10-Day Kyushu Japan Road Trip Itinerary
Destination & Trip Theme
Destination: Kyushu, Japan (Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Saga, Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Oita) Theme: Scenic coastal driving, onsen hot springs, volcanic landscapes, local food experience
Recommended Duration
10 days / 2 weeks - Perfect pacing to cover all major highlights of Kyushu without rushing. Add 2-3 extra days if you want to relax longer at onsen resorts.
Budget Estimate (Per Person, Japanese Yen)
- Budget: ¥110,000 - ¥160,000 (~$750 - $1,100 USD)
- Mid-range: ¥160,000 - ¥240,000 (~$1,100 - $1,650 USD)
- Luxury: ¥240,000+ (~$1,650+ USD)
Breakdown:
- Car rental (10 days with insurance): ¥30,000-¥45,000
- Fuel/tolls: ~¥10,000 total (Kyushu is compact, driving distances are moderate)
- Accommodation: ¥5,000-¥12,000/night (business hotels, budget ryokan)
- Food: ¥3,000-¥6,000/day (tons of amazing cheap eats - ramen, tonkotsu, sushi)
- Activities/attractions: ¥15,000-¥20,000 total (onsen, entrance fees, boat trips)
- Expressway tolls: ~¥5,000 total
Transportation & Arrival Tips
Entry Points
- Recommended start: Fukuoka Airport (international flights available, excellent car rental facilities)
- Most international travelers fly into Tokyo then take Shinkansen to Fukuoka - this adds ~5 hours travel but you get to see more of Japan.
Driving Tips
- Car type: Standard compact car is fine for Kyushu roads. 4WD not needed unless visiting high mountain areas in winter.
- Toll roads: Most major highways are tolled - get an ETC card through your rental car company for faster travel.
- Parking: City center parking can be tight and expensive - use hotel parking or city garages.
- Speed limits: 60-80 km/h on national roads, 100-120 km/h on expressways.
- Winter driving (Dec-Feb): Carry chains if going to higher elevations in Aso or Kirishima.
- Navigation: Google Maps works perfectly in Japan, offline maps recommended for rural areas.
Must-See Highlights by Day
Days 1-2: Fukuoka
- Arrive at Fukuoka Airport, pick up rental car
- Walk through Ohori Park and Fukuoka Castle Ruins
- Explore Nakasu entertainment district for evening food crawl
- Must-eat: Tonkotsu ramen at a local yatai street stall, mentaiko everything
- Stay overnight in Fukuoka city center
Days 3: Fukuoka → Kumamoto
- Drive south to Kumamoto ( ~1.5 hours)
- Visit Kumamoto Castle (reopened after 2016 earthquake restoration)
- Walk around Suizenji Garden for traditional Japanese landscape
- Try: Basashi (raw horse meat) - local specialty if you're adventurous
- Overnight in Kumamoto
Days 4: Kumamoto → Nagasaki
- Drive west to Nagasaki (~2 hours)
- Explore Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum - powerful historical experience
- Walk through Nagasaki Chinatown for great Chinese-Japanese fusion food
- Visit Glover Garden for colonial-era architecture and harbor views
- Try: Nagasaki champon noodles
- Overnight in Nagasaki
Days 5: Nagasaki → Kagoshima
- Drive south along the western coast (~3.5 hours) - beautiful coastal views the whole way
- Stop at sandy beaches along the coast for photo breaks
- Arrive in Kagoshima, dinner with views of Sakurajima volcano
- Try: Kagoshima kurobuta pork
- Overnight in Kagoshima
Days 6: Kagoshima & Sakurajima
- Ferry across to Sakurajima volcano
- Drive around the island, hike to viewpoints for close-up volcano views
- Visit the lava field museum and onsen with black sand
- Back to Kagoshima for overnight
Days 7: Kagoshima → Miyazaki → Aso
- Drive north through Miyazaki (~3 hours)
- Stop at Aoshima Island and the fascinating "devil's waffle" rock formations
- Continue to Mount Aso (~2 hours from Miyazaki)
- Drive around the massive caldera, visit the active crater viewpoint (check activity level before going)
- Stay at an onsen resort near Aso
Days 8: Aso → Beppu
- Drive north to Beppu (~2 hours)
- Explore the famous Beppu "hells" (jigoku) - colorful hot springs pools for viewing, not bathing
- Choose a resort hotel with your own private onsen for ultimate relaxation
- Try: Beppu onsen egg (soft boiled eggs cooked in hot spring water)
- Overnight in Beppu
Days 9: Beppu → Fukuoka Area
- Drive back to Fukuoka area (~2.5 hours)
- Optional detour to Yufuin for cute town strolling and lake views
- Last-minute souvenir shopping - buy matcha, yame tea, or local snacks
- Final onsen stop before returning car
Day 10: Departure
- Return rental car at Fukuoka Airport
- Depart from Fukuoka or take Shinkansen onward to other Japanese destinations
Local Customs & What to Avoid
Do's
- Try everything: Kyushu has some of Japan's best regional food - don't stick to Tokyo chain restaurants
- Remove shoes: Always remove shoes when entering ryokan and traditional inns
- Cash is still king: Many small family-run restaurants and onsen don't accept cards
- Onsen etiquette: Wash your body completely before getting into the hot tub
- Book ahead: Popular ryokan and onsen resorts fill up months ahead especially on weekends
Don'ts & Warnings
- Don't rush: Kyushu is about slow travel and relaxation - don't try to cram too much in
- Volcano safety: Pay attention to warnings about Sakurajima volcanic activity - it can erupt suddenly
- Don't swim in the "hells" in Beppu: They're for viewing only, water is extremely hot and acidic
- Avoid driving in central Fukuoka during rush hour: Parking is expensive and traffic is heavy
- Don't forget tolls: Budget extra for expressway tolls if you're driving between cities
Visa & Travel Tips
Visa Requirements
- Most Western passport holders (US, Canada, EU, Australia, NZ) get visa-free entry for up to 90 days
- Check Japan's latest entry requirements before traveling - rules can change
General Tips
- Best time to go: Spring (March-April) for cherry blossoms, autumn (October-November) for fall colors. Summer is hot and humid, winter is mild but can be cold in the mountains.
- Currency: Japan Yen (JPY) - withdraw cash from 7-Eleven ATMs they accept most foreign cards.
- Accommodation: Book ryokan stays in advance especially during peak season. Many include dinner and breakfast in the price.
- Rent a car: You need an international driving permit - get this in your home country before arriving.
- Mobile data: Get a portable WiFi device or local SIM card upon arrival - rural areas can have spotty coverage.
- Language: Few people speak fluent English outside major hotels - download Google Translate offline pack for Japanese.
Image Credit
Based on 2025 real traveler experience, updated for current road conditions and opening hours