28-Day Kyushu Road Trip with Car Hire (Including 3 Nights in Kagoshima)

Evening: Stroll through the illuminated Glover Garden, a UNESCO site with western-style houses.

Day 5: Nagasaki Exploration

Morning: Visit the historic Dejima trading post, learning about the Dutch trading history.

Afternoon: Ride the ropeway to Mount Inasa again for a different perspective and a coffee at the observation café.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a harbor-side restaurant with fresh seafood in the Hamanomachi district.

Day 6: Nagasaki to Unzen & Shimabara

Morning: Drive to Unzen (≈30 km) and explore Unzen Onsen hot spring area, soaking in volcanic baths.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Shimabara Castle and the Samurai District for traditional architecture.

Evening: Stay at a ryokan in the Shimabara area, enjoying a kaiseki dinner.

Day 7: Shimabara to Kumamoto

Morning: Drive to Kumamoto (≈110 km) and tour the magnificent Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's most impressive castles.

Afternoon: Explore the lush Suizenji Jojuen Garden and its miniature Mt. Fuji landscape.

Evening: Dine on local specialty basashi (horse sashimi) in the downtown area.

Day 8: Kumamoto & Aso

Morning: Drive to Mount Aso (≈60 km) and take the cable car to the **Aso Volcano Museum** to learn about the active volcano.

Afternoon: Walk the **Aso Grasslands**, enjoying the vast grass-covered plains and the view of the crater.

Evening: Return to Kumamoto for a night in a boutique hotel.

Day 9: Kumamoto to Beppu

Morning: Drive to Beppu (≈130 km), famous for its hot spring "hells".

Afternoon: Explore **Umi Jigoku** (the "Sea Hell") with its striking blue waters.

Evening: Relax in a traditional onsen hotel and enjoy a dinner of local seafood.

Day 10: Beppu & Yufuin

Morning: Visit the **Hells of Beppu** (Jigoku) tour, including **Shiraike Jigoku** (white pond) and **Chinoike Jigoku** (blood pond).

Afternoon: Drive to Yufuin (≈30 km) and wander the picturesque **Lake Kinrin**.

Evening: Browse the boutique shops and art galleries in the charming Yufuin town center.

Day 11: Yufuin & Oita

Morning: Take a morning walk through the **Yufuin Floral Village**, featuring European-style architecture.

Afternoon: Drive to Oita City (≈50 km) and explore the **Oita Prefectural Art Museum**.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant famous for **toriten** (fried chicken) in Oita.

Day 12: Oita to Miyazaki

Morning: Drive to Miyazaki (≈130 km) and visit the beautiful **Aoshima Shrine** on a tiny island.

Afternoon: Explore **Udo Shrine** built into a cliff overlooking the sea.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner at **Sunset Beach**, renowned for its view of the Pacific.

Day 13: Miyazaki to Takachiho

Morning: Drive to Takachiho (≈100 km) and visit the legendary **Takachiho Gorge** with its towering cliffs and emerald waters.

Afternoon: Take a boat ride through the gorge and visit the **Amano Iwato Shrine**.

Evening: Experience a traditional **Kagura** dance performance at a local shrine.

Day 14: Takachiho to Miyazaki (Return)

Morning: Hike the **Amano Shrine** steps for a view of the gorge.

Afternoon: Return to Miyazaki, stop at **Saito Shrine**.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a seaside restaurant.

Day 15: Miyazaki to Kirishima

Morning: Drive to Kirishima (≈150 km) and hike the **Kirishima Shrine** complex.

Afternoon: Explore the **Kirishima National Park** with its volcanic landscapes and hot springs.

Evening: Stay at an onsen ryōkan near the park.

Day 16: Kirishima to Kagoshima (First Night)

Morning: Drive to Kagoshima (≈150 km) and visit the **Sakurajima** volcanic island; take a ferry ride for close-up views.

Afternoon: Explore **Sengan-en**, a historic garden with views of Sakurajima and a traditional tea house.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant for **Kagoshima pork** (buta), and enjoy the night view of Sakurajima from **Shiroyama Park**.

Day 17: Kagoshima City Exploration

Morning: Visit the **Kagoshima City Museum of Art** and learn about regional art.

Afternoon: Take a stroll through the **Kagoshima Aquarium**, one of Japan's largest aquariums.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset cruise around **Kagoshima Bay** with views of the volcano.

Day 18: Kagoshima to Ibusuki

Morning: Drive to Ibusuki (≈45 km) and experience a **sand bath** at **Suna Onsen**, where you are buried in warm sand.

Afternoon: Visit **Kirishima Hot Springs** for a relaxing soak.

Evening: Enjoy fresh **sashimi** at a seaside restaurant.

Day 19: Ibusuki to Miyazaki (Return)

Morning: Return to Miyazaki, stop at **Tatsuo Shrine**.

Afternoon: Visit **Miyazaki Prefectural Museum of Nature and History**.

Evening: Stay in a coastal guesthouse, enjoy local **Miyazaki beef**.

Day 20: Miyazaki to Kumamoto (Return)

Morning: Travel back to Kumamoto (≈130 km) and visit **Mount Kumagawa** for a scenic drive.

Afternoon: Stop at **Mizukake Gorges** for a short hike.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner of **Matsubara** sweet potatoes.

Day 21: Kumamoto to Fukuoka (Return)

Morning: Drive back to Fukuoka (≈170 km) and visit the **Fukuoka Asian Art Museum**.

Afternoon: Explore the **Canal City** shopping and entertainment complex.

Evening: Enjoy a final night of **yatai** street food at **Nakasu.

Day 22: Fukuoka to Yamaguchi (West Kyushu)

Morning: Drive to Yamaguchi (≈180 km) and visit **Ruriko-ji Temple** with its iconic five-story pagoda.

Afternoon: Explore the historic **Hagi** city, known for its samurai district and pottery.

Evening: Stay in a traditional inn, tasting local **Hagi-yaki** pottery.

Day 23: Yamaguchi to Shimonoseki

Morning: Drive to Shimonoseki (≈150 km) and visit **Karato Market** for fresh seafood, including **fugu** (pufferfish).

Afternoon: Explore **Mojiko** historic district and the **Bamboo Curtain**.

Evening: Watch the sunset from **Hikō-ji Temple** overlooking the strait.

Day 24: Shimonoseki to Kitakyushu

Morning: Drive to Kitakyushu (≈150 km) and visit **Kokura Castle** with its beautiful garden.

Afternoon: Explore the **Mojiko Retro** area and the **Kanmon Straits** views.

Evening: Dine at a local izakaya, trying **Kitakyushu ramen**.

Day 25: Kitakyushu to Nagasaki (Return)

Morning: Return to Nagasaki for a leisurely day, revisiting any favorite spots or exploring the **Hiroshige Museum**.

Afternoon: Take a scenic drive to **Nagasawa** coastline for a view of the Sea of Japan.

Evening: Relax at a seaside café.

Day 26: Nagasaki to Kagoshima (Final 3 Nights) – Day 1

Morning: Drive from Nagasaki to Kagoshima (≈300 km) and check into a beachfront hotel.

Afternoon: Visit the **Sakurajima** foot volcano trail, taking in the volcanic landscape.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner of **Kagoshima black pork** at a waterfront restaurant.

Day 27: Kagoshima (Last Day) – Exploration

Morning: Relax at **Ibusuki's** sand baths for a rejuvenating experience.

Afternoon: Explore **Satsuma Peninsula** and the **Kagoshima Prefectural Museum of Nature and History**.

Evening: Dine on fresh **shime-saba** (mackerel) at a local izakaya and watch the night view of **Sakurajima** from **Shiroyama**.

Day 28: Kagoshima Departure

Morning: Pack and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Take a final stroll through the **Kagoshima Port** area.

Afternoon: Return the rental car at Kagoshima Airport, and check-in for your flight.

Evening: Depart from Kagoshima, concluding the 28-day Kyushu adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Fukuoka: Ohori Park & Fukuoka Castle Ruins – 2 hrs – ¥500 (park entry)
• Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine – 1.5 hrs – ¥600
• Kyushu National Museum – 2 hrs – ¥400
• Yanagawa Canal Boat – 1 hr – ¥1,200
• Atomic Bomb Museum & Peace Park – 3 hrs – ¥1,000
• Glover Garden – 2 hrs – ¥800
• Dejima – 2 hrs – ¥600
• Mount Inasa Ropeway – 1 hr – ¥1,200
• Unzen Onsen – 2 hrs – ¥2,500 (onsen entry)
• Shimabara Castle – 1.5 hrs – ¥500
• Kumamoto Castle – 3 hrs – ¥1,200
• Suizenji Jojuen Garden – 1.5 hrs – ¥500
• Mount Aso Volcano Museum – 2 hrs – ¥800
• Aso Grasslands – 2 hrs – free
• Umi Jigoku – 1.5 hrs – ¥800
• Beppu Hells (Jigoku Tour) – 3 hrs – ¥2,500
• Lake Kinrin (Yufuin) – 1 hr – free
• Udo Shrine – 1.5 hrs – ¥400
• Takachiho Gorge – 2 hrs – ¥1,000
• Amano Iwato Shrine – 1 hr – free
• Kirishima Shrine – 1.5 hrs – ¥500
• Sakurajima Ferry – 1 hr – ¥1,200
• Sengan-en – 2 hrs – ¥800
• Sakae Garden – 2 hrs – free
• Suna Onsen (Ibusuki Sand Bath) – 2 hrs – ¥3,500
• Ruriko-ji Temple – 1.5 hrs – ¥300
• Hagi Pottery – 2 hrs – free
• Karato Market – 2 hrs – variable (≈¥3,000 for meals)
• Kokura Castle – 1.5 hrs – ¥600
• Shiroyama Park – 1.5 hrs – free
• Overall Rental Car – 28 days – ¥350,000

Total Estimated Cost: ¥382,000 (including accommodation, meals, and entrance fees; excluding personal shopping and fuel)

Tips

To extend your trip, consider adding a few days in the **Nagasaki Islands** (e.g., **Matsushima** or **Gunkanjima**) for a unique island experience, or spend extra nights in **Yufuin** for more onsen relaxation. If you need to shorten the trip, combine the **Fukuoka** and **Nagasaki** segments into a 5‑day loop, and skip the **Kitakyushu** leg, focusing on the southern loop (Kagoshima, Kumamoto, Aso, and Oita) to keep the journey manageable while still experiencing Kyushu’s highlights.