12-Day Kyushu Adventure: From Nature to Culture

Day 1: Arrive in Fukuoka

Fukuoka, Japan

9:00AM

Explore Ohori Park

Start your journey by strolling through Ohori Park, a picturesque area perfect for soaking up the local atmosphere.
Take a 15-minute bus ride from Fukuoka Airport to Ohori Park.
JPY0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Yatai Stalls

Experience authentic Fukuoka cuisine at the popular Yatai food stalls, where you can try Hakata ramen.
Stroll 10 minutes from Ohori Park to the nearby Yatai area.
JPY1000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Fukuoka Castle Ruins

Explore the historic ruins of Fukuoka Castle offering stunning views of the city.
A 15-minute walk from Yatai stalls to the castle.
JPY0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

Indulge in a bowl of delicious ramen at the famed Ichiran, known for its unique booth seating and rich tonkotsu broth.
Head 20 minutes by tram from Fukuoka Castle to Ichiran.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Kumamoto Castle and City

Kumamoto, Japan

8:00AM

Drive to Kumamoto

Hit the road early for a scenic drive to Kumamoto, famous for its impressive castle.
Take the highway for a smooth 1.5-hour drive.
JPY1500 (gas), 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Kumamoto Castle

Wander around the remarkable Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful castles.
The castle is easily accessible as it's in the city center.
JPY500, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Shinshū Ramen

Enjoy a delicious bowl of Kumamoto-style ramen topped with pork loin and black garlic oil.
Walk 10 minutes to one of the best ramen shops nearby.
JPY900, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Suizenji Jojuen Garden

Visit the beautiful Suizenji Jojuen, a landscape garden that takes inspiration from the 53 stations of the Tōkaidō.
A 15-minute drive from the ramen shop.
JPY400, 2 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Kurasuke

Dine at Kurasuke, known for its traditional Japanese meals in a serene setting.
Drive 20 minutes to Kurasuke.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Nature Day in Aso

Aso, Japan

8:00AM

Drive to Aso

Make a scenic morning drive to Aso, known for its volcano and beautiful landscapes.
Take a 1-hour drive from Kumamoto to Aso.
JPY1000 (gas), 1 hour

9:30AM

Hike the Aso Caldera

Experience breathtaking views while hiking around Aso's unique caldera region.
Access the caldera via local signage upon arrival in Aso.
JPY0, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Aso Farm Land

Enjoy fresh farm-to-table dishes at the restaurant in Aso Farm Land, offering local produce.
Drive 15 minutes to Aso Farm Land.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Mt. Aso

Take a breathtaking ropeway to the summit of Mt. Aso for stunning views of the smoking crater.
A 10-minute drive from Aso Farm Land to the ropeway station.
JPY1800, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Akamatsu

Savor local flavors at Akamatsu, known for its grilled meat and regional specialties.
Drive back 30 minutes to Aso town.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Onsen Time in Beppu

Beppu, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Beppu

Drive to Beppu, the famous hot spring town renowned for its 'hells' and onsen.
A 2-hour scenic drive from Aso to Beppu.
JPY2000 (gas), 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Beppu Hells

Explore the iconic 'Hells of Beppu', featuring unique hot springs attractions.
The Hells are a short drive away or accessible by local transportation.
JPY2500, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tsurunoyu

Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch at Tsurunoyu before indulging in an onsen experience.
About 10-minute walk from Beppu Hells.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at Kankaiji Onsen

Unwind and soak in the relaxing hot spring waters of Kankaiji Onsen.
15-minute drive from lunch to the Onsen.
JPY1000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Yakiniku Shichirin-an

End the day with a BBQ dinner at this famous Yakiniku restaurant in Beppu.
A 10-minute drive from Kankaiji Onsen.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Charming Yufuin

Yufuin, Japan

8:00AM

Head to Yufuin

Take a picturesque drive to Yufuin, famed for its artsy vibe and beautiful scenery.
About 45 minutes drive from Beppu to Yufuin.
JPY1000 (gas), 45 minutes

9:00AM

Stroll Yufuin's Main Street

Browse local shops and cafes along Yufuin's charming main street, dotted with art galleries and boutiques.
Easily walkable throughout the main street area.
JPY0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kinrin Lake

Marvel at the picturesque scenery at Kinrin Lake, framed by enveloping mountains.
A short 15-minute walk from the main street.
JPY0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Yufuin Mingei

Taste delicious noodle dishes in a rustic setting at Yufuin Mingei.
A 10-minute picturesque walk around the lake.
JPY900, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relax at Yufuin Onsen

Unwind in one of the many onsen options in Yufuin, enjoying serene mountain views.
Variety of onsens available within walking distance of the restaurant.
JPY1200, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Yufuin Saikatei

Dine at Yufuin Saikatei, famous for its kaiseki-style gourmet meals.
Located conveniently in the town.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Kagoshima & Satsuma

Kagoshima, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Kagoshima

Drive to Kagoshima, home to spectacular landscapes and volcanic views.
About 2.5 hours drive from Yufuin to Kagoshima.
JPY3000 (gas), 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Sakurajima Ferry

Take the ferry to Sakurajima for a closer view of the iconic active volcano.
The ferry pier is a short drive from Kagoshima city.
JPY700, 1 hour (round trip)

1:00PM

Lunch at Sakurajima Visitor Center

Grab a bite with local seafood delights at the visitor center cafeteria.
Conveniently located on Sakurajima.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Sakurajima

Walk around the area and enjoy the unique views of the volcano and the surrounding sea.
Accessible on foot and by local bus on Sakurajima.
JPY0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Tenmonkan

Indulge in Kagoshima's specialty dishes such as black pork at a local izakaya in Tenmonkan.
Take the ferry back to Kagoshima and drive to the izakaya.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Sakurajima Exploration

Sakurajima, Japan

8:00AM

Return to Sakurajima

Start the day with a trip back to Sakurajima to explore further.
Take the ferry again back to Sakurajima.
JPY700, 1 hour (round trip)

9:00AM

Hike Sakurajima

Take a hike on one of the well-marked trails on the island providing stunning views of the volcano.
Access the trails from the visitor center.
JPY0, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Sakura Restaurant

Refuel with local dishes including soba and tempura at the delightful Sakura Restaurant.
Located near the ferry terminal.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Volcano Museum

Learn all about the fascinating geology and history of Sakurajima at the Volcano Museum.
A short walk from the restaurant.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Kagoshima's Black Pork Izakaya

Enjoy dinner featuring Kagoshima's famous black pork in a cozy izakaya.
Travel back to Kagoshima by ferry, then drive to the restaurant.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Cultural Day in Nagasaki

Nagasaki, Japan

8:00AM

Drive to Nagasaki

Embark on a drive to Nagasaki, a city rich in history and culture.
A scenic 3-hour drive from Kagoshima to Nagasaki.
JPY3000 (gas), 3 hours

11:00AM

Visit Nagasaki Peace Park

Pay your respects and reflect at Nagasaki Peace Park, commemorating the atomic bomb victims.
Located within the city and accessible by local transport.
JPY0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Shippokan

Dine at Shippokan, famous for its champon noodles, a Nagasaki specialty.
About a 10-minute walk from Peace Park.
JPY1000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Glover Garden

Explore Glover Garden, an open-air museum showcasing Nagasaki's past and Western influence.
Take a 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
JPY620, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Aigake Shokudo

Enjoy local flavor dishes at Aigake Shokudo, known for its traditional Nagasaki cuisine.
A short drive or public transport from the garden.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Scenic Unzen

Unzen, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Unzen

Take a scenic drive to Unzen, famous for its beautiful mountains and hot springs.
Drive 1.5 hours from Nagasaki to Unzen.
JPY2000 (gas), 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Unzen Onsen

Spend the morning relaxing in the famous Unzen Onsen, surrounded by tranquil nature.
A short drive or public transportation to the onsen.
JPY1000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Unzen Noyado

Try the delicious local fish dishes at Unzen Noyado, a lovely inn restaurant.
Located nearby the onsen area.
JPY1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Unzen National Park

Discover the scenic trails and vibrant scenery while exploring Unzen National Park.
Access to trails starts close to the onsen.
JPY0, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Unzen Dake View

Enjoy dinner with fantastic mountain views at Unzen Dake View.
A quick drive from the national park.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Explore Takachiho

Takachiho, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Takachiho

Travel to Takachiho, famed for its stunning gorges and significant mythological sites.
Take a scenic 2-hour drive from Unzen to Takachiho.
JPY2000 (gas), 2 hours

10:00AM

Explore Takachiho Gorge

Enjoy a leisurely walk or boat ride in the breathtaking Takachiho Gorge.
Access is from the Takachiho area.
JPY1500 (for boat ride), 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Takachiho Soba

Savor local soba noodles at Takachiho Soba.
A 10-minute drive from the gorge.
JPY800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Takachiho Shrine

Visit the sacred Takachiho Shrine, surrounded by serene nature and historic significance.
A short 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
JPY0, 1 hour

3:30PM

Dinner at Mochizuki

Delight in dinner at Mochizuki, known for its local goat stew and seasonal dishes.
Nearby the shrine.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Cultural Visit in Dazaifu

Dazaifu, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Dazaifu

Drive to Dazaifu, a historical city rich in cultural significance.
Just a 1.5-hour drive from Takachiho to Dazaifu.
JPY1500 (gas), 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

Explore Dazaifu Tenmangu, dedicated to the deity of learning and culture.
Walk from the parking area to the shrine in 10 minutes.
JPY0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Stroll through the Dazaifu Komyozenji Temple

Wander through the beautiful gardens of Komyozenji Temple, known for its serene ambiance.
A short 15-minute walk from the shrine.
JPY300, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Komyozenji Soba

Enjoy a meal of soba noodles at this scenic temple restaurant.
Located near the temple.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Dazaifu Amulets shops

Shop for unique traditional amulets and souvenirs in the famous local shops.
Walk around the area from the restaurant.
JPY0, 1 hour

3:30PM

Dinner at Sakurai

Savor your final dinner in Kyushu at Sakurai, specializing in seafood and traditional dishes.
A short drive from the shopping area.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 12: Departure from Fukuoka

Fukuoka, Japan

8:00AM

Drive back to Fukuoka

Enjoy a leisurely drive back to Fukuoka, soaking in the last views of Kyushu.
About a 30-minute drive from Dazaifu to Fukuoka.
JPY500 (gas), 30 minutes

9:00AM

Last-minute Shopping

Visit Tenjin Underground Shopping Mall for some last-minute souvenirs and gifts.
Drive to Tenjin shopping area in Fukuoka.
JPY0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at Canal City Hakata

Enjoy lunch with a variety of dining options in the Canal City complex.
A short drive from the shopping area.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Explore Fukuoka Tower

Take a trip to Fukuoka Tower for panoramic views of the city.
Drive 20 minutes to reach the tower.
JPY800, 1 hour

3:00PM

Departure

Wrap up your Kyushu adventure and prepare for your onward journey.
Return your rental car and head to the airport.
JPY0, 1 hour
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