3 Day Road Trip Across Kyushu

@Japan Guide

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Explore Kyushu's volcanic landscapes and hot spring towns on a 3-day road trip. This itinerary covers Beppu's 'hells,' Yufuin's charm, Kurokawa Onsen's rustic beauty, majestic Mount Aso, and Kumamoto City's cultural highlights.

10 places · 6 experiences

Experience · 2 places
Beppu's Volcanic Wonders & Sand Baths
daytimehalf day
Begin your Kyushu adventure in Beppu, exploring its unique 'hells' and indulging in a relaxing sand bath experience by the beach.
1
Umi Jigoku
Tourist attraction · Beppu
4.3 (77)Closed · opens tomorrow 8 AM
Creator's voice
Known as the 'sea hell,' this vibrant cobalt-blue hot spring is one of Beppu's most famous 'hells' (jigoku). It's a viewing hot spring, not for bathing, showcasing the region's intense geothermal activity.
Umi Jigoku, 559-1 Kannawa, Beppu, Oita 874-0045, Japan
2
Kamado Jigoku
Tourist attraction · Beppu
4.1 (86)Closed · opens Monday 8 AM
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The 'cooking pot hell' offers various hot springs with different colors and temperatures, along with opportunities to drink 80-degree hot spring water and enjoy onsen-steamed food.
Kamado Jigoku, 621 Kannawa, Beppu, Oita 874-0840, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Evening in Quaint Yufuin Onsen
evening3 hours
After Beppu, drive to Yufuin Onsen, a charming hot spring town nestled beneath Mount Yufudake. Check into a ryokan, explore the scenic streets, and enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner.
3
Yufuin Onsen
Yufu
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A quaint hot spring town overlooked by the twin-peaked Mount Yufudake, known for its scenic streets, art galleries, cafes, and traditional ryokan.
Yufuin Onsen, Yufu, Oita, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Yufuin Morning & Yamanami Highway Drive
morninghalf day
Start your second day with a peaceful stroll around Lake Kinrinko in Yufuin, then embark on a scenic drive along the Yamanami Highway, stopping at natural points of interest.
4
Lake Kinrinko
Lake · Yufu
4.3 (2,077)
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A picturesque lake in Yufuin known for its morning mist and a small torii gate standing in the water. It's a popular spot for an early morning stroll.
Kinrin Lake, Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu, Oita 879-5102, Japan
Experience · 2 places
Kuju Mountains & Kurokawa Onsen
afternoonhalf day
Continue through the Kuju Mountains, visiting wetlands and a flower park, before arriving at the rustic hot spring town of Kurokawa Onsen for an evening soak and traditional dinner.
5
Kuju Flower Park
Plant nursery · Taketa
4.3 (34)Closed · opens Tuesday 7:30 AM
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A hillside park boasting thousands of vividly colored flowers set against the rugged backdrop of Mount Kuju, offering a feast for the eyes.
Kuju Flower Park, 4050 Kujumachi Oaza Kuju, Taketa, Oita 878-0201, Japan
6
Kurokawa Onsen
Minamioguni
Creator's voice
One of Japan’s most attractive hot spring towns, known for its consciously preserved quaint aesthetic with wooden buildings and earthen walls. Its compact center has narrow lanes, traditional inns, and a river flowing through.
Kurokawa Onsen, Manganji, Minamioguni, Aso District, Kumamoto 869-2402, Japan
Experience · 2 places
Mount Aso's Majestic Views
morninghalf day
On your final day, enjoy a private bath and traditional breakfast in Kurokawa Onsen before heading to the majestic Mount Aso, stopping at Daikanbo Lookout for panoramic views.
7
Daikanbo Lookout
Vista · Aso
4.6 (84)
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An observation area offering breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Aso and its surrounding caldera, one of the largest in the world.
Daikanbo Lookout, Yamada, Aso, Kumamoto 869-2313, Japan
8
Mount Aso
Volcano · Aso
4.5
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Japan's largest active volcano and one of the largest calderas in the world. While access to the crater rim can be restricted due to volcanic activity, the surrounding landscape offers spectacular views.
Mount Aso, Takawara, Aso, Kumamoto 869-2223, Japan
Experience · 2 places
Kumamoto City Culture & Cuisine
afternoonhalf day
Conclude your road trip in Kumamoto City, exploring the tranquil Suizenji Garden, savoring local Kumamoto ramen, and visiting the impressive Kumamoto Castle.
9
Suizenji Garden
Garden · Kumamoto
4.4 (690)Closed · opens Tuesday 8:30 AM
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A spacious 17th-century Japanese garden built for feudal lords, featuring picturesque elements including a miniature Mount Fuji. It offers a tranquil escape in the city.
Suizenji Jojuen Garden, 8-1 Suizenji Koen, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, 862-0956, Japan
10
Kumamoto Castle
Castle · Kumamoto
4.5 (3,260)
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One of Japan's largest and most impressive castles, though it was severely damaged in the 2016 earthquakes. Restoration is ongoing, but it remains a significant historical site with plenty to see.
Kumamoto Castle, 1-1 Honmaru, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, 860-0002, Japan

Tips from the creator4

How to wear a yukata at a ryokan?
Your yukata (traditional Japanese robe) can be worn for almost anything within the ryokan: eating, walking around, and even sleeping.
Accommodation9:01
How to bathe in a Japanese onsen?
Before entering the bath, thoroughly rinse your body. Enjoy the soak, but remember not to let your body towel touch the water.
Etiquette10:27
What are kashikiriburo (private baths) in ryokan?
Private baths are common in ryokan, often reservable or first-come, first-served. They are ideal for couples, young families, or those uncomfortable with public bathing.
Accommodation17:26
Is it rude to slurp noodles in Japan?
No — in Japan, it is totally normal and even considered polite to slurp your noodles, as it shows enjoyment of the meal.
Etiquette22:31