Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Panoramica
This relaxed-paced 7-day itinerary uses 5 bases — Beppu (2 nights), Yufuin (1 night), Aso (1 night), Takachiho (1 night), Kumamoto (2 nights) — to keep hotel changes low while covering Beppu, Yufuin, Aso, Takachiho, Kumamoto. Daily spend for mid-range travelers is around ¥18,000 per person including accommodation.
Day-by-day
Arrive in Beppu
Arrive, pick up an IC card and settle in. Easy first afternoon: Beppu 'hells' tour and a sand bath.
Flexible day in Beppu
Free day in Beppu: revisit favourites, shop, or rest at an onsen/sento. Ideas: Beppu 'hells' tour and a sand bath.
Travel to Yufuin
Morning transfer to Yufuin (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Lake Kinrin morning mist and Yunotsubo street.
Travel to Aso
Morning transfer to Aso (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Mt. Aso caldera and Kusasenri meadow.
Travel to Takachiho
Morning transfer to Takachiho (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Takachiho Gorge rowboats and night kagura.
Travel to Kumamoto
Morning transfer to Kumamoto (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Kumamoto Castle and Suizenji garden.
Flexible day in Kumamoto · depart
Free day in Kumamoto: revisit favourites, shop, or rest at an onsen/sento. Ideas: Kumamoto Castle and Suizenji garden. Head to the airport in the afternoon.
Come Arrivare e Muoversi
Use an IC card (Suica/ICOCA) for local trains and buses. Long-distance legs may justify a regional or national JR Pass — check with our JR Pass Calculator. A rental car adds flexibility in rural areas — see our car rental route guides.
Frequently asked questions
Is 7 days enough for Beppu, Yufuin, Aso?
Yes — this plan gives Beppu (2 nights), Yufuin (1 night), Aso (1 night), Takachiho (1 night), Kumamoto (2 nights), which is enough for the main highlights at a relaxed pace.
How much does this 7-day Japan trip cost?
Roughly ¥126,000 per person for 7 days (≈¥18,000/day) excluding international flights.
Do I need a JR Pass for this itinerary?
Enter your legs in our JR Pass Calculator; single tickets or regional passes are often cheaper.
When is the best time to do this route?
Late March–May and October–November for the best weather.