Summary
- Start
Fukuoka Airport or Hakata Station - Finish
Fukuoka Airport or Hakata Station - Mileage
Total 590km
150km per day - Travel Pace
Normal - Onsen Stay
Max.1 nights - Recommended Seasons
All year round
This itinerary takes 4 days to circle northwest Kyushu. Due to standard mileage, 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.
Fukuoka – Kumamoto(Sample)
Start: Fukuoka(福岡)
Finish:Kumamoto(熊本)
Mileage:150km
Travel Pace: Normal
On this day, you will head from Fukuoka to Kumamoto.
1
Rental car branch at Fukuoka airport or Hakata Station
Parking MAPCODE:
9:00
If your departure time is late, such as 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.
70min
3
Yame Chuo Tea garden-ハ女中央大茶園 展望所
Parking MAPCODE:
37 267 224*20What is MAPCODE?
12:15
This area is the production area of “Yame-cha”, one of the finest teas in Japan. “Yame Chuo Tea garden” 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.
60min
4
Ganso Motoyoshiya-元祖本吉屋
Parking MAPCODE:
69 874 678*52What is MAPCODE?
13:15
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:
69 843 570What 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.
If you still have time, a 70-minute canal boat tour called “Ohori Meguri” is also recommended.
80min
6
Inn in Kumamoto
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
16:45
The last entry to Kumamoto Castle is at 16:30, so you will not make it on this day. Let’s visit tomorrow.
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 – Nagasaki🔒
Start: Kumamoto(熊本)
Finish: Nagasaki(長崎)
Mileage:110km
Travel Pace: Normal
On this day, you will head from Kumamoto to Nagasaki.
The distance traveled is only about 110 km, but you need to be careful with the schedule as you will be traveling by car ferry from Kumamoto Port to Shimabara Port.
1
Inn in Kumamoto
2
Kumamoto Castle-熊本城
Parking MAPCODE:
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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:
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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.
40min
4
Kumamoto Ferry
Parking MAPCODE:
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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.
Kumamoto Ferry | Kyusho Ferry | |
Fare | JPY3,980 | JPY3,690 |
Cruise time | 30min | 60min |
Departure Time | 13:00 | 12:25 or 13:40 |
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:
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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:
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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.
70min
7
Mt.Inasayama observatory-稲佐山展望台
Parking MAPCODE:
Please refer driving mapWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
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.
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.
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.
1
Inn in Nagasaki
Parking MAPCODE:
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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:
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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.
15min
3
Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum-長崎原爆資料館
Parking MAPCODE:
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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:
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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.
5
Saikaibashi Bridge-西海橋
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
6
Ishidake Observatory-石岳展望台
Parking MAPCODE:
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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.
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?
7
Inn in Ureshino Onsen or Takeo 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 and Takeo.
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.
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.
1
Inn in Ureshino Onsen
Parking MAPCODE:
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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:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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:
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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:
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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:
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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.
60min
6
Sakurai Futamigaura Couple Rock-桜井二見ヶ浦の夫婦岩
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
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.
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 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.
Unlock MAPCODE & Maps
We provide “Travel Kit” to make your journey much more attractive.
- Get “Hidden Gems” info along this itinerary
- Maximize travel time by parking MAPCODE for all spots
- Discover local delicacies with Restaurants List
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.