Hello everyone, I am currently planning my family’s first ever trip to Japan. We plan on going to Kyushu for 7 days on January 2025. We landed on the decision to go Kyushu because we are a big family of 7 (no young children) that prefers the nature-y and laid back places as compared to crowded cities, and also since winter is most tolerable in Kyushu (we are from a tropical country). Since we are a big group, we won’t want to keep moving accommodations hence I decided that we will just have two home bases and experience the attractions nearby those. We will most probably rent a car and we will be using AirBnBs.
1st Home Base: Yufuin vs Beppu
I want us to experience the laid back quiet onsen towns so these were my two choices for our first place to stay. There are also a lot of nature attractions within Oita which is what we are really after. Those who have been, do you recommend Yufuin (picturesque, smaller, and quieter town) or Beppu (more establishments to go to like restos and stores, nearer Mt. Tsurumi for wild onsen, more onsen choices)?
2nd Home Base: Miyazaki vs Kumamoto
These are my next choices for bases since Miyazaki gives a different type of nature experience with the different shrines in caves and ocean views, while Kumamoto makes other nature attractions more accessible like Mt. Aso and Takachiho Gorge (if we don’t go Kumamoto, we will still try going here from Yufuin). Just my brothers and I will also want to do a day trip to Sakurajima to cycle around the island. Do you all recommend a more nature-y laid back experience in miyazaki or the logistical ease of staying in Kumamoto (it’ll be easier to go Sakurajima and back to Fukuoka from here)?
Thank you in advance to the community!
by santiagago1909