The long way there
Kyushu, Japan's southwestern island, offers hot springs, active volcanoes, traditional onsen towns, and samurai history. A route around the island takes you from Fukuoka's food scene through dramatic volcanic landscapes to Nagasaki's poignant peace memorials, all connected by excellent roads.
Where to pull over
Mount Aso
One of the world's largest calderas with active crater
Beppu
Hell hot springs with bubbling mud and colored waters
Yufuin
Charming onsen town surrounded by mountains
Nagasaki
Historic port city with peace memorial
Sakurajima
Active volcano visible from Kagoshima
Traveler tips
- 1
Rent a car for flexibility - trains don't reach everything
- 2
Book onsen ryokans in advance
- 3
Try regional specialties: Hakata ramen, Kagoshima black pork
- 4
Volcanic activity can close Mt. Aso crater - check ahead
- 5
Expressway passes (ETC) offer savings