9 day itinerary
Road Trip Fukuoka Nagasaki Aso Beppu Yufuin Takachino Gorge
Itinerary
A 9-day road trip through Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Aso, Beppu, Yufuin, and sounds like an incredible adventure! Let’s dive into an itinerary that balances sightseeing, relaxation, and a bit of local culture. Buckle up!
Day 1: Arrival in Fukuoka
- Morning: Arrive in Fukuoka. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Head to for a leisurely stroll. You can rent a paddleboat on the pond or just enjoy the beautiful scenery.
- Evening: Explore , Fukuoka’s famous nightlife district. Try some local street food like hakata ramen and yakitori. Don’t forget to check out the vibrant yatai (food stalls)!
Day 2: Fukuoka to Nagasaki
- Morning: Depart for Nagasaki (about a 2-hour drive). Stop at Kujukushima (Ninety-Nine Islands) for some stunning views.
- Afternoon: Visit the and to learn about the city’s history.
- Evening: Head to , the former Dutch trading post, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try Nagasaki champon, a delicious noodle dish!
Day 3: Explore Nagasaki
- Morning: Take the up to for panoramic views of the city.
- Afternoon: Visit , a beautiful open-air museum with historical buildings and lovely gardens.
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset cruise in . It’s a perfect way to end your day!
Day 4: Nagasaki to Aso
- Morning: Depart for Aso (about a 2.5-hour drive). On the way, stop at for some scenic views and a short hike.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Aso and visit the to learn about the region’s volcanic activity.
- Evening: Relax in an onsen (hot spring) in Aso. The area is a great spot to unwind after a day of travel.
Day 5: Aso to Beppu
- Morning: Explore . Take a hike around the and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes.
- Afternoon: Drive to Beppu (about 1 hour). Once there, visit the famous Hells of Beppu (Jigoku), a collection of unique hot springs.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner at your ryokan (traditional inn) and soak in the onsen.
Day 6: Beppu to Yufuin
- Morning: Spend the morning at . Try a sand bath or a mud bath for a unique experience!
- Afternoon: Drive to Yufuin (about 30 minutes). Explore the charming streets filled with shops and cafes. Don’t miss the view of !
- Evening: Relax in an onsen in Yufuin. The area is known for its picturesque settings.
Day 7: Yufuin to Takachiho
- Morning: Depart for Takachiho (about a 1.5-hour drive). On the way, stop at for some last-minute views of Aso.
- Afternoon: Visit the . You can rent a rowboat to paddle through the gorge and see the stunning .
- Evening: Attend a performance, a traditional dance that tells the story of Japanese mythology. It’s a unique cultural experience!
Day 8: Explore Takachiho
- Morning: Visit the , which is steeped in mythology and surrounded by beautiful nature.
- Afternoon: Explore the for some local produce and maybe even try your hand at making some local delicacies.
- Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening in Takachiho, perhaps with a nice dinner at a local izakaya.
Day 9: Return to Fukuoka
- Morning: Start your drive back to Fukuoka (about 3 hours). If time allows, stop at on the way.
- Afternoon: Spend your last few hours shopping in or visiting the for a final view of the city.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant before heading to the airport for your departure.
Tips:
- Make sure to check the opening hours of attractions and book accommodations in advance, especially for ryokans.
- Keep your camera handy; the scenery is breathtaking!
- Try to learn a few basic Japanese phrases; locals appreciate the effort!
This itinerary offers a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, making for an unforgettable road trip. Enjoy your adventure! 🚗✨