Planning a family trip to Japan can be daunting, especially when trying to balance the needs of active children with the desire to see cultural sights. Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands, offers the perfect solution. It is compact, incredibly welcoming to families, and boasts a railway network that makes getting around an adventure in itself.
For many international families, the idea of renting a car and navigating foreign roads—and driving on the left side—adds unnecessary stress to a vacation. Fortunately, you don’t need a car to experience the best of this region. This 7-day itinerary focuses on using Kyushu’s excellent train system, including the high-speed Shinkansen, to visit three distinct areas: the vibrant city of Fukuoka, the historic castle town of Kumamoto, and the steaming hot spring resort of Beppu.
This guide is designed to be a “slow travel” itinerary. We have built in buffer time for tantrums, naps, and playground breaks, ensuring that parents can enjoy the trip just as much as the little ones. If you are just starting your planning process, be sure to check our overview in Kyushu Family Itineraries: The Complete Guide to Planning Your 3 to 7-Day Trip to understand the lay of the land before diving into this specific route.
Why Train Travel in Kyushu is Perfect for Families
Before we look at the daily schedule, it is worth noting why we have chosen a train-based itinerary. Kyushu is home to some of the most unique “design trains” in Japan. From the wooden interiors of the “Yufuin no Mori” to the futuristic blue metallic “Sonic,” the trains here are attractions in their own right.
For parents, train travel offers freedom. You aren’t stuck behind a steering wheel; you are free to hand out snacks, play card games, or take a walk to the restroom with your toddler. Most importantly, the JR Kyushu Rail Pass (available for 3, 5, or 7 days) offers incredible value for tourists, covering the Shinkansen lines between Fukuoka and Kumamoto, as well as the express trains to Oita and Beppu.
Navigating the stations is generally straightforward, but there are specific nuances when traveling with strollers and luggage. For a deep dive into ticket machines, seat reservations, and platform safety, we highly recommend reading JR Trains in Fukuoka with Children: Seats, Tickets, and Family Travel Tips. It covers the essential logistics that will keep your transit days smooth.
Days 1-3: Fukuoka – The Gateway to Kyushu
Your journey begins in Fukuoka, the largest city in Kyushu and the main entry point for international flights. Fukuoka is often cited by residents as the most livable city in Japan, and for families, it offers a compact downtown area where the airport, main train station (Hakata), and shopping districts are all within a 15-minute subway ride of each other.
Day 1: Arrival and Settling In
Most families will arrive via Fukuoka Airport. Unlike Tokyo, where the airport transfer can take over an hour, Fukuoka Airport is practically in the city center. You can be at your hotel in Hakata in under 15 minutes. See Getting from Fukuoka Airport to Hakata and Tenjin with Kids: The Complete Family Guide for step-by-step instructions on navigating the terminals with luggage and strollers.
Spend your first afternoon exploring the Hakata Station area. The station building itself, JR Hakata City, is a massive complex with a rooftop garden (Tsubama-no-Mori Hiroba) that features a mini-train for kids to ride and a viewing deck to watch the real trains arriving and departing. It’s a low-stress way to let the kids burn off energy after a flight while you get your bearings.
Day 2: Parks, Play, and Ramen
On your first full day, focus on the city’s green spaces. Ohori Park is the “Central Park” of Fukuoka and is completely flat and paved, making it ideal for strollers. You can rent swan boats, visit the playground, or simply walk around the large pond.
For lunch, you cannot visit Fukuoka without trying Tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen. While some shops are cramped and counter-only (difficult with toddlers), many major chains have table seating and kid-sized bowls.
In the afternoon, head to the seaside Momochi area to see Fukuoka Tower or visit TeamLab Forest for an immersive digital art experience. For a comprehensive list of the best spots to fill your schedule, refer to Best Things to Do in Fukuoka with Kids: Top Attractions & Playgrounds.
Day 3: A Cultural Side Trip to Dazaifu
Before leaving the Fukuoka area, take a short train ride (about 30 minutes) to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. This is one of the most important shrines in Japan, dedicated to the deity of learning. While temples can sometimes be boring for young children, the approach to Dazaifu is lined with shops selling Umegae Mochi (grilled rice cakes) and souvenirs, providing plenty of distractions. There is also a small amusement park called Dazaifu Yuenchi right next to the shrine, which offers retro rides suitable for smaller children—a perfect bribe to encourage good behavior during the cultural sightseeing.
Days 4-5: Kumamoto – Castles and Bears
On the morning of Day 4, you will board the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) from Hakata Station to Kumamoto. This is a highlight for any child obsessed with transportation. The Kyushu Shinkansen is spacious and fast—the journey takes only about 30 to 40 minutes, which is barely enough time to finish a bento box!
Day 4: The Fortress and the Bear
Kumamoto is dominated by Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s premier castles. Although it was damaged in the 2016 earthquake, the restoration work is impressive. The main keep has been fully restored with elevators, making it surprisingly accessible for families. The surrounding park offers plenty of space for kids to run around.
Just below the castle is “Sakura-no-baba Josaien,” a recreated historical town filled with food stalls. This is a great spot for lunch. Afterward, head to Kumamon Square to meet Kumamon, the rosy-cheeked black bear mascot who is a global superstar. Check the schedule in advance, as he performs on stage at specific times.
Day 5: Gardens and Trams
Kumamoto has a fantastic vintage tram network that crisscrosses the city. Kids usually love the novelty of riding the streetcars. Take the tram to Suizenji Jojuen, a magnificent traditional Japanese landscape garden. It features a miniature Mt. Fuji and plenty of koi fish in the ponds that children enjoy watching.
If your family is feeling adventurous, Kumamoto is the gateway to Mount Aso, an active volcano. However, accessing the crater requires a bit more travel time. For a relaxed 7-day trip, sticking to the city center reduces stress. For more details on navigating this region, check out The Ultimate Guide to Kumamoto with Kids: Nature, Volcanoes & History.
Days 6-7: Beppu & Oita – Steam, Sand, and Safaris
From Kumamoto, you will traverse the island to the east coast to reach Oita Prefecture. The most comfortable way to do this by train is usually to take the Shinkansen back up to Kokura or Hakata, and then switch to the “Sonic” limited express train. The Sonic is a blue, metallic train that tilts as it goes around curves, hugging the coastline. The views of the ocean are spectacular.
Day 6: The Hells of Beppu
Beppu is famous for its “Jigoku” (Hells)—hot springs that are for viewing rather than bathing. The “Hells Tour” is a classic tourist route. You can see ponds of boiling blue water, bubbling red mud, and even crocodiles bred in the warm waters. It is a unique geological lesson for older kids and a visual spectacle for younger ones.
In the afternoon, try a family-friendly onsen experience. Beppu offers sand baths where you are buried in warm volcanic sand (surprisingly relaxing!), or you can find private family baths (kashikiriburo) where you can bathe together without worrying about strangers.
Day 7: African Safari and Departure
For the grand finale, take a bus from Beppu station to the African Safari. This is widely considered one of the best zoos in Japan for families. The highlight is the “Jungle Bus,” a caged vehicle that drives through the animal enclosures. Lions, bears, and giraffes come right up to the bus to be fed with tongs through the mesh. It is a thrilling, safe, and memorable experience for children.
Depending on your flight schedule, you can take the Sonic train back to Hakata Station (approx. 2 hours) to catch a flight out of Fukuoka, or fly out of Oita Airport if you have a connecting flight. For a deeper look at the attractions in this area, including Sanrio Harmony Land, read The Ultimate Guide to Oita with Kids: Hot Springs, Sanrio Characters, and Safari Adventures.
Practical Tips for Parents on this Route
Luggage Logistics
While trains are convenient, hauling large suitcases and a stroller through ticket gates is not.
- Takkyubin (Luggage Delivery): diverse Japan’s luggage forwarding service. You can send your large bags from your hotel in Fukuoka directly to your hotel in Beppu, keeping only a small overnight bag for the Kumamoto leg. This makes the Shinkansen travel much easier.
- Coin Lockers: Every major station (Hakata, Kumamoto, Beppu) has coin lockers. If you arrive before check-in time, dump your bags immediately so you can explore hands-free.
Food on the Go: The “Ekiben”
One of the joys of Japanese train travel is the Ekiben (station bento). At Hakata and Kumamoto stations, you will find shops dedicated to these lunch boxes. They feature local specialties and are designed to be eaten cold.
- Tip: Let your kids choose their own bento box. Many come in containers shaped like Bullet Trains or Hello Kitty, which makes for a great souvenir after the food is gone.
Strollers vs. Carriers
Fukuoka and Kumamoto are generally stroller-friendly, with elevators at all stations. Beppu, however, is hillier and some of the older “Hells” have stairs.
- Recommendation: Bring a lightweight, foldable stroller for the cities. If you have a baby, a carrier is essential for the crowded parts of Beppu or if you decide to hike around Kumamoto Castle’s outer walls.
Booking Seats
If you are traveling with a large stroller that doesn’t fold well, you should reserve the back row of seats in the train car. This space behind the last row of seats is designated for oversized luggage. With a JR Pass, seat reservations are free, so visit the ticket office (“Midori no Madoguchi”) as soon as you arrive in Kyushu to book your seats for the whole week.