Hi everyone! I will be visiting Japan for the first time this November. You might be wondering why I didn’t chose to go to Tokyo/Osaka in my first trip is just because I want to reserve that when I visit again next year with family and friends.
My focus on this trip is food, koya watching, coffee/matcha (I love going to cafes), and scenic views (I love taking photos of landscapes). I’m also the type of person who likes to take things slow and just chill. As much as possible, I also don’t like changing hotels everyday.
Trip duration: 13 days
Dates: Mid to late November
Locations to visit: Fukuoka, Yufu, Kurokawa, & Nagasaki
Mode of transportation: Public transportation
Itinerary breakdown:
Day 0:
– Arrival to Fukuoka airport at around 7:30pm
– Hotel check in
– Will just have dinner somewhere near my hotel
Day 1:
– Nomiyama Kannonji Temple 🍁 (will take taxi/uber from sasaguri station)
– Nanzoin temple
– Canal City
– Hakata port tower
– back to hotel 🛌
Day 2:
– Raizansennyoji Taihioin 🍁
– i don’t know if I should explore itoshima or just go back to Fukuoka. Looking at google maps, Itoshima is better to be explored by car and i can’t drive.
– back to Fukuoka and back to hotel 🛌
Day 3:
– go to Yufuin
– explore the city
– stay the night 🛌
Day 4:
– explore Yufuin in the morning
– Go to Kurokawa onsen by midday
– explore the area
– stay at a ryokan 🛌
Day 5:
– continue exploring Kurokawa onsen until last bus
– Travel to Nagasaki
– Check in hotel at Nagasaki 🛌
– if there’s time, go to Mt inasa observatory (not sure if this is possible though?)
Day 6:
– Atomic Bomb Museum
– Peace Park
– Suwa shrine
– Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture
– Meganebashi Bridge
– back to hotel 🛌
Day 7:
– day trip to Shimabara
– Yuusui-Teien Shimeiso
– visit the shiba inus
– Shimabara castle
– Samirai Residence
– Omisaki Station
– back to hotel 🛌
Day 8:
– Dejima
– Glover Garden
– Oura Church
– Ouratenbo park
– Leave Nagasaki and go to fukuoka
– Fukuoka hotel 🛌
Day 9:
– Day trip to Dazaifu
– visit the areas with Koya first
– explore area and food trip
– Kyushu National Museum
– back to hotel 🛌
Day 10:
– Fukuoka castle ruins
– Ohori park
– Maizuru Park
– Miyajidake Shrine (for sunset)
– explore tenjin area
– back to hotel 🛌
Day 11:
– Akizuki Castle Ruins (will take a taxi from the nearest public transport)
– Ukiha Inari Shrine
– Kourataisha for night viewing
– Honestly don’t know if visiting these will be possible. Not sure if it’s worth it so I might skip the other two if traveling there would be too time consuming
– back to hotel 🛌
Day 12:
– Yusentei park
– Buy last minute souvenirs
– visit places that were skipped (if there’s one)
– Go to airport 🛫
Questions:
– Some of the places that I want to visit is not accessible via public transportation. So I’m wondering if it’s easy to grab a taxi or book an uber to go to the places mentioned above? Also which among those is worth it to visit?
– I have the largest size luggage and I’m wondering if it’s better to use lockers in Fukuoka to store the luggage or just have it shipped.
– what’s your mode of payment for transportation? I’ve been seeing suica but can I use that to any transportation?
– where can I buy sim cards for tourists? I know I can get it at the airport but I’m worried that It might be closed when I arrive.
– any other places that is worth it to visit for koya watching?
Thank you so much!
3 comments
Question 1: Are taxis and Uber available in Fukuoka?
Absolutely! Fukuoka offers both taxi services and Uber for your convenience. However, it’s worth noting that they can be a bit pricey. So, if you’re on a tight budget, I recommend exploring the city using its excellent public transportation system. But if you’re short on time or prefer the luxury of a private car, taxis, and Uber are reliable options.
Question 2: What places are worth visiting in Fukuoka that are not accessible by public transportation?
Ah, I’m glad you asked! Fukuoka boasts some fantastic attractions that aren’t easily reached by public transport. Here are a few must-visit spots:
Nanzoin Temple: Prepare to be awe-struck by the giant reclining Buddha here. It’s a truly mesmerizing sight and one of Fukuoka’s top tourist attractions.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: Dedicated to the god of learning, this shrine holds immense cultural significance. It’s a popular pilgrimage site for students seeking blessings for their studies.
Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival: This vibrant festival held every July celebrates tradition and showcases stunning floats and lively music. It’s a real feast for the senses!
Yatai: Don’t miss indulging in delicious street food at Fukuoka’s iconic mobile food stalls. These Yatai are beloved by locals and tourists alike and offer a taste of authentic Japanese flavors.
Uminonakamichi Park: If you crave picturesque coastal views, head to this stunning park. You’ll be treated to breathtaking ocean vistas, creating the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day.
Ohori Park: Located right in the heart of Fukuoka, this urban oasis is a haven of tranquility. Enjoy a stroll around the beautiful lake or simply unwind amidst the lush greenery.
Shofukuji Temple: Immerse yourself in history at one of Fukuoka’s oldest temples. This serene sanctuary is a particular spot for Buddhist pilgrims and offers a glimpse into the city’s spiritual heritage.
Momochi Seaside Park: This park is a true gem combining captivating ocean views with a stunning city skyline. Take a moment to breathe in the fresh sea air and soak up the natural beauty.
Canal City Hakata: Shopaholics, rejoice! This vibrant shopping mall is a paradise for retail therapy, dining, and entertainment. It’s the perfect place to unwind and indulge in some leisurely exploration.
Fukuoka Castle Ruins: For history buffs, visiting these ruins is a must. Step back in time and marvel at the remnants of Fukuoka’s storied past.
Question 3: How can I store my luggage in Fukuoka?
When it comes to storing your luggage, Hakata Station has got you covered. They offer convenient lockers that are accessible 24/7, providing a secure and hassle-free solution. Plus, they won’t break the bank, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers. Feel free to explore Fukuoka without the burden of carrying your bags around!
Question 4: What is the mode of payment for transportation in Fukuoka?
In Fukuoka, the most common mode of payment for transportation is the Suica card. This nifty little card can be used on trains, buses, and streetcars, making getting around the city a breeze. You can easily purchase a Suica card at any central train station, and it offers a convenient tap-and-go system for seamless travel throughout Fukuoka.
Question 5: Can I get a tourist sim card in Fukuoka?
Absolutely! You can find tourist sim cards at most major electronics stores in Fukuoka. These sim cards are tailored specifically for tourists and provide the essential data and voice calls you need to stay connected during your adventures in Japan. There are options available on convenience stores, but I believe they are for data only!
I cannot tell you a lot about Fukuoka because it is a place I have never been to yet, but as a foreigner that has lived in Japan for 20+ years, I can help you with your doubts!
Firstly, thank you for choosing Kyushu for your first trip to Japan. It’s one of my favourite places and doesn’t get the level of attention from tourists it deserves. I flew in to Fukuoka on my first trip too!
You can use Hayakaken (Fukuoka Airport Suica equivalent) for most of your transport needs, but since you’ll be spending a decent chunk of time in Nagasaki you may want to look into getting a day pass for trams. There should be a flat fee of 120 yen per trip, so if you think you’ll be taking more than four tram trips in a day, get the pass. I always paid for taxis in cash; drivers in Japan are pretty old school, they seem to prefer it.
If you’re worried about sim cards, you can always buy one before you arrive and have your card sent to your hotel so that it’s waiting for you at check-in. I used Sakura Mobile for this but you can hunt around and find the card that suits your needs best.
Seeing Nagasaki in two days is a smart idea: I tried to fit in your itinerary in one day and had to cut out the Peace Museum due to lack of time (I was heading to Hiroshima the next day so I figured visiting the statue alone was enough.) Be warned that Dejima+Chinatown and Glover Gardens can eat up a lot of your time if you’re not careful!
Since you’re visiting Kyushu and appear to have an interest in historical sites based on your itinerary, I feel compelled to ask: have you considered visiting either Kumamoto or Kagoshima for a daytrip? Both are easily accessible from Hakata station via Shinkansen. Kumamoto has one of Japan’s best historic castles while Kagoshima has Sengan-en (garden and historic estate) and a number of attractions pertaining to the Bakumatsu era. I would recommend both if you’re able.
If a place is not accessible by public transport, taxi is an option or select places that are accessible. Taxi can be expensive.
Do you have to bring a luggage that large? It can be cheaper to ship it from Fukuoka to Fukuoka instead if paying true locker cost daily. You can select delivery date up to like a week.
Kyushu is not fully covered by IC card, there is 3 of the main cards used issued in Kyushu, getting n’y is valid, however they might not be accepted everywhere. There is a tourist version of the Sugoca card, the page have a link to JR Kyushu coverage https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/sugomon_pass/ if both stations are not in, you will have to get a paper ticket paid cash. JR Kyushu pass is also an option. Local bus might accept IC card, but is not, cash, so check how to ride bus before, like how to understand fare table and always have spare change and 1000 yen notes. You need to put exact fare in the fare box but can break coins and 1000 notes in smaller change.
SIM card you can check to get one that will be shipped to your hotel or at home before you travel. Or just eSim if your phone support it.