Underrated Japan Odyssey: Fukuoka to Nakasendo
Forget Tokyo and Kyoto — this 10-day journey takes you deeper. From Fukuoka’s ramen slurps to Nagasaki’s sobering elegance, into the misty mountains of Takayama, the gold-leafed grace of Kanazawa, and finally the cobbled path of the samurai on the Nakasendo Trail. Rustic, rich, and ridiculously rewarding.
Duration
10 days
Budget Range
¥140,000–¥250,000 (Mid to High)
Transport
JR Pass recommended. Local buses, scenic trains, and old-school hiking included.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Fukuoka Kickoff: Ramen & River Life
Day 2
Temples, Beaches & Beer
Day 3
History + Hakata Chill
Day 4
Nagasaki Reflections & Cuisine
Day 5
Gunkanjima and Glistening Lanterns
Day 6
Alpine Time Warp
Day 7
Market Mornings & Hida Feasting
Day 8
Art, Gold Leaf, Samurai Streets
Day 9
Garden Zen & Seafood Glory
Day 10
Nakasendo Trail Finale
Daily Schedule
Day 1: Fukuoka Kickoff: Ramen & River Life
1
Arrive & check in
09:00
Hakata Station area
Store luggage at hotel
2
Canal City Hakata stroll
10:30
Canal City
Shopping & architecture
3
Lunch: Hakata ramen at Ichiran
12:00
Ichiran, Tenjin
Solo ramen booths
4
Kushida Shrine visit
14:00
Kushida Shrine
Ancient local shrine
5
Ohori Park walk & paddleboat
16:00
Ohori Park
Scenic lake
6
Sumiyoshi Shrine at dusk
18:00
Sumiyoshi Shrine
Lantern-lit
7
Dinner: Motsunabe hotpot
19:30
Nakasu district
Local specialty