Trip Report: 8 day Kyushu (Fukuoka, Beppu, Aso, Fukuoka)
Previous post for review of plan.
My detailed plan is a Google Sheet which i won't be sharing.
Summary.
Dates are from 13 to 20th May with 1st and last day just flying. Day 1 = 13th.
Any price is in Yen.
Having a car is really really helpful and fun if you like driving. Lots of B roads. But if not confident driver, it will likely be an issue. Big bonus if you enjoy driving. And i have to really suggest that the trip will not be efficient and not that enjoyable if you do not rent a car.
Edited: you can absolutely enjoy kyushu without a car. For me it is much more enjoyable with a car as I do enjoy driving and it gives me lots of flexibility. Poor wording here.
Only accommodations and car rental (IX Rental via Klook) were booked in advance. If you are renting a car, remember to bring your driving license as well as get the sticker when passing immigrations.
Parking system in this region has a few types. Free. Gantry. Some mechanism to block your car within the parking Lot. Those with the mechanism that comes down from the top, please be careful. I'm not sure if the measurements are accurate but it feels like if i parked too front, it may impact the wind screen. Please have 1000 Yen notes or coins. Some carparks may support credit card.
Our goal was mainly nature, views, mountains, forest, waterfall, etc.
Sadly most of the off road trails do not have clear signs of which direction to go as well as distance or estimated time. So this is something to be considered individually.
Some are really easy and some are much more difficult.
On this trip, there are many waterfall, mountain, plains, view points, etc. We found that in the end, just driving along we will get a lot of views already for Mountains, Plains, Forest. Only waterfall needs additional planning to get to them.
Hotels
Fukuoka City Hotel Nexus Hakata Sanno - Good
Beppu Umine Annex - Very Good
Aso Hanashoan - Very Good
Fukuoka Seven x Seven - Good but far from City. Lesson learnt that if activities is mostly city, stay in city.
Strongly Recommended Items
Aso-Kuju National Park Sagiridai Overlook (https://maps.app.goo.gl/sUM1CnA3NFiTtWtY9) - Especially if starting off from Fukuoka. Can skip if ending.
Safari Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/NGW4cJvKrw2JEfBV9) - Drive option.
Yufugawa canyon (https://maps.app.goo.gl/z3AqzUCsskXhFFVk7) - Prepare to get wet. Most difficult only if choose to walk the stream.
Ameushi Waterfalls (https://maps.app.goo.gl/EScsSEAVQ5dLgQTA7). - Longest walk.
Aso Kusasenri Horseback Rides (https://maps.app.goo.gl/KyB1kpdFChTYE8dm9) - Huge open plains.
Rose garden Hana-Hana 山田邸 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qu2mWHQb73Snh4x36) - Flowers.
Moff animal cafe LaLaport Fukuoka (https://maps.app.goo.gl/8ioxcyUfjyzVMro19) - If you like animals.
Animal Forest Main Gate (https://maps.app.goo.gl/UUtkymkuTAY8jiBA6) - Same as above.
Day 1 13th May - Flight to Fukuoka.
Hotel Nexus Hakata Sanno shuttle was already out of service by the time we land, so we simply took a taxi.
Had dinner at Ippudo Sanno Branch which is just across the road. Had the dipping ramen and the normal hakata ramen for 2510.
Day 2 14th May - Car pickup, Drive to Beppu.
Rental was at IX Rental (https://maps.app.goo.gl/YmFFrh7Hr1QQdd3g6) and shuttle service was provided by the rental from Airport. Took hotel shuttle to Airport and took Car Rental shuttle.
Car rental service is easy and can communicate via WhatsApp which is a good thing. Registration and stuff is easy as well. Got a Honda Fit which i must say is a very good car for B roads.
Drove to Matcha Sweets Shop SAWAWA Dazaifu as it was previously suggested. Had the Premium Green Tea ice cream and the Warabi Matcha for 946. Just personal preference but won't recommend to specially visit unless it is on the way.
This is also my first encounter with the parking system here.
Note that this parking lot is very close to Dazaifu Omotesando, the "Walking Street"? And Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. Most people can simply leave their car here and walk around. I wasn't aware so i moved the car and paid parking again. This is not a bad thing as we save on walking and energy.
Walk around Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, the water body in the Shrine grounds. Enjoyed the Green and the water body area the most.
Had a snack at Teradaya (https://maps.app.goo.gl/DuMoj1PEE6kgDSD46) for 180. which is in the walking street right outside the Shrine area. It has a nice outdoor green area to sit and chill. Note that we didn't really like this famouns snack that is available at multiple shops in this area. Feels dry and slightly burned. I do not know the english name for this snack. I believe it is Chestnut pan fried cake.
Lunch at Sawa Curry (https://maps.app.goo.gl/4DJuYhiKv6XLFPUR7) for 2 main course at 2810. Love it. My opinion is that this is not the same taste as usual Japanese curry. It's less strong, eg: Coco Ichibanya.
Drove to Mamedamachi Shopping Street (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Viv1NrNFd4eo1kof6) . It was a Thurs around 1 pm. It was pretty empty and most shops were closed. Not sure if due to day and time but was disppointed.
Drove to Yufuin Floral Village (https://maps.app.goo.gl/KKyBxLNyE838n4Sh9) . It is important to note that this isn't a Flower Garden or anything. My opinion that it is like a Harry Potter themed small area with small shops and with green and flowers (Not much) decoration outside of the buildings. Won't recommend.
Had a few snacks in the area and i would recommend all of them.
Yakitori Waygu Stick. Just at the entrace of the village opposite of this parking (https://maps.app.goo.gl/HV1CjyVkG74qL7vh7) for 1100.
Strawberry Milk cup. Bunch of Strawberry in the cup for 1100 with i believe condesed milk. Location is South of the village entrance above.
Crab Leg Grilled? for 500. Location is South of the village entrance above. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/8gaEzXVPwBdfYhMY6) .
Walked to Lake Kinrin (https://maps.app.goo.gl/nfDwLkBTQWUyDPCU9) . Easy walk. Not bad but can skip.
Drove to Aso-Kuju National Park Sagiridai Overlook (https://maps.app.goo.gl/sUM1CnA3NFiTtWtY9). Recommended to stop here for a few minutes. Only if this is the starting of your trip. Why starting of trip? Because there is too many views and view points. There is no need to stop at every one of them.
Drove to Hotel Beppu Umine Annex (https://maps.app.goo.gl/umY2sCN1c2npA8FC6). If you choose this place, please be aware that the drive up can be difficult for some drivers. It is a fairly steep slope that is not expected within a town with S Bends.
Drove to Dinner (https://maps.app.goo.gl/itG194thJtxBTYbB6). My opinion is that the meat is good. However i cannot advise if this is good value for this area. 1 set of 6 meat plus something else for 4180.
Special mention that some back roads within Beppu will be a nightmare for some drivers. Be careful.
Drove to Yukemuri Observation Deck (https://maps.app.goo.gl/H8hVCd8f8EsG67uk6). Recommended.
Back to Hotel Beppu Umine Annex (https://maps.app.goo.gl/umY2sCN1c2npA8FC6). More information regarding this.
There is a Public Bath but it might be translation issue to us. But it is actually Private Bath shared with the other hotel. However, the way from rooms to this Shared Private Bath is a slope and not great for walking. Didn't used this as the private room baths are already pretty good. There is unlimited drinks and snacks selection. The breakfast buffet is great. Dinner is some ala carte plus similar buffet spread. Really over eat during this 2 days.
Day 3 15th May - Hell Hot Springs. Safari Park.
Drove to Umi Jigoku Parking Lot (https://maps.app.goo.gl/PnERpTPYL7VmLgC78). We decided to only visit a few but still bought the pass for all 7 at 2400 / pax.
Umi Jigoku - Good. Fairly big. Have a Hot Spring Green house. Various Greeneries and also the Red Hot Spring.
Oniishi Bozu Jigoku - Good. Clay Hot Spring.
Oniyama Jigoku - Ok. Can Skip. The hot spring itself is clear water. The crocodiles are just in their respective enclourses.
After this 3, drove to the 2 Jigoku that is in a different area (https://maps.app.goo.gl/QidBizC2s6Pt6c5c8).
Chinoike Jigoku - Good. Bigger version of the Red Hot Spring seen in Umi Jigoku.
Tatsumaki Jigoku - Good. Just walk next door. This is the special Jigoku which has a timing for the geyser. Depending on luck you may have to wait. Interesting if never seen a geyser before.
Drove to Okamotoya Jigokumushi Pudding (https://maps.app.goo.gl/QfdGnZdtfnGpTYxA6). Had the Pudding and Fried Chicken for 1595. I believe might have 1 more item but i forgot what it is. Interesting food but the place smells. The carpark is free but might be crowded. This is a popular through road so be careful getting in and out of the carpark. Recommended.
Drove to Safari Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/NGW4cJvKrw2JEfBV9) and choose to drive in at 5200 for 2 pax plus car. This also includes the "Zoo" price. Very Recommended. This 1 of the highlights of the trip. If you have tried this type of experience before, can skip.
After the drive within the Safari Park, went to the "Zoo" area. In my opinion, the outside park with the horse, capybara, dog cafe are more worth. The inner park with the other animals are further to walk to and some are even empty. Not sure if due to the season. Price is already included.
Drove to Beppu Ropeway (https://maps.app.goo.gl/3HtyHAAjqWJ8ZfAn9) to take the cable car for 1800 / pax up. My opinion is that this can be skip especially if you have similar experience before. The view is good and there's some long or short hikes for more views.
Day 4 16th May - Beppu to Aso. Waterfalls!!!
Drove to Yufugawa canyon (https://maps.app.goo.gl/z3AqzUCsskXhFFVk7). This is the first canyon we visited on this trip. You can choose to stay at the start point or choose to get wet and do some stream hiking. Water is cold in May though. Strongly recommend to prepare to get wet and do some stream hiking. The view in the canyon is surreal. But be careful if you choose this route. Very worth to walk the path and climb the long stairs. Strongly Recommended.
Drove to nearby (https://maps.app.goo.gl/tSzEX73Ux9PzYXHz7) which is a bridge overlooking the same canyon different part. Short flight of stairs. Can see that nature has sort of taken over the other side of the bridge. Can skip.
Drove to Ryuushou Falls (https://maps.app.goo.gl/VV3KRdNke7vKX5on8). Strongly Recommended. Be careful as multiple wet parts on the stairs. Fairly long stairs. Near the end is a short tunnel where i bump my head at least 3 times. But immediately after exiting the tunnel, you get surprised by the waterfall. I wish the water isn't that cold as i will take a dip. Not sure if it allowed.
Drove to Yusuichaya (https://maps.app.goo.gl/11Ve2oK8hauqFpPL9). for Lunch. Had a tofu set for 1200. Simple interesting meal. Can skip. Fill up water bottle too after seeing all the locals doing it.
Drove to Mamianano taki (https://maps.app.goo.gl/2jch14SBaGuu3Vro9). Another waterfall. The difference is that the view can be from the top side but close. And the walk down the slope is easy and short. Can also see that this place have been overtaken by nature.
Drove to Ameushi Waterfalls (https://maps.app.goo.gl/EScsSEAVQ5dLgQTA7). Long easy walk at the start. Then keep following the path to the right. A fair distance as well and various slippery places. At the end will be able to have a up close and good view of the waterfall. Another place i would love to go for a dip if the water not that cold. Strongly Recommended.
Drove to ASO SANJO TERMINAL (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ry97GEbxBbGMxX8s7). Can skip. But worth to visit if visiting the plains nearby. Noted that the actual view point of the crater is closed but the view from this spot is still impressive.
Drove to Aso Kusasenri Horseback Rides (https://maps.app.goo.gl/KyB1kpdFChTYE8dm9). Feel a bit sad that the horses are just secured outdoors. Not sure if they will keep them in shelter if it rains. The plains itself is amazing. Strongly Recommended.
Note that the way up / down from Aso Town has many many viewing points. But the 2nd one nearest to Aso Kusasenri is the best.
Drove to Dinner. First choice was closed. Went around and finally settled for a seems to be fast food take over shop for Fried Chicken. Just on the right side of (https://maps.app.goo.gl/7NkCAn9uoFKbBaeC8). Pretty good for a last min unplanned dinner.
Drove to Hotel Aso Hanashoan (https://maps.app.goo.gl/KggbqXANAkqrX4YSA). Amazing place and service. Public bath is same building thus used it this time. Personal preference but the traditional Japanese breakfast here isn't to my liking.
Day 5 17th May - Takachiho Gorge.
Firstly i wasn't able to book the boat. Honestly, i feel that it's not necessary especially after going to the various natural waterfall and stream walk. See my Strongly Recommended list.
This place is much much bigger thus i can understand why this is the popular spot. But if i were to go again with the knowledge i gain, i will just go waterfall hopping. Or spend more time at some of those natural spots.
Imagine Takachiho Gorge with all the people walking around or in the boat with other boats crowding around the single waterfall. Now imagine another place that is quiet without any other people and the waterfall all to yourself. Just that there's no boat of course. I'll choose the peace and quiet and emptiess.
Drove to Amaterasu Railway (https://maps.app.goo.gl/NCmz6mWYcS2nEFew7). But fully booked. In my opinion, can skip. Because i realise later that we drove along similar route to the train. However, it is still a special experience but i cannot speak for it.
Drove to Amanoiwato Shrine Parking Lot (https://maps.app.goo.gl/pFSFTm1EzkFjxn359). Parking is fairly busy but was lucky that someone was just leaving so the Guard signal me to wait a while. Short walk in the shaded path with all the small shrines. Then short walk in the sun along the road. Finally long walk with some stairs to reach Amanoyasukawara (https://maps.app.goo.gl/728tb9SnRD9c5BkN8). with all the rocks. Personal opinion, can skip.
Drove to Restaurant Unkaibashi (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Restaurant+Unkaibashi/@32.7056455,131.3188272,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x35472c5e1885bb27:0x50f71d2e382936b5!8m2!3d32.705972!4d131.324793!16s%2Fg%2F1thgdtv8!18m1!1e1?entry=tts&g\_ep=EgoyMDI2MDUxNy4wIPu8ASoASAFQAw%3D%3D). for lunch. 2 Main course with Beef and Chicken Nanban for 5450.
Wanted to try Soba (https://maps.app.goo.gl/5WjUBLHYXJTtAiVA6). but saw long queue. No way.
Drove to Rose garden Hana-Hana 山田邸 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qu2mWHQb73Snh4x36). Strongly Recommended if you like flowers. Small but very dense garden which you can walk in.
Drove to Takamoridon Cedars (https://maps.app.goo.gl/TGwS9uogWdvjir149). Can skip. Up hill walk in the sun if you can get the nearest parking. Once you reached the shade, the tree is already in view. A very natural and nice glade to chill and admire nature. And the tree.
Decided to buy snacks and food and return to enjoy the onsen.
Day 6 18th May - Fukuoka LaLaPort
Drove to Hita Yakisoba Sofuren Flagship Store (https://maps.app.goo.gl/rq19pdL4tPLBFuTE6). for Lunch. 1 Main course with Miso Soup and the Crab Omelette for 2200. Thought the Crab Omelette portion is amazing but is actually rice below. But i like the noodles.
Drove to LaLa Port Fukuoka (https://maps.app.goo.gl/BRQqBf9F59c8EDAy9). I do not know why but it was free parking.
Enjoyed shopping stuff.
And went to Moff animal cafe LaLaport Fukuoka (https://maps.app.goo.gl/8ioxcyUfjyzVMro19). Strongly Recommended if you like animals.
Drove to Hotel Fukuoka seven x seven 糸島 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Zvzdxmv8RB9B8RmQ6). Lesson learnt not to book hotel outside of city if the plan is mostly in the city.
Day 7 19th May - Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
Drove to Uminonakamichi Seaside Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/1aSoKptwCnCvNqka7). Lots of bicycle to rent. Entry is 450 / Pax. Bicycle is from 500? to 2000 depending on choice for 3 hours. 3 hours is enough unless you plan to go to the furthest parts of the park.
Went to many spots but the recommended one is Animal Forest Main Gate (https://maps.app.goo.gl/UUtkymkuTAY8jiBA6).
Drove into City aiming for Tenjin underground mall. Parked at (https://maps.app.goo.gl/NDgnBniR8VBMPYTT7). with max cost at 1400, 600 / hour.
Lunch at Suitoya Tenjin store (https://maps.app.goo.gl/aUPhqh3aEEQiYAFq8). Lucky to enter just before they closed. Had something that is Chicken Soup and added Mentaiko Cheese Rice. Note that the Mentaiko Cheese Rice is not a cooked item. It is 3 separate items for you to cook in the Chicken Soup. Thankful to the staff for helping us cook it. Enjoyed this.
Shopping stuff. Nothing much to say.
This is pretty much the end. After which is return to hotel and next day is the flight.