9 days, 8 nights

The following is a suggested, very fast paced itinerary for travelers who spend 9 days and 8 nights in Kyushu. This itinerary is designed around using a rental car for some of the rural areas where public transportation is inconvenient. Public transportation can be used instead of a rental car, however, it will result in longer travel times.

Day 1 - Arrive in Fukuoka
Arrive at Fukuoka and explore the city. In the evening, check out the city's famous food stalls.
Day 2 - Nagasaki
In the morning take the train to Nagasaki and explore the city. Spend the night in Nagasaki.
Day 3 - Kagoshima
Take an early train to Kagoshima. Spend the rest of the day checking out Kagoshima.
Day 4 - Kirishima
Explore the Kirishima area and overnight in Kirishima Onsen.
Day 5 - Kumamoto
Return to Kagoshima and take the shinkansen to Kumamoto. Explore the city and check out Kumamoto Castle.
Day 6 - Aso and Kurokawa
Rent a car and drive to Mount Aso and check out the crater. Continue on to Kurokawa and stay at a ryokan there.
Day 7 - Yufuin via Mount Kuju
Drive to Yufuin via the Kuju Mountains and overnight in Yufuin.
Day 8 - Beppu
Drive to Beppu and visit the town's hot springs. Return your rental car.
Day 9 - Return to Fukuoka
Take a train back to Fukuoka via Kokura Station.

A 7-day All Kyushu Rail Pass pays off for this itinerary if used for days 3-9. A rental car is recommended for days 6-8 and would simplify transportation on day 4. Alternatively, public transportation can be used for the entire itinerary at a possibly lower cost, but with appropriate adjustments made to account for the longer travel times. Below are some sample budgets for the itinerary, excluding airfare. Find out more about the sample budgets and about the current yen exchange rates.

	Single Traveler	Two Travelers
Low Budget	103,000 - 133,400 yen	174,000 - 234,800 yen
Medium Budget	133,400 - 223,000 yen	234,800 - 342,000 yen
High Budget	over 223,000 yen	over 342,000 yen

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