A 3-Day, 2-Night Trip to Kyushu! A Model Course to Fully Enjoy the Cuisine of Fukuoka and Oita Prefectures in Japan

I used three days of a four-day weekend to travel to Fukuoka and Oita prefectures in Kyushu.

For those who are considering a trip to the Kyushu region
but haven’t decided exactly where to go,
I’m introducing this as a model course to fully enjoy the cuisine of Fukuoka and Oita.

Since I traveled from Tokyo to Kyushu,
this model course assumes departure from Tokyo.
Please adjust the transportation methods according to where you live.

Target Audience

 

• People who are considering traveling to the Kyushu region but haven’t decided on specific destinations
• People who want to take a journey focused on delicious food
• People planning a trip with 2-4 people, such as colleagues or couples

 

What You’ll Gain from This Article

 

By reading this article, you’ll get the following information:

• A model course for a 3-day, 2-night trip to Kyushu
• Gourmet spots and tourist attractions worth visiting on your trip
• The good points and lessons learned from my actual travel experience

Reading this article will give you a more concrete image of your travel schedule and sightseeing activities.
For those who are vaguely considering a trip to the Kyushu region,
this should be highly useful content.

Now, let’s get to the main topic.

 

Introduction to the Destinations and Time Schedule Model Course

 

Roughly speaking, this is a model course where you spend the first day and the morning of the second day in Oita Prefecture,
and from the afternoon of the second day to the third day in Fukuoka Prefecture.

A plan to fully enjoy the cuisine of Fukuoka and Oita prefectures

Day 1	6:30	Head to Haneda Airport
	8:00	Depart from Haneda Airport. Head to Oita Airport.
	10:00	Arrive at Oita Airport. Rent a car.
	11:30	Arrive at Yufuin. Eat Yufu-mabushi for lunch.
	13:00	Stroll along Yunotsubo Street.
	15:30	Early check-in at Ryokan “Takasho” in Yunohira Onsen.
		Free time. Explore the surroundings or relax in the ryokan’s hot springs.
	18:00	Have dinner at the ryokan.
	20:00	Free time.
Day 2	8:00	Have breakfast at the ryokan.
	10:00	Check out from the ryokan
	11:00	Buy souvenirs at Yunotsubo Street in Yufuin.
	12:00	Head to Hakata.
	14:00	Return the rental car. Check in early at the hotel.
		Take a short break at the hotel.
	15:00	Have a slightly late lunch of Hakata Ramen.
	16:00	Explore the Nakasu area. Stroll around Canal City.
	18:00	Have dinner at a Motsunabe restaurant called “Ichifuji” in front of Hakata Station.
	20:00	Visit Nakasu’s famous food stalls.
		Free time.
Day 3	11:00	Check out from the hotel at a leisurely pace.
	11:30	Explore Hakata Station. Look down at the city from “Kuuten”.
	12:00	Eat sushi at “Sushi Kappo Sushiryu” in front of Hakata Station.
	13:30	Stroll around Ohori Park. Enjoy dessert in the park after lunch.
	15:00	Head to Fukuoka Airport.
	16:00	Buy souvenirs at the airport. Spend time before boarding at the airport lounge.
	17:00	Depart from Fukuoka Airport. Begin journey home.

 

Day 1 Schedule Details

Day 1 is a trip to Oita Prefecture.

We rent a car at Oita Airport, tour Yufuin,
and stay at a ryokan in the hot spring town of Yunohira.

We expect to return the rental car in the Hakata area on Day 2.

Heading from Haneda Airport to Oita Airport

It’s an early morning since we had to meet friends.

We board a flight departing from Haneda Airport around 8:00 and head to Oita Airport.

Since security can get crowded, be sure to arrive at Haneda around 7:00, an hour before departure,
to check in with plenty of time.

Looking at the view from the airplane makes you feel like the journey has begun.

If you haven’t planned all the details,
you can think about various things during the approximately two-hour flight.

Renting a Car at Oita Airport

After arriving at Oita Airport, we rent a car.
Make sure to reserve the rental car in advance.

Since we’ll be returning the rental car in the Hakata area on Day 2,
note that the return location is not Oita Airport.

After completing the procedures to rent a car, it will be around 10:00.
Our journey is about to begin.

Arriving at Yufuin. Eating Yufu-mabushi for Lunch

We should arrive at Yufuin before noon.

It’s a bit early for lunch, so we explore around the station.

Even though it was July summer, the Yufuin area was very cool.

There was even a horse in front of the station.

Strolling Along Yunotsubo Street Extending from Yufuin Station

With our stomachs full, we stroll along Yunotsubo Street,
which can be reached on foot from Yufuin Station.

Various shops line both sides of a long street.

There was even a corner where you could interact with goats.

There are many shops selling crafts, souvenirs, liquor, sweets, etc.,
so there’s no shortage of things to see.

I didn’t go there, but Lake Kinrin is also just a short walk away.
If you have time to spare, it’s worth a visit.

Early Check-in at Ryokan “Takasho” in Yunohira Onsen

After touring Yufuin, we head to Yunohira Onsen.

Since we wanted to relax at the inn and recover from our daily fatigue,
we check in early at the ryokan "Takasho" that we reserved.

The earliest check-in time is 15:30.

Exploring Around the Ryokan

Since I arrived at the ryokan around 15:00,
I explored around the ryokan to kill time.

Since I usually live in the city where cars and crowds are noisy,
seeing this unusual natural landscape spread out
somehow makes me feel at peace.

Healing Fatigue in the Hot Springs

Since we’ve come to a hot spring town, let’s enjoy the hot springs!

I couldn’t take photos inside the hot springs,
so check the official website for images of the hot springs.

Hot springs surrounded by nature are exceptional.
I felt like the fatigue from my daily work was healing.

Eating Dinner

The most impressive thing about this ryokan during our trip was the "food."

To put it simply, the "food" was unbelievably delicious.

Here’s the menu for the day.

The mentaiko (spicy cod roe) was delicious.

The thick tuna just melts in your mouth.

The horse sashimi was also delicious.

Chawanmushi (steamed egg custard)

The beef cheek meat melts in your mouth.

The shabu-shabu broth was so delicious that I was confused.

To finish, we pour the broth over rice balls to make ochazuke.

Finally, a pudding dessert.
The sweet potato jam seems to be homemade by Takasho.

Before I knew it, I had been eating dinner for two hours.
It’s such a large volume that it could be split into two meals.
My stomach was very satisfied after feasting on these exquisite dishes.

After some research, I found out that this ryokan "Takasho"
has a main store in Ginza and operates a members-only sushi restaurant.

No wonder the food is delicious.

Drinking Together in the Separate Villa Room

With our stomachs full, we have free time now.

We start drinking while playing board games in the room.

Since we chose a separate villa room,
we don’t bother others even if we make a bit of noise.

Amazingly, at this ryokan, refills of welcome drinks placed in the room are free!
Mineral water, canned chuhai (Hyoketsu), canned beer, orange juice, etc.
are all-you-can-drink.

I was told this is because there’s no convenience store nearby,
so you can’t go shopping – a consideration from the ryokan.

For shopping before arriving at the ryokan,
there’s no need to buy a lot of alcohol, just some snacks would be fine.

Evening Walk Outside, Rest in the Private Hot Spring in the Room

The night illumination is also beautiful.
Why not take a walk outside to feel the night breeze?

There’s also a private hot spring set up inside the room.

Here’s a photo taken in the morning.

You can use it before bed after drinking or for a morning bath.

You can enjoy a peaceful time alone.

Day 2 Schedule Details

On Day 2, we head from Oita to Hakata in Fukuoka,
and enjoy Fukuoka cuisine.

The schedule is relatively relaxed,
so for those who want to focus more on sightseeing, there’s plenty of room for adjustment.

Morning at the Ryokan

Continuing from Day 1, we begin Day 2 at the ryokan.

Eating Breakfast

We were thoroughly satisfied with dinner.

We can certainly expect high quality from breakfast as well…

Our expectations were not betrayed.
It’s been several years since I’ve had such a substantial breakfast.

The broth that we raved about at dinner also plays a role in breakfast.
How can they make such a delicious soup…

I don’t have the vocabulary to convey how wonderful the food was,
so please experience it yourself at the ryokan!!!

Brief Rest Before Check-out

After breakfast, we have some free time.

The morning garden was cool and the scenery was beautiful.

Checking Out from the Ryokan

Before we knew it, it was time to check out.
The check-out time was 10:00.

We’re reluctant to leave, but we’d like to come back to enjoy the food again.

At check-out, we received coupon tickets worth 2,000 yen per person that could be used in Yufuin.
This was to help revitalize Yufuin and Yunohira.

Returning to Yunotsubo Street in Yufuin to Buy Souvenirs

We had visited Yunotsubo Street in Yufuin on Day 1,
but since we received coupon tickets, we visited again.

We choose souvenirs in Yufuin with our 2,000 yen coupon tickets in hand.
While the coupon tickets can only be used at certain shops,
they can be used at most shops in Yufuin.

I purchased sake from Oita Prefecture at a liquor store.

Heading to Hakata

Our journey in Oita Prefecture comes to an end.

Now, our Fukuoka Prefecture journey begins.
We quickly get on the expressway and head to Hakata.

We set our destination as the rental car shop near Hakata Station.
Set your destination according to where you’ll return the rental car.

Returning the Rental Car. Early Check-in at the Hotel.

It takes about two hours from Yufuin to reach the rental car shop near Hakata Station.

After returning the rental car, it should be around 14:00.

Since we don’t want to carry our luggage for all three days around,
we go to the hotel to drop off our luggage before check-in.
※Check with the hotel in advance whether you can leave your luggage before check-in

It’s convenient if the rental car return location and the hotel are close to each other
for easier movement.

I stayed at The Royal Park Hotel Fukuoka.
Since we splurged on Day 1, we chose a lodging within 5,000 yen per person.

This hotel was very accommodating.
When we arrived at the hotel around 14:30 and were about to leave our luggage,
they allowed us to check in early.
※Perhaps it helped that I had informed them we would arrive around 14:30 to leave our luggage

Regarding the room, I don’t have photos, but
it was spacious enough for four beds and for all of us to play board games,
and despite the reasonable price, it was a wonderful room where we lacked nothing.

Having a Late Lunch of Hakata Ramen

Since we haven’t had lunch, we’re starting to get hungry around this time.

Since we’ve come all the way to Fukuoka, we can’t miss trying Hakata’s tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen.

We head to Hakata Issou, which had good reviews.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, we’re greeted by the strong smell of pork bone…
Despite the intense smell, we purchase a meal ticket and wait for our ramen to arrive.

And here’s the ramen:

After one bite, the pork bone smell I had noticed earlier is completely gone.
The broth is a bit rich, but with the thin noodles,
it goes down smoothly.

I easily finished it all. It was very delicious.

Exploring the Nakasu Area. Strolling Around Canal City.

With our stomachs full and still plenty of time before evening,
we explore the Nakasu area.

There’s a shopping mall called Canal City in Nakasu.
It’s similar to AEON Mall.

The shops themselves aren’t particularly different from those in Tokyo,
but the fountain in the courtyard of the shopping mall is a sight to behold.

There was a fountain show set to the tune of "Sing Sing Sing."
It seems to be held at specific times.

Eating Dinner at “Ichifuji,” a Motsunabe Restaurant in Front of Hakata Station

After exploring the Nakasu area, we have dinner.

Fukuoka is famous for motsunabe (offal hot pot).

This time, we ate motsunabe at "Ichifuji," a restaurant right near our hotel in front of Hakata Station.

To put it simply, it was delicious.
A motsunabe with a nice touch of garlic is wonderful, isn’t it?
I love how it gives you a sense of recovery.

Visiting Nakasu’s Famous Food Stalls

After finishing dinner, it should be around 20:00.

Since we’re in Nakasu, let’s visit Nakasu’s famous food stalls.

The sight of food stalls lined up along the river is impressive.

※Since I went around 19:00, the sky is still relatively bright

There are many people inside, and it’s lively.

The food stalls can be a bit expensive, so be careful.
Some stalls require each person to order at least one item.
Check these details when entering.

Since I had just eaten dinner, it was hard to even eat one item per person.
I just had one drink and left.
I managed to navigate this well.

After Enjoying Nakasu, Free Time at the Hotel

 

After that, we return to the hotel to rest from our journey.

It happened to be during the Olympics, so we were glued to the TV.

Day 3 Schedule Details

Day 3 doesn’t include major activities considering travel fatigue.

We explore around Hakata Station and then head to Fukuoka Airport when it’s time,
before returning home.

Leisurely Check-out from the Hotel

 

We check out from the hotel at 11:00.

It’s also a good idea to make the morning time free for individual shopping.

 

Exploring Hakata Station. Looking Down at the City from “Kuuten.”

With some time before lunch, we explore the department store at Hakata Station.

I heard that JR Hakata Station’s directly connected City Dining "Kuuten" is good for sightseeing,
so we head there.

It felt like a sky garden.
There’s a shrine on the rooftop.

It was a bit hot since it was summer,
but it’s recommended for a light way to kill time.

The view of the area around Hakata Station from the rooftop was nice.

Eating Sushi at “Sushi Kappo Sushiryu” in Front of Hakata Station

The main event of Day 3, lunch.

We’re having some rather high-end sushi.

Please note that the lunch menu is only available on weekdays.

I was a bit intimidated by the price of the sushi.

I ordered the recommended 5,500 yen menu.
It seems that more expensive seafood tends to be thicker.

The ikura (salmon roe) with caviar was delicious.
The medium-fatty tuna, as always, melts in your mouth.
I enjoyed flavors that you would never experience at a regular sushi restaurant.

Seafood and sake are a perfect match.

It seems that you can also have a menu created for you at a specified price (omakase).

Strolling Around Ohori Park. Enjoying Dessert in the Park After Lunch.

After finishing lunch, it should be around 13:00.

With some time before our flight, we visit Ohori Park,
which is just one train ride away from Hakata Station.

There’s a pond in the large park.

And where there’s a pond… of course, there are duck boats.

For some reason, we started a 2 vs. 2 duck boat race.
Paddling the duck boat with all our might in midsummer left us drenched in sweat.
We finished paddling the duck boat after just 10 minutes.

To cool down, we eat ice cream at a dessert shop adjacent to the pond.

We eat ice cream while gazing absent-mindedly at the duck boats we were just paddling from the terrace.

Heading to Fukuoka Airport

Our flight is at 17:00, but we head to Fukuoka Airport a bit early.

Fukuoka Airport can be reached in a single train ride from Hakata Station.
Having an airport so close to the city center is a great advantage.

Exhausted from the duck boat, we took a taxi from Hakata Station to Fukuoka Airport.
It cost less than 2,000 yen.

Buying Souvenirs at the Airport. Spending Time Before Boarding at the Airport Lounge.

Since we’ve come on a 3-day, 2-night trip, we buy souvenirs from Hakata.

The souvenir shops in the airport are well-stocked.
Considering the increase in luggage, it’s sensible to purchase souvenirs at the airport at the end of your trip.

I bought Hakata Torimon, a classic souvenir.

The photo below was taken after returning home.
Sweets eaten with tea are more than twice as delicious as when eaten alone.

If you still have plenty of time before boarding,
relax at the airport lounge.

If you have a gold card, you can enter for free.
Even without one, you can enter by paying 1,000 yen per person.
The lounge has soft drinks, comfortable seating spaces,
and is perfect for relaxing.

Departing from Fukuoka Airport. Returning Home.

Our 3-day, 2-night trip is finally over.

I was so tired that I even forgot to take photos…

Board your flight with plenty of time to spare.

The Good Points of This Model Course

Here are the good points of this model course.
I hope these will be useful for you when planning your trip.

• Day 1’s ryokan “Takasho” was comfortable
  • The food was exceptionally delicious
  • Being in the mountains, it’s cool even in summer
  • The separate villa rooms make it recommendable for couples or spouses
• Renting a car at Oita Airport and returning it around Hakata Station is efficient
• We were able to enjoy relaxed sightseeing throughout the three days
  • We allowed for flexibility in our schedule, rather than making it too tight
  • We could focus on “enjoying the food”

Lessons Learned from Our Actual Trip

Here are some things that would have made this model course more satisfying…
I hope you’ll use these reflections to revise the model course I’ve introduced.

• We visited Yufuin twice
  • I didn’t know we would receive coupon tickets from the ryokan
  • It would be more efficient to visit a different place on Day 1 and tour Yufuin on Day 2
• We had time to spare on Days 2 and 3
  • For better or worse, there aren’t many major tourist spots around Hakata Station
  • If you want to enjoy sightseeing, you should keep the rental car on Day 2
    Expand your range of movement to visit tourist spots
  • It’s also recommended to visit Dazaifu, which is on the way from Oita to Fukuoka
• We found ourselves going back and forth between Nakasu and Hakata more than expected
  • We booked a hotel near Hakata Station
  • Due to the heat, we took taxis several times from the hotel to Nakasu
  • I thought it might have been better to book a hotel in the Nakasu area from the start
    ※However, couples, spouses, or families should also consider safety

Summary

This has turned into quite a long article.

Thank you for reading this far.

In this article, I introduced a 3-day, 2-night model course to enjoy the cuisine of Oita and Fukuoka.

Based on my actual experiences, I hope your travels become even more enjoyable.

If you have any opinions or comments, please let me know.
Also, if you have information like "I traveled on this kind of course!",
I’d definitely like to use it as a reference!

 

https://gonkunblog.com/goto-sado/812

 

https://gonkunblog.com/travel-to-achimura/514/

 

https://gonkunblog.com/minitravel-tochiba/441/

 

https://gonkunblog.com/chiba-travel/1120/