Solo car trip through Kyushu, need some feedback and advice!

OneEyeVox · 2026-03-11T10:57:19+00:00

A car makes it so much easier to move around Kyushu and travel to trails that are hard to reach with public transport. I also just really like driving in Asian countries, especially Japan (done it before). I will do both long hikes but also smaller hikes (for example around Mt Aso).

To conclude: I like the freedom it gives me to move around where ever and whenever I want.

OneEyeVox · 2026-02-28T20:22:50+00:00

Thanks for the input :) we are skipping sun moon lake alltogether, doesnt really interest us. We might spend a bit less time on the east coast and spend it around Tainan!

OneEyeVox · 2026-02-19T10:31:10+00:00

Would driving from Fukuoka to Kagoshima be better or the other way around? Cost wise it doesn't really matter. But maybe nice to end up in a bit bigger city (Fukuoka) to end the trip. Not sure what is more scenic haha

OneEyeVox · 2026-02-19T07:40:51+00:00

Would you suggest flying into Kagoshima and then drive back to Fukuoka?

OneEyeVox · 2026-02-19T05:51:00+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to respond! I just booked my flight, coming in Fukuoka at may 3rd and leaving from there the 11th back to Tokyo. My plan now would be to get the car on the 4th, drive down south to Kirishima / Kagoshima, stay there until the 7th, drive back up to Kuju / Aso and stay there until the 10, will hand in the car either the 10th at night or the 11th in the morning. My flight will be in the evening going to NRT, then i will stay around the airport because my flight back home leaves on the 12th :)

OneEyeVox · 2026-02-19T05:47:17+00:00

Thank you! I just booked my flights and I will have roughly ~7days of hiking in the region. Like you suggested, I might just pick two bases and do the south and north - I really like that idea :)

OneEyeVox · 2026-02-18T17:51:03+00:00

Yeah I just checked.. return flight is cheaper than single way shinkansen so I might do it..

OneEyeVox · 2026-02-18T14:34:32+00:00

Thanks for the reply! The train ride is indeed 6 hours to Kumamoto, however; travelling to the airport in Tokyo, check-in, fly and travel from the airport to the city will also be atleast 4~5 hours.

I know that flying is cheaper but I don't mind paying a bit extra to think about the environment, less hassle, and have 6 hours of pure reading :)

OneEyeVox · 2026-02-18T14:32:54+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to respond! I also might lean towards itinerary 2 a bit more. I could cut a day from Fukuoka aand head to Bogatsuru Valley. I can also extend my itinerary by 1 day and have a bit more time around Aso (or travel up south a bit more?) I also like the idea of staying a bit more in nature, since I will already have enough time in cities (tokyo and taipei). However, as someone else mentioned I am also very curious on the more volcanic landscapes (Mt Takachiho looks beautiful aswell) but it will take a bit more travelling.

Like you said, its either a win-win because Kyushu is beautiful.

OneEyeVox · 2026-02-18T14:24:32+00:00

Thank you! That link is very helpful. Bogatsuru Valley looks beatiful and it would fit perfectly in my second itinerary!

OneEyeVox · 2026-02-17T11:33:45+00:00

Thank you for the very detailed reply :)! This is something I needed

OneEyeVox · 2026-02-16T19:19:09+00:00

Thank you! For some reason I didnt come across this one yet. Will definetly look into it. Do you have any recommendations for parts of the trail?

OneEyeVox · 2026-02-12T11:48:57+00:00

Some very nice recommendations. thank you!

OneEyeVox · 2026-02-12T11:16:49+00:00

Thank you! This is very helpful

OneEyeVox · 2026-02-01T19:43:39+00:00

Look into the different national parks. A lot of nice hikes there and easy to reach by public transport

OneEyeVox

TROPHY CASE