Kyushu 6 Days Itinerary-D

Summary

  • Start
    Fukuoka Airport or Hakata Station
  • Finish
    Fukuoka Airport or Hakata Station
  • Mileage
    Total 780km
    160km per day
  • Travel Pace
    Normal
  • Onsen Stay
    Max.4 nights
  • Recommended Seasons
    All year round

This itinerary takes 6 days to circle north Kyushu. Due to standard mileage and by staying consecutive nights in 1 city, you can travel at a pace that is not too rushed.

If you want to stay in Fukuoka after the road trip, it is also possible to return your car around near Hakata station.

 

Yufuin/Beppu – Aso

Start:Yufuin(湯布院) or Beppu(別府)
Finish:
Aso(阿蘇)
Mileage:
140km
Travel Pace:
Normal

On this day, you will head from Yufuin/Beppu to Aso.
The driving distance is about 140 km. This is a day where you can enjoy three of Kyushu’s most spectacular driving roads.

Recommended Itinerary

1

Inn in Yufuin or Beppu

Parking MAPCODE:

What is MAPCODE?

9:00
Because there are so many pots to see, we recommend leaving by 8-9 am if you want to travel without rushing.
If you are staying in Beppu, go to the “Yukemuri Observatory” first, and you will see the typical Beppu scene of steam rising.

Beppu’s little-known spot, Yukemuri Observation Deck, can be enjoyed only by car.




60min

2

Kokonoe Suspension Bridge-九重夢大吊橋

Parking MAPCODE:

440 882 875What is MAPCODE?

The Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge in the autumn leaves is breathtaking (autumn leaves: late October to mid-November).

10:20
The first destination is the Kokonoe Suspension Bridge. It is the highest suspension bridge for pedestrians in Japan and is a must-see, especially during the season of fresh green leaves and autumn foliage.




40min

Head south on the Yamanami Highway, the third most popular driving route in Japan. On the way, you can enjoy a fresh yogurt drink at a ranch and a 1km walk in the marshland at Chojabaru. Please refer to the driving map.
Note that Yamanami Highway is a nickname and is actually a public road, not an expressway.

Yamanami Highway is ranked No. 3 in Japan in Bike Magazine’s Touring Course Ranking

3

Kurokawa Onsen town-黒川温泉

Parking MAPCODE:

440 542 879*52What is MAPCODE?

Kurokawa Onsen I recommend the cream puffs at Patisserie Roku and curry at Warokuya.

12:00
Kurokawa Onsen is a great place for lunch. There are nice curry shops and excellent cream puffs. This spot is also very crowded on holidays. Beyond Kurokawa Onsen, there are a number of soba noodle shops called Oguni Soba Road, which is also recommended. Please refer to the driving map.




35min

4

Nishiyunouraenchi Observatory-西湯浦園地展望所

Parking MAPCODE:

256 871 176What is MAPCODE?

Nishiyunoura Observatory, the most beautiful spot in Aso, is along Milk Road.

14:15
Further south down the Yamanami Highway is the “Nishiyunouraenchi Observatory”. Although not very famous, this is Drive Japan’s best lookout point overlooking the Mt.Aso caldera.




10min

The “Milk Road” from Nishiyunouraenchi Observatory to Daikanbo is the most spectacular road of this road trip, passing by the edge of the caldera of Mt.Aso. The most pleasant drive will make you want to scream, and it will surely be a memory you will cherish forever.

The drive along Aso Milk Road will surely be memorable!

5

Daikanbo Observatory-大観峰

Parking MAPCODE:

256 878 383What is MAPCODE?

the outer rim of a crater Mt.Aso seen from Daikanbo. The best driving course in Japan.

14:45
This is the most famous observatory in the Mt.Aso caldera. Enjoy a 1 km round trip walk on the plateau from the parking lot to the observatory.




30min

6

Mt.Aso(Kusasenri)-草千里

Parking MAPCODE:

256 456 832What is MAPCODE?

Aso Panorama Line

16:15
If you still have time, head to Mt. Aso.
You can drive “Panorama Line” road, which was ranked No. 1 in Japan in a motorcycle magazine, will greet you with the sight of vast grasslands.

Kusasenri on Mt. Aso. The view from the observation deck behind the restrooms is recommended.

If there are no restrictions on volcanic gases, you can visit the crater. You can take the Aso Park toll road (800 yen) to the parking lot next to the crater.
Please check current restrictions before your visit.

Mt.Aso Nakadake Crater. If there are no restrictions on volcanic gases, you can visit the crater.

Information on restrictions for the Aso Volcano Center



30min

There are also flower gardens such as “Gandhi Farm” and “Kujyu Flower Park” on this day. If you are traveling during the best time for flowers, give priority to this area.

Tulips at Kujyuu Flower Park (late April)

7

Inn in Aso

Parking MAPCODE:

Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?




Driving Map For The Day

The driving map will show additional 10-20 spots for the day! You will travel only to your favorite spots.
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.

[Spot Map]Yufuin/Beppu-Aso – Google マイマップ
Japan Road Trip itinerary search "Drive Japan"

Where to stay in Aso

Aso town is a small town located inside the vast caldera of Mt.Aso. The inns are spread over a wide area around Mt. Aso.

  • Inn Type
    There are a variety of inns from 3-star western-style hotels to 5-star Japanese Ryokans. Please book at your preferred type of inn.
  • Parking
    Most inns will offer free parking.
  • Onsen
    Some luxury Ryokans have Onsen.
  • Meal Plan Reservations
    Aso is a rural area and there are few restaurants. Be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.

 

Aso – Aso

Start: Aso(阿蘇)
Finish: Aso(阿蘇)
Mileage:130km
Travel Pace: Relaxing

This will be a day trip from Aso as we will be staying in Aso for a couple of nights.
The driving distance will vary depending on the destination, but in the case of the recommended round trip to Takachiho, it will be about 130 km. If you do not go to Takachiho, we recommend a relaxing trip around Mt.Aso.

Recommended Itinerary

1

Inn in Aso

Parking MAPCODE:

What is MAPCODE?

10:00
Due to the short driving distance, it is okay to depart at a leisurely pace.

However, if you did not visit “Mt.Aso” yesterday, leave early and go there first. Driving up the Aso Panorama Line Road, which was ranked No. 1 in the national driving road rankings, you will be greeted by the sight of vast grasslands and an active volcano!

Kusasenri on Mt. Aso. You can enjoy horse riding and hiking(30min to 2.5 hours courses)
Mt.Aso Nakadake Crater. If there are no restrictions on volcanic gases, you can visit the crater.




75min

2

Takachiho Gorge-高千穂峡

Parking MAPCODE:

330 711 730*31What is MAPCODE?

Takachiho Gorge is an unexplored region that you should visit at least once in your life.

11:15
First, let’s move on at once to visit “Takachiho Gorge”. It is one of the most beautiful gorges in all of Japan and one of the most recommended spots on this entire road trip.
Boat rentals are very popular and sometimes crowded, but highly recommended!




10min

There are not many restaurants in Takachiho, but please refer to the driving map for recommended soba restaurants and Takachiho beef restaurants.

soba

3

Kunimigaoka Observatory-国見ヶ丘展望台

Parking MAPCODE:

330 768 798What is MAPCODE?

Kunimigaoka Observatory in Takachiho, the Village of the Gods, is a sight to behold.

13:15
“Kunimigaoka Observatory” near Takachiho Gorge is also worth a visit. It is hard to describe from the picture, but from this 513-meter-high hill, you can see the Takachiho Basin to the east and Mount Aso to the west, and Takachiho, a town said to be the home of the gods, can be seen from all directions. It is famous for the sea of clouds, but it is also a sight to behold at other times of the year.




20min

4

Amanoiwato Shrine-天岩戸神社

Parking MAPCODE:

330 837 575*60What is MAPCODE?

Mysterious Amanoyashu-Kawara is a 5-minute walk from Amanoiwato Shrine

14:30
10km away from Takachiho Gorge, the “Amanoiwato Shrine” is also recommended. A 10-minute walk along a riverside path called “Amanoyasukawara” will lead you to a fantastic torii gate in a cave.




60min

5

Shirakawa Suigen-白川水源

Parking MAPCODE:

256 251 381What is MAPCODE?

Mineral water can be drawn at the Shirakawa water source.

16:30
Back to Aso and if you still have time, stop by “Shirakawa Suigen”. You can draw natural water from the foot of Mt. Aso.




30min

There are some cherry blossom viewing spots along the route on this day. If you visit during the cherry blossom season, please refer to the driving map.

6

Inn in Aso

Parking MAPCODE:

Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?

Let’s return to the same inn in Aso as the previous day.




Driving Map For The Day

The driving map will show additional 10-20 spots for the day! You will travel only to your favorite spots.
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.

[Spot Map]Aso-Aso – Google マイマップ
Japan Road Trip itinerary search "Drive Japan"

Where to stay in Aso

Aso town is a small town located inside the vast caldera of Mt.Aso. The inns are spread over a wide area around Mt. Aso.

  • Inn Type
    There are a variety of inns from 3-star western-style hotels to 5-star Japanese Ryokans. Please book at your preferred type of inn.
  • Parking
    Most inns will offer free parking.
  • Onsen
    Some luxury Ryokans have Onsen.
  • Meal Plan Reservations
    Aso is a rural area and there are few restaurants. Be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.

 

Aso – Nagasaki

Start: Aso(阿蘇)
Finish:Nagasaki(長崎)
Mileage:150km
Travel Pace: Fast

On this day, you will head from Aso to Nagasaki.
The distance traveled is more than 150 km, and you need to be careful with the schedule as you will be traveling by car ferry from Kumamoto Port to Shimabara Port.

Recommended Itinerary

1

Inn in Aso

Parking MAPCODE:

What is MAPCODE?

9:00
If you want to visit Mt. Aso or Kumamoto Castle, we recommend that you leave before 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. because you must arrive at Kumamoto Port by 1:00 p.m. at the latest.




70min

2

Kumamoto Castle-熊本城

Parking MAPCODE:

29 489 225What is MAPCODE?

Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle. After the Kumamoto earthquake, the Tenshukaku was restored in 2021.

10:10
First, we will head to Kumamoto Castle, the symbol of Kumamoto, which was damaged by the Kumamoto Earthquake in 2016, but restoration work on the castle tower was completed in March 2021.
Please leave here by 12:00 p.m. to catch the ferry. 




20min

3

Kumamoto Ferry

Parking MAPCODE:

415 356 182(Kumamoto Ferry Terminal)What is MAPCODE?

One-hour boat ride by car ferry between Kumamoto Port and Shimabara Port

12:30
On this day, you will cross the Ariake Sea by car ferry from Kumamoto Port to Shimabara Port.
There are two ferry companies, Kumamoto Ferry(熊本フェリー) and Kyusho Ferry(九商フェリー). Kumamoto Ferry is slightly more expensive but takes half the time.
Drive Japan recommends the Kumamoto ferry which departs at 13:00.
Be sure to catch the 13:40 departure of the Kyusho Ferry at the latest.

For passenger cars, please complete the boarding procedure 20 minutes before departure.

Kumamoto Ferry Kyusho Ferry
Fare JPY3,980 JPY3,690
Cruise time 30min 60min
Departure Time 13:00 12:25 or 13:40
Fare is one way for a normal car(4-5m) including a car and a driver. 

Kumamoto Ferry(熊本フェリー)


Kyusho Ferry(九商フェリー)

5

Himematsuya-姫松屋 本店

Parking MAPCODE:

173 749 125*22What is MAPCODE?

Himematsuya in Shimabara

Once you arrive at Shimabara Port, let’s have lunch.
We recommend Shimabara’s traditional dish, Guzoni(具雑煮), a healthy hot pot with 13 different ingredients.




40min

6

Unzen Jigoku Hell-雲仙地獄

Parking MAPCODE:

173 556 440*38What is MAPCODE?

Unzen Hell. Especially recommended in the morning on cold days.。

15:15
After that, let’s head to Unzen Jigoku Hell. In the center of Unzen, famous for its volcanoes and hot springs, you can stroll through the fantastic sight of steam erupting.

Unzen Fugendake seen from Nitatoge Circulation Road

If the weather is fine, it is also recommended to drive along the nearby “Nitatoge Circular Road(仁田峠循環道路) and visit the NitaPass 2nd Observatory. You can enjoy a spectacular view overlooking Shimabara City and the Ariake Sea.
The journey from Unzen Hell to Nagasaki is about 50 km, or 1 hour and 10 minutes.




70min

7

Mt.Inasayama observatory-稲佐山展望台

Parking MAPCODE:

Please refer driving mapWhat is MAPCODE?

Inasayama Observatory is famous for its night view of Nagasaki, one of the three best night views in Japan.

17:30
Mt.Inasa, one of Japan’s top three nightscapes along with Mt.Hakodate in Hokkaido and Mt. Rokko in Kobe.
Please remember that general vehicles are not allowed to enter the summit park between 18:00 and 22:00 on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and during peak season. If you wish to climb the mountain during these hours, use the ropeway.
You can refer to MAPCODE for parking for both the summit and the ropeway on the driving map.




20min

8

Inn in Nagasaki

Parking MAPCODE:

Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?

You can visit Peace Park, Dejima, and the rest of the city tomorrow.
Also, if you stay only one night in Nagasaki, you will not have enough time to explore the city. If you want to visit Atomic Bomb Museum, Dejima, or the famous Gunkanjima (Battleship Island), we recommend you stay one more night in Nagasaki.




Driving Map For The Day

The driving map will show additional 10-20 spots for the day! You will travel only to your favorite spots.
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.

[Spot Map]Aso-Nagasaki – Google マイマップ
Japan Road Trip itinerary search "Drive Japan"

Where to stay in Nagasaki

On this day, you will stay in Nagasaki city(長崎) which is famous for its night view and the atomic bomb.
The inns are concentrated in between “Nagasaki Station” and “China Town”. If you prefer luxury inns, it is also recommended to stay on Mt.Inasayama side.

  • Inn Type
    Most of these inns are 3 to 5-star western-style hotels.
  • Parking
    Some inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately.
  • Onsen
    There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens.
  • Meal Plan Reservations
    As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.

 

Nagasaki – Ureshino

Start:Nagasaki(長崎)
Finish:Ureshino(嬉野) or Takeo(武雄) or Huis Ten Bosch
Mileage:170km
Travel Pace: Fast

On this day, you will leave Nagasaki for Ureshino Onsen town or Takeo Onsen town.
The two towns are only about 15 km apart, so you can stay in either town. It is also a good idea to stay in “Huis Ten Bosch”.
The driving distance on this day is long, approximately 170 km, and there is no expressway so you need to travel at a slightly faster pace.

Recommended Itinerary

1

Inn in Nagasaki

Parking MAPCODE:

What is MAPCODE?

9:00
If you want to take your time in Nagasaki city, it is recommended to leave early.
The opening hours of major sightseeing spots in the city are as follows.

Open
Glover Garden 8:00
Atomic Bomb Museum 8:30
Dejima 8:00




2

Glover Garden&Oura Catholic Church-グラバー園&大浦天主堂

Parking MAPCODE:

443 824 861*24(Public Parking)What is MAPCODE?

Glover Garden. It overlooks Nagasaki Port and can be combined with the Oura Tenshudo Temple.

9:10
Glover Garden and Oura Tenshudo are very close by, so park in the public parking lot and walk.
The slope is very steep, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
From Glover Garden, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Nagasaki’s harbor.

Town map for Glover Garden and Oura church




15min

3

Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum-長崎原爆資料館

Parking MAPCODE:

262 089 211What is MAPCODE?

Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

This is a museum about the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki in 1945. There is also a Peace Park 500 meters away, but the museum is more recommended.




40min

4

Roadside Station Yuhigaoka Sotome-道の駅 夕陽が丘そとめ

Parking MAPCODE:

262 279 804What is MAPCODE?

Roadside Station Yuhigaoka Sotome on Nagasaki Sunset Road

12:30
After 40 minutes from Nagasaki City, you will arrive at “Roadside Station Yuhigaoka Sotome”.




40min

From here, you can enjoy an exhilarating drive along the beautiful coastal road, Nagasaki Sunset Road, to the north.

Tricolor bridge (blue) at Nagasaki-Sunset Road

5

Saikaibashi Bridge-西海橋

Parking MAPCODE:

307 165 747What is MAPCODE?

From Saikai Bridge, you can see the whirlpools if the timing is right.

13:20
At Saikai Bridge, you can see the whirlpools if the timing is right. There are also souvenir stores and restaurants, perfect for a rest stop.




40min

Huis Ten Bosch, Kyushu’s largest theme park, is located 15 minutes from Saikai Bridge.
It offers seasonal flowers, attractions, and a variety of events. You will need at least half a day to visit Huis Ten Bosch, so it is recommended that you stay directly in the park or at an inn in the area.

Huis Ten Bosch (Tulips: March) (Roses: May, November)

6

Ishidake Observatory-石岳展望台

Parking MAPCODE:

307 548 090What is MAPCODE?

Ishidake Observatory. The view is better than that of Junkaibo. The port of Sasebo is on the other side.

The biggest highlight of the day was the Ishidake Observatory.
Generally speaking, the other observatory “Tenkaiho observatory” is more famous, but Ishidake Observatory, which is not accessible by bus, is higher in elevation and is by far the best place to enjoy a truly 360-degree panoramic view of Kujuku Islands and the city of Sasebo with its huge shipbuilding yard.

Ishidake Observatory. The view is better than that of Junkaibo. The port of Sasebo is on the other side.

Tenkaiho observatory is also a famous place for flowers. The rape blossoms and cosmos season are especially recommended.

Tenkaibou is also famous for its flowers (rape blossoms: late March-early April, cosmos: early to mid-October).




50min

The Sasebo area is also nationally famous for its Sasebo Burger. The famous shop is listed on the driving map, so why don’t you try?

Big Man, is a very famous Sasebo burger restaurant.

7

Inn in Ureshino Onsen

Parking MAPCODE:

Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?

In the evening, relieve your fatigue in the hot springs of Ureshino onsen and Takeo onsen.




Driving Map For The Day

The driving map will show additional 10-20 spots for the day! You will travel only to your favorite spots.
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.

[Spot Map]Nagasaki-Takeo – Google マイマップ
Japan Road Trip itinerary search "Drive Japan"

Where to stay in Takeo or Ureshino

On this day, you will stay in either Takeo Onsen town or Ureshino Onsen town. It is 15km and takes about 30min. Both of them are famous for their Onsen. Takeo has more luxury inns.

  • Inn Type
    Most of these inns are 3 to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokans with Onsen facilities.
  • Parking
    Most inns will offer free parking.
  • Onsen
    This town is famous for Onsen and most of the inns have one.
  • Meal Plan Reservations
    There are some restaurants around the hotel for dinner but most inns also provide dinner plans, so please make reservations according to your preference.

 

Ureshino – Fukuoka

Start:Ureshino(嬉野) or Takeo(武雄) or Huis Ten Bosch
Finish: Fukuoka(福岡)
Mileage:160km
Travel Pace: Normal

On this day, we will return to Fukuoka from Ureshino.
The driving distance is about 160 km.

Recommended Itinerary

1

Inn in Ureshino Onsen or Takeo Onsen

Parking MAPCODE:

What is MAPCODE?

Because there are so many spots to see, we recommend that you leave by 8-9 am if you want to travel without rushing.
If you are not staying in Fukuoka today and will be taking the Shinkansen or airplane, please arrange your schedule so that you can return the rental car to the rental store at least one and a half hours before your flight.




20min

2

Mifuneyama Rakuen garden-御船山楽園

Parking MAPCODE:

104 347 365What is MAPCODE?

Mifuneyama Rakuen

9:20
First, stop by Mifuneyama Rakuen, located near Takeo Onsen.
This garden was created in 1845 and offers a variety of seasonal scenery including cherry blossoms, wisteria, azaleas, and autumn leaves.




35min

3

Imari Okawa Uchiyama-伊万里大川内山

Parking MAPCODE:

104 512 792What is MAPCODE?

Imari Okawauchi Mountain, which boasts a history of more than 300 years, has been hidden from the public to prevent technological leaks.

10:45

Imari and Arita are world-famous for porcelain, and here in Okawauchiyama, the official kiln of the Saga Clan was located. The scene of many kilns quietly lined up in the mountains was to prevent the leakage of advanced technology to the outside world and it truly makes this place a hidden village.




60min

4

Under Water restaurant Manbo-海中魚処萬坊

Parking MAPCODE:

182 721 193*48What is MAPCODE?

Squid sashimi. Geso(legs) is to be served in tempura style.

12:45
If you have enough time for lunch, it is highly recommended to go to Yobuko town for squid. You can enjoy wonderfully fresh and delicious squid that is as good as Hakodate’s.




50min

5

Kagamiyama Observatory-鏡山展望台

Parking MAPCODE:

182 347 089*04What is MAPCODE?

Kagamiyama Observatory is the best spot in Saga Prefecture where you can see from Niji-no-Matsubara to Karatsu Castle

15:10

The biggest highlight of the day is the Kagamiyama Observatory. It is one of the most beautiful observatories in Kyushu with a panoramic view of Niji-no-Matsubara pine forest, Karatsu Castle, and Karatsu Bay, and it is a wonder that it is not more famous.

At the foot of the observatory is a 4.5 km-long pine forest of one million pine trees called “Niji-no-Matsubara. You can also enjoy driving through the pine forest, so please refer to the driving map.

Enjoy driving through amazing pine tree forest




60min

6

Sakurai Futamigaura Couple Rock-桜井二見ヶ浦の夫婦岩

Parking MAPCODE:

224 788 142*47What is MAPCODE?

Married Couple Rocks at Sakurai Futamigaura in Itoshima are a great photo spot.

16:50

If you still have time, stop by the “Sakurai Futamigaura Couple Rock” in Itoshima before returning to Fukuoka.
The sight of a pure white torii gate facing the husband and wife rocks offshore is very popular as a great photo spot. There are also stylish cafes and Instagram spots scattered around the area.




50min

7

Rental car branch at Fukuoka airport or Hakata Station

Parking MAPCODE:

Please head to the rental car branchWhat is MAPCODE?

18:10
This concludes your Kyushu road trip.

When you return to Fukuoka, refuel and then return the car to the car rental branch. Use the MAPCODE on the driving map for the nearest gas stations at Hakata Station and Fukuoka Airport.

Fukuoka offers a wide variety of culinary delights. For dinner, try Hakata ramen, Motsu nabe (Motsu hot pot), and other local Fukuoka foods, or even try one of the famous Yatai stalls.

Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen
Motsu-nabe is synonymous with Hakata. Famous restaurants include Yamanaka and Rakutenchi.
Yatai, food stalls, a part of Fukuoka’s culture




[Uminonakamichi Seaside Park], located near Fukuoka City, is one of the best flower spots in Kyushu. Especially the cherry blossoms and nemophira in spring and cosmos in fall makes this spot a must-see! If you are traveling during the best time for flowers, give priority to this area.

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park. Sakura & Nemophila in Beg Apr and cosmos in Oct are amazing.
Driving Map For The Day

The driving map will show additional 10-20 spots for the day! You will travel only to your favorite spots.
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.

[Spot Map]Takeo-Fukuoka – Google マイマップ
Japan Road Trip itinerary search "Drive Japan"

Where to stay in Fukuoka

Fukuoka is the biggest city in Kyushu and the gateway of Kyushu Travel. It takes 15min to Fukuoka Airport by subway. There are hundreds of accommodations around “Hakata Station”, Nakasu downtown area, and Tenjin Station.

  • Inn Type
    Most of these inns are 2 to 5-star western-style hotels.
  • Parking
    Some inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately.
  • Onsen
    There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens.
  • Meal Plan Reservations
    As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.
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