Japan Drive Route Guide

This day will head from Fukuoka to Kitakyushu/Shimonoseki aera. Mileage is about 120㎞ only and you can travel leisurely.
The first destination can be either "Nanzoin Big Buddha(南蔵院)" or "Miyajidake Shrine(宮地嶽神社)" where is famous for panoramic scenery with straight road extending to the sea. The highlights of the day are the Shimonoseki and Mojiko Port is located across the Kanmon Strait. It is recommended to have "Grilled Curry" at Mojiko or "Puffer fish" at Shimonoseki.
"Mojiko Port Retro Area(門司港レトロ)” is famous for it's beautiful old europiean-style buildings include "Old Moji Mitsui Club" where Einstein loved to stay. Shimonoseki is famous for "Karato Market(唐戸市場)" and "Kamon Wharf(カモンワーフ)".
Both Mojiko side and Shimonoseki side have observatory deck and the panoramic Kanmon Strait view with Kanmon Bridge is must-see.
If you have time in the night, to visit "Mt.Sarakurayama Observatory(皿倉山展望台)" is good idea. Amazing night view of Kitakyushu town is waiting for you.

This day will head from Kitakyushu/Shimonoseki to Yufuin/Beppu a nationally famous hot spring resort. Mileage is about 160㎞ and not tough.
First destination should be "Hiraodai(平尾台)" very panoramic karst plateau.
Then let's move to the "Usa Jingu Shrine(宇佐神宮)" which is founded AD725. We recommend you to take highway from Hiraodai to Usa Jingu Shrine due to no sightseeing spots. Usa area is known as the land of "Karaage(Japanese fried chicken)" originated in Japan and recommended to have it as lunch. Our daily driving map will guide you nice shop.
Highlight "Beppu Jigoku Hells(別府地獄めぐり)" is highly recommended but is closed at 17:00. If you stay in Yufuin or Beppu continuously or will return back to Fukuoka tomorrow, it would be good visit Beppu on the next day.
In addition, we recommend you different place at cherry blossom period in spring and autumn coloured leaves period with our daily driving map. It is really worth to see and please priority there.

This day is the day of between two consecutive stay in Yufuin/Beppu. You can relax this day because mileage is about 100km only and you need not to pack your luggage too.
If you haven't visit "Beppu Jigoku Hells(べっぷ地獄めぐり)" and "Yufuin Yunotsubo street(由布院湯の坪街道)", its are first priority.
Another recommendation is "Kitsuki Castle Town(杵築城下町)". It is unknown small castle town with old Samurai houses and less foreign tourist.
If you have children in your group, "African Safari(アフリカンサファリ)" the zoo where you can drive by yourself inside of safari area, "Harmony Land(ハーモニーランド)" the theme park of Hello Kitty and "Takasaki Monkey Park(高崎山自然動物園)" park of wild monkies are recommended.
If you travel in Spring o Autumn, you can enjoy amazing chery blossoms and autumn coloured leaves from "Beppu Ropeway(別府ロープウェイ)".

This day will head from Yufuin/Beppu to Aso. Mileage is 140㎞ only. However, this day has many attractions and it is recommended to start 8:00～9:00 if you don't lile huried travel.
The first destination is "Kokonoe Suspension Bridge(九重夢大吊橋)". In particular, you can see wonderful colored leaves in the Autumn. Then you can stop by farm which provide fresh yogurt drinks and beautiful wetland which has 1 - 2.5km walking trails. "Kurokawa Onsen town(黒川温泉)" is good place to have lunch. Our daily driving map will let you know nice recommended restaurants there.
The biggest highlight on this day is driving along the Aso Sky Line from "Skyline observatory" to "Daikanbo Observatory(大観峰)". Driving on outer rim of a Aso caldera will be your lifetime unforgettable memory. If you have time, let's go to "Kusasenri(草千里)". Breathtaking panoramic grass plains are waiting for you.
Aso area where you stay this day is countryside and you had better to eat dinner at your inn. Then please control your schedule to reach your inn by 18 around o'clock.

This day will head from Aso to Miyazaki famous hot spring resorts. Because of long mileage 210km, it is recommended to start 8:00～9:00 if you don't lile huried travel.
The biggest highlight of this day is "Takachiho Gorge(高千穂峡)" one of the most beautiful gorge in Japan and it can be highlight of your Kyushu travel too. It is located inconvenient area but you can visit there by your car easily. They have rental boat and highly recommended to try boating in amazing view.
"Kunimigaoka Observatory(国見ヶ丘展望台)" near the gorge is also worth to visit. You will be amazed due to 360 degree mountain view.
There are not many restaurants there but our daily driving map will suggest you nice soba restaurant, Beef steak restaurants and so on.
Then let's move to "Umagase(馬ヶ背)" a beautiful cape where you can sea panoramil ocean view. If you still have time before heading to Miyazaki, you can stop by "Mimitsu Town(美々津)". It is not well-known small fisherman's village which is listed as preserved district of traditional buildings.
We recommend you to take highway from Takachiho gorge to Umagase and Umagase to Miyazaki due to no sightseeing spots.
In addition, There are amazing cherry blossom places spring. If you will travel in sprong, our daily driving map will guide you these spots. It is really worth to see and please priority there.

This day will head from Miyazaki to Kagoshima. Because of long mileage 210km, it is recommended to start 8:00～9:00 if you don't lile huried travel.
The first destination is "Aoshima Island(青島 鬼の洗濯板)" an island with unique terrain called demon's washboard. After coming back to Miyazaki, let's take highway to Miyakonojo(都城) city whose production of the meat is the highest in all ove Janan. Of cause beaf BBQ restaurant is recommended but our daily driving map will guide you other nice Itarian restaurant and cheap and good Udon noodle restauant too.
After lunch, why don't you enjoy 30 min walking at "Sekinoo Falls(関之尾の滝甌穴郡)" with unique terrein river?
Then, you can face to Kirishima(霧島)area. "Kirishima Shrine(霧島神宮)"which founded more than 1000 years ago is must-see. There are many other sightseeing spots like farm, highland, park which Onsen steam blowing us from the ground and so on.
There are not many sightseeing spots from Kirishima to Kagoshima and better to take highway.
In addition, there are amazing cherry blossom places on this route. If you will travel in spring, our daily driving map will guide you these spots. It is really worth to see and please priority there.

This day is the day of between two consecutive stay in Kagoshima. You can relax this day because mileage is about 120km only and you need not to pack your luggage too. It is recommended to travel in a clock wise direction along the Kagoshima bay.
In the morning, let's drive up to ”Shiroyama Park Observation Deck(城山公園展望台)” in Kagoshima city to see an active volcano Sakurajima(桜島) the symbol of Kagoshima.
The biggest highlight of this day is "Senganen Garden(仙巌園)". There is house of Shimazu family who contributed to modernzation of Japan and you can enjoy Sakurajima view from their beautiful garden. After that, let's stop by "Tsubobatake(坂元のくろず壺畑情報館)" where is producting black vineger with traditional way since 200years ago.
Today's recommended lunch is ambejack fish restaurant. Our daily driving map will guide you know secret fisherman's restaurant which is not known by foreign tourists.Then let' s drive to "Yunohira Observatory(湯之平展望所)" at bottom of Sakurajima.
You can take ”Sakurajima Ferry” from Sakurajima to Kagoshia. It is 15min cruise. They are perating 70 cruises 24 hours and you need not to make reservation. We will let you know hoto to take it with driving map.
In addition, there are amazing azelea place in spring and cokoured Ginkgo trees forest. If you will travel in sprong or autumn, our daily driving map will guide you these spots. It is really worth to see and please priority there.
Kagoshima Chuo Station for bullet train to Fukuoka is located near the Kagoshima city. However, Kagoshima airport is located 40 km away from the city and it takes at least 1 hour. There are some traffic jam adound Kagoshima city and it takes time to filling up gas and return your car too. If you don't stay Kagoshima one more night and take flight on this day, please reach rental car shop at least 3 hours before the bullet train or the flight.

This day will head from Kagoshima to Kumamoto. Because of long mileage 2000km, it is recommended to start 8:00～9:00 if you don't lile huried travel.
If you haven't been "Shiroyama Park Observation Deck(城山公園展望台)" and "Senganen Garden-仙巌園" in Kagoshima city, you should visit there first.
Then, let's drive to first destination "Maruike Spring Water Park-丸池湧水". There is no sightseeing spots from Kagoshima city to here and better to take highway.
The biggest highlight of this day is "Sogi Falls(曽木の滝)". This is a great water fall which is called Eastern Naiagara whose width is 210m. It can be highlight of your whole trip too. Highly recommended.
Then, let's drive to Hitoyoshi city. You can visit a very unique shrine "Aoi Aso Shrine(青井阿蘇神社)" which has thatched roof.
It is recommended to have a lunch in this city too. There are nice Eel, Ramen and Gyoza resaurant in this city and our daily driving map will guide you there.
There is no sightseeing spots from Hitoyoshi city to Kumamoto too and recommended to take highway. It will be long journey and you may reach Kumamoto at night. You can visit sightseeing spots in Kumamoto city tomorrow.

This day will head from Kumamoto to Nagasaki. Mileage is about 110km only but you need to take car ferry from Kumamoto port to Shimabara port. You had better to reach Kumamoto port at reast before 13:00 to take 13:40 ferry.
The symbol of the city ”Kumamoto castle(熊本城)” is under reconstruction from the damage of the earthquake. It may be nicer to visit sonderful Japanese garden "Suizenji Jojuen Garden(水前寺成趣園)".
Recommended lunch on this day is Kumamoto Ramen.
You need to take "Kyusho Ferry(九商フェリー)" from Kumamoto port to Shimabara port. It is 1 hour voyage to Shimabara port.
Our daily driving map will let you know details about Kyusho ferry and how to take it.
From Shimabara port, let's move to "Unzen Jigoku Hell(雲仙地獄)". Unzen is famous for its volcanoes and Onsen. You can see fantastic scene with steam blowing out from the ground. If the weather is nice, it is nice to stop by "Nita Pass 2nd Lookout(仁田峠第二展望所)" to see spectacular views looking over the Shimabara town. Nagasaki is 70km away from Kumamoto port and due to no highway, it takes about 2 hours.
After dinner, it is highly recommended to take "Nagasaki Ropeway(長崎ロープウェイ)" to "Mt.Inasayama observatory(稲佐山展望台)". Japan Top 3 night veiw is waiting for you.

This day is the day of between two consecutive stay in Nagasaki. You can relax this day because mileage is less than 20km only and you need not to pack your luggage too.
The most of sightseeing spots are concentrated in center of Nagasaki city. Travel distance is very short and most of spots can be access by city tram so you can consider to travel without car. On the other hand, Nagasaki is very hilly city and need to walk many slops. It may be better to use car if some of your leg is not okay or you don't have enough confidence in physical strength. But please take note that most of parking in Nagasaki city is paid parking.
First recommended spot is "Dejima(出島)" the old port which was opend to foreign countries when Japan closed its door. You can enjoy 19th century atmosphere.
Lunch recommendation is either Nagasaki Chanpon(kind of local ramen) or Sara-udon(fried noodle with source).
"Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum(長崎原爆資料館)" is an essential Nagasaki experience. You can learn how the damage of atomic bomb was terrible.
At southern area of Nagasaki, UNESCO world heritage"Oura Catholic Church(大浦天主堂)" and "Glover Garden(グラバー園)" are also must-see in Nagasaki.

This day will head from Nagasaki to Takeo/Ureshino. Since mileage is long(about 170km) without highway and it is recommended to start 8:00～9:00 if you don't lile huried travel.
If you haven't visit major sightseeing spots in Nagasaki such as "Nagasaki Peace Park(長崎平和公園)", "Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum(長崎原爆資料館)" or "Dejima(出島)”, let's visit there first.
After that, let's drive to "Roadside Station YuhigaokaSotome(道の駅 夕陽が丘そとめ)". From there, you can enjoy refreshing driving through beautiful coastal road "Nagasaki Sunset Road". Then you can move to Sasebo city via "Saikaibashi Bridge(西海橋)".
Recommended lucnch on this day is either oyster or Sasebo burger. Our daily driving map will let you now nice shop and you must try.
Today's biggest highlight is "Ishidake Observatory(石岳展望台)". You can enjoy 360 degree panolamic view with Kujukushima(99 islands) and Sasebo city with huge shipyard. Another "Tenkaiho Observatory(展海峰)" is more famous but the view from hear is more great.
If you still have time, you can stop by pottery town Arita and go to your inn. At night, please take a rest with Onsen in either Takeo or Ureshino.
In addition, there are amazing cherry blossom and azelea places on this route. If you will travel in spring, our daily driving map will guide you these spots. It is really worth to see and please priority there.

This day will go back to Fukuoka from Takeo/Ureshino. Because of long mileage 190km and many sightseeing spots, it is recommended to start 8:00～9:00 if you don't lile huried travel.
If you haven't visit "Mifuneyama Rakuen garden(御船山楽園)" near Takeo, famous pottery town Arita and "Imari Okawa Uchiyama(伊万里大川内山)", it is recommended to go there first.
The biggest hightlight on this day is "Kagamiyama Observatory(鏡山西展望台)". This is a observatory where you can see very panolamic scenery with Karatsu bay and "Niji no Matsubara Pine Tree Forest(虹の松原)".It is highly recommended. After that you can drive through the forest and move to Yobuko(呼子) town to have a lunch. Their speciality is squid and you can taste amazing flesh squid you may never eaten before. Our daily driving map will guide you recommended restaurant. If you still have time, let's stop by "Sakurai Futamigaura Couple Rock(桜井二見ヶ浦の夫婦岩)" to take typical Japan-ish photo with Torii gate stainding in the sea.
If you have been Karatsu and Yobuko already, you can go back to Fukuoka with another route.
You can travel to Yanagawa town via "Yutoku Inari Shrine(祐徳稲荷神社)"."Ohana Shotoen(御花松涛園)" is an old house and amazing Japanese garden which was built about 300 years ago. You can try traditional grilled eel and cheap and good local Udon noodle for lunch.
"Yame Chuo Tea Gaden(八女中央大茶園)" is highly recommended to visit. It is the secret spot where can be reach by car only and you will be amazed due to panolamic scenery covered with green tea trees. If you would like to enjoy shopping before going back to your country, you can stop at "Tosu Premium Outlets(鳥栖プレミアムアウトレット)".
There are some traffic jam adound Fukuoka and it takes time to filling up gas and return your car too. If you don't stay Fukuoka and take flight on this day, please reach rental car shop at least 3 hours before the flight.