Kyushu, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Kyushu, Japan? If you're planning to go to Kyushu, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Kyushu, Japan

Based on the climate and weather in Kyushu, Japan, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Kyushu, Japan

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Kyushu, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Kyushu, Japan by month

January

January in Kyushu can be extremely cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kyushu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

February

February in Kyushu is very cold. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) to 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kyushu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the right type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

March

If you vacation in Kyushu during March, you will probably notice that it is brisk. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kyushu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the right type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

If you go to Kyushu in April, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kyushu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the correct kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

If you visit Kyushu during May, you are likely to find that it is relatively cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kyushu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the correct kind. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

June

June in Kyushu is balmy and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kyushu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the necessary kind. Many adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

July

If you go to Kyushu in July, you will notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kyushu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the necessary kind. Most adapters on sale are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

August

August is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kyushu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the necessary kind. A lot of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

September

September in Kyushu is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) to high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kyushu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

October

October here can be chilly. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kyushu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the necessary type. Most adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

November

November in Kyushu can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kyushu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

December

If you are traveling to Kyushu in December, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the high 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kyushu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the right kind. Many adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

What to do in Kyushu, Japan

Kyushu, the southernmost island of Japan, is filled with numerous attractions for locals and tourists alike. The island boasts of an abundance of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural significance. If you're planning a visit to Kyushu, here are some of the top tourist attractions to keep in mind:

1. Mount Aso

A visit to Kyushu is not complete without seeing the largest active volcano in Japan, Mount Aso. Located in Kumamoto Prefecture, the majestic mountain peak stands at 1,592 meters tall and has five craters. Visitors can hike to the top of the volcano, take a cable car, or enjoy several lookout points such as the Daikanbo Observatory, from where they can experience panoramic views of the surrounding city.

2. Beppu Hot Springs

Beppu, in Oita prefecture, is famous for its hot springs. Known as the "Onsen Capital" of Japan, Beppu features nine unique hot springs with a range of temperatures, colors, and aromas. Yufuin, also in Oita, is another beautiful hot spring destination you could check out while in the area.

3. Yakushima Island

Yakushima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to some of the oldest and most beautiful forests in Japan. The island and its forests are so significant that they inspired the creators of Studio Ghibli’s “Princess Mononoke” movie. The island has several hiking trails, including the Jomonsugi trail, which takes visitors to one of the oldest trees in Japan.

4. Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum

Nagasaki is known for being one of two Japanese cities hit by atomic bombs during World War II. The Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum commemorate the horrific event and highlight the devastating impact of nuclear weapons. The park and museum are located at the epicenter of the blast and provide visitors with a somber reminder of the significance of peace in today's world.

5. Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle, located in Kumamoto City, is one of the most popular castles in Japan. The castle was built in 1607 and served as a stronghold for the samurai. It has undergone several restorations, and visitors can tour the castle interior - or even watch a ninja show - to experience a piece of Japan's rich history.

6. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

Dazaifu is one of Kyushu's most significant cultural landmarks. The Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is dedicated to the god of learning, and people often visit it to offer prayers for academic success. The shrine is famous for its magnificent architecture, beautiful gardens, and numerous traditional events held throughout the year.

Kyushu, with all its magical experiences, serves as the perfect destination for those looking to explore some of Japan's most incredible attractions. With its stunning mountains, captivating natural beauty, and deep cultural roots, Kyushu is an awe-inspiring vacation spot that anyone would love to visit.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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