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8-Day Nature Road Trip in Kyushu

Viewed by 495 travelers

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
Find Hotels in Fukuoka

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
Find Hotels in Kumamoto

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
Find Hotels in Aso

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
Find Hotels in Kurokawa

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
Find Hotels in Takachiho

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
Find Hotels in Beppu

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
Find Hotels in Yufuin

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
Find Hotels in Fukuoka
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