- Dazaifu Tenmangu (≈ 90 min, free time)Follow the 1,100-year-old stone path to the head shrine of 12,000 Tenmangu, where the spirit of learning, Sugawara no Michizane, is enshrined. Circle the vermilion Main Hall, pat the legendary “Flying-Plum” tree that flew overnight from Kyoto, then explore the plum-scented ponds that change colour every season. Outside the gate, grab a hot charcoal-grilled Umegae-mochi and slurp Ichiran's Dazaifu-only “Goukaku” ramen—its bowl is shaped like the kanji for “exam pass”.
- Beppu Ropeway (≈ 60 min, ticket on site)A 10-minute gondola climbs 1,375 m Mt. Tsurumi, giving you a 360° deck that fits Beppu Bay, the city's steaming hot-spring chimneys and the Kuju range all in one frame. Azaleas in spring, cool breeze in summer, scarlet maples in autumn, rime ice in winter.If high winds close the ropeway, we'll walk the cobalt-blue boiling pond of Umi-Jigoku instead.
- Yufuin (≈ 140 min, lunch own)Morning mist rises off Lake Kinrin where hot and cold springs meet. Stroll Yunotsubo Street for yuzu-pepper, hand-blown glass and local honey. Add-ons if you wish:
- Horse-drawn carriage (30 min, pay on site) clops past rice paddies with Mt. Yufu mirrored in the water.
- Hot-spring foot-bath café: soak your feet in 40 °C mineral water while sipping single-origin coffee.
- Day-use onsen at Sansuikan: open-air rock bath staring straight at Mt. Yufu.Return coach leaves in the late afternoon, bringing you back scented with plum blossoms and hot-spring steam.
