Healing Travel Diary: 3 Nights and 4 Days from Fukuoka to Yufuin

Experience the vibrancy of the city and the tranquility of the mountains

This trip was planned to capture both the comfort of Fukuoka's urban life and the relaxation of Yufuin's natural surroundings. Enjoying hot springs, eating sushi, strolling through Yatai Street... All of this is possible in just 3 nights and 4 days!

📅 Day 1 – Arrival & Exploring Fukuoka City

✈️ [11:00] Arrival at Fukuoka Airport
• Take Subway Line 2 directly to Hakata Station (about 10 minutes).
• Check into a hotel near Hakata Station or simply drop off your luggage.

🍜 [12:30] Lunch – Ichiran Ramen Main Store
• Enjoy rich tonkotsu ramen in private booths underground.
• The authentic atmosphere of the main store makes it perfect for your first meal.

🛍️ [14:00] Canal City Hakata
• A shopping mall with fountain shows, restaurants, and desserts all in one place.
• Perfect for browsing RINGO apple pies, MUJI, and local brand shops.

🍢 [18:00] Dinner – Nakasu Yatai Street
• Fukuoka night views + street food like oden + draft beer!
• Recommended dishes: mentaiko tamagoyaki (cod roe omelet) and motsunabe (offal hot pot).

💤 Accommodation: Business hotel near Hakata Station
• Convenient for transportation and catching the JR train to Yufuin.

📅 Day 2 – A Day in Yufuin Onsen Village

🚃 [07:45] Board the Yufuin no Mori train (reservation required)
• Hakata Station → Yufuin Station (about 2 hours and 15 minutes)
• Scenic views of cherry blossoms, green fields, and autumn foliage through panoramic windows.

🏞️ [10:15] Arrival in Yufuin and village stroll
• Walk leisurely from the train station to Yunotsubo Street.
• Enjoy exploring kimono rental shops and handmade craft stores along the way.

🍡 [12:30] Lunch & Dessert Time
• Local restaurant serving Oita-style karaage set meals.
• Desserts include B-Speak roll cake, matcha gelato, and yuzu soda.

🏕️ [14:00] Lake Kinrin & Hot Springs
• Relax at a café by the lake.
• Enjoy a ryokan with open-air baths or a day-use hot spring (bath-only option).

🚃 [17:00] Return to Hakata Station
• Take the Yufuin no Mori or regular express train back.

📅 Day 3 – Detailed Exploration of Fukuoka City

⛩️ [09:30] Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
• A shrine dedicated to the god of learning.
• The red bridge and main hall are impressive, and Umegae mochi is a must-try!

🛍️ [13:00] Shopping & Brunch in Tenjin Area
• Parco Department Store, Uniqlo, MUJI, Tokyu Hands all in one spot.
• Highly recommend ARK Café for a Nordic-inspired atmosphere.

🍣 [18:00] Dinner – Ginza Sushi Omakase or Hakata Izakaya
• Pre-booked omakase course or casual Hakata-style izakaya.
• Recommended dishes: motsunabe, sashimi, and grilled mentaiko.

📅 Day 4 – Final Day: Tsuruhashi Market & Departure

🍙 [08:30] Hotel breakfast or nearby convenience store morning meal
• Japanese convenience store breakfasts are surprisingly delightful (salmon onigiri + Americano).

🎁 [09:30] Shopping at Hakata Station
• Buy last-minute souvenirs at Tsuruhashi Market or Hakata Hankyu Department Store.
• Popular items: mentaiko, yuzu tea, and limited-edition convenience store snacks.

✈️ [12:00] Transfer to Fukuoka Airport & Departure

✨ Summary: A perfect itinerary blending city and nature, food and hot springs
• Fukuoka offers urban comfort, while Yufuin embodies the essence of Japanese tradition.
• If you love train travel, the 'Yufuin no Mori' is a must-try.
• Tradition and modernity, tranquility and vibrancy, hot springs and shopping... You can experience it all in just 3 nights and 4 days.