How much does a 7-day Kyushu campervan trip cost?

Campervan rental is the largest line at about 154,000 yen for 7 days at 22,000 yen per day. Gas adds 10,000 to 15,000 yen, expressway tolls 8,000 to 12,000 yen with an ETC discount (VanTripJapan lends the ETC card free on advance request), campsites and RV parks 7,000 to 15,000 yen, and food 7,000 to 14,000 yen. Added up, the week comes to roughly 186,000 to 210,000 yen before onsen and activities.

What is there to do at Takachiho Gorge?

Takachiho Gorge lies 1.5 hours from Aso and holds a basalt canyon with a 17-meter waterfall. A rowboat to paddle beneath the falls costs 5,100 yen for 30 minutes, and arriving early avoids the queue. Nearby, Amano Iwato Shrine marks the cave where the sun goddess hid in Japanese mythology, and Takachiho Night Kagura is performed at the shrine nightly at 20:00.

7-Day Kyushu Road Trip: The Ultimate Campervan Itinerary

Q: How many days do you need for a Kyushu road trip?

Seven days is ideal for the main Kyushu highlights: Fukuoka, Mount Aso, Takachiho Gorge, Beppu, Yufuin, Kurokawa Onsen and the Itoshima coast. Five days works for a faster version of the same loop, and 10 to 14 days allows a more relaxed pace with detours to Nagasaki and Kagoshima. The route starts and ends at the VanTripJapan base near Fukuoka Airport.

Q: Is it easy to drive in Kyushu as a foreign visitor?

Driving in Kyushu is straightforward. Roads are well maintained with clear English signage, and traffic is lighter than in Tokyo or Osaka. Japan drives on the left. Most overseas visitors need an International Driving Permit, but licenses from Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan need an official Japanese translation instead. On the 7-day loop from Fukuoka, daily driving stays between 1.5 and 3 hours, so there is time to stop rather than just cover distance.

Q: What is the best time of year for a Kyushu road trip?

Spring from March to May for cherry blossoms and autumn from October to November for foliage are the best seasons for a Kyushu road trip. Summer is hot and humid with occasional typhoons. Winter is mild, but some mountain roads may be icy, which matters on the inland sections of this route such as the Yamanami Highway between Beppu and Aso.

Kyushu is arguably Japan's best island for a road trip. Active volcanoes, world-class hot springs, dramatic gorges, and some of the country's best food, all connected by uncrowded, scenic roads. Here's the itinerary we recommend to every renter who picks up a van from our Fukuoka base.

Day 1: Explore Fukuoka, the Gateway City

Pick up your campervan near Fukuoka Airport (we're 10 minutes away). Spend the day getting oriented:

Ohori Park: beautiful lakeside park, perfect for a morning stroll
Dazaifu Tenmangu: iconic shrine surrounded by plum trees (30 min drive)
Yatai stalls: end the evening at Fukuoka's famous outdoor food stalls along the Naka River

Where to sleep: Park at a nearby Michi-no-Eki or RV Park outside the city center. Many stations tolerate a quiet night's rest in your vehicle (no tents or cooking outside), but some ban overnight stays, so check our Michi-no-Eki guide first.

Day 2: Fukuoka → Aso (2.5 hours)

Head southeast toward one of the world's largest volcanic calderas. The drive through Kumamoto Prefecture is gorgeous, with rolling green hills that open up into the massive Aso caldera.

Aso Nakadake Crater: drive up to see the smoking volcanic crater (check access conditions)
Kusasenri Grassland: wide-open grassland perfect for a sunset walk
Aso Farm Land: unique dome-shaped accommodations and hot springs

Where to sleep: Aso has several auto-campsites with stunning caldera views.

Day 3: Aso → Takachiho Gorge (1.5 hours)

One of Japan's most breathtaking natural wonders. The basalt gorge with its 17-meter waterfall is a must-see.

Rowboat ride: paddle through the gorge beneath the waterfall (¥5,100 for 30 min, arrive early)
Amano Iwato Shrine: the cave from Japanese mythology where the sun goddess hid
Takachiho Night Kagura: traditional dance performance at the shrine (nightly at 20:00)

Where to sleep: Michi-no-Eki Takachiho, close to the gorge, tolerates a quiet night's rest in your vehicle (no tents or cooking outside); check its station page before you go.

Day 4: Takachiho → Beppu (2.5 hours)

Drive northeast to Japan's hot spring capital. Beppu produces more hot spring water than any other city in the world.

Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour): visit 7 unique, colorful hot spring pools
Beppu Beach Sand Bath: get buried in naturally heated volcanic sand
Local onsen: soak in one of Beppu's many public baths (from ¥200)

Where to sleep: Several RV parks in Beppu with power hookups.

Day 5: Beppu → Yufuin → Kurokawa Onsen (2 hours)

A day of scenic mountain driving through some of Kyushu's most beautiful inland terrain.

Yufuin: charming onsen town with boutique shops, Kinrin Lake, and Mt. Yufu views
Yamanami Highway: one of Japan's most scenic drives, connecting Beppu to Aso
Kurokawa Onsen: traditional onsen village with rotenburo (outdoor baths) connected by forest paths

Where to sleep: Michi-no-Eki Oguni, a short drive from the village, tolerates a quiet night's rest in your vehicle (no tents or cooking outside); check its station page before you go.

Day 6: Kurokawa → Itoshima Coast (3 hours)

Head back toward Fukuoka via the beautiful Itoshima Peninsula for a contrast of mountain and sea.

Futamigaura Beach: famous "couple rocks" with a torii gate at sunset
Seaside cafes: Itoshima is known for trendy beachside spots
Sakurai Futamigaura: one of the most photographed spots in Kyushu

Where to sleep: Book a campsite or RV park for the night, or pick an overnight stop on your route from our Michi-no-Eki guide.

Day 7: Itoshima → Fukuoka (Return)

Final morning by the sea, then return the van in Fukuoka. Last-minute stops:

Itoshima morning market: fresh seafood and local produce
Hakata ramen for lunch: end your trip with the city's signature dish
Return the van: drop off at our Fukuoka base near the airport

💰 Budget Estimate (7 days)

Campervan rental: ~¥154,000 (¥22,000/day)
Gas: ~¥10,000-15,000
Tolls (with ETC discount; our ETC card is free if you request it in advance): ~¥8,000-12,000
Campsites/RV parks: ~¥7,000-15,000
Food: ~¥7,000-14,000
Total: ~¥186,000-210,000 (before onsen and activities; see how it compares with hotels in our cost breakdown)

Why a Campervan?

A campervan is the best way to experience this itinerary. Here's why:

Flexibility: no hotel reservations needed; stop for the night along your route at a campsite, an RV park or a Michi-no-Eki that tolerates a quiet night in your vehicle
Cost savings: accommodation is built into the vehicle
Morning views: wake up at the rim of a volcano or beside the ocean
Convenience: cook your own meals, change plans on the fly

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need for a Kyushu road trip?

7 days is ideal for covering the main highlights including Fukuoka, Mount Aso, Beppu, Takachiho Gorge, and the coast. 5 days works for a faster trip, and 10-14 days allows a more relaxed pace with detours to Nagasaki and Kagoshima.

Is it easy to drive in Kyushu?

Yes. Kyushu has well-maintained roads with clear signage in English. Traffic is lighter than Tokyo or Osaka. You drive on the left side. Most visitors need an International Driving Permit, but licenses from Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan need an official Japanese translation instead.

What is the best time of year for a Kyushu road trip?

Spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms, and autumn (October-November) for foliage are the best. Summer is hot and humid with occasional typhoons. Winter is mild but some mountain roads may be icy.