Planning a 5-day trip to Kyushu with the family? While many first-time visitors flock to the “Golden Route” of Beppu and Kumamoto, the western coast of Kyushu offers a calmer, incredibly kid-friendly alternative.
This 5-day “West Coast Adventure” itinerary takes you from the bustling city of Fukuoka to the pottery villages of Saga and the historic, harbor-side charm of Nagasaki. It’s a route filled with interactive history, unique animal encounters (capybaras!), and perhaps the most stylish library you’ll ever visit.
If you are looking for other route options, such as a 3-day city break or a full 7-day loop, be sure to check out our master guide: Kyushu Family Itineraries: The Complete Guide to Planning Your 3 to 7-Day Trip.
Why Choose the West Coast Route?
For families with children aged 3–12, the West Coast route (Fukuoka – Saga – Nagasaki) offers a perfect mix of education and play.
- Less Crowded: Compared to the popular Beppu hot springs, Saga and parts of Nagasaki offer a more relaxed pace.
- Unique Experiences: From painting your own pottery to feeding capybaras and exploring a Dutch theme park.
- Easy Transport: This route is best done by rental car for flexibility, but it is also fully accessible via the JR Relay Kamome and Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen trains.
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Fukuoka City
Your journey begins in Fukuoka, the gateway to Kyushu. It’s an incredibly convenient city where the airport is just minutes from the downtown area.
Morning: Arrival and Drop Bags
Upon landing, head straight to your hotel or a coin locker to drop your luggage. Navigating the city is straightforward, but if you have a lot of gear, you’ll want to read Getting from Fukuoka Airport to Hakata and Tenjin with Kids: The Complete Family Guide.
Afternoon: Ohori Park & City Fun
Ease into your trip with fresh air. Ohori Park is the “Central Park” of Fukuoka and a fantastic spot to let the kids burn off energy after a flight. You can rent swan boats, explore the playgrounds, and grab a coffee while the little ones run around. For full details on the playgrounds and facilities, check out Ohori Park with Kids: Playgrounds, Boats & Family Guide.
Evening: Family-Friendly Dinner
Fukuoka is famous for its food, particularly Hakata Ramen and Gyoza. Don’t worry about navigating tiny stalls with toddlers; there are plenty of spacious, family-friendly restaurants. For a list of our top picks, read Fukuoka with Kids: The Ultimate Travel Guide (Food, Transport, Tips).
Day 2: Into Saga – Libraries, Squid & Ninja Vibes
On Day 2, you’ll leave the big city behind and head west into Saga Prefecture. Often overlooked, Saga is a hidden gem for families.
Morning: A Library Like No Other
Rent a car or take the train to Takeo Onsen. Your first stop is the Takeo City Library. This isn’t just a place for books; it’s a stunning architectural marvel with a Starbucks and a dedicated children’s annex that will delight your kids. It makes for a perfect, low-stress road trip stop. Learn more in our guide: Takeo City Library with Kids: Stylish Saga Road Trip Stop.
Lunch: The Dancing Squid of Yobuko
Drive north to the fishing port of Yobuko. Here, you can experience one of Kyushu’s most famous delicacies: fresh squid (Ikezukuri). While “live sashimi” might sound intense, the tempura served afterward is a huge hit with kids. See what the experience is really like in Eating Fresh Squid in Yobuko with Kids: A Family Guide to Live Sashimi.
Afternoon: Pottery or Ninjas?
Saga is famous for Arita and Imari pottery. If you have older kids, a treasure hunt for ceramics can be surprisingly fun. For parents worried about bulls in china shops, we have survival tips in Arita & Imari Pottery with Kids: Breakage Risks & Survival Guide. Alternatively, for high-energy kids, visit the nearby Mifuneyama Rakuen or a ninja village in Ureshino.
For a broader overview of the region, read The Ultimate Family-Friendly Guide to Saga with Kids: Low Stress, High Adventure.
Stay: Overnight in Ureshino Onsen (Saga) or continue to Huis Ten Bosch.
Day 3: The Dutch Kingdom – Huis Ten Bosch
Day 3 is dedicated to pure entertainment at Kyushu’s largest theme park.
All Day: Huis Ten Bosch
Located in Sasebo, Nagasaki, Huis Ten Bosch is a recreation of a Dutch town, complete with windmills, canals, and flowers. It’s massive and incredibly family-friendly.
- For Toddlers: Miffy Cafe and easy boat rides.
- For Older Kids: VR attractions, zip-lines, and dinosaur forests.
- At Night: The “Kingdom of Lights” illumination is world-class.
You can easily spend the entire day and night here. For a breakdown of the best attractions and logistics, read Huis Ten Bosch with Kids: Attractions & Illumination Guide.
Stay: Stay at an official hotel inside the park or nearby in Sasebo.
Day 4: Nagasaki – Capybaras & Trams
Head south to Nagasaki City, a place rich in history and dramatic scenery.
Morning: Capybara Cuddles
Before reaching the city center, stop at Nagasaki Bio Park. This is widely considered one of the best interactive zoos in Japan. The highlight is the “Capybara Zone” where kids can pet and feed these chill creatures. Is it safe for toddlers? Find out in our review: Nagasaki Bio Park Review: Is the Capybara Zone Safe for Small Kids?.
Afternoon: Riding the Trams
Once in Nagasaki City, ditch the car (parking is tough) and use the charming streetcars. They are a fun adventure in themselves, though navigating them with a stroller requires some strategy. We cover routes and accessibility in Riding Nagasaki Trams with Kids: Stroller Routes & Tips.
Visit the Peace Park, Glover Garden, or simply enjoy the harbor views. Nagasaki has a distinct European influence that feels very different from Fukuoka.
For more ideas on what to do in the city, check The Ultimate Family-Friendly Guide to Nagasaki with Kids: History, Theme Parks & Hidden Gems.
Stay: Overnight in Nagasaki City.
Day 5: Return to Fukuoka & Departure
On your final day, take the scenic drive or the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen back to Fukuoka.
Morning: Last-Minute Shopping
If you have time before your flight, explore Hakata Station or Canal City for souvenirs. It’s the perfect time to pick up regional snacks like Menbei or local crafts.
Afternoon: Departure
Head back to Fukuoka Airport. Since the airport is so close to the city, you can maximize your playtime right up until departure.
Practical Tips for this 5-Day Trip
- Transport: A rental car is highly recommended for Day 2 and Day 4 (Bio Park access). However, you can do this route by train if you stick to the main hubs (Takeo Onsen, Huis Ten Bosch, Nagasaki Station).
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (for tulips at Huis Ten Bosch) and Autumn are ideal. Summer can be hot, but the splash pads in Fukuoka and the pools at Huis Ten Bosch offer relief.
- Luggage: Consider forwarding large suitcases from your Fukuoka hotel to your Nagasaki hotel using “Takkyubin” (luggage delivery) so you don’t have to haul them through Saga.