Itinerary
Kyushu's Quiet Heart: A 10-Day Road Trip Through the Island's Soul
10 days · 20 stops · ¥150,000–¥220,000
Wed, May 12 – Fri, May 21
From Fukuoka's bustling yatai stalls to Nagasaki's hillside churches, the volcanic caldera of Aso, and the steamy onsen towns of Oita — experience Kyushu's icons without the crowds, by car.
Days
mdid / CC BY 2.0
Kushida Shrine
Fukuoka
Schedule
Day 01 of 10Land at FUK · Wed, May 12 · from JFK · 1 traveler
Renting a car? Check the license rules
Some licenses (FR/DE/CH/BE/TW) need a JAF translation, not an IDP — 5-min guide.
Stay
Fukuoka · 3 nights
Wed, May 12 → Sat, May 15 · 1 guest
17:00
EXPLORE
櫛田神社
Stay ~45 min
Hakata Station
Hakata's spiritual heart since 757, this shrine hosts the famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival — its ornate floats are on display year-round.
~18 min on foot
18:03
EXPLORE
渡辺通
Stay ~1h 30m
Yakuin Station
A lively street blending old-school shotengai charm with modern cafes — perfect for a slow evening wander and your first taste of mentaiko.
Getting around, region by region
Your route mixes city and countryside — here's the best mode for each leg.
Fukuoka · Days 1–3
Dense rail network — trains and the metro beat driving here.
Itoshima Peninsula → Kumamoto & Aso · Days 4–10
Rural — a rental car reaches spots no train or bus serves.
Getting around
🚗
Rental car recommended
Several stops on this route are in rural areas with limited rail access. A rental car from the nearest city hub gives you the freedom to reach places no bus serves.
Browse rental cars on Klook →⛴️
Ferry required
At least one destination is accessible only by ferry. Book in advance — island ferries sell out weeks ahead in peak season (Apr–May, Jul–Aug).
Browse ferry options on Klook →01 / 10
Journey map
Trip budget · お見積り
¥14,500–¥26,500 / person / day
¥145,000–¥265,000 total
💴 Carry ~¥5,000/day in cash — many hidden spots are cash-only.
Estimated from 19 travel legs and 9 hotel nights. International flights not included. Typical prices, not quotes.
Before you go
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Get Around
Shinkansen, regional rail passes, and city transit — sorted before you land.
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Stay Hidden
Sleep in a centuries-old ryokan. Tatami floors, onsen, and a 7-course kaiseki.
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Travel Light
Ship luggage ahead on the shinkansen route. Explore every day completely hands-free.
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