arrive in Miyazaki at 12:57
   Miyazaki 13:55 > Udojingu 15:23
   Udojingu 16:42 > Aoshima 17:17
   Aoshima 19:10 > Miyazaki 19:50
   
   
   (Accommodation: Hotel Sky Tower )

2. Day 2

   Location

   Kagoshima

   Hotel

   Dormy inn Kagoshima

   Meal

   Breakfast

   Today you are headed to Kagoshima.
   
   Our recommendation is a visit to Sakurajima, the island of the volcano, the ferry to which is covered by your SunQ Pass. Sakurajima is a constantly smoking active volcano, which has minor eruptions several times a day. Views of the volcano are fantastic and there are some interesting onsen or 'hot springs' on the island to be enjoyed.
   
   Suggested route:
   Miyazaki > Kagoshima
   Depart from Miyazaki station at 10:20 and arrive Kagoshima-Tenmonkan at 13:21.

3. Day 3

   Location

   Kagoshima

   Hotel

   Dormy inn Kagoshima

   Meal

   Breakfast

   Today you are headed to Chiran, an impeccably preserved samurai district,. with beautiful gardens. For total immersion, this area has no cars or telephone poles, so you are free to wander the streets without the distraction of modernity. Chiran is in olden-day Satsuma Domain, one of the most powerful samurai domains of the Edo Period. It played a monumental role in the modernisation of Japan when their armies and their allies defeated and overthrew the Shogun of the period, restoring the Emperor to power.
   
   In the afternoon, you are headed for Ibusuki well known for its sand baths, a unique experience in Japan where you are buried to your head in sand (don't worry, you can get out anytime!) which is naturally heated from the ground. You emerge feeling like a new-born and can then proceed to the normal hot springs to wash off and relax.
   
   Suggested route:
   Tenmonkan 10:13 > Chiran Bukeyashiki 11:29
   Chiran Bukeyashiki 13:20 > Ibusuki-Sunamushi Kaikan 14:33
   Ibusuki-Sunamushi Kaikan 16:28 > Yamagataya bus centre 18:14

4. Location

   Kumamoto

   Meal

   Breakfast

   Today you head back to Fukuoka, but not before spending the afternoon in Kumamoto.
   
   Kumamoto is home of Kumamoto Castle, one of the grandest and most beautiful castles in Japan and home to the mascot 'Kumamon', whose face has become well known worldwide. The castle was infamously sieged in 1877 during the Satsuma Rebellion, a war which took place over disagreement around Japan's modernisation.
   
   Suggested route:
   Kagoshima > Kumamoto > Fukuoka
   Depart from Tenmonkan at 08:52, arrive Kumamoto Kotsu Centre at 12:15
   Kumamoto Kotsu Centre 16:50, arrive Hakata Bus Centre at 18:56
   
   Once you are back in Fukuoka, this trip is over! We hope you have enjoyed these lesser experienced prefectures and the unique and fascinating sites they have to offer. If you want to experience even more rural areas still, why not try out Shikoku next time..?