A comprehensive 14-day road trip itinerary exploring Kyushu's volcanic landscapes, historic cities, world-class onsen towns, and ending with two days in Tokyo.
Trip Highlights
Mustafa Furniturewala
Travel Itinerary
At a Glance
- • Road trip through 1,100km of scenic Kyushu landscapes
- • Traditional ryokan experiences with kaiseki dining
- • World-class onsen towns: Yufuin and Beppu
- • Historic Nagasaki and volcanic Mt. Aso
- • Mystical Takachiho Gorge boat experience
Trip Overview
This itinerary covers a 14-day journey starting with a road trip through Kyushu (Japan’s southernmost main island) followed by two days in Tokyo. The route covers approximately 1,100km of driving through volcanic landscapes, historic cities, and some of Japan’s finest onsen destinations.
Cities Visited: Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Takachiho, Kagoshima, Yufuin, Beppu, Tokyo
Best Time to Visit: December offers mild weather in Kyushu, fewer tourists, and beautiful winter illuminations. Spring (March-April) for cherry blossoms or autumn (October-November) for fall colors are equally spectacular.
Day 1: Arrival in Fukuoka
Travel Day: International Flight → Fukuoka
Arrive at Fukuoka Airport (via Tokyo connection) in the evening. Fukuoka is the gateway to Kyushu and Japan’s sixth-largest city.
Where to Stay: Near Hakata Station or along the waterfront for easy access to attractions and food stalls.
Tips:
- Consider arriving a day early to recover from jet lag
- Fukuoka is compact and easily navigable by subway
Day 2: Explore Fukuoka City
Morning
- REC Coffee - One of Fukuoka’s best specialty coffee roasters
- Hakata Old Town walking tour - Historic district with traditional architecture
- Kushida Shrine - 757 AD shrine, home of the famous Yamakasa festival
- Canal City Hakata - Modern shopping complex with unique architecture
Afternoon & Evening
- Nanzoin Temple - Home to the world’s largest bronze reclining Buddha
- Ichiran Honten - The birthplace of Ichiran ramen chain (expect lines, worth it)
- Yatai Food Stalls at Nakasu - Iconic outdoor food stalls along the river
Must-Try Foods:
- Hakata tonkotsu ramen
- Mentaiko (spicy cod roe) - Fukuoka’s specialty
- Yatai stall street food
Tip: Pick up your rental car this evening for use starting the next day.
Day 3: Dazaifu & Drive to Nagasaki
Morning
- Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (40 min drive from Fukuoka) - Dedicated to the god of learning, stunning architecture and surrounding streets with umegae mochi shops
Afternoon
- Drive to Nagasaki (~1.5 hours from Dazaifu)
- Dejima - Historic Dutch trading post, the only place where Japan traded with the West during isolation
- Glover Garden - Western-style mansions with panoramic harbor views, especially beautiful at sunset
Where to Stay: Mt. Unzen area or central Nagasaki
Driving Distance: ~100 km
Day 4: Nagasaki City Exploration
Morning
- Nagasaki Peace Park & Atomic Bomb Museum - Moving memorial to the 1945 atomic bombing
- Walk along Nakashima River - Scenic area with historic bridges
Afternoon & Evening
- Nagasaki Chinatown - Japan’s oldest Chinatown, try champon noodles at Shikairo
- Oura Cathedral - Japan’s oldest church, UNESCO World Heritage site
- Mt. Inasa Ropeway - One of Japan’s top 3 night views
Must-Try Foods:
- Nagasaki champon (noodle soup)
- Castella cake at Bunmeido - Makes an excellent souvenir
Lunch Option: Musigamaya in Obama (30 min drive) - Hot spring steamed seafood, walk-in OK
Day 5: Nagasaki → Kumamoto
Morning
- Scenic drive to Kumamoto (~2 hours, 100 km)
Afternoon
- Kumamoto Castle - One of Japan’s finest castles, currently undergoing reconstruction after the 2016 earthquake (exterior viewing is excellent)
- Suizenji Jojuen Garden - Stunning Edo-period garden representing the 53 stations of the Tokaido road
Where to Stay: Central Kumamoto, near the castle
Local Specialty: Basashi (horse sashimi) - An acquired taste but very popular locally
Evening: Stroll through Shimotori shopping arcade
Day 6: Kumamoto → Mt. Aso → Takachiho
Morning
- Mt. Aso - One of the world’s largest active volcanic calderas
- Aso Crater (ropeway access, weather permitting)
- Daikanbo Viewpoint - Panoramic views of the entire caldera
- Imakin Shokudo - Famous for Akaushi (red beef) bowls, expect lines
Afternoon
- Continue to Takachiho (~1.5 hours through mountains)
- Takachiho Shrine - Ancient shrine in a cedar grove
- Walk around Takachiho Gorge area (viewing)
Evening
- Traditional kaiseki dinner at ryokan
- Optional: Yokagura Dance performance at Takachiho Shrine (traditional night ritual)
Where to Stay: Traditional ryokan in Takachiho
Driving Distance: ~120 km through mountain roads
Winter Warning: Check weather conditions - roads can be affected by snow/ice
Day 7: Takachiho → Kagoshima
Morning
- Takachiho Gorge Boat Rental - 30-minute paddle through the stunning gorge with 17m waterfalls (book in advance, arrive early)
- This is a must-do highlight of the entire trip
Afternoon
- Long scenic drive to Kagoshima (~3.5 hours, 180 km)
- Tenmonkan Shopping District - Kagoshima’s main shopping and entertainment area
- Try Shirokuma shaved ice at Tenmonkan Mujaki - famous local dessert
Where to Stay: Central Kagoshima with views of Sakurajima volcano
Driving Distance: ~180 km (longest drive day)
Day 8: Kagoshima Day Trip to Sakurajima
Morning
- Sakurajima Ferry (15 min, runs every 15 minutes)
- Explore the active volcano island:
- Yunohira Observatory - Get as close as safely possible to the crater
- Lava fields and buried shrine gate
Afternoon
- Return to Kagoshima
- Sengan-en Garden - UNESCO World Heritage site with Sakurajima views
- Explore the city
Must-Try Foods:
- Kurobuta (black pork) - Kagoshima’s famous pork
- Satsuma-age (fried fish cake)
Dinner Recommendation: Kumasotei - Traditional Kagoshima cuisine
Day 9: Kagoshima → Yufuin
Morning
- Long drive north to Yufuin (~3 hours, 155 km)
- Stop for lunch along the way
Afternoon
- Arrive at Yufuin and check into luxury ryokan
- Private onsen in your room - begin your relaxation
- Traditional kaiseki dinner included
Where to Stay: Yufuin luxury ryokan (book well in advance, minimum 2-3 nights recommended)
This is the relaxation portion of the trip - world-class ryokans with private hot springs.
Day 10: Yufuin Onsen Experience
Morning
- Leisurely breakfast at ryokan
- Kinrin Lake morning walk - Famous for morning mist rising from the hot spring-fed lake
- Yufuin Main Street - Charming boutiques and cafes
- B-Speak Roll Cake - Opens 10am, often sells out by noon
Afternoon
- Yufuin Floral Village - Whimsical English-style village
- Return to ryokan for more onsen time
- Kaiseki dinner
Tip: This is a no-driving day - maximize relaxation and onsen time.
Day 11: Yufuin + Beppu Day Trip
Morning
- Drive to Beppu (~30 min)
- Beppu “Seven Hells” (Jigoku) tour - Colorful hot springs:
- Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) - Cobalt blue
- Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell) - Red
- Plus 5 more unique geothermal sites
Afternoon
- Jigoku Mushi - Steam-cooked food using natural hot spring steam (unique experience)
- Optional: Takegawara Onsen - Famous sand bath experience
- Return to Yufuin for final ryokan evening
Round Trip Distance: ~60 km
Day 12: Yufuin → Fukuoka → Tokyo (Shinkansen)
Morning
- Check out from ryokan
- Drive to Fukuoka (~1.5 hours)
- Return rental car by 11:00 AM
Afternoon
- Shinkansen from Hakata Station to Tokyo (4.5-5 hours)
- One of the world’s great train journeys
Evening
- Arrive Tokyo, check into hotel in Shinjuku
- Dinner in the hotel or nearby
Where to Stay: Shinjuku area - excellent central location for final days
Day 13: Tokyo Exploration
Morning Options (choose based on interests)
- Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa - Tokyo’s oldest temple
- Meiji Shrine & Harajuku - Peaceful shrine followed by pop culture
- TeamLab Planets - Immersive digital art museum (book tickets in advance!)
Afternoon
- Shibuya Crossing - World’s busiest intersection
- Explore neighborhoods: Shibuya, Harajuku, or Shinjuku
- Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower for city views
Evening
- Dinner at a local restaurant
- Shinjuku nightlife or quiet evening
Tip: Get a Suica or Pasmo card for easy subway travel
Day 14: Departure
Morning
- Final breakfast in Tokyo
- Last-minute shopping or sightseeing
- Head to Narita Airport via Narita Express (~60-90 minutes)
Tip: Arrive at airport 3 hours early for international flights. Narita has excellent shopping for last-minute souvenirs.
Trip Summary
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Total Days | 14 days |
| Total Driving | ~1,100 km through Kyushu |
| Rental Car | 10 days (Fukuoka pickup/return) |
| Train | Shinkansen Hakata → Tokyo |
| Accommodations | Mix of hotels and traditional ryokans |
| Best For | Food lovers, onsen enthusiasts, cultural explorers |
Practical Tips
Driving in Japan
- Get an International Driving Permit before your trip
- Rental cars typically include GPS with English option
- Highways use toll roads (ETC card recommended)
- Drive on the left side of the road
- Gas stations are full-service
Onsen Etiquette
- Shower thoroughly before entering the bath
- No swimsuits in traditional onsen
- Tattoos may be an issue at some public baths (ryokan private baths are fine)
- Small towel can be placed on your head, never in the water
Dining
- Many restaurants don’t take reservations for foreigners directly - ask your hotel to book
- Lunch is often cheaper than dinner at the same restaurant
- Learn basic Japanese food vocabulary
Money
- Japan is still largely cash-based outside major cities
- 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards
- Credit cards accepted at hotels and larger restaurants
Connectivity
- Pocket WiFi rental or eSIM recommended
- Order before arrival for airport pickup
Must-Do Highlights
- Takachiho Gorge boat ride - Truly magical experience
- Yufuin luxury ryokan - World-class hospitality and onsen
- Beppu Seven Hells - Unique geothermal wonders
- Nagasaki night view from Mt. Inasa - Top 3 in Japan
- Hakata yatai food stalls - Quintessential Fukuoka experience
- Sakurajima volcano - See an active volcano up close
- Kumamoto Castle - Even under reconstruction, impressive