14-Nights Japan Road Trip: Kyushu Edition - Road Trips from $4,716

Day 1: Arrive in Osaka

Transfer: Osaka Kansai International Airportto Osaka - Dotonbori & Namba

Hotel: Zentis Osaka (4 Star Rating)

Zentis Osaka is situated where the picturesque, riverside area of Dojimahama and the high-end business entertainment district of Kita-shinchi meet. Nakanoshima, an islet home to some of the city’s premium attractions – including the Osaka Science Museum and the National Museum of Art. Osaka Station, the city’s main rail hub, is a mere five-minute taxi ride away. Our 212 guestrooms present intelligently designed, functional spaces in which to rest, relax and get re-inspired.

Arrive on lush, mystical Yakushima, known for its ancient cedar forests and misty mountains. Pick up your rental car - having your own wheels is the best way to explore the island's remote trailheads and coastal viewpoints. Take a leisurely coastal drive to your accommodation, stopping at seaside lookout points along the way. Settle in early and enjoy the quiet pace of island life.

Hotel: Yakushima Iwasaki Hotel (4 Star Rating)

Yakushima Iwasaki Hotel is a refined resort nestled amid Yakushima's lush mountains, offering guests a serene retreat with spacious rooms inspired by Yaku-cedar. The hotel features a relaxing mineral hot spring, a recessed swimming pool with panoramic forest views, and a fitness center, making it ideal for both rest and activity. With its two restaurants, bar, and attentive service, it's a comfortable base for exploring the island's natural heritage and world-heritage forests.

Transfer: Osaka - Dotonbori & Namba to Osaka Itami Airport

Set out on the scenic Yakushima Ring Road, which circles the island and links many natural highlights. Consider short hikes such as: Yakusugi Land with easy - moderate trails among centuries-old cedars, Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine, inspiration for the animated film Princess Mononoke, or Toroki Falls, one of the few waterfalls that drops directly into the sea. Driving the full loop offers constant views - rugged coastline, mossy forests, and monkeys lounging roadside. End your day with an onsen soak at your hotel.

Hotel: Yakushima Iwasaki Hotel (4 Star Rating)

Yakushima Iwasaki Hotel is a refined resort nestled amid Yakushima's lush mountains, offering guests a serene retreat with spacious rooms inspired by Yaku-cedar. The hotel features a relaxing mineral hot spring, a recessed swimming pool with panoramic forest views, and a fitness center, making it ideal for both rest and activity. With its two restaurants, bar, and attentive service, it's a comfortable base for exploring the island's natural heritage and world-heritage forests.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Enjoy a relaxed final morning on Yakushima before departing the island. Consider a short coastal walk near Isso Beach, a visit to the Yakusugi Museum to learn about the island's ancient cedars, or a quick stop at Senpiro Falls for sweeping valley views. After your sightseeing, return your rental car and make your way to the ferry terminal.

Board the ferry to Ibusuki, on Kyushu mainland. The ferry ride is only 75 minutes. Upon arrival in Ibusuki, transfer to your hotel in Ibusuki by taxi and prepare for an ultra-unique wellness experience.

Hotel: Ibusuki Shusuien (4 Star Rating)

Ibusuki Syusuien is an elegant ryokan perched along the coast of southern Kyushu, blending tranquil Japanese aesthetics with warm hospitality. The inn features lush garden views, indoor and open-air hot springs, and a unique sand-footbath for relaxation. Guests are treated to award-winning kaiseki cuisine that highlights seasonal Kagoshima ingredients in a serene, traditional atmosphere.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Experience the iconic Ibusuki sand bath, where attendants bury you in naturally heated black sand - deeply relaxing and surprisingly revitalizing. After rinsing off, have a light lunch of local specialties like satsuma-age fish cakes. In the afternoon, board the scenic train to Kagoshima, a city renowned for its waterfront views and the striking presence of Sakurajima Volcano.

Hotel: Shiroyama Hotel Kagaoshima (4 Star Rating)

Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima is a luxurious hillside retreat offering breathtaking views of Sakurajima Volcano and Kagoshima Bay. Guests can enjoy elegantly appointed rooms, relaxing hot spring baths, and fine dining that highlights local cuisine. Its serene location provides a perfect balance of tranquility and easy access to Kagoshima’s cultural and natural attractions.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Pick up your rental car and begin by exploring some of Kagoshima's signature attractions, starting with the beautiful Sengan-en Garden. Afterward, drive to the ferry terminal and take the short 15-minute ride to Sakurajima, the active volcanic island that defines Kagoshima's skyline. Once there, walk the Nagisa Lava Trail, stop by the Yunohira Observatory for sweeping crater views, and unwind at the roadside footbaths naturally heated by volcanic activity.

Return to Kagoshima City and stop at a local bar or specialty shop for a whisky tasting, where you can sample Japan's refined small-batch whiskies - some distilled right in Kyushu. For dinner, savor the region's famous black pork or a hearty bowl of spicy Kagoshima ramen, then round out the evening with a visit to a shochu shop. Kagoshima is renowned as the "kingdom of shochu," home to more than 113 distilleries across the prefecture.

Hotel: Shiroyama Hotel Kagaoshima (4 Star Rating)

Shiroyama Hotel Kagoshima is a luxurious hillside retreat offering breathtaking views of Sakurajima Volcano and Kagoshima Bay. Guests can enjoy elegantly appointed rooms, relaxing hot spring baths, and fine dining that highlights local cuisine. Its serene location provides a perfect balance of tranquility and easy access to Kagoshima’s cultural and natural attractions.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Travel along the expressway toward Miyazaki City, with a recommended stop in Kirishima. This region offers plenty to explore, from the scenic Kirishima Mountain Range and its Hot Spring Village - known for soothing open-air baths - to the historic Kirishima Shrine and the picturesque Maruo Falls, fed by natural hot-spring waters. Continue on to your beachfront hotel in Miyazaki for a relaxed and restful evening.

Hotel: ANA Holiday Inn Resort Miyazaki (4 Star Rating)

The ANA Holiday Inn Resort Miyazaki sits right on the Pacific coast in beautiful Aoshima, surrounded by lush gardens and offering sweeping ocean views - just a short walk to the iconic Aoshima Shrine. With three on-site restaurants, a relaxing hot spring, and beach-front marine activities like surfing and paddleboarding, it’s an ideal seaside retreat for both adventure lovers and those seeking peaceful relaxation.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Spend the day discovering Miyazaki's beautiful mix of beaches, nature, and coastal scenery - with a cultural detour inland for a unique black vinegar tasting. Begin by heading to Aya-Machi, a peaceful town known for its pristine forests and traditional craftsmanship. Stop at a local black vinegar brewery to learn about the centuries-old kurozu fermentation process and enjoy a tasting of richly flavored vinegars made in clay jars using natural spring water.

After your visit, drive south along the Nichinan Coast, where rugged cliffs, palm-lined roads, and crashing waves create one of Kyushu's most stunning routes. Stop at scenic viewpoints and roadside stations as you go.

Explore Obi, a charming historic town often called the "Little Kyoto" for its preserved samurai streets and castle town atmosphere. Continue on to the must-see Udo Shrine, dramatically set within sea-carved cliffs overlooking the Pacific. Finish with a visit to Aoshima Island and Aoshima Shrine, a tropical-feeling island connected to the mainland by a pedestrian bridge.

Hotel: ANA Holiday Inn Resort Miyazaki (4 Star Rating)

The ANA Holiday Inn Resort Miyazaki sits right on the Pacific coast in beautiful Aoshima, surrounded by lush gardens and offering sweeping ocean views - just a short walk to the iconic Aoshima Shrine. With three on-site restaurants, a relaxing hot spring, and beach-front marine activities like surfing and paddleboarding, it’s an ideal seaside retreat for both adventure lovers and those seeking peaceful relaxation.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Head inland into the mountain valleys of the northern Miyazaki prefecture. Upon reaching Takachiho, marvel at the volcanic cliffs and emerald river that cut through the gorge. Rent a rowboat for an iconic view of Manai Falls, then walk the riverside trail. In the evening consider attending a traditional Yokagura dance performance at Takachiho Shrine.

Hotel: Solest Takachiho Hotel (4 Star Rating)

Nestled just a short walk from Takachiho Shrine in a landscape steeped in myth and natural beauty, Solest Takachiho Hotel offers a modern, serene escape. The interior design merges sleek, contemporary style with elements of nature, creating a relaxing retreat. At its on-site restaurant, guests can enjoy dishes crafted from high-quality regional ingredients - including rice harvested from Takachiho’s terraced rice fields - all while soaking in the calm ambiance of this mountain town.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Continue driving through peaceful mountain roads toward Kurokawa, one of Japan's most atmospheric hot-spring towns. Along the way explore Mt. Aso, home to one of the world's largest volcanic calderas. Drive across the sweeping grasslands of Kusasenri, visit the Aso Volcano Museum, and - if conditions allow - approach the crater rim for views of the steaming caldera.

Then continue onto Kurokawa Onsen.

Hotel: Kurokawa Onsen Shinmeikan (3 Star Rating)

Kurokawa Onsen Shinmei-kan is nestled in the peaceful countryside of Kumamoto, surrounded by forested hills and the calming atmosphere of one of Japan's most charming hot spring towns. The property offers a traditional retreat where guests can soak in relaxing baths and enjoy the tranquil natural views. Visitors can also savor seasonal Japanese cuisine at the on-site restaurant, with the serene setting enhancing the overall experience.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

Spend the day exploring Kurokawa. Strolling the wooden bridges, ryokan lanes, and forest onsen. Many travelers purchase the onsen-hopping pass for multiple baths in different inns - each with its own scenic style.

Hotel: Kurokawa Onsen Shinmeikan (3 Star Rating)

Kurokawa Onsen Shinmei-kan is nestled in the peaceful countryside of Kumamoto, surrounded by forested hills and the calming atmosphere of one of Japan's most charming hot spring towns. The property offers a traditional retreat where guests can soak in relaxing baths and enjoy the tranquil natural views. Visitors can also savor seasonal Japanese cuisine at the on-site restaurant, with the serene setting enhancing the overall experience.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

Drive north through rolling countryside toward Yufuin, a charming artsy hot-spring town beneath Mt. Yufu. Explore cafes, boutiques, and the footpath around Lake Kinrinko. Continue on to Beppu, famous for its open-air baths and "hells" (jigoku) geothermal pools. Drop off your rental car and spend the rest of the day exploring Beppu.

Hotel: Hotel Shiragiku (4 Star Rating)

Located in the heart of Beppu, Hotel Shiragiku invites travelers to experience the timeless charm of Japanese hospitality surrounded by serene gardens and soothing hot springs. Guests can unwind in luxurious indoor and open-air baths fed by Beppu's famous natural onsen waters, or enjoy the ultimate relaxation in rooms featuring private semi-outdoor baths. Every stay is elevated by exquisite kaiseki cuisine crafted from the finest Kyushu ingredients, offering a true taste of local culture and indulgence.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Later this morning, board the train to Fukuoka, your final stop in Kyushu. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your own pace, and in the evening, head to the famous yatai food stalls to enjoy Hakata ramen, mentaiko, yakitori, and other local favourites.

Hotel: Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station (4 Star Rating)

Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station is located just a one-minute walk from JR Hakata Station, making it a prime base for exploring Fukuoka. The hotel blends contemporary design with Japanese warmth “nukumori”, offering rooms equipped with high-quality Simmons beds and modern amenities. Guests can unwind in its quiet rooftop garden, stay active with the 24-hour gym, and enjoy dining across seven restaurants and a cozy café-bar.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Make your own way to the airport for your departure flight. Fukuoka Airport is only a 5-10 minute transfer from Hakata Station.