Itinerary
Kyushu Winter Wildlife: Cranes, Eagles & Snow Monkeys
6 days · 17 stops · ¥120,000–¥200,000
Sun, Jan 10 – Fri, Jan 15
Six days across southern Kyushu by car, chasing cranes at dawn, sea eagles along the coast, and snow monkeys in the mountains — with hot springs and quiet temples along the way.
Days
Immanuelle / CC BY 4.0
Shika Island
Fukuoka
Schedule
Day 01 of 06Land at FUK · Sun, Jan 10 · from JFK · 2 travelers
Renting a car? Check the license rules
Some licenses (FR/DE/CH/BE/TW) need a JAF translation, not an IDP — 5-min guide.
Stay
Fukuoka · 1 night
Sun, Jan 10 → Mon, Jan 11 · 2 guests
14:00
EXPLORE
志賀島
Stay ~1h 30m
Saitozaki Station
Drive the scenic causeway to this quiet island — spot coastal birds and take in the views of the Genkai Sea.
~1h 4m by car
16:34
EXPLORE
雷山千如寺大悲王院
Stay ~1h 30m
A hillside temple with 500 stone disciples and a towering Kannon statue — peaceful and rarely visited in winter.
~39 min by car
18:43
EXPLORE
博多伝統工芸館
Stay ~1h
Hakata Station
A calm introduction to Kyushu's craft heritage — textiles and pottery in a quiet space before heading south.
~35 min by car
20:18
EXPLORE
宮地嶽神社
Stay ~1h
A shrine with a famous sunset path to the sea — on a clear day, the light over the Genkai Sea is unforgettable.
Getting around
🚄
JR Kyushu Rail Pass — All Kyushu Area
Matched to your route — one pass instead of point-to-point tickets on the rail legs.
View JR Kyushu Rail Pass — All Kyushu Area →🚗
Rental car recommended
Several stops on this route are in rural areas with limited rail access. A rental car from the nearest city hub gives you the freedom to reach places no bus serves.
Browse rental cars on Klook →⛴️
Ferry required
At least one destination is accessible only by ferry. Book in advance — island ferries sell out weeks ahead in peak season (Apr–May, Jul–Aug).
Browse ferry options on Klook →01 / 06
Journey map
Trip budget · お見積り
¥14,500–¥26,000 / person / day
¥175,000–¥310,000 total for 2 travellers
💴 Carry ~¥9,000/day in cash — many hidden spots are cash-only.
Estimated from 16 travel legs and 5 hotel nights. International flights not included. Typical prices, not quotes.
Before you go
Passes for this trip
✓ Matched to your route
JR Kyushu Rail Pass — All Kyushu Area
Covers the rail legs on this route — one pass instead of point-to-point tickets.
View this pass
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Get Around
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Stay Hidden
Sleep in a centuries-old ryokan. Tatami floors, onsen, and a 7-course kaiseki.
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Ship luggage ahead on the shinkansen route. Explore every day completely hands-free.
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