Kyushu 12 Days Itinerary-C

９：００
There are many highlight sites along today’s route. And most of the shops at Yufuin are the biggest highlight of the day close around 17:00. Therefore, we strongly recommend leaving from 8:00 to 9:00.
If your departure time is late, such as leaving in the afternoon, adjust your schedule by taking the expressway or skipping some spots.

９：３０
The first destination is “Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine”, nationally famous throughout Japan as the god of learning.

The approach from the parking lot to Tenmangu Shrine is called “Tenjin-sama-dori” avenue, which is crowded with many souvenir stores and restaurants.

If you like sweets and fruits, you can also enjoy fruit picking after visiting Tenmangu Shrine. Please refer to the driving map.

１２：００
Recommended lunch is “Hita Yakisoba”, a local grilled noodle. If you have time, stop by the nearby “Hita Old Town” as it has a charming atmosphere.

After that, let’s head to Yufuin.
There are no spots between Hita and Yufuin. It is recommended to drive on the highway (E34).

１３：４５
Once you arrive in Yufuin, we recommend strolling along the Yufuin Yunotsubo Kaido (Yufuin Yunotsubo Street), lined with souvenir stores and cute little sweet stores. Enjoy eating and walking to Kinrin-ko Lake at the road’s eastern end.

Another highlight of the day, the “Beppu Jigoku Hells”, will close at 17:00. If you wish to visit it, leave Yufuin by 3:30 p.m. at the latest.

Onsen town Beppu symbolizes the “Beppu Jigoku Hells”, where hot water of various colors boils over! Five of the seven hells are within walking distance.
Be aware that the tour closes at 17:00 p.m.

９：００
On this day, though you will leisurely explore the city of Beppu and Yufuin, we recommend that you leave around 9:00.

９：２０

We recommend the Beppu Jigoku Meguri (Beppu Hell Tour) at the beginning of the day. It is a tour where you can feel the hot spring power of Beppu Onsen. By using a car, you can efficiently visit the following seven sites.

●Umi Jigoku (Time required: 40 minutes) MAPCODE: 46 521 411
●Oniishibozu Jigoku (Time required:15 minutes) You can walk since it’sLocated between Umi Jigoku and the parking lot.
Kamado Jigoku (Time required: 15 minutes) MAPCODE: 46 522 481
●Oniyama Jigoku (Time required: 20 minutes) You can walk from Kamado Jigoku since it’s located about 100m there.
●Shiraike Jigoku (Time required: 20 minutes) MAPCODE: 46 522 396
●Chinoike Jigoku (Time required: 10 minutes) MAPCODE: 46 552 802
●Tatsumaki Jigoku (Time required: 10 minutes) You can walk from Chinoike Jigoku since it’s located about 100m there.

１２：３０

We recommend ‘Seki-saba’ for lunch on this day. There are many restaurants on the east side of Beppu Station. Mackerel and horse mackerel caught in the Bungo Channel, where the tide flows quickly, are called ‘Seki-saba’ and ‘Seki-aji’. Because of its deliciousness and crunchiness, it is valued as a luxury fish.

１３：５０

Next, you will head to Beppu Ropeway. It takes about 10 minutes from the foot of the mountain to the summit of Mt. Tsurumi, where you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama at an altitude of 1,375m. From there, you can see Beppu City, Beppu Bay, Lake Shidaka, Kijima Plateau, and the mountains of Shikoku. Cherry blossom season (Bgn Apr-End Apr) and autumn foliage season (End Oct-Mid Nov) are especially recommended.

１５：４０

Next, you will head to Yunotsubo Kaido in Yufuin. Yunotsubo Kaido is a very popular spot with many shops where you can enjoy eating while walking and sightseeing. We also recommend walking around Lake Kinrin.

１７：５０

Please spend a relaxing second night in Yufuin/Beppu with gorgeous onsen.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 Nakadake Crater” and “Kusasenri” yesterday, leave early and go there first.

１０：１０
Your first stop of the day is Fruits Kingdom Couples. You can pick fruit all year round while looking out at the majestic Mt. Aso.

１２：２０
Next, you will head to Oshitoishi Hill which is said that it was a place of prayer for ancient people.
There are many artificially arranged stones scattered, such as a ”giant rock” in the shape of a pyramid, a ”mirror stone” inscribed with Sumerian characters, and a ”scissor stone” that is said to have served as a sundial.

１４：００
You will then head to Kikuchi Gorge, the highlight of the day. The mountain streams create various rapids and waterfalls, and the scenery is truly spectacular. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery in all four seasons, with fresh greenery in spring, a natural cooler in summer, and autumn leaves in fall.

１５：３０
Milk Road, known for its spectacular views, is located on the way from Kikuchi Gorge to Sugi Bee Garden. The scenery is truly spectacular, so stop your car and enjoy the scenery.

１６：１０
Your last destination for the day is Sugi Bee Garden, Japan’s largest beekeeping company with over 70 years of history, but this is a special store with an actual apiary in the back. You can enjoy an overwhelming selection of products and bee soft serve ice cream more than any other store.
This place closes at 17:00, so be careful of the time.

Please return to the same inn in Aso as the previous day.

９：００
This is a long drive on this day, so if you want to travel without rushing, we recommend leaving by 8-9 am.

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

１２：４５
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.
After that, drive east toward the ocean. The long drive after lunch will make you sleepy, so take a break at one of the roadside stations along the way.

１５：００
“Umagasa” is a long, narrow cape jutting out into the Pacific Ocean, offering a panoramic view.
“The Sea of Cross”, a lookout point where the sea looks like a cross, is also close by and should be visited together.

It is 80 km from Miyazaki. There are not many spots in between, so you can take the expressway (E10) all the way.

Rest early because the next day will be another long drive.

９：００
Because of the long driving and many attractive spots along the route, we recommend that you leave by 8-9 am.

９：３０
The first destination is Aoshima Island, one of Miyazaki’s most popular tourist destinations. You can walk around the island with its unique scenery, called “Oni no Sentakuita” (washing board of demons).

１１：００
Heading south along the Nichinan coastline, you will arrive at [Udo Jingu Shrine].
The shrine is located in an incredible place in a cave between steep cliffs, and the contrast between the blue of the sea and the red of the shrine is magnificent. The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Jinmu, the first emperor in Japanese mythology, and is especially blessed with children.

１５：００
After lunch, you will visit “Sekinoo Falls”.
You can take a 30-minute walk along the river with its mysterious scenery of waterfalls and potholes.

１６：３０
The final destination is Kirishima Jingu Shrine, which was built over 1,000 years ago. The shrine is especially beautiful during the season of fresh green leaves and autumn foliage.

Since there are few tourist attractions from Kirishima to Kagoshima, it is recommended to drive on the expressway (E3).

Car Ferry Booking for tomorrow

Before checking out of your accommodation, make a reservation for the ferry you plan to take the next morning. You’ll need to call, so it’s a good idea to ask the staff at your inn to make a reservation. The reservation details are as follows.

• Company:
  • Ferry Nankyu(フェリーなんきゅう)
• TEL
  • +81‐993-34-0012　(Office Hours 8:00-16:30)
• Reservation Detail
  • Tomorrow Morning10am departure
  • From Yamakawa Port(山川港) to Nejime Port(根占港)
• Reservations are not accepted during the following peak periods.
  In that case, please give up on making advance reservations and try to arrive at the port early next mornin
  • Year-end and New Year holidays(Around 24Dec to 5Jan)
  • Golden Week (End April-Bgn May)
  • Obon (Mid August)

９：００
The distance traveled on this day is relatively short at approximately 100km, so you can spend your time relaxing at each spot.

９：１０
If you haven’t yet, go to “Shiroyama Park Observation Deck” first thing in the morning. You can see the majestic view of Sakurajima, the symbol of Kagoshima.

１０：４０
Next, you will head to the “Chiran Samurai Residences“. Take a leisurely stroll through the samurai residences known as Kagoshima’s Little Kyoto. There are several cafes and restaurants here that have been renovated samurai residences and old folk houses, so be sure to enjoy lunch there.

１２：５０
After enjoying the Chiran Samurai Residences, you will head to the ”Chiran Peace(Kamikaze) Museum”. Chiran is a town where a former army special attack base was located at the end of World War II. Here, valuable materials such as photographs, belongings, and records of Kamikaze Suicide Attack Team members are preserved and exhibited, and they teach us about the misery of war and the preciousness of peace and life.

１４：００
After feeling the horrors of war, you will head to ”Chabakken Hill”. Chiran is one of Japan’s leading tea producing areas. A wide expanse of tea fields spreads out below you, and you can see Mt. Kaimondake beyond the dark green tea fields. You can enjoy a refreshing drive through the tea plantations around this area.

１４：３０
The next destination is “Nishitarumizu Chagyo (Tea Industry)“. The matcha soft-serve ice cream made with Chiran tea, said to be the most delicious tea in Japan, is the best.

１５：４５
The last place you will visit on this day is “Kamafuta Shrine“. This shrine is located on a place that juts out into the reef of a cove, and is known for the unique “Kamafuta Wishing”, where you pray by placing a pot lid on your head, and the “Kamafuta Throwing,” where you throw an unglazed pot lid.

１７：３０
Ibusuki, where you will be staying on this day, is known for its sand steam baths. After checking in, enjoy the inn’s sand steam bath.

９：００
Please leave the inn at 9am to board the ferry departing from Yamakawa Port at 10am.

９：１５
You will head to Yamakawa Port. Even if you have a reservation, you must arrive at Yamakawa Port 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. Once you arrive at the port, park your car, tell the reservation name at the counter, and pay the fare.

The ferry leaves at 10 am. Enjoy the scenery from the ferry along the way. It is a 50-minute boat trip from Yamakawa Port to Nejime Port.

１１：１５
After disembarking at Nejime Port, you will head to Ogawa Falls, beautiful emerald green waterfalls. It takes 15 minutes by car from Nejime Port to Ogawa Falls.

The distance from the parking lot to the waterfall is 1.2 km, but there is a promenade so you can walk comfortably. If you have time, enjoy a soft serve ice cream at a cafe near the parking lot after viewing the waterfall.

１２：３０
Next, you will head to “Kamikawa Beach“, known for its shadow puppet. You can enjoy the art created by shadow puppets, the sea, and the blue sky. Please try to take unique photos using shadow puppets.

１３：４５
After enjoying the art, you head to ”Okan” for a late lunch. This restaurant is run by the wives of fishermen, and we highly recommend it, as you can enjoy sashimi, simmered, and grilled amberjack, which is a local specialty.

１５：００
After lunch, you will head to “Arimura Observatory” to feel the breath of Kagoshima’s symbol Sakurajima. The expanse of lava field and the black pine trees that spread their roots over it create an extraordinary scenery. It is not uncommon to hear a rumbling sound or the sound of an explosion accompanying an eruption.

１６：１０
Next, please check out the “Black Vinegar Kakuida” shop. Brown rice black vinegar and black vinegar dressing are on sale. Black vinegar is a specialty of this area, and you can enjoy the rare sight of large pots lined up here.

１７：００
The last stop of the day is “Kokubushiroyama Park“. It is a park with a spectacular view, overlooking the Kirishima Mountain Range to the north, the majesty of Sakurajima to the south, and the calm waters of Kinko Bay. The sunset view from here is especially recommended.

１８：３０

９：００
Because of the long driving, we recommend you to leave by 8-9 am if you want to travel without rushing.
If you have not already been, you should first visit Senganen Garden, one of Kagoshima’s most famous tourist attractions. It is the residence of the Shimazu family, who contributed greatly to the modernization of Japan, and from the garden, you can enjoy a majestic view of Sakurajima.

９：５０
First, let’s head to Maruike Spring, a beautiful pond made of clean spring water. There are not many tourist attractions from Kagoshima to here, so let’s take the expressway (E3).

１１：００
After driving 20 km or 30 minutes from Maruike Spring, you will arrive at the biggest highlight of the day, Sogi Falls. This 210m wide waterfall is called the Niagara of the Orient and is overwhelmingly powerful. Although it is not well known due to poor accessibility, it is a place that can be enjoyed only on a road trip.

１２：５０
After that, you will arrive in Hitoyoshi City.
Aoi Aso Shrine has five buildings, including the main shrine, designated as national treasures, and the magnificent thatched tower gate is especially not to be missed.
500m east of Aoi Aso Shrine is the center of Hitoyoshi City. Uemura Eel and Black Ramen are famous and recommended for lunch.
There are not too many tourist attractions between Hitoyoshi and Kumamoto, so take the expressway(E3) again to the north.

１６：３０
The last highlight of the day is Okoshikai Beach. The tidal flat becomes a wave pattern, and you can look over the Ariake Sea to Unzen Fugendake. Please check the time of low tide before visiting. Also, please note that depending on the time of year, the area may be jammed with many photographers.

It is a long drive and you will arrive in Kumamoto at night. You can visit Kumamoto Castle tomorrow.

９：００

９：１０
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.

１１：３０
Suizenji Jojuen Garden is a Japanese garden with a pond garden style. It is only 4 km away from Kumamoto Castle, so it is recommended to visit there as well.
Please leave here by 12:00 p.m. to catch the ferry. Depending on the time, please consider skipping this spot.

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 Kyushu Sho Ferry at the latest.

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

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.

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.

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.

１７：３０
Mt.Inasa is 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.