Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Fukuoka, Japan to Fukuoka, Japan in Kyushu, Japan.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is March to May or October to November.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Culture, Food & drink, Classic road trip.

Kyushu Grand Loop: Onsen, Volcanoes and History from Fukuoka

Q: How long is the Kyushu Grand Loop: Onsen, Volcanoes and History from Fukuoka route?

This route takes 9 days taking in 7 stops.

Loading…

The route · 7 stops

6 overnight bases · 1 stop on the way

Fukuoka

1 night

Kyushu's gateway city rewards a one-night base before the drive begins. Rent your car from the airport and spend the evening at a yatai food stall beside the Naka River for Hakata ramen or grilled chicken. Ohori Park and Tochoji Temple are worth a morning wander before heading southwest.Kyushu's gateway city rewards a one-night base before the drive begins. Rent your car from the airport and spend the evening at a yatai food stall beside the Naka River for Hakata ramen or grilled chicken. Ohori Park and Tochoji Temple are worth a morning wander before heading southwest.

Recommendations

1h 54m · 137 km drive to Nagasaki

Nagasaki

2 nights

Japan's most internationally layered city. The Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum are sombre and essential. Dejima's Dutch trading post history, the Meganebashi stone arch bridge, and the Mount Inasa cable car for one of Japan's finest night views make two nights feel just right.Japan's most internationally layered city. The Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum are sombre and essential. Dejima's Dutch trading post history, the Meganebashi stone arch bridge, and the Mount Inasa cable car for one of Japan's finest night views make two nights feel just right.

Recommendations

1h 24m · 101 km drive to Kumamoto

Kumamoto

1 night

Home to one of Japan's finest castles, extensively restored after the 2016 earthquake. The inner keep reopened in 2021 and the grounds are excellent for a morning walk. Kumamoto's Shimotori arcade and basashi (raw horse) cuisine add local character before the push to Aso.Home to one of Japan's finest castles, extensively restored after the 2016 earthquake. The inner keep reopened in 2021 and the grounds are excellent for a morning walk. Kumamoto's Shimotori arcade and basashi (raw horse) cuisine add local character before the push to Aso.

Recommendations

39m · 47 km drive to Mount Aso

Mount Aso

2 nights

The world's largest inhabited caldera: a broad volcanic basin of rolling meadow, steaming vents and terraced farmland ringed by five peaks. Arrive via the Milk Road scenic drive from Kumamoto. The Aso Nakadake crater is viewable on foot when activity allows. Two nights absorb the landscape.The world's largest inhabited caldera: a broad volcanic basin of rolling meadow, steaming vents and terraced farmland ringed by five peaks. Arrive via the Milk Road scenic drive from Kumamoto. The Aso Nakadake crater is viewable on foot when activity allows. Two nights absorb the landscape.

Recommendations

1h 3m · 76 km drive to Beppu

Beppu

1 night

Japan's most prolific hot spring city, with eight dramatically different geothermal pools (Jigoku Meguri) from cobalt blue to blood red. Go beyond the sightseeing hells and use a public bathhouse (sento) for a proper soak. Fresh fish at Kitahama market rounds out the day.Japan's most prolific hot spring city, with eight dramatically different geothermal pools (Jigoku Meguri) from cobalt blue to blood red. Go beyond the sightseeing hells and use a public bathhouse (sento) for a proper soak. Fresh fish at Kitahama market rounds out the day.

Recommendations

43m · 51 km drive to Yufuin

Yufuin

1 night

A refined counterpoint to Beppu's volcanic spectacle. Yufuin sits in a quiet basin beneath the twin peaks of Mount Yufu with a main street of cafes, craft galleries and small museums. Book an overnight at a ryokan with private open-air baths for the best experience on the route.A refined counterpoint to Beppu's volcanic spectacle. Yufuin sits in a quiet basin beneath the twin peaks of Mount Yufu with a main street of cafes, craft galleries and small museums. Book an overnight at a ryokan with private open-air baths for the best experience on the route.

Recommendations

On the way

Fukuoka
1h 18m · 94 km
The loop closes back in Fukuoka. If your flight is in the evening, there is time for one last bowl of Hakata ramen or a walk through the covered Tenjin shopping district before the airport.The loop closes back in Fukuoka. If your flight is in the evening, there is time for one last bowl of Hakata ramen or a walk through the covered Tenjin shopping district before the airport.
Recommendations

Kyushu Grand Loop: Onsen, Volcanoes and History from Fukuoka