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A 3-Night, 4-Day Kyushu Road Trip Course and Tips for Budget Driving!
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Kyushu is the southwesternmost island of Japan’s four main islands and is composed of seven prefectures (Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima). In this article, I’ll introduce a 3-night, 4-day Kyushu road trip course along with tips on how to drive affordably.
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Table of Contents
- ★DAY① Exploring Kitakyushu
- ★DAY② Taking on HUIS TEN BOSCH
- ★DAY③ Sightseeing in Nagasaki and nightlife in Fukuoka
- ★DAY 4: Relax at a shrine in Fukuoka and leave Japan
- ★ Budget Tips for drive
★DAY① Exploring Kitakyushu
Photo by photoAC
The trip is finally starting! Day 1 will be a journey through northern Kyushu, located in the northern part of Fukuoka Prefecture. Let’s see where we’ll be going!
Pick Up Your Car at Fukuoka Airport
Photo by photoAC
For this trip, after arriving at Fukuoka Airport, you will board the car at the rental car store at Fukuoka Airport before departing for Kyushu, so we recommend choosing a flight that arrives in the morning.
Arriving early in the morning gives you plenty of time to explore. So, be sure to consider it!
After picking up your rental car at Fukuoka Airport, you will head to Kitakyushu. You’ll have lunch there, so you might get hungry before noon. I suggest grabbing a light snack at the airport or picking up something at a convenience store.
Eel Cuisine Inakaan Kokura Main Branch
Photo by photoAC
This time I would like to introduce a popular eel restaurant in Kitakyushu called Inakaan Kokura Main Branch.
Inakaan Eel Restaurant Kokura Main Branch has been a specialty eel restaurant since it was founded in 1926, based on traditional cooking methods but always incorporating flavors and sensibilities that suit the times, making it an "old yet new" restaurant.
[Location information]
Address: 1-1-13 Kajicho, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
tel.093-551-0851 fax.093-551-6396
Business hours: 11:00-20:30 [Last Order: 8:00 PM]
Closed days / Open all year round [Except for the New Year holidays and our regular spring and autumn holidays]
Parking: Nearby coin parking available
[Access information]
It takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes by car from Fukuoka Airport to the store.
Map: https://x.gd/25nMv
Toll fee for driving from Fukuoka Airport to the store: from 2,320 yen
Once you've had your fill of eel dishes at this restaurant, let's move on to the next tourist spot!—Kitakyushu City Hibikinada Green Park.
Kitakyushu City Hibikinada Green Park
Source: Kitakyushu City Hibikinada Green Space/Green Park official website
Kitakyushu City Hibikinada Green Park is the city’s largest park, featuring the theme of "water, greenery, and interacting with animals.."
[Location information]
Address: 1006 Takenami, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, 808-0124
Tel.093-741-5545
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 Closed on Tuesdays
Admission fee: Adults ¥150, Elementary and Middle School Students ¥70, Seniors ¥40, Preschoolers: Free
Parking: Available (North and South Permanent Parking, Temporary Parking: Regular Cars ¥300, Medium/Large Vehicles ¥1,000)
[Access information]
It takes about 30 minutes by car from Inakaan Kokura Main Branch of the eel restaurant to Kitakyushu City Hibikinada Green Park.
Map: https://x.gd/XTgxs
Toll fee for driving from Unagi Restaurant Inakaan Kokura Main Branch to Kitakyushu Municipal Hibikinada Green Park: 520 yen～
After enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of the park, head to the next sightseeing spot—Kokura Castle .
Kokura Castle
Photo by photoAC
Kokura Castle was built over seven years starting in 1602 by Hosokawa Tadaoki. The grand and imposing main keep, which towers five stories tall, is a hands-on tourist spot.
[Location information]
Address: 2-1, Jonai, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, 803-0813
Tel. 093-561-1210
Business hours: April to October 9:00-20:00, November to March 9:00-19:00 *Business hours vary depending on the day.
Admission fee: Adults ¥350, Junior High and High School Students ¥200, Elementary School Students ¥100
Parking: Katsuyama Park Parking, ¥200 for the first hour, ¥100 for each additional 20 minutes, ¥800 maximum fee from 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM
[Access information]
It takes about 30 minutes by car from Kitakyushu City Hibikinada Green Park to Kokura Castle.
Map: https://x.gd/4Deb9
Toll fee for driving from Kitakyushu City Hibikinada Green Park to Kokura Castle: 520 yen～
After admiring the beauty of Kokura Castle, let's go for dinner! The restaurant I recommend is Ganso Kyoya, located near Kokura Castle.
Ganso Kyoya
Photo by photoAC
Ganso Kyoya is a popular udon restaurant located in Kokurakita Ward.
[Location information]
Address: 1-2-10 Kyomachi, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, 802-0002
Tel.070-2377-0789
Business hours: [Monday, Wednesday-Thursday] 10:00-15:00, [Saturday, Sunday] 10:00-16:00, 17:00-23:00 *Until 20:00 during shortened business hours)
Closed: Tuesday
Business hours and holidays may change, so please check with the store before visiting.
Parking: None
[Access information]
It takes about 3 minutes by car from Kokura Castle to Genso Kyoya.
Map: https://x.gd/yeUzi
Toll fee when driving from Kokura Castle to Ganso Kyoya = 0 yen
After dinner, head to your hotel and rest up after a long day!
Recommended Hotels
Photo by photoAC
The hotel we would like to introduce this time is Nishitetsu Inn Kokura .
This hotel is a 5-minute drive from Kokura Castle and a 5-minute walk from the south exit (Kokura Castle exit) of JR Kokura Station. It’s a convenient hotel with a large public bath and sauna!
★DAY② Taking on HUIS TEN BOSCH
On day 2, we will go to HUIS TEN BOSCH in Nagasaki Prefecture.
But first, let's have breakfast!
Shiroya Bakery Kokura Branch
Photo by photoAC
Today’s recommended breakfast spot is Shiroya Bakery Kokura branch.
Shiroya Bakery Kokura branch is a popular bakery loved by locals, and has continued to produce a variety of products including Kitakyushu's specialty gourmet bread, using the same methods that have remained unchanged for 70 years since the store opened.
[Location information]
Address: 2-6-14 Kyomachi, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu City, 802-0002
Tel.093-521-4688
Business hours: 10:00-18:00 (Closes when items are sold out)
Parking: None
[Access information]
If you are staying at Nishitetsu Inn Kokura,
It takes about 3 minutes by car from Nishitetsu Inn Kokura to Shiroya Bakery Kokura branch.
Map: https://x.gd/gRoQ8
Toll fee when driving from Nishitetsu Inn Kokura to Shiroya Bakery Kokura store = 0 yen
After filling up on delicious baked goods, it's time to head to Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki Prefecture!
HUIS TEN BOSCH
Huis Ten Bosch is a theme park located in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture. Often abbreviated as "HTB," this park recreates a Dutch town and is themed around Europe as a whole. It’s the largest theme park in Japan, with a site 1.5 times the size of Tokyo Disney Resort. It's also a popular location for dramas, movies, and commercials.
You’ll need an admission ticket to enter Huis Ten Bosch, so it's recommended to reserve in advance. If you don’t have time to book, you can still purchase tickets on the day. Once you have your ticket, enjoy a full day in this dreamy European world!
[Location information]
Address: 1-1 Huis Ten Bosch, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture, 859-3243
Tel.093-561-1210
Business hours: 9:00-22:00 *Business hours vary depending on the day. Please check the latest information just before visiting.
Parking: If you are coming for a day trip, please use the Welcome Gate No. 1 Parking Lot.
If you are staying at a hotel within the park, please use the priority parking space for guests (postpaid) in the Welcome Gate No. 1 Parking Lot.
[Access information]
The travel time from Shiroya Bakery Kokura branch to Huis Ten Bosch by car takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes on the shortest route.
Map: https://x.gd/GwfZU
Toll fee for driving from Shiroya Bakery Kokura Branch to Huis Ten Bosch = 3,510 yen~
After a full day of fun, relax at the hotel!
Recommended Hotels
Photo by photoAC
The hotel we would like to introduce this time is Hotel Okura JR Huis Ten Bosch .
This hotel is just a 2-minute walk from the Huis Ten Bosch entrance and a 5-minute walk from JR Huis Ten Bosch Station. The hotel features a natural hot spring (Kotonoyu) with an open-air bath!
★DAY③ Sightseeing in Nagasaki and nightlife in Fukuoka
Photo by photoAC
On Day 3, we will explore the Nagasaki region.
But first, let’s grab some breakfast!
Kakehashi Suisan Sasebox 99 store
Photo by photoAC
The restaurant we will be introducing this time is Kakehashi Suisan Sasebox 99 store .
This shop offers an array of dishes featuring seafood carefully selected by specialists. Even those who usually don't eat fish will enjoy these delicious offerings. The dried fish here is processed in their own factory in Higashihama, Sasebo.
[Location information]
Address: 11 Atago-cho, Sasebo City, 858-0917
Tel.0956-42-6077
Business hours: 07:00〜15:00
Parking: Available (8 spaces for large vehicles, 82 spaces for small vehicles, 2 spaces for disabled persons)
[Access information]
If you are staying at Hotel Okura JR Huis Ten Bosch,
It takes about 22 minutes by car from Hotel Okura JR Huis Ten Bosch to Kakehashi Suisan Sasebox 99 store on the shortest route.
Map: https://x.gd/c5cJ3
Toll fee when driving from Hotel Okura JR Huis Ten Bosch to Kakehashi Fisheries Sasebox 99 store: 160 yen～
After having a filling breakfast, it's time to tour Nagasaki Prefecture!
Our next destination is Hirado Castle. Along the way, we'll cross the beautiful Hirado Bridge, so we'll cover that too.
Hirado Bridge
Photo by photoAC
The Hirado Ohashi Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the Hirado Seto, which separates Hirado Island in Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture from the mainland.
[Location information]
Address: 834-4 Kotedamen, Tabira-cho, Hirado City, 859-4824
Parking: Available
[Access information]
It takes about 32 minutes by car from Kakehashi Suisan Sasebox 99 Branch to Hirado Ohashi Bridge on the shortest route.
Map: https://x.gd/Lz2Xg
Toll fee when driving from Kakehashi Fisheries Sasebox 99 Store to Hirado Bridge = 0 yen
On the way to Hirado Castle, you can cross the Hirado Ohashi Bridge, a suspension bridge that spans the Hirado Seto that separates Hirado Island from the mainland, and see scenery of Nagasaki Prefecture that can only be seen while driving.
Hirado Castle
Photo by photoAC
Hirado Castle, also known as Kameoka Castle, is a flatland castle jutting out into the Hirado Seto. Construction began in 1704 under the 30th head of the Matsuura family, based on the Yamaga-style castle-building method, and was completed in 1718 under the 31st head of the Matsuura family, Atsushin. It was subsequently abandoned under the Meiji Era's castle abolition order. The current Hirado Castle tower was restored in 1962 (Showa 37) (three-story, five-storey tower) and has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Great Castles.
[Location information]
Address: 1458 Iwanoue-cho, Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture, 859-5121
Tel.0950-22-2201
Business hours: 8:30-18:00
Admission fee: Adults: 520 yen, High school students: 310 yen, Elementary and junior high school students: 200 yen
Parking: Available
[Access information]
It takes about 4 minutes by car from Hirado Ohashi Bridge to Hirado Castle.
Map: https://x.gd/ViEwY
Toll fee for driving from Hirado Ohashi Bridge to Hirado Castle = 0 yen
Nagasaki is famous for its champon, so let's go try some champon at Meshidokoro Ichiraku, a restaurant near Hirado Castle!
Meshidokoro Ichiraku
Photo by photoAC
Meshidokoro Ichiraku has been in business for 80 years and serves traditional, nostalgic champon. The restaurant's original "Motsu champon" is also popular, and they also serve the mysteriously delicious Dutch champon.
[Location information]
Address: 477 Kihikitamachi, Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture, 859-5113
Tel.0950-22-2269
Business hours: 11:00-15:00 / 18:00-21:00 Closed: Every Monday / Excluding Mondays that fall on consecutive holidays
Parking: None
[Access information]
It takes about 2 minutes by car from Hirado Castle to Meshidokoro Ichiraku.
Map: https://x.gd/Oz5O4
Toll fee for driving from Hirado Castle to Meshidokoro Ichiraku : 0 yen
After lunch, head back to Fukuoka and have dinner at one of Yatai street food stalls in Fukuoka!
We recommend checking into the hotel and dropping off your luggage before heading out for dinner at one of Yatai street food stalls in Fukuoka!.
Recommended Hotels
Photo by photoAC
This time, we plan to go out at night and have dinner at Yatai street food stalls in Fukuoka, so we would like to introduce a hotel that is easy to get to the Yatai street food stalls. It is The OneFive Villa Fukuoka.
This hotel is about a 7-minute walk from Nakasu-Kawabata Station Exit 1, and offers room service with a three-tiered afternoon tea to all guests!
[Access information]
If you stay at The OneFive Villa Fukuoka,
It takes about 2 hours and 1 minute by car from Meshidokoro Ichiraku to The OneFive Villa Fukuoka on the shortest route.
Map: https://x.gd/Gsb1f
Toll fee for driving from Meshidokoro Ichiraku to The OneFive Villa Fukuoka: 780 yen～
After checking in at The OneFive Villa Fukuoka, enjoy a light afternoon tea provided by the hotel before heading out to enjoy Yatai street food stalls in Fukuoka !
Yatai street food stalls in Fukuoka
Photo by photoAC
Yatai street food stalls in Fukuoka began around 1946, during the postwar chaos, when food stalls were set up in simple temporary stores on the roads. At its peak in the 1960s, the number of food stalls reached over 400.
[Location of food stalls]
Located in Tenjin, Nagahama, Hakata and other areas of Fukuoka Prefecture
Business hours: from 6pm
[Access information]
You can get to Yatai street food stalls in Fukuoka by car, but we recommend taking the train or walking.
By walking around, you can not only experience the atmosphere of the Yatai street food stalls, but also experience Fukuoka at night.
After having fun at the Yatai street food stalls in Fukuoka, return to the hotel and get some rest before preparing for your departure tomorrow!
★DAY 4: Relax at a shrine in Fukuoka and leave Japan
Since we have some time before you leave Japan, let's go to famous Fukuoka sites, Nanzōin Temple and Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine , between the morning and noon!
Nanzoin Temple
Photo by photoAC
Nanzoin is a temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect in Sasaguri Town, Kasuya District, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is the head temple of the sect and the head temple of the Sasaguri Shikoku 88 Temples.
[Location information]
Address: 1035 Sasaguri, Sasaguri-machi, Kasuya-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture, 811-2405
Tel.092-947-7195
Business hours: 9:00-16:30
Parking: Free parking available
[Access information]
If you stay at The OneFive Villa Fukuoka,
It takes about 40 minutes by car from The One Five Villa Fukuoka to Nanzoin Temple on the shortest route
Map: https://x.gd/R1iWm
Toll fee for driving from The One Five Villa Fukuoka to Nanzoin Temple: 630 yen～
After relaxing at Nanzoin Temple, let's go to the last sightseeing spot before saying goodbye to Fukuoka! That's Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine .
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Photo by photoAC
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture is the head shrine of all Tenmangu shrines across Japan, where Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning, culture, the arts, and protection from evil, resides forever.
[Location information]
Address: 4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, 818-0195
Tel.0929228225
Business hours: 6:00-19:00
Parking: Available
[Access information]
It takes about 31 minutes by car from Nanzoin Temple to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine on the shortest route.
Map: https://x.gd/wPXgA
Toll fee when driving from Nanzoin Temple to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: 0-480 yen
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is one of the best places for food walking. Be sure to eat as much as you can before you go home.
Return the car at Fukuoka Airport outlet
After visiting Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, it's almost time to head home. Let's go and return the rental car at Fukuoka Airport outlet!
There are many companies that offer this service at Fukuoka Airport. However, there are not many stores that offer a shuttle service to the airport after returning the car So,we would like to introduce some rental car companies that offer a shuttle service to the airport after returning the car. Please refer to this when reserving a rental car.
Rental car outlet that offers transfers service to the airport after returning the car
Once you have returned the car and arrived at the airport, do some souvenir shopping or a meal, then head home, knowing that you will come back to Japan again!
★ Budget Tips for drive
ToCoo! original products【TEP Kyushu】
Expressway tolls in Japan are expensive. For example, if you were to take the three-night, four-day drive around Kyushu as described above, the toll fees would be at least 11,000 yen.
So, here is a tip to help you save the toll fee: ToCoo! Expressway Pass(TEP) Kyushu.
TEP Kyushu is an original product offered by ToCoo!, and is a pass that allows unlimited use of expressways.
The cost of the TEP Kyushu tour for 3 nights and 4 days is 5,930 yen, and if you take the 3 nights and 4 days driving course mentioned above, you can save over 5,000 yen in highway tolls.
TEP Kyushu can be used on all expressways with ETC gates throughout Kyushu (Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Miyazaki, Saga, Oita, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima prefectures).
*Some toll roads that do not have ETC gates are not included.
Please note that in order to use TEP Kyusyu, you must reserve a car via the Toku! website.
Early Bird Pay Now plan
Tip 2 for driving cheaply is to book a rental through ToCoo! via Early Bird Pay Now plan. This is because if you book through the Early Bird Pay Now plan, you can get a maximum discount of 15% off.
Get a 1,000 yen discount coupon at ToCoo! Rental Car
ToCoo! Rental Car is currently offering a 1,000 yen discount coupon, so if you're considering reserving a car, be sure to use it!
Coupon code: TCMH01
Terms of use: Get a 1,000 yen discount on rental car fares of 10,000 yen or more.
*Only applicable when booking through the ToCoo! Rental Car website
*ToCoo! Option fees are not eligible for discounts.
Usage period: Unlimited
Applicable stores: All rental car outlet
If you are thinking about going for a drive in Kyushu, in addition to the information on places to drive, you should also check out the tips on how to drive cheaply with great deals/plans so you can enjoy a fun and affordable Kyushu drive!
Written by
ToCoo! Rental Car is Japan's largest rental car reservation service for foreign tourists visiting Japan, with over 20 years of history. We provide convenient and efficient rental car services for foreign tourists visiting Japan. Currently, the site is available in English, Chinese, Korean, and Thai. ToCoo! Rental Car has partnerships with 68 major rental car companies, including TOYOTA Rent a Car, NIPPON Rent A Car, Orix Rental Car, and Nissan Rental Car, allowing you to reserve rental cars throughout Japan. You can easily reserve your preferred vehicle at approximately 3,000 rental car stores nationwide, including airports and Shinkansen stations. Choose ToCoo! to enjoy your trip to Japan more freely and comfortably!
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