DAY 1

Arrive in Fukuoka via plane or Shinkansen and begin your Kyushu adventure. Spend the day exploring the city’s vibrant blend of modern energy and historic charm.

As the sun sets, head to the famous Yatai street food stalls by the river, where sizzling local specialties, like tonkotsu ramen and yakitori, offer the perfect introduction to Kyushu’s flavors.

DAY 2

Pick up your rental car and start your scenic drive through Kyushu’s northern mountains, passing through traditional villages and rice terraces.

Stop by Dazaifu, home to the famous Tenmangu Shrine, a spiritual site dedicated to academic success. Arrive in Nagasaki, a city shaped by centuries of international influence. Wander through Chinatown, explore Glover Garden, and visit the historic Dejima trading post. End your day with fresh seafood at Dejima Wharf, overlooking the harbor.

DAY 3

Spend your morning exploring Nagasaki’s vibrant port city before heading toward the Unzen volcanic region. Drive along the Shimabara Peninsula, stopping for breathtaking views of the rugged volcanic terrain. Visit Unzen Hell (Jigoku), a surreal landscape of steaming fumaroles and bubbling hot springs.

Explore the buried houses, eerie remnants of the last volcanic eruption. Check in at a traditional ryokan, where you’ll unwind in an onsen and enjoy a kaiseki dinner.

DAY 4

In the morning, take a ferry from Shimabara to Kumamoto, where you’ll visit the stunning Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful fortresses.

From there, continue to Aso National Park, home to one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas. Witness Mount Aso’s steaming crater and its dramatic landscapes. Take a scenic drive through rolling grasslands, hot springs, and stunning viewpoints. Check volcanic activity updates, as some areas may have restricted access due to emissions.

DAY 5

Continue your Kyushu adventure through lush mountains and valleys, heading toward the island’s east coast. Visit Takachiho Gorge, a mystical canyon where you can row a boat beneath cascading waterfalls.

Follow the coastline south, taking in the stunning ocean views before arriving in Miyazaki, Kyushu’s laid-back beachside city.

DAY 6

Start your morning at Udo Jingu Shrine, dramatically perched on coastal cliffs overlooking the Pacific. Cross a lava-formed land bridge onto the Sakurajima Peninsula, home to one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. Take a ferry to Kagoshima, often called the “Naples of Japan”, where palm-lined streets meet spectacular views of Sakurajima Volcano.

DAY 7

Return your rental car in the morning. Extend your adventure to Yakushima Island, known for its ancient cedar forests and misty landscapes.Return to Osaka or Tokyo.