Why Start Your Kyushu Road Trip in Fukuoka?
Fukuoka is Japan's most underrated city — and one of its best gateway cities for international travelers.
Strategic location: Fukuoka sits at the northern tip of Kyushu, making it the ideal starting point to drive south through the island's most spectacular landscapes — active volcanoes, steaming hot springs, dramatic coastlines, and ancient temple towns.
International access: Direct flights from Seoul, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok, and more. Just 5 minutes from Fukuoka Airport to the city center by subway.
Less crowded than Tokyo: Kyushu sees fewer international tourists than Honshu, meaning you'll experience Japan's most authentic side — without the crowds.
What to Expect: Campervan Rental in Fukuoka
Pick-Up Location
VanTripJapan's base is in Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka — just 10 minutes by taxi from Fukuoka Airport. We can also arrange airport pick-up.
Pricing (All-Inclusive)
| Vehicle | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Tent Probox | Compact 2-person van | From ¥16,500/day |
| Bed Bongo Brawny | Full campervan 2–4 people | From ¥22,000/day |
Everything is included in the price:
- Vehicle insurance (CDW — Collision Damage Waiver)
- Bedding and sleeping equipment
- Basic camping gear
- Portable power station (charge devices anywhere)
- English navigation system
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Multilingual customer support (English, French, German, Chinese)
- Airport pick-up (on request)
No hidden fees. No surprises at the counter.
Who Can Drive?
You need a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home country license.
Exception: Drivers from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, or Taiwan need a JAF translation instead of an IDP. Our partner JDLTC can handle the full translation process for you before you arrive.
Best Routes from Fukuoka
Route 1: The Classic Kyushu Loop (7–10 days)
Fukuoka → Nagasaki → Kumamoto → Mt. Aso → Beppu → Yufuin → Fukuoka
Highlights:
- Nagasaki's history and harbor views
- Mt. Aso's active caldera (largest in the world)
- Beppu's 8 hells (jigoku)
- Yufuin's charming onsen town
- Kurokawa Onsen — Japan's most scenic hot spring village
Distance: Approx. 800km total Best season: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November)
Route 2: Southern Explorer (5–7 days)
Fukuoka → Miyazaki → Kagoshima → Yakushima → Ibusuki → Fukuoka
Highlights:
- Nichinan Coast — Japan's most dramatic Pacific coastline
- Kagoshima and Sakurajima — an active volcano across the bay
- Yakushima Island — ancient cedar forests, UNESCO World Heritage
- Ibusuki Sunamushi — Japan's famous sand bath
Distance: Approx. 1,100km (including ferry to Yakushima) Best season: April–June, September–October
Route 3: Hidden Kyushu (4–5 days)
Fukuoka → Arita → Nagasaki → Shimabara → Kumamoto → Aso → Fukuoka
Highlights:
- Arita — birthplace of Japanese porcelain (400 years of history)
- Shimabara Castle
- Aso Kusasenri — volcanic grasslands at 1,000m altitude
- Kurokawa Onsen
Perfect for: Travelers who love history, crafts, and culture over beaches
Where to Sleep: Overnight Parking in Japan
Japan has excellent infrastructure for campervan travelers.
Michi-no-Eki (道の駅) — Roadside Stations
Over 1,000 roadside stations across Japan where overnight parking is generally permitted. Many have restaurants, local produce shops, and clean restrooms open 24 hours. We provide a curated Kyushu Michi-no-Eki guide at pick-up.
Auto Campsites
Designated campsites with facilities including electricity hookups, showers, and cooking areas. Book in advance for peak seasons (Golden Week, O-Bon, and autumn).
RV Parks
Japan's growing network of RV-specific parking spots. Usually includes electricity and dump stations. Reservation required.
💡 Tip: We provide a recommended overnight spot list for every major route at pick-up. No research needed.
Practical Information
Driving in Japan
- Japan drives on the left side of the road
- Speed limits: 60km/h on general roads, 100km/h on expressways
- Toll roads are common in Kyushu — budget ¥3,000–8,000 for a week-long trip
- ETC (electronic toll card) is included with your rental
Fuel
Our campervans run on regular gasoline. Gas stations are plentiful throughout Kyushu. Full-service stations are common outside of cities. Return the van with a full tank.
Navigation
We provide an English navigation system. For the most up-to-date routing, we recommend also downloading Google Maps offline maps for Kyushu before you depart.
One-Way Trips
Want to fly in to Fukuoka and out from Tokyo or Osaka?
One-way trips are available. Drop-off locations include:
- Tokyo (Kanto area)
- Osaka / Kyoto (Kansai area)
A one-way surcharge applies depending on the destination and vehicle type. Contact us for pricing.
How to Book
- Check availability: Contact us via the inquiry form at vantripjapan.jp/rent/
- Receive a quote: We'll confirm your dates and vehicle availability within 24 hours
- Confirm your booking: Pay a deposit to secure your reservation
- Pick up your campervan: Arrive at Hakozaki Base, and we'll walk you through everything at handover
For questions in English, French, or German, contact us directly at [email protected]
What Travelers Say
"We explored Aso, Beppu, and the Kunisaki Peninsula over 7 days. The van was spotless, well-equipped, and the pickup was incredibly smooth. This was our third time in Japan but the first time we truly felt free." — Thomas K.
"As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe. The Probox was perfect for one person — compact but had everything I needed." — Sarah L.
"14 jours incroyables à Kyushu ! Le camping-car avait tout ce qu'il fallait." — Marie & Julien
Ready to Plan Your Kyushu Road Trip?
Check Availability & Book Now →
VanTripJapan — Family-run campervan rental in Fukuoka, Japan. Exploring Kyushu since 2022.