Kyushu is the closest Japanese island to Taiwan — just a 2-hour direct flight from Taipei to Fukuoka. With affordable flights, familiar food culture, and stunning natural scenery, it's the perfect destination for Taiwanese travelers looking for an alternative to crowded Tokyo and Osaka.
This guide covers everything you need: flights, driving requirements, recommended routes, costs, and how to rent a campervan in Fukuoka.
✈️ Getting to Kyushu from Taiwan
| Route | Airlines | Flight Time | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taipei (TPE) → Fukuoka (FUK) | Peach, Tiger, EVA, China Airlines | 2h 10min | NT$3,000–8,000 |
| Taipei (TPE) → Kumamoto (KMJ) | Tiger Air | 2h 30min | NT$3,500–7,000 |
| Kaohsiung (KHH) → Fukuoka | Tiger Air | 2h 20min | NT$3,000–8,000 |
💡 Tip: Peach Aviation frequently offers Taipei-Fukuoka fares under NT$3,000 during sales. Set up alerts on Skyscanner!
🪪 Driving License for Taiwanese in Japan
Taiwan is not part of the Geneva Convention, so a standard IDP won't work. Instead, you need a JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) translation of your Taiwanese license.
How to get it:
- In Taiwan before departure: Apply at the Taiwan JAF-authorized office (日台交流協会)
- In Japan: Visit any JAF office (Fukuoka JAF is 15 minutes from our base). Cost: ¥4,000, same-day issue
- We can help! Contact us and we'll guide you through the process or arrange it for you
Required documents: Your Taiwan driver's license + passport + one photo + ¥4,000
🗺️ Recommended Kyushu Routes for Taiwanese Travelers
Route A: Classic 5-Day Circuit (Most Popular)
Fukuoka → Yufuin/Beppu → Mount Aso → Takachiho → Kumamoto → Fukuoka
Perfect for first-timers. Covers the highlights with onsen, volcanoes, and spectacular gorges.
Route B: Southern Explorer (7 Days)
Fukuoka → Kumamoto → Aso → Takachiho → Miyazaki → Kagoshima → Yakushima (ferry) → Fukuoka
For nature lovers. Includes Yakushima's ancient forests (Mononoke-hime vibes!) and Sakurajima volcano.
Route C: Onsen & Food Tour (4 Days)
Fukuoka → Beppu → Yufuin → Kurume (ramen capital) → Fukuoka
Short and sweet. Perfect for a long weekend escape from Taipei.
💰 Cost Breakdown (Per Person, 5-Day Trip)
| Item | Budget (2人) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flight (Taipei-Fukuoka return) | NT$5,000 | LCC sale price |
| Campervan rental (5 days) | NT$12,000 | ¥16,500/day ÷ 2人, all-inclusive |
| Gas | NT$2,500 | ~600km total |
| Highway tolls | NT$1,500 | With ETC discount |
| Food | NT$5,000 | Mix of restaurants + cooking |
| Activities / onsen | NT$1,500 | Many free onsen available! |
| Total per person | NT$27,500 | ≈ US$870 |
Compare: A similar 5-day hotel trip to Tokyo costs NT$40,000+ per person. Kyushu by campervan is 30% cheaper and 100% more adventurous! 🏕️
🇹🇼 Why Taiwanese Love Kyushu
- 🍜 Food: Hakata ramen, Kumamoto horse meat, fresh seafood — similar tastes to Taiwan
- ♨️ Onsen: Beppu alone has more hot springs than anywhere in the world
- 🌿 Nature: Active volcanoes, ancient forests, beautiful coastlines
- 💴 Value: Cheaper than Tokyo/Osaka, fewer tourists, more authentic
- 🛫 Convenience: 2-hour flight, same timezone, easy visa-free entry
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