14 Days in Kyushu: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary for Singaporeans

Traveloka Accomodation
20 Sep 2023 - 6 min read

Kyushu Self Drive Itinerary - Kyushu is the third largest island in Japan that you can visit, and it's great for a road trip. Kyushu has a rugged coastline, mountains, and onsens, and the food here is the best. Making Kyushu has its charm from other places in Japan because there are many things to do in Kyushu for tourism.

This Kyushu itinerary 14 days is perfect for Singaporeans who want the best experience. Follow the Kyushu self drive itinerary below, starting from a rental car, exploring various places in Kyushu, and returning to Singapore. Also, we have tips for driving in Japan that you must understand.

14 Days in Kyushu

Here’s a short guide to self-drive in Kyushu for 14 days:

Day 1: Arrive in Fukuoka and pick up your rental car

To start your trip in Kyushu, you can take a flight from Singapore (SIN) to Fukuoka (FUK). In this city, your adventure will begin. Before you go to Kyushu for your vacation, make sure you have rented a car.

Next, you can check into the hotel for a short break and try some delicious food. This city is famous for squid sashimi that can be enjoyed alive. The best restaurants you can visit in Fukuoka are Shobo-an, Hamadaya, Motsukou, and Hakata Ippudo.

Book your flight to Fukuoka

Thu, 11 Sep 2025

Peach Airline

Singapore (SIN) to Fukuoka (FUK)

Start from SGD 225.82

Tue, 9 Sep 2025

Air China

Singapore (SIN) to Fukuoka (FUK)

Start from SGD 235.70

Tue, 9 Sep 2025

Cebu Pacific

Singapore (SIN) to Fukuoka (FUK)

Start from SGD 238.19

Day 2: Explore Fukuoka City, including the Fukuoka Castle, the Tenjin district, and the Canal City Hakata shopping mall

Fukuoka Castle - Kyushu Self Drive Itinerary

On the second day, the trip is still in Fukuoka because there are still many places that you have to go to. The first place you can visit in Fukuoka is Fukuoka Castle. Fukuoka Castle is no longer in sight, it's just a unique ruin, but many tourists come to see its historical remains. This castle is at the top of the hill, so that you can see the view of Fukuoka city from here.

Remember to go around the Tenjin District. Here, you can visit various shops that sell famous fashion brands. Then, there are many restaurants in Tenjin District that you can visit to get food.

The last place that you can visit in Fukuoka is Canal City Hakata, an extensive shopping and entertainment complex in Fukuoka. This place is open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 09.00 p.m. At Canal City Hakata, you can also find cinemas, theatres, and many entertainment places.

Day 3: Drive to Kumamoto and visit Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle - Kyushu Self Drive Itinerary

On the third day, the journey continues to Kumomato. The time needed to get to Kumamoto is 1 hour and 32 minutes. In Kumamoto, you can visit Kumamoto Castle, which is a castle that is open to the public. This palace is more than 400 years old but still stands majestically. Kumamoto Castle's architecture is unique, with several historical remains in the Edo Period.

Day 4: Visit the Takachiho Gorge and see the mystical rock formations

Takachiho Gorge - Kyushu Self Drive Itinerary

On the fourth day, the trip continues to Takachiho Gorge. From Kumamoto to Takachiho takes 1 to 2 hours by car. Takachiho Gorge is a beautiful place with winding country roads through mountains, rice fields, and valleys.

At Takachiho, you can see the mystical rock formation. The best way to see the Gorge is to rent a boat and paddle for 30 minutes. The boat can be rowed up to the buoy circle. In addition, by boat, you can walk along the Gorge on the path beside it. The scenery here is no less beautiful.

Day 5: Drive to Beppu and experience the many hot springs

Beppu - Kyushu Self Drive Itinerary

On the fifth day, you can visit Beppu. This trip takes about 2 hours 30 minutes by car. Beppu is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Japan. Here, there are eight different springs, namely, Beppu Onsen, Kannawa Onsen, Myoban Onsen, Kankaiji Onsen, Hamawaki Onsen, Kamegawa Onsen, Horita Onsen, and Shibaseki Onsen.

Day 6: Visit the Yufuin Onsen district and relax in the thermal baths

About 30 minutes from Beppu, you can visit the Yufuin Onsen district on the sixth day. Yufuin is often a great alternative to the bustling Beppu Onsen. The location of Yufuin is at the foot of Mount Yufu.

Yufuin Hot Springs is in a small inlet surrounded by mountains, so the scenery is breathtaking. Soaking in Yufuin hot springs is very beneficial for health, such as reducing fatigue, treating arthritis, diabetes, gout, and many more. The hot water in this place is drinkable.

Day 7: Drive to Nagasaki and visit the Atomic Bomb Museum

Atomic Bomb Museum - Kyushu Self Drive Itinerary

On the seventh day, you can visit Nagasaki. The time it takes from Yufuin Onsen district to Nagasaki is 2 hours 44 minutes by car. The destination that you must visit in Nagasaki is The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum.

This museum was established to commemorate the atomic bombing of Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. It is said that the bombing of Nagasaki marked a new era of war, making Nagasaki a symbolic location for commemoration. Next to the museum is the Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims.

Day 8: Visit the Dejima Warehouse District and learn about Nagasaki's history as a trading port

When visiting Nagasaki, take advantage of the Dejima Warehouse District. Through Dejima, various Western cultures, such as coffee, beer, and chocolate, can spread throughout Japan. This place became a favorite of Dutch traders.

Here, you can see historical relics of the 19th century. In 2019, 16 buildings were renovated, including the Kapitan-beya, the Captain's residence, the largest building in Dejima. To visit Dejima, the opening hours of this place start from 08.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Day 9: Drive to Kagoshima and see the Sakurajima volcano

On the ninth day, you can continue your trip to Kagoshima. The time needed to go to Kagoshima from Nagasaki is 4 to 6 hours. Here, you can visit Sakurajima, one of the most active volcanoes in Japan. Tourists visiting Sakurajima can try various attractions, including one short hike and more. The scenery on this mountain is stunning. You can breathe fresh air while in Kagoshima.

Day 10: Visit the Kirishima National Park and go hiking

Kirishima National Park - Kyushu Self Drive Itinerary

Kirishima National Park is located in Kagoshima. You can visit this place and hike on day 10 of your trip to Kyushu. Kirishima National Park is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Japan. The Kirishima Mountains feature a collection of active volcanic peaks with a stunning crater lake. During the trip, you can pass through a beautiful natural forest.

Day 11: Drive to Miyazaki and visit the Miyazaki Castle

On the eleventh day, you can visit Miyazaki. The driving distance between Kagoshima and Miyazaki is 140 km, and it takes about two hours to drive from Kagoshima to Miyazaki by car.

Miyazaki is a haven for tourists who love outdoor activities. You can do lots of fun activities in Miyazaki; one you can't miss is visiting the seaside shrines. The view you can get from the shrine in Miyazaki is fantastic; after that, you can enjoy the calm atmosphere on the beach. Remember to enjoy the sunset here!

Day 12: Visit the Nichinan Kaigan National Park and go swimming in the ocean

Nichinan Kaigan National Park - Kyushu Self Drive Itinerary

On the 12th, you can visit Nichinan Kaigan National Park, located south of Miyazaki, the south coast of Japan, with beautiful scenery. Nichinan Kaigan National Park is the best place to get the sunrise, so come here. Nichinan Kaigan National Park opens at 08.00 a.m. to 06.00 p.m. In addition to enjoying the sunrise, visitors can swim in the ocean.

Day 13: Drive back to Fukuoka

On the 13th day, it's time to return to Fukuoka. From Miyazaki to Fukuoka, it takes 3 to 5 hours by car. In Fukuoka, you can rest to restore energy before your flight back to Singapore the next day.

Day 14: Back to Singapore

The last day in Kyushu was back to Singapore from Fukuoka. The direct flight from Fukuoka to Singapore takes about 6 hours.

Driving Tips in Japan

There are a few things to note about driving in Japan. Here's a list:

Drive on the left side of the road.
Be aware that the speed limits are generally lower than in Singapore.
Use the expressways to save time, but buy an expressway pass to avoid paying tolls.
Be prepared for rain, especially in the summer months.
Learn some basic Japanese phrases to help you communicate with locals.

Kyushu is a fun tourist destination in Japan. You can explore many exciting places during the trip. The scenery in Kyushu is very beautiful, from the mountain, and onsen, to the beach. This place also keeps the history of Japanese and delicious food.

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In This Article

• 14 Days in Kyushu
• Day 1: Arrive in Fukuoka and pick up your rental car
• Day 2: Explore Fukuoka City, including the Fukuoka Castle, the Tenjin district, and the Canal City Hakata shopping mall
• Day 3: Drive to Kumamoto and visit Kumamoto Castle
• Day 4: Visit the Takachiho Gorge and see the mystical rock formations
• Day 5: Drive to Beppu and experience the many hot springs
• Day 6: Visit the Yufuin Onsen district and relax in the thermal baths
• Day 7: Drive to Nagasaki and visit the Atomic Bomb Museum
• Day 8: Visit the Dejima Warehouse District and learn about Nagasaki's history as a trading port
• Day 9: Drive to Kagoshima and see the Sakurajima volcano
• Day 10: Visit the Kirishima National Park and go hiking
• Day 11: Drive to Miyazaki and visit the Miyazaki Castle
• Day 12: Visit the Nichinan Kaigan National Park and go swimming in the ocean
• Day 13: Drive back to Fukuoka
• Day 14: Back to Singapore
• Driving Tips in Japan

Flights Featured in This Article

Thu, 11 Sep 2025
Peach Airline
Singapore (SIN) to Fukuoka (FUK)
Start from SGD 225.82
Book Now
Tue, 9 Sep 2025
Air China
Singapore (SIN) to Fukuoka (FUK)
Start from SGD 235.70
Book Now
Tue, 9 Sep 2025
Cebu Pacific
Singapore (SIN) to Fukuoka (FUK)
Start from SGD 238.19
Book Now
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