Kyushu 12 Days Itinerary-B

９：００
The driving distance planned for this day is 130km, which is a relatively relaxing drive. However, 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 Nanzoin Temple, home to the huge reclining Buddha statue, which is 41m long, 11m high, and weighs 300 tons, making it one of the largest bronze statues in the world.

１１：３０
Next, you will visit Miyajidake Shrine, which has a beautiful view all the way to the sea.

Also, here are the three largest ones in Japan, so be sure to enjoy them as well.
1) A large Shimenawa(a sacred Shinto rope of rice straw) with a diameter of 2.6 meters, a length of 11 meters, and a weight of 3 tons.
2) Large drum with a diameter of 2.2 meters
3) A large copper bell weighing 450 kg

１３：３０
The next stop, Mojiko Retro, is a long way away, so please use the expressway (E3). This area is lined with old Western-style buildings, including the former Mitsui Club, where Einstein stayed, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery. For lunch, Mojiko’s famous grilled curry(Yaki curry-焼きカレー) is recommended.

１５：３０

The highlight of the day is Mojiko Port and Shimonoseki, located across the Kanmon Strait. Please head to [Mekari Daini Observatory] on the Mojiko Port side. Unknown to most travelers, this observation deck, accessible only by car, is the best spot to view the Kanmon Bridge and the Kanmon Straits!

If you have time after checking in to the hotel, one option is to go to Mt. Sarakurayama Observatory. You can enjoy a wonderful night view overlooking Kitakyushu. However, please note that it is a little far away and takes 30 minutes from Mojiko by expressway.

９：００
The distance covered on this day is 190km, which is a bit of a long drive, so please use the expressway as much as possible.

１０：００
The first destination of the day is ”Akiyoshido Limestone Cave”. There aren’t many sightseeing spots up to this point, so please use the expressway (E2A).

At Akiyoshido, you have several walking options, but we recommend entering from the Kurotani Entrance and walking to the Akiyoshido Exit. There is a visitor center about 300 meters further from Akiyoshido Exit, so we recommend taking a taxi from the taxi stand next to it to return to the parking lot near Kurotani Entrance. Of course, if you want to go around the cave, you can walk back to the Kurotani Entrance.

１１：４０
Next, you will head to Chojagamori parking lot. This area is known as the Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau. Drive slowly and enjoy the scenery. We especially recommend the approximately 3km road from Akiyoshido to Chojagamori parking lot.

１２：４０
Next, you will head to “Roadside Station Senza Kitchen” located at the entrance of Omi Island. This is a large roadside station, and the Omi Island sightseeing boat departs from here. If you don’t have time, you can enjoy lunch here, but if you have time, we recommend lunch at the next Senjojiki Country Kitchen.

１３：４０
Next, enjoy lunch at ”Senjojiki Country Kitchen”. If the weather is nice, we recommend having lunch on the terrace while looking out at the Sea of Japan.

１４：３０

After enjoying lunch, head to ”Motonosumi Inari Shrine”, where many vermilion torii gates line up facing the sea. It is a popular spot that looks great on SNS.

１６：００
The next destination is “Tsunoshima Ohashi Bridge“, which has also become famous on social media. This bridge, with its white sandy beach and cobalt blue ocean in the background, is a must-see as often seen in TV commercials.

１７：００

The last stop of the day is “Fukutoku Inari Shrine“. A shrine known for its vermilion large torii gate and 1,000 torii gates. From the hill, you can see the sea and surrounding islands.
(This shrine has strict rules for taking photos, so please be careful not to take photos from the front of the shrine or with your back to the shrine.)

If you have time after checking in to the hotel, one option is to go to Mt. Sarakurayama Observatory. You can enjoy a wonderful night view overlooking Kitakyushu. However, please note that it is a little far away and takes 30min from Shimonoseki by expressway.

８：００
You can have breakfast at the hotel, but we recommend having it at Karato Market. Some restaurants in the market open from 6 am.

８：１０
The first destination for the day is “Karato Market & Kamon Wharf”. Kamon Wharf, located next to the fish market named Karato Market, serves delicious dishes made with fresh fish. Especially recommended is the famous “Fugu (Pufferfish)” from Shimonoseki.

９：４０
Next, you will head to Hiraodai, which is one of Japan’s most representative karst plateaus, with many scattered pieces of pure white limestone reminiscent of a flock of sheep playing in a grassy field, and has been designated as a natural monument along with underground limestone caves.

However, most of the stores in Yufuin and Beppu Hell close at 5:00 p.m., so if you are in a hurry, you can consider skipping Hiraodai.

１１：００

Next, you will head to Chicken House Nakatsu main store for early lunch which is one of the most well-known Karaage restaurant in Nakatsu city.

Nakatsu is the most famous town in Japan for its “Karaage (Japanese style fried chicken)”, and there is an episode about KFC, which twice expanded into the area but had to pull out due to lack of sales growth.
You can check MAPCODE for recommended local Karaage shops on the day-by-day Driving Map.

１２：４５
Once you arrive in Yufuin, we recommend strolling along the Yufuin Yunotsubo Kaido (Yufuin Yunotsubo Avenue), 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 2:30 p.m. at the latest.

１４：３０

“Beppu Jigoku Hells” symbolizes onsen town Beppu, where hot water of various colors boils over! The seven hells are divided into two main areas as follows, about 3 km or 10 minutes by car. Five of the seven hells are within walking distance.
Each area can be explored on foot.
Be aware that all Jigoku closes at 17:00.

Kannawa District(5 Jigokus)

There is big free parking at Umi Jigoku. You can park there and visit 5 Jigoku on foot.

●Umi Jigoku-海地獄
Time required: 30 min
●Oniishibozu Jigoku‐鬼石坊主地獄
Time required:15 min
●Kamado Jigoku‐かまど地獄
Time required: 20 min
10min walking from Umi Jigoku or MC: 46 522 481.
●Oniyama Jigoku-鬼山地獄
Time required: 10 min
●Shiraike Jigoku‐白池地獄
Time required: 10 min

Shibaseki District(2 Jigokus)

You can park at Chinoike Jigoku. Tatsumaki Jigoku is located right next door and you can visit on foot.

●Chinoike Jigoku-血の池地獄
Time required: 15 min
●Tatsumaki Jigoku-龍巻地獄
Time required: It is a geyser that erupts once every 30 to 40 minutes. This means that you will have to wait up to 40 minutes.

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).

１０：００
You can leave slowly today.

１０：２０
First, let’s head to the Shiroyama Park Observatory.
This is the most Kagoshima-like place with a panoramic view of the city of Kagoshima and Sakurajima.

１１：００
Afterward, visit Senganen Garden, another one of Kagoshima’s most popular tourist attractions. It is the residence of the Shimazu family, which contributed greatly to the modernization of Japan, and from the garden, you can enjoy a majestic view of Sakurajima, an active volcano.

１２：４０
After that, you will take another highlight of Kagoshima, the “Sakurajima Ferry”, to Sakurajima.
From “Kagoshima Ferry Terminal” to “Sakurajima Ferry Terminal”, you can enjoy a 15-minute cruise while viewing Sakurajima. During the daytime, the ferry runs almost every 15 minutes, and reservations are not required. The standing udon noodles on board are also famous.

１３：３０

When you arrive at Sakurajima, head for the restaurant of the day.
The restaurant “Okan” is owned by a fisherman and serves only the freshest Kanpachi(greater amberjack). The sashimi, boiled fish, and grilled fish are truly exquisite, and some customers even eat two meals by themselves.

１５：００
After lunch, you will drive north along Kagoshima Bay.
Tsubobatake produces black vinegar using a traditional method that has been in use for over 200 years. Tsubobatake means “field of pots,” and hundreds of pots of black vinegar are lined up like a farm.

１６：００
Driving further north, you will find Kokubu Shiroyama Park. It is an excellent photo spot with a view of Kirishima City, Kagoshima Bay, and Sakurajima, which rises in the background, as well as beautiful sunsets.
There are no attractions from here to the city of Kagoshima, so we recommend taking the expressway.

Let’s go back to the same inn as yesterday.

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
The drive distance on this day is relatively short, but dolphin watching will take some time, so it’s best to leave your hotel by 9am.

９：５０

Your first destination of the day is a bit far, so head to Roadside Station Udo Marina Okoshikikan first. Please take a short break here while looking out at the sea.

１１：００

The first sightseeing spot of the day is Mt. Takabuto Observatory. This is a view spot where you can not only get a panoramic view of Unzen and Amakusa Matsushima, but also the Amakusa Gokyo Bridge that connects the islands of Amakusa.

１１：４０
Next, you will head to Fukushin for lunch, which serves seafood dishes made mainly from fresh seafood from Amakusa. Expecially, “Tokujo Nigiri(Sushi)-特上にぎり” and “Kurumaebi Tenju-車海老天重” is recommended.

１２：４０
After enjoying a delicious seafood lunch, head to Sea Cruise Dolphin Watching. Dolphin cruises can be enjoyed throughout the year, and you will cruise elegantly through the spectacular scenery of countless islands, the blue sea, and the Five Bridges.

Departure Time

• 1st 10:00
• 2nd 13:00
• 3rd 15:00

１６：００
Next you will head to Misumi West Port, a World Heritage Site with remnants of the Meiji period (1868-1912), is known as a tourist spot for its retro scenery and townscape.

１７：１０
The last stop of the day is Nagabeta Kaishoro. This place is known for its path to the sea. The Ariake Sea is the sea with the highest tidal range in Japan, and this path appears from the sea at low tide. The sunset from here is also famous.

１８：４５

Please spend a relaxing night in Kumamoto.
“Kumamoto Ramen” and “Basashi(Horse Sashimi)”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.