Kyushu 9-Day Self-Drive Tour
Explore the highlights of Kyushu with this 9-day self-drive itinerary — from Fukuoka’s lively food scene to the hot springs of Beppu and the dramatic coastlines and historical sites of Nagasaki. A balanced mix of scenic drives, cultural landmarks, and local cuisine.
Car Pick-up: Fukuoka Airport (FUK)
Car Return: Nagasaki Airport (NGS)
Day 1: Arrive at Fukuoka Airport — pick up rental car
Hotel Nikko Fukuoka
Places to Visit
Dazaifu Tenmangu (Dazaifu)
Dedicated to the scholar Sugawara no Michizane, Dazaifu Tenmangu is the head shrine of some 12,000 Tenmangu shrines across Japan. Visitors come to pray for academic success and to enjoy the shrine grounds, which include about 6,000 plum trees.
Recommended Eats
Nakasu Yatai Food Stalls (Fukuoka)
Experience Fukuoka’s lively yatai stalls along the Naka River. Enjoy ramen, skewers, oden and other street-food favorites while taking in neon-lit riverside views — a classic Fukuoka night out.
Day 2: Morning at hotel — drive to Beppu (approx. 150 km)
Hotel Nikko Fukuoka
Sansuikan (Hotel Sansuikan)
Places to Visit
Yanagawa Canal Boat Ride (Yanagawa)
Tour the tranquil canals on a traditional 'donko' boat. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, listen to the boatman’s tales, and soak in the historic scenery of the water town.
Places to Visit
Kannawa Onsen (Beppu)
One of Beppu’s famous hot-spring districts, recognizable by its rising steam and retro atmosphere. Discover unique onsen experiences like jigoku-mushi (steam cooking) and the historic bathways.
Recommended Eats
Fukuoka Live Squid (Ika) Specialty
Try Fukuoka’s fresh live squid — celebrated for its sweet, firm flesh. Typically served as sashimi with a variety of condiments to highlight its delicate flavor.
Day 3: Free time in Beppu — drive to Yufuin (approx. 25 km)
Sansuikan (Hotel Sansuikan)
Yufuin Kahori-no-Sato Hanamura
Places to Visit
Beppu Hell Tour (Beppu Jigoku Meguri)
Visit the seven distinctive 'hells' (onsen sources) around Beppu, each with its unique color and character — from cobalt-blue pools to steaming, dramatic displays.
Places to Visit
Yufuin Onsen (Yufuin)
A serene hot-spring town at the foot of Mt. Yufu, known for boutique shops, galleries, and peaceful ryokan stays — perfect for a relaxing stroll and scenic views.
Recommended Eats
Oita Chicken Nanban
Try the region’s famous chicken nanban — fried chicken marinated in a sweet-tart sauce and topped with creamy tartar.
Day 4: Explore Yufuin — free day
Yufuin Kahori-no-Sato Hanamura
Places to Visit
Kinrin Lake (Yufuin)
A picturesque lake known for its steam rising in the early morning due to hot springs below. Stroll the lakeside and enjoy the tranquil scenery and nearby boutique streets.
Places to Visit
Yunotsubo Street
Yunotsubo Kaido is the main shopping street of Yufuin lined with crafts, sweets, cafes and galleries — a great spot for local souvenirs and casual strolling.
Recommended Eats
Seki Saba & Seki Aji (Oita)
Renowned mackerel and horse mackerel from the Saganoseki area; prized for firm texture and rich flavor — commonly served as fresh sashimi.
Day 5: Drive from Yufuin to Takachiho (approx. 110 km)
Yufuin Kahori-no-Sato Hanamura
Takachiho Ryokan Shinsen
Places to Visit
Takachiho Gorge
A dramatic V-shaped gorge formed by lava flow and river erosion. Famous for its emerald-green waters and the 17-meter Manai Falls. Explore via walking trails or a small rental boat.
Places to Visit
Takachiho Shrine
An ancient shrine with nearly 2,000 years of history, known for nightly kagura dance performances which depict mythological tales, and for being deeply linked to Japanese mythology.
Recommended Eats
Miyazaki Chicken Nanban
Juicy fried chicken coated in a sweet-and-sour sauce and topped with a rich tartar — a beloved Miyazaki specialty.
Day 6: Drive from Takachiho to Ibusuki (approx. 290 km)
Takachiho Ryokan Shinsen
Ibusuki Hakusuikan (Sand Bath Resort)
Places to Visit
Nichinan Coast
A beautiful stretch of coastline with palm trees, dramatic rock formations and scenic drives — home to Aoshima and other seaside highlights.
Places to Visit
Ibusuki Sand Bath
Experience the unique natural sand baths where warm sand heated by geothermal steam covers your body — a rejuvenating and rare hot-spring tradition.
Recommended Eats
Kagoshima Kurobuta Pork
Enjoy the famously tender and flavorful Kurobuta (Berkshire) pork — prepared as tonkatsu, shabu-shabu or slow braises.
Day 7: Drive from Ibusuki to Hitoyoshi (approx. 140 km)
Ibusuki Hakusuikan (Sand Bath Resort)
Seiryusansui Hana-no-Sato Ayunosato
Places to Visit
Chiran Samurai Residences & Gardens (Chiran)
Explore the well-preserved samurai district and its tranquil gardens — a window into samurai-era town planning and aesthetics.
Places to Visit
Hitoyoshi Onsen (Kumamoto)
A historic onsen town on the Kuma River, known for gentle alkaline waters and a relaxing atmosphere — great for soaking after a day of driving.
Recommended Eats
Kumamoto Ramen
Try the local tonkotsu-based ramen with a distinct black garlic oil (mayu) flavor and medium-thin straight noodles — a Kyushu classic.
Day 8: Drive from Hitoyoshi to Nagasaki (approx. 280 km)
Seiryusansui Hana-no-Sato Ayunosato
Garden Terrace Nagasaki Hotel & Resort
Places to Visit
Mount Aso (Kumamoto)
One of the world’s largest calderas, Aso offers dramatic volcanic scenery and several viewpoints. Explore the grasslands, crater areas, and nearby hiking routes.
Places to Visit
Mount Inasa (Nagasaki)
Visit Mount Inasa for its renowned night view — considered one of the world’s top nightscapes. On clear evenings you can see the entire Nagasaki harbor and surrounding islands.
Recommended Eats
Nagasaki Chinatown & Champon
Explore one of Japan’s three major Chinatowns. Sample Nagasaki specialties like champon and sara udon while strolling the vibrant streets.
Day 9: Return rental car at Nagasaki Airport — depart
Places to Visit
Glover Garden (Nagasaki)
A collection of historic Western-style houses and gardens overlooking Nagasaki harbor — a symbol of the city’s international trade legacy and modernization during the Meiji era.
Recommended Eats
Nagasaki Castella
Enjoy the moist, honeyed sponge cake introduced from Portugal — a Nagasaki specialty perfect as a souvenir or sweet treat.