Hi everyone, I’m planning a trip to Kyushu in late November and am looking for advice on an itinerary. I’ll be flying in from the US for about 10 days or so for Thanksgiving.
It’s going to be my third time visiting Japan and I want to see southern Kyushu mainly for the nature and culture. During my previous trips in November and May, I did the usual Tokyo-Hakone-Kyoto-Osaka route and spent some time in Fukuoka and Okinawa. **This time, I’m looking for natural views, fall foliage, onsen, moderate hikes and cultural sites in Southern Kyushu.**
Here is my planned itinerary:
Fri Nov 17
– Arrive Fukuoka 3:30pm
– Shinkansen from Hakata Station 4-6pm
– Arrive Kagoshima 6-7pm, check in Shiroyama Hotel.
– Onsen & dinner
Sat Nov 18
– Light sight-seeing Sakurajima (9am – 3/4pm)
– Sengan Garden/Isoteien (before 5pm)
– Shiroyama Park & Observatory sunset/night
– Dinner & Onsen
Sun Nov 19
– Check out of Kagoshima hotel (morning)
– Ferry to Yakoshima (3-4 hours)
– Rental car, check in hotel
– Drive around western coast, Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen.
Mon Nov 20
– Shiratani Unsuikyo and Jomongsugi hike (5 hours or 10-12 hours)
– Rest/buffer
Tues Nov 21
– Check out of hotel, return rental car
– Fly to Kagoshima, get another rental car
– Drive to Soginotaki Falls, spend night at Kirishima Hotel (onsen at night).
Wed Nov 22
– Kirishima Ridge Trail hike from Ebino Kogen (6 hours).
– See Rokkanomi and Byakuno ponds,
– Spend second night at onsen.
Thurs Nov 23
– Head to Takachiho Gorge, kayak.
– Amano Iwato Shrine
– Drive to Kusaenri (horseback riding or observatory).
– Spend night at Kurokawa Onsen.
Fri Nov 24
– Hike Mount Aso/Kuji Mountains (either 4-6 hour hike or 30-40 mins around if too tired)
– Drive to Yufuin
– See Lake Kinroko and onsen at night
Sat Nov 25
– Return rental car
– Yufuin no Mori to Hakata.
– Dinner & rest.
Sun Nov 26
– Fly from Fukuoka 2pm
Questions:
1) Is the itinerary feasible, time-wise?
If not, what activities or locations should I re-order or remove? Where should I add buffer time?
2) Would the locations be feasible if my car rental falls through? If don’t end up being able to rent a car, are public transport and taxis reasonable back-ups in more remote areas (ie: Yakushima, Mt Aso, etc).
3) Should I get pass or Kyushu pass, or neither?
I plan on renting and return the cars from Yakushima (19-20) and again from Kagoshima to Yufuin (21-25). I also plan on buying a Mobal SIM to be delivered to the US before traveling. Is there anything I should be aware of that might present a problem?
Finally, any other recommendations or suggestions would be most welcome. Thanks in advance!
**tl;dr: Is my Kyushu itinerary feasible/any suggestions?**