Summary
- Start
Fukuoka Airport or Hakata Station - Finish
Fukuoka Airport or Hakata Station - Mileage
Total 650km
130km per day - Travel Pace
Relaxing - Onsen Stay
Max.3 nights - Recommended Seasons
All year round
This itinerary takes 5 days to circle northeast Kyushu. Due to the short mileage and by staying consecutive nights in 1 city, you can travel at a relaxing pace.
If you want to stay in Fukuoka after the road trip, it is also possible to return your car around near Hakata station.
Fukuoka – Yufuin/Beppu(Sample)
Start : Fukuoka (福岡)
Finish :Yufuin(湯布院) or Beppu(別府)
Mileage:160km
Travel Pace: Fast
On this day, you will head from Fukuoka to Yufuin or Beppu.
1
Rental car branch at Fukuoka airport or Hakata Station
Parking MAPCODE:
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.
30min
2
Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine-太宰府天満宮
Parking MAPCODE:
55 333 771*40What is MAPCODE?
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.
70min
3
Sofuren-想夫恋本店
Parking MAPCODE:
202 788 789What is MAPCODE?
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).
50min
4
Yufuin Yunotsubo Street-湯布院湯の坪街道
Parking MAPCODE:
269 359 660*80What is MAPCODE?
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.
30min
It is a 25-km, 30-minute drive from Yufuin to Beppu. The drive through the foot of Mt. Yufudake is exhilarating.
5
Beppu Jigoku Hells-べっぷ地獄めぐり
Parking MAPCODE:
46 521 411*30(Umi Jigoku)What is MAPCODE?
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.
15min
6
Inn in Yufuin or Beppu
In addition, there are [Shin Yabakei Gorge(HitomeHakkei)] one of the best autumn-colored leave spot in Kyushu along the route of the day.
If you are traveling from end Oct-Mid Nov, we strongly recommend visiting.
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.
On this day, you will stay in either Yufuin town or Beppu city. It is 20km and takes about 30min. Both of them are nationally famous Onsen areas.
①Yufuin(湯布院)
Yufuin is small but has many luxury Onsen Ryokans.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 4 to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokans with Onsen facilities. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. - Onsen
This town is famous for Onsens and most of the inns have one. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are a few restaurants in this area, so be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.
②Beppu(別府)
Beppu is a Bigger City and has More Inexpensive Inns.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokans with Onsen facilities. - Parking
Most inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately. - Onsen
Beppu is famous for Onsens and most of the inns have one. - Meal Plan Reservations
As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.
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.
1
Inn in Yufuin or Beppu
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat 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.
60min
2
Kokonoe Suspension Bridge-九重夢大吊橋
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
3
Kurokawa Onsen town-黒川温泉
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
5
Daikanbo Observatory-大観峰
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
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.
7
Inn in Aso
The driving map will show additional 10-20 hidden gems and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
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.
1
Inn in Aso
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat 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!
75min
2
Takachiho Gorge-高千穂峡
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
3
Kunimigaoka Observatory-国見ヶ丘展望台
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
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 – Kumamoto🔒
Start:Aso(阿蘇)
Finish:Kumamoto(熊本)
Mileage:70km
Travel Pace: Relaxed
The driving distance on this day is only about 70km, so you can enjoy sightseeing at your leisure.
1
Inn in Aso
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:00
On this day you will travel from Aso to Kumamoto. It’s okay to leave late around 10:00am if you have visited Mt. Aso the day before.
15min
2
Mt.Aso(Kusasenri)
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:15
The first stop is 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. We also recommend visiting the Aso Volcano Museum.
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.
Information on restrictions for the Aso Volcano Center
75min
3
Kumamoto Castle
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
13:00
Then head to Kumamoto Castle. After parking your car in the parking lot of Kumamoto Castle, enjoy lunch at Sakuranobaba Johsaien Castle Town, a shopping street with the theme of the Edo period (1603-1868).
Afterward, you will walk to Kumamoto Castle. Kumamoto Castle is famous for its Uto yagura (turret) and huge Ishigaki (stone walls) that have remained since the Edo period. The 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake destroyed these huge stone walls, and Kumamoto Castle was in danger of collapsing. However, thanks to the desperate efforts of the people, restoration is now progressing, and you can visit the castle with peace of mind.
20min
4
Suizenji Garden
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
15:50
Next, you will head to Suizenji Garden. In the garden where Aso’s subterranean water springs quietly, you can stroll through the elegantly beautiful Japanese garden while looking at the pond, Tsukiyama, pine trees, etc. From the end of March to the beginning of April, cherry blossoms bloom along the promenade, and many people come to see the cherry blossoms.
20min
5
Inn in Kumamoto
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you bookedWhat is MAPCODE?
17:15
Please spend a relaxing night in Kumamoto.
If time permits, Kikuchi Gorge is also recommended. The water flowing through this valley creates waterfalls of various sizes, and the varied scenery is spectacular. Especially in autumn, the colored leaves that shine in the stream (late October to late November) are wonderful, and in spring you can enjoy the fresh greenery.
The Okoshiki Coast Observatory is also recommended. The tidal range is extreme here, and the crescent-shaped pattern created by the wind and waves is a spectacular sight. The setting sun is also wonderful here, and you can enjoy the combination of the beautiful beach and the setting sun. It is said that sunset and low tide often overlap from January to April.
You can check parking MAPCODE in Driving Map.
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.
Kumamoto is the 3rd biggest city in Kyushu. The inns are concentrated south on the southeast side of Kumamoto Castle. It is better not to stay around Kumamoto Station due to a few restaurants for dinner.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 4-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.
Kumamoto – Fukuoka🔒
Start: Kumamoto(熊本)
Finish: Fukuoka(福岡)
Mileage:150km
Travel Pace: Normal
On this day, we will return to Fukuoka from Kumamoto.
The driving distance is about 150 km. The second half of the trip will be on the expressway for about 50 km.
1
Inn in Kumamoto
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
9:00
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.
10min
2
Kumamoto Castle-熊本城
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
20min
3
Suizenji Jojuen Garden-水前寺成趣園
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
70min
4
Ganso Motoyoshiya-元祖本吉屋
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
13:20
Yanagawa is famous for its eels. Among them, Motoyoshiya has been in business for 300 years and serves the best eels. There is also a cheap and tasty udon restaurant nearby, which is also recommended.
5min
5
Ohana Shotoen-御花・松涛園
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
14:30
Ohana Shotoen is a former domain lord’s residence and a splendid garden that has been selected as a national place of scenic beauty.
60min
6
Yame Chuo Tea garden-ハ女中央大茶園 展望所
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
16:30
The last highlight of the day was the Yame Chuo Tea garden. This area is the production area of “Yame-cha”, one of the finest teas in Japan. This is an observatory from which you can look out over the vast tea fields as far as the eye can see. This is a spot that cannot be reached by public transportation or even by bus tours, but only by a road trip.
From here, let’s take the expressway (E3) to Fukuoka. It is about 50 km, or 1 hour and 10 minutes.
70min
7
Rental car branch at Fukuoka airport or Hakata Station
Parking MAPCODE:
Please refer driving mapWhat is MAPCODE?
18:00
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.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
Fukuoka is the biggest city in Kyushu and the gateway of Kyushu Travel. It takes 15 min 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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What is DJ Travel Kit?
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our expertly designed travel kit, perfect for uncovering Japan’s hidden treasures! Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or driving in Japan for the first time, this kit guarantees a seamless mix of excitement, culture, and relaxation.
What’s Inside:
Why Choose Our Travel Kit?
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Kit 1: Day-by-day Driving Map
Plan your perfect road trip day-by-day with our Google Maps-based driving maps. Each day’s itinerary, such as “Day.1 Tokyo to Hakone,” is packed with curated routes featuring 15-20 sightseeing spots and restaurants along the way, each pinpointed with a MAPCODE(Kit 2).
Sample Day-by-day Driving Map(Tokyo – Hakone)
- Scenic Routes:
We designed for scenic drives, not just the shortest path, ensuring a memorable journey. - Flexibility:
Spend your time only on your preferred tourist spots and dining venues. - Safety First:
Routes are optimized for appropriate driving distances, avoiding risky roads for a secure road trip. - Find Hidden Gems:
Discover spots Google misses or public transport can’t reach.- Example: Ukiha Inari Shrine
This photogenic shrine is located along the route from Fukuoka to Yufuin, and within 20 minutes you can have the wonderful scenery all to yourself. Few Japanese, let alone foreigners, know about it, and its inconvenient location makes it difficult to visit except by car.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9ENmDp69E6V7V3B49
Drive Japan day-by-day driving map will introduce you the these hidden gems everyday and make your road trip more wonderful experience!
- Example: Ukiha Inari Shrine
Kit 2: Parking MAPCODE
Tired of hunting for parking? Enter MAPCODE instead of addresses in your car’s navigation system! It lead you straight to the most convenient parking at each tourist hotspot, ensuring you spend less time circling and more time adventuring.
- Accurate Navigation:
With MAPCODE, you’re guided straight to the parking spots, not to the middle of a lake or inside a garden! For road trippers visiting 5-6 destinations each day, accurate parking guidance is crucial to make the most of your journey. - Time is Money:
Why waste precious travel time searching for parking or researching routes? International travel is an investment, costing an average of USD 16 per person per hour. For a group of three on a 7-day trip, that’s over 10 hours lost to parking hunts alone. Let MAPCODE streamline your travels, so you can focus on what truly matters—enjoying your adventure!
Kit 3: Restaurant List
Explore curated restaurant lists for each town you stay in, featuring recommended dining options.
Sample Restaurant List(Asahikawa)
- Local Cuisine:
Taste regional specialties and must-try dishes at our handpicked spots. We do not accept advertising fees from restaurants. Our selected restaurants are chosen solely based on their appeal and our firsthand experience. - Convenience:
Easily access Google Maps links for each restaurant, allowing quick checks on photos and operating hours. - Practical Advice:
Provides things you should know about dinner in the town you’re staying in, such as “towns with few restaurants” and “towns with very fast last orders by ordinance.”
Car Booking
Rental Car Booking
Please rent a car with below “Rentalcars.com” link.
- The abundant number of rental cars
- Price comparisons with several major car rental companies
- Free cancellation
Pick-up & Drop-off Location Guide
- Fukuoka Airport
The main international airport in Kyushu. Recommended for Pick-up.
If you arrive after 14:00, consider staying overnight in Fukuoka City and departing the next morning.
It takes 5-20min to Hakata station by metro or bus. - Fukuoka City
The biggest and gateway city in Kyushu. Most car rental shops are located around Hakata Station.
Important reminder for renting a car
- GPS(Car Navigation System)
MAPCODE from Drive Japan navigates you precisely to the parking lot. GPS from major car rental companies(Nippon, ORIX, Nissan, Times) are always MAPCODE compatible. However, if you are renting a car from another company, we recommend that you check with the rental company after making a reservation, just to be sure. - One-way Rental
You can rent at Fukuoka Airport and return to Fukuoka city, and vice versa. Normally, the one-way charge is free of charge. - Child Seat
In Japan, the use of a child safety seat or baby seat is mandatory for children under 5 years old.
Be sure to request one from “Extras”. - Snow Tire
Kyushu rarely gets much snow, even in winter. However, if you drive around Aso from December to February, recommend requesting it.