## Journey to the Deep South Driving from the vibrant hub of Fukuoka to the volcanic bay of Kagoshima is one of the most rewarding road trips in Japan. While the Shinkansen (bullet train) can make this journey in under two hours, taking a campervan allows you to explore the hidden gems scattered along the western coast of Kyushu. ## The Recommended Route We recommend avoiding the central expressways and instead hugging the western coastline. ### Stop 1: Saga and the Pottery Towns Head west from Fukuoka into Saga prefecture. Stop at Imari and Arita, towns world-famous for their porcelain. The narrow, historic streets offer incredible boutique shopping and cafe experiences. ### Stop 2: Nagasaki and the West Coast Drive south into Nagasaki. Explore the deeply moving Peace Park, the historic Glover Garden, and enjoy the stunning night view from Mount Inasa. The coastal drive out of Nagasaki offers breathtaking views of the East China Sea. ### Stop 3: Amakusa Islands Take a car ferry or drive across the bridges to the Amakusa Islands. This remote area is famous for wild dolphin watching and its hidden Christian history. It’s an incredibly peaceful area to park your campervan overnight right by the ocean. ### Stop 4: Kagoshima City and Sakurajima Arrive in Kagoshima, known as the "Naples of the Eastern World." Park your van and take the 15-minute ferry across the bay to Sakurajima, an incredibly active volcano that smokes daily. Kagoshima is also famous for Kurobuta (black pork) and outdoor sand baths at nearby Ibusuki. This 4 to 5-day linear route showcases the incredible diversity of Kyushu’s west coast, from historic porcelain to active volcanoes.