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 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 go back to Fukuoka from Aso. Because of long mileage 200km 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 "Kusasenri(草千里)" in Mt.Aso, let's go there first. Breathtaking panoramic grass plains are waiting for you. Then, let's move to Kumamoto city. 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)". Next destination is Yanagawa town. "Ohana Shotoen(御花松涛園)" is old house and amazing Japanese garden which was built about 300 years ago. Recommended lunch on this day are Kumamoto Ramen, traditional grilled eel and cheap and good local Udon noodle. We will let you know all the restaurants with daily driving map. "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.