This itinerary include :
- Old Town – Yufuin
- Characters shop – Totoro & friends – Japanese animation
- Themed Park – Sanrio Hormonyland Oita
- Fun Rides – Ferris Wheel Amuran in Kagoshima City
- Hot Spring – Beppu “HELL” colorful hot spring for viewing only
- Beach – Miyazaki
- Shrine – Udo Shrine/鵜戸神宮
- Ocean – Great Pacific Ocean drive
- Statue – Sun Messe Nichinan – Moai Statues
- Mini Petting Zoo – Mizayaki Sun Messe Nichinan
- Animal Feeding Zoo – Aso Farmland
- Farm – Takachiho Farm Kirishima & Aso Farmland
- Sand Bath – Ibusuki
- Japanese Garden – Sengan-en Garden
- Tradition – Japanese Tea Ceremony experience
- Sea Transport – Ferry to Sakurajima
- Volcano – Sakurajima
- Castle – Kumamoto Castle
- University – Kumamoto University
- Ski Mountain – Mount Aso
- War History – Nagasaki Heiwa Peace Park
- Museum – Saga Space & Science Museum
One Round of Kyushu Island, Japan – Self Drive with the rental car
1. Why self drive in Kyushu?
Kyushu Island is located at the southern Island of Japan, about the size of Taiwan. It is one of the best places to do self-drive in Japan. Driving in Kyushu Island is similar to driving in Australia, the roads are quite spacious and not many cars. If you are the first time and don’t know where to start, you can try out Kyushu Japan. In total there are 7 Prefectures in Kyushu, you should be able to cover within a week.
2. Who should do self Drive?
If you have a pax of 4 and above or have young children and grandparents, it is wise to rent a car and drive around freely. It is harder to do free and easy with young and old in the family, I can’t imagine how you going to bring all the luggage from the Japan train station platform, some do not have the elevator, only stairs.
3. Cheaper Cost if you have pax of 4 and above!
Self Drive is cheaper than going with the big group of a tour. Check out the price at rentalcars.com . It depends on what kind of car you are renting. A normal 5 seater Mazda 3 sedan cost less than USD 70 per day. There are cheaper or more expensive car depends on your needs and budget. Taxi cost a bomb and train and subway and buses are not cheap in Japan.
4. Flexibility & Adventurous!
- See the thing you want to see!
- Eat the thing you like to eat!
- Plan your own date of travel!
- Choose your own hotel depending on your budget and liking!
You can stop anywhere and anytime you feel like. Plan your own routes. You won’t be dragged to shop if shopping is not your thing. If you are on a package tour, you have no choice but to follow and spend hours in the shopping area. You can try out any food in any restaurant at any time if you have the flexibility of your own car.
5. Go to places that local people usually go!
You get to shop at the shopping center or supermarkets which local people go, prices are normally cheaper and more variety and more authentic stuff you get. We stop daily to get our stuff at the supermarket, be it snacks, drinks, food & souvenirs!
Some other hidden gem which tour coaches can’t reach you can always do it with self-drive.
Kyushu 1 – Oita Prefecture – A quiet getaway in Yufuin/湯布院
- Fukuoka Airport to Hakata City
- Fukuoka to Yufuin
- Enokiya Ryokan in Yufuin
- Things to do in Yufuin
- Donguri nomori in Yufuin – Totoro & friends
- Japanese Post Box
- Type of Umbrella Shops in Yufuin
- Japanese Chopsticks & Lunch Box Shop in Yufuin
- Old Train in the park in Yufuin
- Dinner in Yufuin
Self Drive in Kyushu 2: Sanrio Harmony Land and Hells of Beppu – Summary
- Sanrio Hormonyland in Oita
- Beppu Hell
- Kamado Jigoku / Cooking Pot Devil Hell – Devil standing on top of the pond
- Umi Jigoku/ Sea Hell – biggest and color is cobalt blue, most recommended!
- Chinoike Jigoku/ Blood Pond Hell – Red color pond
- Steam your own dinner at Jigokumushikobo – must Try!
- Onsenkaku Ryokan Inn
Self Drive in Kyushu 3: Is Miyazaki City not Easter Island! Summary
- Beppu to Miyazaki
- Rest Area on the highway to Miyazaki
- Miyazaki City
- Different between Shrines and Temples in Japan
- Attraction 1: Udo Shrine/Udo Shrine/鵜戸神宮
- Breathtaking view of Great Pacific Ocean from Udo Shrines
- A shrine that prays for easy childbirth and Happy marriage
- Attraction 2: Sun Messe Nichinan – In Miyazaki
- Butterfly garden in Sun Messe Nichinan
- The rental Buggy car only for Japanese Driving Licence
- Colorful but bored looking Salaryman
- Spot the difference between the replica and Orginal Moai Statues
- Animal patting
- Dinner is Gyudon/牛丼
- Hotel Route Inn Miyazaki-Aoshima
Japan Self Drive in Kyushu 4 – Kagoshima Prefecture: Kirishima Summary
- Miyazaki City to Kirishima – how far? 1.5 – 2 hr
- Kirishima (霧島)
- Takachiho Farm in Kirishima
- Our Rental Car – Mazda – how much does it cost?
- Kirishima Town
- Quiet Town before entering the Kirishima Shrine
- Home cook charcoal BBQ Chicken in Takachiho area
- Kirishima Royal Hotel
Japan Self Drive in Kyushu 5: Kagoshima Prefecture, Kagoshima City & Sakurajima
- Kirishima to Kagoshima City – How far?
- Kagoshima/鹿児島 highlight
- Sand bath at Ibusuki
- Student Lunch in Kagoshima City
- Kagoshima Ramen noodles
- Sengan-en Garden/仙巌園
- Bamboo Forest in Sengan-en Garden
- Japanese Tea Ceremony at the Iso Residence in Sengan-en Garden
- Ferris Wheel Amuran in Kagoshima City
- Ferry to Sakurajima
- Ferry cost Kagoshima – Sakurajima
- Sakurajima Volcano/桜島
- Free & Natural Volcano Facial Mask in Sakurajima
- Best Western Rembrandt Hotel Kagoshima – Resort
Japan Self Drive in Kyushu 6 – Kumamoto Prefecture: Kumamoto Castle and Kumamoto University
- Kagoshima to Kumamoto – How far?
- Kumamoto /熊本 – Bear origin
- Kumamoto Castle – 3rd Largest Castle in Japan
- Was there any female samurai?
- Key Features of Kumamoto Castle
- Kumamoto is a Bonchi/盆地
- Okonomiyaki at Daimonji /大文字
- Kumamoto University – The RED GATE/Akamon
- Kumamoto University Dormitory
- Green Rich Hotel Suizenji
Japan Self Drive in Kyushu 7 & 8 -Kumamoto Prefecture: Kumamoto Aso, the largest volcano in Japan: Summary
- Kumamoto City – Mount Aso
- Aso Milk Road & Aso Panorama Line
- Making midget snowman in Mount Aso
- Aso Farmland
- Capybara
- Flamingos
- Llama
- More animals at the indoor petting zoo
- Guinea pig and rabbits
- Chameleon
- Aso Farm Land Resort – Igloo style of accommodation
- Nagasaki Heiwa Peace Park
- Saga Space & Science Museum
- Hakata Green Hotel Building No.2
Food Guide :
- Hakata Ramen – popular noodles in the southern island of Japan. The broth is made from pork bones called kurobuta or black pork.
- Champon – Try Nagasaki Champon, originated from Chinese students who studied in Japan during the Meiji era. Similar to ramen.
- Sasebo Burger – bacon and fried eggs and massive ground chicken burgers made with poultry from the Kyushu region
- Basashi / Raw Horse sashimi – If you dare, dip with soya sauce and ginger. (Sorry horse, I won’t eat you and I am not going to try)
- Mentaiko – spicy version of salted cod roe (tarako)
- Motsunabe – Hot pot dish
- Karashi Renkon – Kumamoto specialty, the dish made by filling the holes of lotus root with a mixture of Japanese chili, miso, and dry roasted bean curb lees, then deep frying the lotus root.
- Ika Shumai – squid dumpling from Saga Prefecture.
- Tonkatsu – Tonkatsu is a staple dish in Japanese cuisine but tries in Kagoshima as it uses Kurobuta or black pork – after deep fried, you will experience the crisp texture, softness and strong taste.
- Dessert – Ikinari Dango is a red bean mochi.
5 Tips to do Self Drive in Kyushu Island Japan
- Driver seat on the right-hand side, same as all commonwealth countries.
- Get ready your international driving license from your home country.
- Book the car in rentalcars.com
- Get your mobile roaming plan, in case you need to use google map from mobile phone or GPS is not working properly.
- If you have GPS, it is always wise to bring your own in case car rental company does not provide. Note, not all car rental company has GPS.
You may also like other self-drive destination :
- Self Drive in Central Region Japan (Gifu, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Matsumoto, Mt Fuji, Nagoya)
- Self Drive in Hiroshima, Kansai region and Shikoku Island (including Osaka, Kyoto & Nara)
- Self Drive in Britain, United Kingdom ( England, Wales & Edinburgh)
- Self Drive in the USA – California
- Self Drive in Thailand (From Bangkok to Chiang Mai)
- Self Drive in Taiwan Round The Island
I have affiliate program with the following booking website, so please click at your preference booking website here to check the hotels or airbnb you like to stay for your Japan Kyushu Island trip.
44 comments
What a great travel guide. I’ll need this when I go to Japan.
Dear Stylish Paradox,
I am glad it is helpful for you in the future.
I think self driving can be a great idea, mostly because you end up really experiencing the whole trip in another way… You get to interiorize the place and the roads and it’s just way cooler!
Dear Garrile,
Thanks for your comment. Self drive will bring you to the place you wanted to go faster. Driving is easier in Kyushu island Japan as compared to Tokyo. Similar to driving in Australia !
Thanks for sharing this! I will keep this post in mind if I ever plan on traveling to Kyushu Island.
Dear Shadlyn,
Hope you will enjoy when you visit one day!
You really highlight such an amazing trip especially for those trying to save on funds. You have so many place listed to travel too even in 8 days.
Dear Cia Black,
I hope it work as some guide to the reader. Thank you for your time in commenting here!
I want to go to Japan so badly! These places are all so beautiful. It’s definitely best to self drive and see things at your own pace.
Dear aritheamateur,
Japan has so much to offer, totally different culture from the west. Even me from Asia like it so much! You will enjoy for sure 🙂
What a great travel guide. I’m a big fan of self driving instead of taking tours.
Dear Serena,
Thank you for your comment, I totally agree with you self drive can bring more joy and more freedom!
What a great guide! I often find that there’s so much more to see, do and explore when you rent a car at your travel destination.
I think a road trip is always going to be a great option but you outlined some really handy facts that would sway anyone. It really looks like a gorgeous place
Very beautiful pictures you have taken here. The landscape is a dream. I also love the buildings. Have a great day!
Dear ladysworldoffashion,
Thanks you for your kind comment. I love Kyushu Japan landscape too!
I love road trips! they are always a great way to discover a country and see what you would usually not see in guided tours!
Dear Corinne and Kirsty
That’s right, some of the places may not be able to reach by the guided tours. You have more flexibility!
Fabulous travel guide! I like that you can go st your own pace and tailor it to your needs and what you want to see.
Nicole Vick
Dear stylevicksen,
Totally agree, this is the guide for your reference and you can tailor to your own need.
i am always fascinated by road trips. Through the road trips you can not only just travel but also explore the culture and food too. Great guide.
Dear acupofassamtea,
Thank you for your comment. I hope the Kyushu round the Island road trip will help other see Japan, other than just Tokyo city.
Self driving definitely gives you a sense of independence and hightens the travel experience! I wish I was a better driver so that I could plan such a trip 😉
Dear Flora,
I hope you will find a good driver at least to partner with on the self drive road trip!
I would not mind driving in a place like this. Hopefully the traffic would be less crazy than in New York since you said there are not that many cars there.
Dear Stephanie,
Thank you for your comment. The drive is pretty easy and smooth in Kyushu Island, unlike any big cities.
So many great tips! We also opt frequently for renting a car when we go visiting as with young children is way more practical!
Dear Nati,
Self driving is great for family with young children! There are also many theme fun park in Japan which are great for young children too. 🙂
Such a beautiful place it is, Japan is on the top of my bucket list. Thank you for this helpful post that I can look forward to when planning my trip, bookmarking this.
Dear Preet,
Thank you for your comment. I hope my reference guide provide some value for your future trip to Japan.
I have always wanted to visit Japan so I would definitely love to do this. I would definitely use this as a guide.
Dear Ellie,
I hope this will give you some reference guide.
Great. Very ideal ideas on a travel. Thanks for sharing it. So glad came across your post today.
Hi, thanks for sharing ur travel itenarary. Could I check when the Kyushu trip was made? And do u think it’s worth it to go both Aso Farmland and takachiho ranch?
Dear Ninjiom,
It depend, if you are traveling with small children, it is worth to go. But if you just like to choose one, then go Aso san as there are more interative animals for the children to feed and touch, those animals are pretty nice to human, non aggressive. I love the capybara in Aso farmlands, so adorable and running around. The Kyushu self drive was done about 3 years ago, covering all the prefectures in Kyushu Island.
Hi, I’m planning a trip end dec. Wondering if we will need snow tires if we go up to Aso? Thanks for sharing btw 🙂
Dear Nicholas,
Thanks for asking.
It if is snowing, you may need snow tires and chain. Do check with car rental company and tell them you are going up to Mount Aso. It can be quite foggy in the end of Dec. You may want to consider staying in Aso Farm Land Resort (Igloo house). The onsen there looks super fun and plenty of activities to do around. I love the animal farm as there are many animals walking around for you to pat. The Capybara is super cute. I regretted not staying there for a night so I have more time to play around. I needed to leave at around 4plus to Kumamoto city before it gets too dark.
Hello, you rented the car from Day 1 until the end of your trip? I will be going to Kyushu for 9D8N trip in mid-March 2019 with my wife and my 2-year old kid. I don’t know if I should rent a car. We would like to visit Kumamoto, Mt Aso, Takachiho Gorge, Miyazaki and Kagoshima.
Dear Johny,
Thanks for your questions. I would highly recomending you to rent a car since you have a 2 year old boy. It is worth to do it since you are visiting quite a few places in Kyushu. About 4-5 Prefectures. I guess you are landing in Fukuoka airport. Your trip look like a round trip of Kyushu Island 🙂 Pretty cool.
I would suggest you to have a stay near Mt Asa farm. The animal is great for kids as animals are running around and all very tame. Children can feed them. I love the Capybara!
Driving in Japan is pretty easy, especially in Kyushu island, similar to Australia Perth if you have done Australia road trip. Another tips to look at when renting a car is, getting the hybrid car. Last month my trip to Osaka and Shikoku Island was with Hybrid car and I only have to pump petrol once for my 8 days trip which save a lot of time and money. If you used hybrid cars before then you may know the difference. 🙂
There are many good reason to use renting car since you have a young kid. You can even stop at supermarket and do your shopping for good ready made food. Usually there is a big car park outside the supermarket.
Check out my supermarket review for your reference : http://thinkerten.com/wordpress/2018/11/japan-shikoku-japanese-neighbourhood-supermarket-tour-at-takamatsu/
Please also visit the highway rest area as they offer more than toilets and food. You may want to do some reseach which are the top rest area in Kyushu. Below is one of my review for Shikoku region highway rest area for your reference.
http://thinkerten.com/wordpress/2018/11/japan-highway-rest-area-review-awaji-service-area-near-kobe-hyogo-prefecture-kansai-region/
If you need further information, please don’t hesitate to ask. 🙂
Yes, renting a car for the whole 9 days is a better choice since you are going to so many prefectures in Kyushu.
Thanks very much for your reply and tips! I was comparing a non-hybrid car (Mazda 3 Hatchback) versus a hybrid Toyota Prius. The Toyota Prius costs 13k Yen more in rental fee. I am not really sure whether it is really worth paying 13k Yen more in rental fee just for a hybrid? What do you think? How much is a litre of petrol in Kyushu if you remember? I am also trying to find out the cost of parking in Kyushu if you still remember?
Dear JT,
Thanks for your questions. I am sorry for my late reply as I am on the road from Mid of Dec till now and I was not able to check my mail during that time.
The 13k yen is about 130 USD which is quite a big difference so you may want to reconsider and do more research on this.
When I was doing Kyushu road trip, I have a choice of not using hybrid so I did not go for it as it cost more that time. However, when I was doing the road trip to Kansai & Shikoku a few months back (in October), there is only hybrid car so I took up the hybrid car. The total cost for petrol for the hybrid car for 9 days, the average of 3 hours of driving on the road daily is 7000yen (about USD70) for the total journey. I hope this work as a guide for your booking of the car.
I remembered the parking in Kyushu did not cost me much as I usually drive away from the city. Most of the hotel I stayed provide free parking. Supermarkets and family restaurants in Japan usually provide big parking space in front of their premises and usually is free, do take advantage of that and go in for the meal.
I hope this reply reaches you before your departure. Once again, apologized for the late reply. Ganbatte!
Thanks for your info! Very helpful!!!
Thanks for your no frills and simple advise on the topic, its definitely a confidence boosting article on self driving tour in Japan.
Dear Nick,
Thank you for your kind comment. Kyushu island is one of the easiest regions to do self-drive in Japan.