Japan Drive Route Guide

Area

Kyushu

Travel Period

8D7N

Route

728

Overview

Start

Fukuoka

Goal

Kagoshima

Way

one_way_trip

Travel Pace

busy

Distance

1,220 km

Rank

Highway fee

¥ 8,750

About this route

This is a one way driving route to go through Kyushu from North to South via Nagasaki within 8days. It is silimar with Route727 but more suitable for Onsen lovers because of famous Onsen town Kirishima and sand-bath town Ibusuki stay instead of consecutive stay at Nagasaki and Kagoshima. Travel pace will be a little busy but recommended for traveler who want to visit sightseeing spot as much as possible. It covers most of wonderful nature scenery that represent Kyushu such as Kagamiyama Observatory in Karatsu, Ishidake Observatory in Sasebo, Unzen Jigoku, Kusasenri in Aso, Takachiho Gorge one of TOP beautiful gorge in Japan, Aoshima island and Sakurajima volcano. In addition, you can visit the towns still keep atmosphere and culture of old Japan, such as Arita and Imari Okawauchiyama world-famous pottery town, Shimabara Samurai town, Kumamoto where is famous for castle and Japanese garden, Udojingu Shrine, Chiran Samurai Residence Garden and Senganen Garden in Kagoshima. You will take 1hour car ferry cruise inbetween Nagasaki and Aso too. In spring, you can enjoy the wonderful cherry blossoms at Aso, Mochio Park and Hanadate Park in Miyazaki. Sun flower garden in Miyazaki is recommended in Summer. In autumn,Takachiho Gorge and Kirishima Shrine are the best places to see coloured leaves. Sand & Flower Festa at Fukiagehama in May is recommended too. Takeo/Ureshino and Kirishima are famous Onsen town and Ibusuki is also nationally famous for their sand-bath. Highly recommended to stay Japanese style Ryokan. Of cause, you can enjoy local food! The must-eat food are squid in Yobuko, Saga Beef, Sasebo Burger, Nagasaki Champon, Kumamoto Ramen, Aso Red beef, Miyazaki beef and local chicken, Bonito and green tea sweet in Chiran, black pork and shaved ice desert in Kagoshima and amberjack fish in Sakurajima. Our daily driving map will guide you recommended local restaurants for these dish. This is one way route from Fukuoka to Kagoshima. You can go back to Fukuoka by 1.5 hour bullet train ride or take flight. It will be very tough travel due to no consecutive stay. It is highly recommended to choose route732 if you have time.

Bookmark Route

Day. 1Fukuoka to Takeo/Ureshino

This day will head from Fukuoka to Taoke/Ureshino famous hot spring resorts.Mileage is about 190km without highway and it is recommended to start 8:00～9:00 if you don't lile huried travel. People arriving in Fukuoka afternoon should consider to stay in Fukuoka one night. The first recommendation is "Sakurai Futamigaura Couple Rock(桜井二見ヶ浦の夫婦岩)" and you can take typical Japan-ish photo with Torii gate stainding in the sea. 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. Before going to the inn, hidden pottery town "Imari Okawa Uchiyama(伊万里大川内山)" is nice to stop by. At night, please take a rest with Onsen in either Takeo or Ureshino.

Rent a car at Fukuoka

Rental car rental and return at Fukuoka All Kyushu driving routes we providing start from Fukuoka. Below 3 branchs is the most recommended. ①Fukuoka Airport International Terminal Branch : For travelers who take international flight. ②Fukuoka Airport No.1 Branch (Domestic Terminal) : For travelers who take domestic flight. ③Hakata Station Hakata Exit Branch : For travelers who stay Fukuoka before or after driving trip and who take Shinkansen(Bullet train).

High light

Karatsu Castle

Niji no Matsubara

Mifuneyama Rakuen garden

Stay at Takeo/Ureshino

You will stay in Takeo(武雄) town or Ureshino(嬉野) town on this day. The two towns are about 15 km away and about 30 minutes by car. Both cities are famous for Onsen and most of accommodations are Japanese Ryokan with Onsen. Some western style hotels there also have Onsen facilities too. Takeo is smaller and quieter Than Ureshino and most of the accommodations are 4-5 star Ryoans. Ureshino has more options from 3 to 5 star hotels and Ryokans. Many restaurants in both town will be closed in the evening, so it is better to book a plan with dinner and breakfast. Most of accommodations don't charge parking fee.

Day. 2Takeo/Ureshino to Nagasaki

This day will head from Takeo/Ureshino to Nagasaki. 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. The first destination 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. 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. Then let's drive to "Roadside Station YuhigaokaSotome(道の駅夕陽が丘そとめ)" via "Saikaibashi Bridge(西海橋)". You can enjoy refreshing driving through beautiful coastal road "Nagasaki Sunset Road". If you reach Nagasaki early, why don't you visit "Nagasaki Peace Park(長崎平和公園)"? 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. 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.

High light

Huistenbosh

Saikaibashi Bridge

Mt.Inasayama observatory

Stay at Nagasaki

You will stay in Nagasaki(長崎) city on this day. Nagasaki is very big city and there are many choices from 5 star hotels to reasonable 3 star hotels. It is city area and most of the accommodations are not Ryokans but western style hotels. Nagasaki can divided into "Nagasaki Station side" and "Mt.Inasayama(稲佐山) side". There are many hotels with 3-4 stars on the Nagasaki station side, and it is convenient for sightseeing using a tram. As there are many restaurants, it is recommended to book your hotels wih breakfast only or without meals. Some 4-5 star hotels on Mt.Inasayama side is inconvenient but you can enjoy beauriful night view of Nagasaki city which is counted top 3 night veiw in Japan. It is recommended to book with dinner and enjoy it with amazing night view. Many hotels don't have own parking and they may charge additional parking fee.

Day. 3Nagasaki to Aso

This day will head from Nagasaki to Aso. Mileage is about 150km but you need to take car ferry from Shimabara port to Kumamoto port and there are many sightseeing spots along this load. So It is highly recommended to depart Nagasaki as early as possible. You had better to reach Shimabara port at reast before 14:00 to take 14:50 ferry. From Nagasaki, 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 our from the ground. If the weather is nice, it is nice to go "Nita Pass 2nd Lookout(仁田峠第二展望所)" to see spectacular views looking over the Shimabara town. Then let's go to a samurai town Shimabara. Our daily driving map will guide you to recommended "Guzoni" local hot pot with vegetables and Mochi(rice cake) restaurant. Near Guzoni restaurant, you can visit "Shimabara Samurai town(武家屋敷跡)". You can visit traditional samurai houses there. You need to take "Kyusho Ferry(九商フェリー)" from Shimabara port to Kumamoto port. It is better to reach Shimabara port one hour before departure. And it is 1 hour voyage to Kumamoto port. Our daily driving map will let you know details about Kyusho ferry and how to take it. The symbol of the city Kumamoto castle is under reconstruction from the damage of the earthquage. It may be nicer to visit sonderful Japanese garden "Suizenji Jojuen Garden(水前寺成趣園)". Aso aea is 60km away from Kumamoto port and it takes about 2 hours. 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.

High light

Urakami Cathedral

Unzen Nita Ropeway

Kumamoto Castle

Stay at Aso

You will stay Aso(阿蘇) area on this day. Accommodations are located around Mt.Aso(阿蘇山) the symbol of this area. You can choose prefer type of accommodations from variety of options like fine Ryokan with Onsen, reasonable western style hotels and so on. Aso area is consider as countryside. Restaurants, shops and convenience stores are very limited and difficult to find place to have dinner and breakfast. Don't forget to book plan with dinner and breakfast. Most of accommodations don't charge parking fee.

Day. 4Aso to Miyazaki

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.

High light

Takachiho Gorge

Amanoiwato Shrine

Umagase

Stay at Miyazaki

You will stay in Miyazaki(宮崎) city on this day. Many accommodations are concentrated around Miyazaki Station. Most ofthe accommodations in this city are not Ryokans but western style hotels. As many restaurants opens till midnight, it is recommended to book your hotels wih breakfast only or without meals. Many hotels don't have own parking and they may charge additional parking fee. If you would like to stay hotels with bigger room or Onsen facility, huge 5 star hotel "Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort" is recommended. It is located 6 km north of Miyazaki Station and you can enjoy nice Onsen too.

Day. 5Miyazaki to Kirishima

This day will head from Miyazaki to Kirishima famous hot spring resorts. Mileage about 120km only. The first destination is "Aoshima Island(青島鬼の洗濯板)" an island with unique terrain called demon's washboard. 20km away from Aoshima, there are very unique shrine "Udo Jingu(鵜戸神宮)" which was build in the cave at the coast. It is worth to see but if you will visit there, it is better to depart early. 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. At night, plase take a rest with Onsen in Kirishima. 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.

High light

Aoshima Island

Udo Jingu Shrine

Sekinoo Falls

Stay at Kirishima

You will stay in Kirishima(霧島) on this day. Kirishima is a very famous hot spring resort. You can choose from a reasonable 3-star ryokan to a 5-star ryokan which provide you a wonderful dinner and an amazing Onsen facilities. Kirishima area is consider as countryside. Restaurants, shops and convenience stores are very limited and difficult to find place to have dinner and breakfast. Don't forget to book plan with dinner and breakfast. Most of accommodations don't charge parking fee.

Day. 6Kirishima to Ibusuki

This day will head from Kirishima to Ibusuki famous sand bath resorts. Mileage about 140km. If you haven't visited "Kirishima Shrine(霧島神宮)" first. Then, let's drive to "Ryumon Falls(龍門滝)" to refresh in clean air. If you like, "Kamou Hachiman Shrine(蒲生八幡神社)"which has the biggest camphor tree is recommended too. Then let's take highway to Chiran town. The biggest highlight of this day is "Chiran Samurai House District(知覧武家屋敷)" where is listed as preserved district of traditional buildings with 270 years history.. You can enjoy walking through 7 Samurai houses with beautiful Japanese gaedens. You also can enjoy lunch and tea in this town. Our driving map will guide you some Japanese restaurant in Samurai house and famous English tea house. After lunch,"Chiran Peace Museum(知覧特攻平和会館)" is worth to see. Here is museum of young men who were chosen as Kamikaze(suicidal attack) pilots. In spring, cherry blossoms street is beautiful there too. Ibusuki is nationally famous for its sand bath. It is recommended to reach your inn early and enjoy it and Onsen too. If you don't stay inn with sand bath facility, you also can go to oneday sand bath too. In addition, there are amazing cherry blossom and wisteria places on this route in spring If you will travel in these period, our daily driving map will guide you these spots. It is really worth to see and please priority there.

High light

Kirishima Jingu Shrine

Chiran Samurai house district

Mt.Onodake Park

Stay at Ibusuki

You will stay in Ibusuki(指宿) city on this day. Ibusuki is a town famous nationwide for hot sand baths. Some hotels and Ryokans have not only normal Onsen but own sand baths facility as well and highly recommended. Ibusuki is consider as countryside. Restaurants, shops and convenience stores are very limited and difficult to find place to have dinner and breakfast. Don't forget to book plan with dinner and breakfast. Most of accommodations don't charge parking fee.

Day. 7Ibusuki to Kagoshima

This day will head from Ibusuki to Kagoshima. You can relax this day because mileage is about 120km only. If you haven't try sand bath, let's go to one day sand bath first. Then, first destination is "Cape Nagasakibana(長崎鼻)" which is located the most sourthernmost Satsuma Peninsula. You can enjoy the sight of the majestic Mt.Kaimondake. You also can stop by "Flower Park Kagoshima(フラワーパークかごしま)" near there. Then, let's casing to Makurazaki(枕崎) city which is city of Bonito fish and traditional distilled liquor Shochu. It is recommended to visit fish market "Makurazaki Osakana Center(枕崎お魚センター)". You can buy their speciality Katsuobushi(dried bonito) there. It is also recommended to eat very fresh bonito as lunch. After that you also can visit "Satsuma Shuzo Distillery Meijigura(薩摩酒造蒸溜所明治蔵)". It is one of the biggest Shochu distillery and worth to visit. After that, you can drive to Kagoshima city. This area is also well-known as green tea plantation area and you can enjoy driving through green tea farm. We also let you know a secret spot overlooking the magnificent green tea plantations. In addition, there are many flower spots of cherry blossom, azelea and rape blossom in spring and great sand sculputure festival in May. If you will travel in this period, our daily driving map will guide you these spots. It is really worth to see and please priority there.

High light

Mt.Onodake Park

Hinokami Park

Miyama Toyukan

Stay at Kagoshima

You will stay in Kagoshima(鹿児島) city. Kagoshima is a big town, there are many choices from 5 star hotels to reasonable 3 star hotels. Most of accommodations are western style hotels but some of them have Onsen facilities. Around "Tenmonkandori station(天文館通駅)" of tram is consider as downtown area of Kagoshima city and many hotels and restaurants are concentrated. If you go back to Fukuoka by bullet train, it is also recommended to stay around "Kagoshima Chuo Station(鹿児島中央駅)". Kagoshima airport is located 40km away from Kagoshima city and it takes about 1hour and half. Please be careful if you take flight from there. As many restaurants opens till midnight, it is recommended to book your hotels with breakfast only or without meals. Many hotels don't have own parking and they may charge additional parking fee.

Day. 8Kagoshima to Kagoshima

This day you can enjoy day trip from Kagoshima city. You can relax traveling today because the travel distance is only about 120km and you do not need to pack your luggage. It is recommended to travel in a clock wise direction around the Kagoshima bay. In the morning, let's drive up to the Shiroyama Park Observation Deck(城山公園展望台) in Kagoshima city to see the famous active volcano Sakurajima(桜島), the symbol of Kagoshima. The main highlight of this day has to be Senganen Garden(仙巌園). There is the house of the Shimazu family who strongly contributed to the Japan modernization and you can enjoy an idyllic Sakurajima view from their beautiful garden. After that, let's stop by the Tsubobatake(坂元のくろず壺畑情報館) where black vinegar has been produced in a traditional way for more than 200 years. Today's recommended lunch is at ambejack fish restaurant. Our daily driving map will guide you directly to some secret fisherman's restaurants which are unknown by foreign tourists. Then, let' s drive to Yunohira Observatory(湯之平展望所) at the bottom of Sakurajima. You can take the Sakurajima Ferry from Sakurajima to Kagoshia. It is a 15min cruise. They are operating 70 cruises, 24/24 hours and you don’t need to make reservation. We will let you know how to take it with our driving map. In addition, be sure to visit the amazing azelea places in spring and some colored Ginkgo trees forests. If you travel in spring or autumn, our daily driving map will guide you directly to these spots. It is really worth seeing them so please make it your priority visit these spots.

Return a car at Kagoshima

Return a car at Kagoshima If you choose "One way route", you need to return your rental car at Kagoshima city. Below 2 branches are recommended. ①Kagoshima Chuo Station East Exit Branch :　For travelers who take Shinkansen(Bullet train) to Fukuoka. ②Kagoshima Airport Branch : For travelers who take international or domestic flight from Kagoshima airport.

High light

Sengan-en and Shoko Shuseikan Museum

Ajidokoro Okan

Tsubobatake

Check Other 8D7N Kyushu Route

Route number	Start city	Goal city	Way	Travel Pace	Distance	Highway fee	Detail
725	Fukuoka	Fukuoka	return_trip	busy	1,370 km	¥ 9,600	check
726	Fukuoka	Kagoshima	one_way_trip	normal	1,110 km	¥ 5,050	check
727	Fukuoka	Kagoshima	one_way_trip	relaxing	1,170 km	¥ 10,100	check

Back to Kagoshima list Route List

Sorry, we provide our service for Kyushu and Okinawa only. Other areas are under development.

Northern Honshu(Tohoku)

Around Tokyo & Mt.Fuji(Kanto)

Kyushu

Okinawa

Japan Drive Route Guide

Fukuoka

Takeo/Ureshino

Karatsu Castle

Niji no Matsubara

Mifuneyama Rakuen garden

Ichiran Ramen Factory

Fukuoka Airport

Nippon Rent a Car(Fukuoka Airport International Terminal)

Nippon Rent a Car(Fukuoka Airport 1 (Domestic Terminal))

Hakata Station

Nippon Rent a Car(Hakata Station Hakata Exit)

Sumiyoshi Shrine

Rakusuien

Yanagibashi Market

Canal City Hakata

Daimaru Hakata

Fukuoka Mitsukoshi

Iwataya

Ohori Park

Yamanaka

Ginza Tenichi(Hakata)

Hanamidori Hakata station branch

Motsunabe Echigoya

Udon Taira

Motsunabe Oyama

Hakata Miyachiku

Ichiran

Hanamidori Nakasu Main Branch

Hakata Kira

Karen

Yoshizuka Unagi

Sushi sen

Tetsunabe Gyoza

Tetsunabe Gyoza

Kawataro Nakasu

Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine

Starbucks Dazaifu Branch

Tosu Premium Outlets

Ebisu

Yoshinogari Historical Park

Mikaerinotaki Water Falls

Karatsu Castle

Niji no Matsubara

Yobuko Morning Market

Under Water restaurant Manbo

Takeo Public Onsen

Mifuneyama Rakuen garden

Yume Town Takeo

SouRce

Yakinikukan Sho

Steak Restaurant Sho

Imari Okawa Uchiyama

Arita Toji Museum

Gallery Arita

Kakiemon Gama

China on the Park

Yutoku Inari Shrine

Takeo Ureshino MarchemMura

Konagai Oyster House

Kagamiyama Observatory

Keishuen Garden and Yoko Museum

Arita Porceline Lab

Fukagawa Seiji Main branch

Izumiyama Quarry

Arita Porcelain Park

Kabeshima

Kazenomieruoka Park

Iroha Island Observation Deck

Sakurai Futamigaura Couple Rock

Tsuandegoran Cake Factory

Arita Town

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

Takeo/Ureshino

Nagasaki

Huistenbosh

Saikaibashi Bridge

Mt.Inasayama observatory

Takeo Public Onsen