Fukuoka Bus Tour 2026: Yufuin, Beppu & Dazaifu Day Trip

Fukuoka Yufuin Bus Tour

Recommended Itinerary

Fukuoka is a fantastic international travel destination, just a quick hop away – often less than an hour's flight from neighboring countries. This means you can easily visit for a weekend getaway, without even needing to take time off work, or even enjoy a spontaneous day trip! (You'd be surprised how many people do day trips here.) Given its accessibility, many travelers venture out to nearby charming towns like Beppu and Dazaifu. While you could visit each separately if you have ample time, a Fukuoka day bus tour conveniently sweeps you through Yufuin and other highlights in a single day, which is what I'm excited to share with you today.

Dazaifu

Our first stop is Dazaifu, famous for its uniquely designed Starbucks. This particular Starbucks is quite renowned, so if you arrive even a little late, you might find yourself in a very long line. It's worth trying to get here early to beat the crowds!

If you've visited Dazaifu before, you might just want to relax with a coffee here. Personally, while the shrine itself is lovely with its natural scenery, it doesn't offer a vastly different experience from other shrines in Japan, so it might not hold a huge amount of novelty. Still, a peaceful stroll through the grounds can be quite pleasant. Take a look at the photos below and decide for yourself!

One of the local specialties here is this cow statue. Legend has it that touching its horn will make you smarter and help you pass exams. The line for this can be quite long, so you might need to play a waiting game or consider skipping it. Luckily, there's a similar cow statue inside the shrine grounds with no line, so you can always touch that one's horn if you're feeling a bit rushed!

Personally, I didn't spend too much time exploring the main shrine itself, as it felt quite similar to others I've visited across Japan.

Before heading back, make sure to grab one of the local specialties, like a delicious mochi or a mentaiko baguette. That usually wraps up the Dazaifu portion of the tour!

Yufuin

Yufuin is a well-known destination, often visited for its relaxing hot springs or as a standalone trip. On this Yufuin and Beppu bus tour, you'll have the most free time here, perfect for a leisurely exploration and lunch. My usual routine involves grabbing lunch, then indulging in a delicious honey ice cream for dessert.

Afterwards, I love wandering through Floral Village, which has a charming Harry Potter-esque vibe. If hunger strikes again, the famous Kinsho Croquettes are a must-try!

Yufudake

This stop is a quick photo opportunity during your Fukuoka day trip. You literally just hop off, snap some pictures, and get back on the bus. But trust me, the views of the mountain, often shrouded in beautiful clouds, are absolutely breathtaking and worth the stop.

Beppu

Beppu offers a serene, small-town atmosphere. Start by ascending Beppu Tower for a panoramic view of the area, then take your time soaking in the tranquil ambiance. While it's a smaller town without a ton of unique tourist attractions,

you can always visit the century-old bakery, enjoy a stroll to feel the atmosphere of a Japanese countryside village, or explore the local market. Since this tour starts in the morning and continues into the late afternoon, you might feel a bit tired by this point. If you're a fan of hot springs, Beppu has plenty of options where you can unwind. The main reason I recommend a Fukuoka bus tour is the convenience of visiting these charming, slightly out-of-the-way towns all in one go. It's a fantastic way to get a taste of each, and if one really captures your heart, you can always plan a dedicated return trip!

Book Your Yufuin Bus Tour

I booked this activity, which allows you to explore these cities effortlessly, through KKday. As of August 2026, they are running a Japan travel event offering a discount of ~$3 (approx. 5,000 KRW). If you're planning to participate, it's a good idea to secure your spot before the offer runs out. You can find more detailed information below.

The Korean guide on the tour shares incredible tips for local restaurants and travel hacks on the way back, so it's probably best to take this tour earlier in your trip rather than later. That concludes my review of the Yufuin bus tour!