8-Day Nature Road Trip in Kyushu

Day 1: Arrival in Fukuoka

Fukuoka, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hoshino Coffee

Start your day with their delicious fluffy pancakes and a cup of aromatic coffee.
Located in Tenjin, just a 15-minute drive from the airport.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Ohori Park

Enjoy a leisurely walk around the park's picturesque pond and gardens, perfect for nature lovers.
A short 10-minute drive from Hoshino Coffee.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hakata Ippudo

Savor the rich flavors of tonkotsu ramen at this renowned restaurant.
Located in the Hakata district, just 15 minutes from the park.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Kushida Shrine

Discover the beauty of this historic shrine and learn about Hakata's traditions.
A quick 5-minute drive from Ippudo.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Fukuoka Tower

Take in panoramic views of the city and coastline from the observation deck.
About a 15-minute drive from Kushida Shrine.
JPY 800, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Yakiniku Shige

Indulge in high-quality Japanese BBQ, featuring local beef and fresh vegetables.
Located about 10 minutes from Fukuoka Tower.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Kumamoto and its Castle

Kumamoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Enjoy freshly baked goods and local coffee to fuel your day.
Start your drive to Kumamoto, a 1.5-hour trip from Fukuoka.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kumamoto Castle

Explore one of Japan's most impressive castles, surrounded by stunning gardens.
Just a short drive from the café.
JPY 500, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tsubame Sushi

Experience a delightful array of fresh sushi made from local ingredients.
Located within 10 minutes from Kumamoto Castle.
JPY 2,500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Suizenji Jojuen Garden

Stroll through this exquisite traditional Japanese garden that reflects the beauty of nature.
A quick 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Shimada Museum of Arts

Discover beautiful traditional Japanese crafts and artworks, embodying regional culture.
About 20 minutes from the garden.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Sakurai Restaurant

Indulge in a traditional kaiseki dining experience, showcasing seasonal ingredients.
Located 10 minutes from the museum.
JPY 5,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Mount Aso Volcano

Aso, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kumamoto Hotel Castle

Start your day with a buffet breakfast featuring local dishes and fresh fruit.
Drive about 1 hour from Kumamoto to Aso.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Mount Aso

Explore the dramatic landscapes and volcanic craters, including a chance to see the active crater.
Head to Aso Volcano via a scenic route, taking around 30 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Aso Farm Land

Taste dishes made from locally grown ingredients while enjoying the farm's charming atmosphere.
Drive about 20 minutes from the volcano.
JPY 1,800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Nakadake Crater

Get up close to one of the world's largest active volcanoes and witness its sulfuric fumes.
It's a short 15-minute drive back from lunch.
JPY 1,000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Aso Kuju National Park

Hike through picturesque trails, offering stunning views of rolling hills and wildflowers.
Enter through the main entrance just 20 minutes away by car.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Aso

Enjoy a hearty meal featuring famous Aso beef, known for its exceptional quality.
Located 15 minutes from the National Park entrance.
JPY 5,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Relaxing Kurokawa Onsen

Kurokawa, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast featuring grilled fish and miso soup, right at your accommodation.
Leave Aso after breakfast, around 30-minute drive to Kurokawa.
Included, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Kurokawa Onsen Town

Wander through charming streets filled with wooden ryokans and shops selling local crafts.
A short walk from your hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Yamabuki Restaurant

Savor seasonal dishes and fresh ingredients while taking in the serene atmosphere.
A 5-minute walk from the onsen town center.
JPY 2,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Relax in an Onsen

Experience the soothing properties of natural hot springs at various ryokan baths.
Each ryokan is within walking distance of the town center.
JPY 1,500, 2 hours

4:00PM

Hiking in the Surrounding Nature

Delve into beautiful hiking trails that showcase the lush forests and mountain views of the area.
Access trailheads around a 10-minute drive from town.
Free, 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Your Ryokan

Indulge in a kaiseki dinner, a multi-course meal boasting fresh and seasonal flavors, right at your accommodation.
Available at most ryokans.
Included, 2 hours
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Day 5: Discover Takachiho

Takachiho, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Your Ryokan

Start with a nourishing breakfast featuring local delights to prepare for a day of exploration.
Leave Kurokawa around 9:30 AM, 1-hour drive to Takachiho.
Included, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Takachiho Gorge

Marvel at the stunning cliffs and waterfalls as you take a stroll along the scenic trail.
A short drive from Takachiho town center.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Takachiho Soba

Enjoy delicious soba noodles made from locally sourced buckwheat flour.
Located just 10 minutes from the gorge.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Attend a Takachiho Mythical Dance Performance

Experience a mesmerizing performance that tells ancient Japanese legends through dance.
Held at the Takachiho Shrine, a short drive from lunch.
JPY 500, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Takachiho Shrine

Explore the shrine's serene beauty and scenic views surrounding it, making it a peaceful retreat.
Easily walkable from the performance venue.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Michikusa

Savor a selection of local dishes, particularly the famed Takachiho beef.
About a 10-minute drive from the shrine.
JPY 3,500, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Hot Springs in Beppu

Beppu, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Your Takachiho Accommodation

Enjoy a final breakfast at your accommodation, featuring local flavors to start your day right.
Leave Takachiho around 10:00 AM, a 2-hour drive to Beppu.
Included, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Beppu Jigoku (Hell) Hot Springs

Experience the unique hot springs at Beppu, each showcasing different geothermal wonders.
A short drive from Beppu's downtown area.
JPY 2,500, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Arogedon

Taste the local specialty of 'Kakigori,' shaved ice dessert, and enjoy a simple meal.
Located nearby, about a 10-minute walk away.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Beppu's Onsen

Experience several onsen facilities and indulge in a revitalizing soak in the mineral-rich waters.
Ranging throughout the city, select the nearest one to your location.
JPY 800, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Kappa Sushi Beppu

Enjoy an array of sushi options, known for fresh local seafood, at this popular chain.
Easy to access in downtown Beppu.
JPY 2,000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Relax in a Local Onsen

Unwind after dinner with a soak in a nearby onsen, taking advantage of Beppu's famous hot springs.
Within walking distance from the restaurant.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Art and Nature in Yufuin

Yufuin, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Yufuin Onsen Takanokuniya

Savor a hearty breakfast with fresh ingredients, preparing for a day filled with art and exploration.
Short drive of 30 minutes from Beppu.
Included, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Yufuin Floral Village

Wander through this picturesque village full of charming shops and art galleries.
Located a short drive away in Yufuin town.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Yufuin Coffee Studio

Enjoy a light lunch accompanied by expertly brewed coffee in a cozy atmosphere.
Short 10-minute drive from Floral Village.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Yufuin Art Museum

Immerse yourself in contemporary and traditional art displays, creating an artistic experience amidst nature.
A quick drive from the coffee studio.
JPY 1,200, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Kinrin Lake

Take a stroll around this beautiful lake, known for its scenic views and picturesque reflections of the mountains.
Approximately 15 minutes from the art museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Yufuin Restaurant

Savor local ingredients in creative dishes showcasing the essence of Yufuin.
Located popular dining area in Yufuin.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Return to Fukuoka

Fukuoka, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Your Yufuin Accommodation

Start your last day with a fulfilling breakfast featuring local flavors to end on a high note.
Leave Yufuin after breakfast, about a 1.5-hour drive to Fukuoka.
Included, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

Explore this important Shinto shrine that offers tranquil gardens and scenic paths, perfect for reflection.
About a 30-minute drive from Fukuoka's center.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Umegae Mochi

Taste the traditional sweet rice cake filled with red bean paste, a local specialty.
Located 10 minutes from the shrine.
JPY 800, 30 minutes

1:30PM

Explore The Kyushu National Museum

Dive into the rich history and culture of Kyushu, showcasing fascinating exhibits.
Just a short drive from Umegae Mochi.
JPY 1,500, 2 hours

4:00PM

Final Shopping in Tenjin District

Indulge in some last-minute shopping in the trendy Tenjin area, with plenty of boutiques and shops.
Around 25 minutes from the museum.
Varies, 2 hours

6:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Hakata Gensuke

Enjoy one last bowl of the famous Hakata ramen with a rich broth, a fitting end to your trip.
Located centrally in Fukuoka, around a 15-minute drive from Tenjin.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour
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