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 (easiest): get the Japanese translation (日文譯本) at any Motor Vehicles Office (監理所/監理站). Bring your ID card and driver's license. The fee is NT$100 and a counter application is usually ready the same day; you can also apply online and have it posted to you.
- In Japan: JAF issues it through an online application made from inside Japan. It costs ¥6,000, takes 2-3 business days on average and is printed at a convenience store, so it eats into your trip. Get it in Taiwan if you can.
- We can help! Contact us and we'll guide you through the process or arrange it for you
What to carry when you drive: your Taiwan driver's license, the Japanese translation and your passport. The translation lets you drive for one year from your entry into Japan, or until your license expires if that comes first.
🗺️ 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$11,000 | ¥22,000/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$26,500 | ≈ US$835 |
Compare: NT$11,000 per person covers both your bed and your transport for 5 days. Price a hotel trip with the same nights plus trains or a rental car before you decide. In our 7-day comparison the van comes out cheaper than mid-range hotels, but not cheaper than budget business hotels.
🇹🇼 Why Taiwanese Love Kyushu
- 🍜 Food: Hakata ramen, Kumamoto horse meat, and fresh seafood, with tastes similar 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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Frequently asked questions
Can Taiwanese drivers use an International Driving Permit in Japan?
No. Japan does not accept an International Driving Permit issued in Taiwan. Taiwanese drivers need their Taiwan licence together with an official Japanese translation of it, which lets them drive in Japan for up to one year from the date they enter the country.
Where can Taiwanese drivers get the Japanese translation of their licence?
The easiest place is a Motor Vehicles Office in Taiwan, which issues the Japanese translation (日文譯本) for NT$100, usually the same day at the counter, or by post if you apply online. In Japan, JAF issues it through an online application made from inside Japan for 6,000 yen, which takes two to three business days on average.
How much does a 5-day campervan trip in Kyushu cost for travelers from Taiwan?
VanTripJapan's sample budget for two people puts a 5-day Kyushu campervan trip at about NT$26,500 per person: NT$5,000 for a sale fare from Taipei to Fukuoka, NT$11,000 for each person's share of a campervan at 22,000 yen a day, NT$2,500 for fuel, NT$1,500 for tolls, NT$5,000 for food and NT$1,500 for onsen and activities.