A Different Japan: 14 Days on the Road in Wild Kyushu

Everyone goes to Tokyo. Everyone goes to Kyoto. Everyone takes the same photos in front of the same temples. But Japan is so much more. If you’re looking for an alternative itinerary in Japan, you’re in the right place. Today we’re taking you with us on a 14-day journey through the island of Kyushu, where we lived for 3 months aboard our campervan. An authentic, rural, volcanic and surprising land, where the smell of sulphur mixes with the scent of pine and freshly served ramen.

Why choose Kyushu?

Kyushu is the lesser-known face of Japan, but it might just be the most fascinating island: active volcanoes, steaming onsen, temples hidden in greenery, cities with deep history, breathtaking coastlines. And it’s perfect if you have the chance to rent a car or campervan, because many of its wonders are off the beaten track. By the way, find out all the information for driving in Japan here. But don’t panic: you can also organise everything with public transport, especially up to the Kumamoto stage. It just takes a bit more time, patience and… Google Maps (which really is a great ally in Japan!).

Day by day: 14 stops to fall in love with Kyushu

Day 1: Fukuoka Landing in Fukuoka. Why? Because almost nobody thinks of it, and it’s a choice worthy of true travel ninjas. Fukuoka is well connected to Italy (often with just one stopover) and flights cost less than to Tokyo or Osaka. Take some time to settle in, stretch your legs and try the famous tonkotsu ramen (or if you prefer a vegetarian alternative, discover it here) (guide in Italian).

Day 2: Nanzoin Buddha, Dazaifu and arrival in Nagasaki Pick up the car and head straight to the gigantic reclining Buddha of Nanzoin. Then head to Dazaifu. Arrival in Nagasaki in the afternoon.

Day 3: Nagasaki A full day through the highlights of a city rich in history and culture: Peace Park, the Torii gate split in half, the Dutch and Chinese quarters, Meganebashi bridge and sunset over the bay. Tip: wear comfortable shoes or make use of the trams and cable car!

Day 4: Hashima (ghost island) + Unzen Jigoku If the sea allows it, set off for the excursion to Gunkanjima (guide in Italian), the abandoned mining town. Then relax amid the hellish fumes of Unzen Jigoku.

Day 5: Shimabara + ferry to Kumamoto A walk through the samurai town, among Edo-style houses and the castle. Then a ferry towards Kumamoto.

Day 6: Kagoshima Head south! Explore Kagoshima, Japan’s “Naples”, overlooking the Sakurajima volcano. If you can, continue on to Ibusuki or Lake Ikeda.

Day 7: Sakurajima + Miyazaki A 10-minute ferry ride to Sakurajima, with its extremely long footbath and an almost lunar landscape. Then head towards Miyazaki.

Day 8: Aoshima, Udo Jingu, Obi Breathe in the sea air deep among wonderful coastlines, the shrine carved into the cliff, lucky stones and the ancient town of Obi, known as Kyushu’s little Kyoto.

Day 9: Takachiho Gorge + Kagura dances Today is a magical day: wandering or “swimming” (just kidding! But you can rent a rowing boat, that’s real) through Takachiho Gorge, the Amano Iwato shrine and Shinto dances in the evening at Takachiho Shrine.

Day 10: Mount Aso + Kurokawa Onsen Craters, lunar landscapes and endless pastures across a huge caldera and a volcano that’s still rumbling. Then relax at Kurokawa Onsen, one of Japan’s most beautiful hot-spring villages.

Day 11: Beppu The onsen capital: visit the colourful “hells”, relax in the local baths and try eggs cooked in geothermal steam.

Day 12: Itoshima Head back north with a stop in Itoshima, a beach that’s the perfect way to close the trip among waves and red torii gates over the sea.

Day 13: Fukuoka Relax, last-minute shopping and… another bowl of ramen, which never hurts.

Day 14: Departure Time to say goodbye. But we’re sure: this corner of Japan will have stayed in your heart.

Itinerary at a glance

Day 1 Arrival in Fukuoka

Day 2 Nanzoin – Dazaifu – Nagasaki

Day 3 Nagasaki

Day 4 Hashima + Unzen Jigoku

Day 5 Shimabara – Kumamoto

Day 6 Kumamoto – Kagoshima

Day 7 Sakurajima – Miyazaki

Day 8 Aoshima – Udo Jingu – Obi

Day 9 Takachiho

Day 10 Mount Aso – Kurokawa Onsen

Day 11 Beppu

Day 12 Itoshima

Day 13 Fukuoka

Day 14 Departure

A few extra tips

• Book accommodation in advance, especially in hot-spring towns.
• Watch the weather: some activities (such as Hashima or the Aso crater) depend on the sea or eruptions.
• Remember to buy an eSIM or a portable router so you can always stay connected! We recommend Japan Wireless. (guide in Italian)
• If you have questions or doubts about how to organise your trip… write to us in the comments! We’ll be happy to help, and maybe give other travellers a hand too.

Want to see images of these places?

On our YouTube channel  you’ll find videos for every stop! And if you need even more support, on our website you’ll find practical articles and tips to organise everything stress-free.

And remember: Japan can be poetry. You just have to know where to look for it.