北九州 KitaKyushu

 

This was from July 2019, a company trip for employees. Review here in case I make another visit to Kyushu. It covers Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Aso, and Oita by bus, basically the north part of Kyushu in 5 days. But not Nagasaki.
The journey started from a small airport - KitaKyushu Airport (above). It is an international airport, but I consider it small. Maybe at that time, it just started not too long ago. (There are flights from TPE to FUK - Fukuoka Airport offered by EVA, Starlux etc.)

The first stop: Sino-Japanese Peace Treaty Memorial Hall 日清講和記念館 (Maps)

This is not Kyushu. This is passing the bridge (below) to the main island, called Yamaguchi. Probably they think we are Chinese and may find this place interesting!


Quick Overview

1. By Train (Shinkansen)

  • The fastest and most comfortable option is to take the Sanyō Shinkansen from Hakata Station (Fukuoka) to Shin-Yamaguchi Station, then connect to local train or bus to Yamaguchi City center Wikipedia+1Japan Travel.

  • From Kita Kyushu Airport, you can catch a bus to Kokura Station, then take the Shinkansen to Shin-Yamaguchi, and onward to Yamaguchi City Rome2Rio.

  • From Fukuoka city, straight train to Yamaguchi usually takes under 1 hour (e.g., Shinkansen or conventional express) Bookaway12Go Asia.

2. By Bus

  • Highway buses run from Fukuoka to Yamaguchi (and nearby) at lower cost but slightly longer travel time — typically 1 h 44 min to 2 hours, with fares around USD 20 (~¥3,000) Bookaway12Go Asia.

  • Some passes like the SunQ Pass (Northern Kyushu + Shimonoseki/Nagato) allow unlimited buses between Kyushu and northern Yamaguchi for multiple days TrazyJapan Travel.

Mode-by-Mode Comparison

ModeTime EstimateApprox. CostNotes
Shinkansen Train~1 hour (from Fukuoka)¥5,000–¥7,000Fastest, most comfortable
Bus~1.5–2 hours¥3,000–¥4,000 (~USD 20)Economical, good for flexible itineraries

That night we stayed at Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk Hotel (map) right next to the dome.


The Dome
We have dinner around the area. Western style fast food.


This is truly a pretty hotel with the architecture (inside and outside) and very nice location as well. Right along the coast. I got up early to explore the area. If I knew I could take the transit, I would probably go much further.

Day 2 Oita

We spent much time in Kinrin Lake 金鱗湖 (below). A very nice small village (and famous attraction as well). There are antique stores, desert shops, and more around the lake. 


Then Dakemoto Park 岳本公園 probably just a short stop.
Yubu 由布院美術館 is around the corner.

We might stay in Beppu this day. Regular hotel, did not take any picture.

Day 3 Beppu

Did a 5k run in the morning to this place called the Entry of the Hell 地獄的入口. Actually it is just an onsen.

The famous scene today is Kokonoe Yume Otsuribashi 九重“夢”大吊橋 (map)  This is a 568-foot-high pedestrian suspension bridge with valley & waterfall views, open since 2006. we all walked across the bridge where you can see the bottom of the canyon right underneath your feet. The whole group took a picture here. 

The hotel we stayed (below) in Aso.

Tried tradition dishes here.


Day 4 Aso

Again, I hiked up to the maintain in the morning while everyone is in sleep.

Later that day, we visit Takamori/高森 and 見晴台 etc. There is a sightseeing train for tourists. from station A to station B. Just for fun and taking pictures.


I forgot if we visit the Aso-Kuju National Park or not. Can't find any picture. If you're traveling from Fukuoka to Aso-Kuju National Park, you've got a few solid options depending on how you like to get around—train, bus, or driving. Here’s your practical breakdown:

Option 1: By Train (via Kumamoto)

  1. Fukuoka (Hakata Station) → Kumamoto Station

  2. Kumamoto → Aso Station

    • JR Hōhi Line local trains: ~100 minutes, around ¥1,300. (Japan Guide)

    • Limited express trains are faster at ~70 minutes, about ¥2,000–3,000. (Japan Guide)

  3. At Aso Station → Explore the Park

    • Local buses run to areas like Nakadake Crater (via Aso-Nishi Station). (DEE EXPLORES, JOTM)

    • Some shuttle schedules: the last shuttle to the crater from Aso Sanjō runs around 14:20, with return service till about 16:30. (Reddit)

** Pros:** Covered by JR Pass, smooth connections.
** Cons:** Buses from Aso Station are infrequent—timing is key. (Reddit, DEE EXPLORES)

Option 2: By Bus (Direct-ish)

  • Hakata Bus Terminal → Yufuin-ekimae by Nishitetsu bus: ~2h 39m, ¥1,900–3,300. (Rome2Rio)

  • From Yufuin, you'd then need to connect further—via bus or train—to reach deeper park areas.

** Pros:** Simple, minimal transfers.
** Cons:** Doesn’t get you all the way into the park—additional legs needed. (Japan Travel, Rome2Rio)

Option 3: By Car (Most Flexible)

“Just drive it, it's a super picturesque road trip. Stop at Daikanbō on the way” — a traveler in Fukuoka noted driving is scenic and rewarding. (Reddit)

** Pros:** Ultimate flexibility, best for exploring wide areas and trails.
** Cons:** You’ll need to rent a car and drive.

Quick Comparison

Option Estimated Time Cost Best For
Train + Bus ~2.5–3.5 hours ~¥2,000–3,000 JR Pass holders, train comfort
Direct Bus ~2.5 hours (to Yufuin) ~¥1,900–3,300 Minimal transfers
Driving ~3 hours Varies (rental + tolls) Scenic freedom, off-route access

Summary

  • If you have a JR Pass or prefer trains: Go via Kumamoto. Watch shuttle/bus schedules at the park.

  • If you’re flexible and scenic: Driving is the way to go—for natural comfort and access.

  • If you’re budget-conscious with fewer transfers: A Nishitetsu bus to Yufuin is cheap and direct, but you'll need further transport to reach deep park areas.

Travel Tips

  • Shuttle timing matters. If you aim for the crater, plan around shuttle times from Aso Station (last up ~14:20, return by 16:30). (Reddit)

  • Rental car suggestions: Many travelers recommend renting in Kumamoto if you want to drive after arrival. (Reddit)

  • Flexibility is key. Public transport in the park area is limited; driving offers the best access. (Japan Guide, JOTM, Reddit)


Got a chance to try this grill in Takamori/高森 before we head back to Fukuoka - a long ride. We may have skipped Kumamoto.

Forgot where we stayed this night. It could be closer to the shopping center (Tenjin/天神) in Fukuoka. This is the night for people to do shopping before we depart the next day.

Steak for dinner

Day 5 Fukuoka

Fukuoka Tower

There are Fukuoka Castle Ruins and Ohori Park.

A pretty city I would say. Hope I didn't miss much.



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