Kyushu is home to some of Japan’s most renowned hot springs, each offering its own unique charm and healing touch. By starting in Hakata and heading south via the Kyushu Shinkansen through Kumamoto and Kagoshima, you can effortlessly explore this rich onsen landscape—alongside local gourmet delights and sweeping natural scenery.

Thanks to the comfort and speed of train travel, this four-day journey is an invitation to indulge in the luxury of hot springs, discover the heart of southern Japan, and enjoy a seamless blend of relaxation, culture, and adventure—only possible by rail.

Day 1: Begin in Hakata — Urban Hot Springs and Culinary Delights

Your journey begins in Hakata, the gateway to Kyushu. With excellent connections by Shinkansen and air, the moment you arrive, your adventure is already underway. Start by exploring the lively neighborhoods of Tenjin and Nakasu, where Fukuoka’s rich food culture takes center stage—whether it’s the creamy depth of Hakata ramen, the comforting warmth of mizutaki chicken hotpot, or the bold flavors of motsunabe.

For your stay, consider a hotel with natural hot springs right in the city. Fukuoka offers several urban retreats with private spring sources, allowing you to relax and recharge from day one. In the evening, take a stroll through Nakasu’s iconic yatai (street food stalls), where sizzling yaki-ramen and skewered delights pair perfectly with friendly conversation and the charm of local nightlife.

Day 2: To Kumamoto — A Historic Castle and the Secluded Hot Springs of Kurokawa

On your second day, take the Kyushu Shinkansen from Hakata to Kumamoto—just a smooth 40-minute ride. Begin with a visit to Kumamoto Castle, where the impressive stone walls and beautifully restored keep stand as proud symbols of resilience and heritage.

From there, set out for Kurokawa Onsen, nestled deep in the mountains, either by rental car or a combination of train and bus (approximately 2.5 hours from central Kumamoto). Renowned as one of Japan’s most atmospheric hidden hot spring villages, Kurokawa invites you to slow down and soak in nature’s warmth. With a yumeguri tegata bath pass, you can explore multiple outdoor baths, each offering different mineral properties and scenic charm.

In the evening, enjoy a kaiseki dinner featuring the flavors of the region—Aso’s seasonal vegetables, tender Higo beef, and delicacies like horse sashimi. Settle into a quiet mountain inn for a night of deep restoration, where time seems to pause and the air is filled with the essence of tranquility.

Day 3: South to Kagoshima — Sakurajima and the Sand Baths of Ibusuki

After breakfast, return to Kumamoto and board the Kyushu Shinkansen for a scenic one-hour ride to Kagoshima. As the train heads south, the landscape shifts to lush subtropical greenery, signaling your arrival in Japan’s southernmost prefecture. Upon reaching Kagoshima-Chūō Station, take a stroll through the city and hop on a streetcar to the Sakurajima Ferry terminal. In just 15 minutes, you’ll find yourself on the slopes of an active volcano—Sakurajima—where places like Yunohira Observatory and roadside stations reveal the daily rhythms of life lived alongside fire and ash.

In the afternoon, continue your journey to Ibusuki, about an hour away by car or aboard the charming Ibusuki no Tamatebako limited express train. Here awaits one of Japan’s most distinctive wellness experiences: the sand bath. Nestled along the coast, you’ll lie on the warm beach while geothermal-heated sand is gently layered over your body. With the rhythmic sound of the waves in your ears and the Earth’s warmth seeping into your core, this detoxifying treatment offers deep relaxation and a connection to nature like no other.

Day 4: A Morning in Kagoshima — History and Flavor to End the Journey

On your final day, return to Kagoshima City and spend the morning immersed in the rich legacy of the Meiji Restoration. Visit iconic sites such as the statue of Saigō Takamori, the elegant Sengan-en garden, and local workshops where the art of Satsuma Kiriko cut glass continues to shine.

Before your departure, treat yourself to Kagoshima’s signature cuisine—whether it’s melt-in-your-mouth Kurobuta pork shabu-shabu, comforting keihan chicken rice, or a bowl of hearty Kagoshima-style ramen. Even as your journey comes to a close, every moment is filled with discovery, taste, and the warm hospitality of southern Japan.

A Journey Through Kyushu — Connecting Onsen and Culture by Shinkansen

From the urban gourmet delights of Hakata to the secluded mountain springs of Kumamoto, and the volcanic hot baths of Kagoshima—Kyushu is a land of rich contrasts, and the Shinkansen ties them all together in one seamless adventure. With fast, comfortable travel, you’ll have more time to relax in each hot spring town, soaking in the landscapes, traditions, and healing waters that define the region.

This is the beauty of a Kyushu journey by train: effortless movement, deeper experiences, and a true sense of renewal. For your next getaway, let the rails lead you on a soothing, soul-nourishing exploration across southern Japan.