In April this year, we planned a two-week self-drive trip to Kyushu. Our travel period coincided with the Spring period, and the Sakura season was ending.
After countless weekends watching YouTube and scouring the internet for reviews of places and things to eat, we got a travel plan all set and ready to go.
Tip: if you want to research this area, it’s best to type in the Chinese name (福冈,九州). You will find much more exciting information as Kyushu, Fukuoka is a popular travel destination for the Taiwanese and Hongkongers.
Here’s how I planned my route >> Kumamoto >> Beppu >> Nagasaki >> Fukuoka.
I will blog about my trip in chronological order and highlight the places of interest I think you can consider going to.
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We arrived at Fukuoka Airport and immediately picked up our car at the airport shop. This is not my first time doing self-drive in Japan. It is right-hand drive, and all the cars have an English GPS system. The roads are easy to navigate, and honestly, I find self-drive trips a lot more enjoyable as I can stop and go as I please.
I would always go for Toyota because they have the most outlets, and I can return the car to a different outlet. (which I planned to)
First stop: Fruit picking @ Fruitelier Nakamura Fruit Farm
It’s the strawberry season. It is the best time of the year to visit a fruit farm and have a buffet of strawberries.
For a fee, you gain access to their farm (which is shaded). Pick up a pair of scissors and eat away! All you can eat within 90 minutes. The strawberries are big and juicy. For this quality, you probably have to pay S$15 for a small pack in Donki, Singapore.
I picked Fruitelier Nakamura as it was on our way to the hotel and was highly rated online. Their website is in Japanese and might be challenging to navigate. It will be prudent to contact them and book in advance, as slots are limited.
Try messaging them on Facebook.
Second Stop: Awesome viewpoint from a green tea farm
The next place, en route to our hotel, is a scenic spot in the area of Yame. Green tea (matcha) is one of their specialities. To get to this little hilltop where we found a lovely little cafe, you will need to do a short drive up.
I highly recommend you put this place as one of the pit stops if you are in the area. The view is lovely, and it is not too crowded.
Check in to Hotel
The sunset, and we arrived at our hotel for our Matsumoto’s leg. The Blossom Kumamoto. It’s conveniently located next to the train station with a mall.
There is also a dedicated parking area for hotel guests.
I did not manage to take too many photos of the hotel, but I can assure you it was a very pleasant stay for me.
View from my hotel room. Not too shabby.
I like the hotel lobby. Has a very zen feel to it.
Dinner: Must try Tonkatsu in Kumamoto
If you are in Kumamoto and love a good Tonkatsu, check out Katsuretsu Tei Shinshigai.
I think I waited in line for about 30 minutes. The restaurant is located very near to the main shopping street.
The Tonkatsu was juicy, and the batter was fragrant.
If I am not wrong, this outlet is Michelin-rated. I saw other branches, but none was as crowded as this particular outlet.
You will not regret coming here.
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After dinner, we decided to rest early. Headed back to the hotel, went to their onsen to relax for a little and went to bed.
Read more: My 14 Days Travel Itinerary In Kyushu Japan 2023 – Day 2
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PS: if you want a copy of my entire itinerary, leave a comment below with your email, and we will send it to your inbox!
Hi, Kevin, thanks for sharing the Kyushu itinerary. Could you email a copy of your itinerary to me please?
Thank you!
Hello there! sure. to the email indicated?
Hi Kelvin,
Found your website on google and am interested in a copy of your itinerary. Appreciate it if you can email in a copy to the email indicated. Thanks!!
ok! will send a copy over
Hi! Fellow Singaporean here. I’m keen in your itinerary. Appreciate if you can email it to me. Thanks!!
ok sure. do look out for it
Hi Kevin
I encountered your travel blog while I’m searching for a road trip plan in Fukuoka. May I have a copy of your itinerary? Thanks a lot
ok sure Ryan. pls check inbox
Hi kevin. I’m interested with your itinerary in Kyushu. Appreciate if you can email it to me. Thanx before…
hi Arif, sure thing. please check inbox
Hi Kevin, appreciate if you can share you itinerary!
hi hazel. sure. please check inbox
Hi Kevin, thank you for sharing your travel experience in Kyushu! We are also planning a self drive trip to Kyushu this October. Would appreciate if you could email me a copy of your itinerary please, to the email indicated. Thank you!
hi Sheryl, please check inbox
Received, thank you!
Hihi Kevin, would u mind sharing your itinerary with me too☺️ Thanks much in advance
Hi Linda, please check inbox
Hi Nipau, please check inbox
Hi Kevin, can share your itineary as planning my first road trip. Thanks in advance
hi ok! will send over.
Hi Kevin, please share your itinerary. Thank you.
hi Javen, sure! please look out for it.
Hi kevin. I’m interested with your itinerary in Kyushu. Appreciate if you can email it to me. Thanks
hi Ernie, definitely.
Received. thank you so much.
Hi Kevin,
Please ahare your itinerary! Thank you v much!
hi! definitely! enjoy!
Hi could you please share your itinerary? First time to Kyushu area. Thank you!
hello sure! please look out for it. have fun!
Hi Kevin, can share your itineary as planning my first trip in Kyushu. Thanks in advance!
hi. sure. will send over. enjoy !!
Received! Thank you so much 🙂
Hi Kevin, great post 🙂 could you share your itinerary please? Thanks!
hihi. sure! please look out for it.
Hi Kevin, could you share your wonderful itinerary please? Thanks plenty in advance!
hihi. sure! please look out for it.
Hi Kevin! Enjoyed reading all your posts on kyshu! I am planning for one in Nov 24 – still on the fence if I should be driving or go via trains :p (can’t drive long 🙁 ) ….can you please share your itinerary?
Thank you! Bob
hihi. sure! please look out for it.
hi bob, the way I usually plan for drive is nothing more than 1 hour from my base. it’s manageable and you can always opt for the scenic route. you can don’t do Nagasaki if you do not want a long drive. just cover the eastern side for this time should be fun also!
Hi Kevin, Thank you for sharing your itinerary in Kyushu. Can you email your itinerary to me ? Thanks.
yes sure.!
hi Kevin, appreciate you share your full Kyushu itinerary too. many thanks in advance
ok sure!!!
hi Kevin, appreciate you share your full Kyushu itinerary with me as im in midst of planning a road trip in June. tks in advance
ok! will send over. please look out for it!
hi Kevin, can you share your full Kyushu itinerary with me , am planning a road trip in May . Thank you
hi Mei, ok!
Hi Kevin, thanks for the insightful sharing, simple and meaningful! ! Pleasee do share your itinerary! 🙏🏻 🙏🏻
ok!! thank you for supporting!
Hi Kevin, appreciate if you could share your full Kyushu itinerary with me. thanks
hi Michelle, okay!!
Hi,
May i request for an itinerary too!!
Love your sharing, simple yet meaningful!!
THANKS!
hello! will send to inbox. pls look out for it!
HI Kevin! Would you be so kind to share your itinerary with me? Thank you!
hi! yes okay! pls look out for it
Hi Kevin,
Appreciate if you could share your itinerary with me.
Thanks Much!
sure!!
Hello! Please kindly send me a copy of your itinerary pls! I am going in nov! Thanks!
Hi, I am doing a 14 day self-drive in Kyushu this November. Could you share your itinerary with me. Thanks
ok! sure
I will be doing 14 days self-drive in Kyushu. in Nov. Would appreciate if you can share your itinerary? Thank you.
happy to share. pls look out for it