Kyushu 4 Days Itinerary-A

Summary

  • Start
    Fukuoka Airport or Hakata Station
  • Finish
    Fukuoka Airport or Hakata Station
  • Mileage
    Total 570km
    150km per day
  • Travel Pace
    Relaxing
  • Onsen Stay
    Max.3 nights
  • Recommended Seasons
    All year round

This itinerary takes 4 days to circle northeast Kyushu. Due to standard 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.

Recommended Itinerary

1

Rental car branch at Fukuoka airport or Hakata Station

Parking MAPCODE:

What is 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.

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, where the god of learning is enshrined

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

Tenjin-sama Avenue, the approach to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. Umegae mochi is a specialty.

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?

Soufuren Hita Yakisoba is a must-try B-Grade Gourmet

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.

Hita, where the old townscape remains

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?

The main street, Yufuin Yunotsubo Kaido, can be strolled for about 2 hours.

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.

Lake Kinrin is located at the western end of Yunotsubo Avenue

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.

Yufuin to Beppu through the foot of Mt.Yufu

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.

Umi-Jigoku(Sea Hell), one of the seven Beppu Jigoku Hells
“Blood Pond Hell” of the Beppu Hell Tour




15min

6

Inn in Yufuin or Beppu

Parking MAPCODE:

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




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.

Hitome Hakkei of Shinyabakei autumn leave: End Oct – Mid Nov
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.

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

Where to stay in Yufuin or Beppu

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 – Yufuin/Beppu🔒

Start:Yufuin/Beppu (由布院/別府)
Finish:
Yufuin/Beppu (由布院/別府)
Mileage:
70km
Travel Pace:
Relaxed

The mileage on this day is about 70km, so you can relax and enjoy the sights.

Recommended Itinerary

1

Inn in Yufuin/Beppu

Parking MAPCODE:

🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?

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




20min

2

Beppu Jigoku Meguri

Parking MAPCODE:

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9:20

Umi Jigoku which means hell of the sea

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.

Chinoike Jigoku which means Blood Pond Hell

●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.




15min

3

Lunch

Parking MAPCODE:

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12:30

Seki Aji Seki Saba known as a luxury fish

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.




15min

4

Beppu Ropeway

Parking MAPCODE:

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13:50

Beppu Ropeway where you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama

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.




20min

5

Yunotsubo Kaido

Parking MAPCODE:

🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?

15:40

The main street, Yufuin Yunotsubo Kaido, can be strolled for about 2 hours.

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.




35min

6

Inn in Yufuin/Beppu

Parking MAPCODE:

Please head to the hotel you bookedWhat is MAPCODE?

17:50

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




The following sites are recommended for travelers with children.
Harmonyland is a theme park where you can meet Sanrio characters, including the popular Hello Kitty. Adults and children alike can enjoy gorgeous live shows such as the daily parade, as well as many attractions.

Kyushu Natural Zoological Park African Safari is the only safari park in Kyushu where wild animals live freely in a vast prairie of 1.15 million square meters.

African Safari is the only safari park in Kyushu
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.

Where to stay in Yufuin or Beppu

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.

Recommended Itinerary

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.

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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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:

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Aso Panorama Line

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.

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 hidden gems and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.

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 – Fukuoka🔒

Start:Aso(阿蘇)
Finish:
Fukuoka(福岡)
Mileage:
200km
Travel Pace:
Fast

On this day, we will return to Fukuoka from Kumamoto.
The distance traveled is about 200 km. The second half of the trip will be on the expressway for about 50 km.

Recommended Itinerary

1

Inn in Aso

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.

If you want to go to [Mt.Aso], you should allow 1.5 hours to move around and visit, so we recommend leaving before 8:00 am.

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.




2

Kumamoto Castle-熊本城

Parking MAPCODE:

🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?

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.

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




80min

3

Ganso Motoyoshiya-元祖本吉屋

Parking MAPCODE:

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13:00
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.

The original Motoyoshiya. If you come to Yanagawa, you should definitely try it.




5min

4

Ohana Shotoen-御花・松涛園

Parking MAPCODE:

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14:10
Ohana Shotoen is a former domain lord’s residence with a splendid garden that has been selected as a national place of scenic beauty.

Ohana Shotoen in Yanagawa




60min

5

Yame Chuo Tea garden-ハ女中央大茶園 展望所

Parking MAPCODE:

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16:10

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.

Pairotto-Ohcha Garden. A secret and spectacular view that only road trip travelers can enjoy.




70min

6

Inn in Rental car branch at Fukuoka airport or Hakata station

Parking MAPCODE:

Please head to the rental car branchWhat is MAPCODE?

17:45
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




Driving Map For the 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.

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.

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
*Please change the location and date by yourself
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.
 
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