Exploring Japan's Most Active Volcano Offers Thrilling Journey by Car
## Exploring Kyushu: A Road Trip Itinerary from Fukuoka to Mount Aso
Embarking on a road trip in Kyushu offers a unique blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and relaxation. This article presents a suggested itinerary, focusing on Mount Aso and other top attractions, ensuring a balanced journey through Japan's southern island province.
## Kyushu Road Trip Itinerary
| Day | Destinations & Activities | Details | |-----|--------------------------|---------| | **Day 1** | **Fukuoka** | Begin your adventure in Fukuoka, Kyushu's bustling metropolis. Explore local cuisine, sights, and nightlife. Consider renting a car here for maximum flexibility. | | **Day 2** | **Fukuoka → Beppu** | Drive west towards Beppu, one of Japan's most famous hot spring towns. Discover the "Hells of Beppu" (multi-colored hot springs) and indulge in onsen baths. | | **Day 3** | **Beppu → Hita** | Continue your journey to Hita, a hot spring town along the Mikuma River. Explore historic merchant shops, longtime onsens, and shrines. Don't miss Sakura Falls, a pristine waterfall in the south of town. | | **Day 4** | **Hita → Aso Kuju National Park** | Venture into the Aso Kuju National Park, home to the Aso Grasslands, the oldest in Japan. Experience horseback riding or hiking, taking in the breathtaking landscapes. | | **Day 5** | **Aso Kuju National Park → Mount Aso** | Explore Mount Aso's caldera, spanning over 71 miles and containing over 17 cones. Visit the Volcanic Museum for insights into the region's geological history. | | **Day 6** | **Mount Aso → Kumamoto** | Head to Kumamoto, home to Kumamoto Castle, Sakura-no-Baba Josaien, and Suizenji Garden. Take a leisurely drive through forests and hills en route. | | **Day 7** | **Kumamoto → Oita** | The road trip concludes in the onsen towns of Beppu and Oita, known for their geothermal activity and numerous onsens. |
## Key Attractions & Themes
**Natural Wonders** - **Mount Aso**: Offers dramatic volcanic scenery, grassy plains, and the active Nakadake Crater (access dependent on volcanic activity). - **Aso Grasslands**: Part of the Aso UNESCO Global Geopark, requiring a careful balance between nature and human intervention.
**Hot Springs and Relaxation** - **Beppu**: Renowned for its "Hells" (multi-colored hot springs) and onsen resorts. - **Hita Onsen**: A charming hot spring town with longtime onsens and shrines. - **Kumamoto Onsen**: Soak in onsen baths in Kumamoto, a city rich in history and culture.
**Cultural & Historical Sites** - **Kumamoto Castle**: One of Japan’s most impressive castles, with beautiful gardens and historical exhibits. - **Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine**: An ancient shrine with moss-covered stone lanterns and arches among tall cypress trees. - **Suizenji Garden**: A beautiful Edo-period garden featuring landscapes and miniature replicas of famous sites across Japan.
**Scenic Drives & Local Flavors** - **Driving Routes**: Kyushu’s countryside roads offer rolling hills, rice fields, and charming roadside stations for local food and souvenirs. - **Coastal Highlights**: Don't miss the scenic drive around Itoshima's coast or panoramic views at Cape Toi.
## Practical Tips
- **Car Rentals**: Start in Fukuoka or Kumamoto for the best selection. Driving allows flexibility, especially in rural areas with limited public transport. - **Volcanic Activity**: Check Mount Aso’s current status before visiting, as access to the crater can be restricted due to gases. - **Hot Springs**: Reserve ryokan and onsen stays in advance, especially in popular spots like Kurokawa Onsen. - **Local Cuisine**: Try regional specialties—Kyushu is known for tonkotsu ramen, Kagoshima black pork, Miyazaki beef, and fresh seafood. - **Duration**: A focused 7-day itinerary covers northern and central Kyushu well. Extend to 10–14 days to include the south (Kagoshima, Yakushima, Miyazaki’s coast). - **Reverse Route**: The itinerary can be reversed, starting from Kagoshima or after arriving by ferry at Shibushi Port.
## Alternative Routes
**Volcanic Island Adventure** - **Beppu** → **Kirishima-Onsen** → **Sakurajima** (Kagoshima) — Ideal for those fascinated by volcanoes and hot springs.
**Coastal & Cultural Focus** - **Fukuoka** → **Nagasaki** (Peace Park, Gunkanjima) → **Kumamoto** (Castle) → **Aso** → **Takachiho Gorge** — Combines history, culture, and nature.
Travel guides often recommend including travel, road trips, and adventure-travel in a Kyushu itinerary, offering a unique lifestyle blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and relaxation. During a road trip from Fukuoka to Mount Aso, one may enjoy visiting hot spring towns like Beppu and Hita, exploring historical sites such as Kumamoto Castle and Suizenji Garden, and experiencing scenic drives through Kyushu's countryside. For those interested in adventure-travel, activities like horseback riding in Aso Kuju National Park and hiking Mount Aso's caldera can offer thrilling experiences. Lifestyle enthusiasts would also appreciate sampling local Kyushu cuisine, which is well-known for Tonkotsu ramen, black pork, Miyazaki beef, and fresh seafood.
