Renting a Car in Kyushu

While Japan's trains are excellent, renting a car in Kyushu can save you time and unlock destinations that are difficult to reach by public transportation.

A car is especially useful for exploring areas like Yufuin, Beppu, Aso, Takachiho Gorge, Shimabara, and the Nagasaki countryside, where buses may be infrequent or require multiple transfers.

Things to know before renting:

• Visitors from most countries need an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention before arriving in Japan.

• In Japan, you drive on the left side of the road.

• Most rental cars come with English-language navigation or smartphone connectivity.

• ETC cards make paying highway tolls easier—ask for one when you pick up your vehicle.

• Parking in smaller towns is usually easy, but cities like Fukuoka and central Nagasaki can be expensive and difficult to navigate.

• Consider using public transportation within major cities and renting a car only when heading into rural areas.

My tip: I recommend picking up your rental car when leaving Fukuoka and returning it before spending time in central Nagasaki or Fukuoka City.

Best route for this guide: Fukuoka → Yufuin → Beppu → Nagasaki.

Make sure you have your International Driver's Permit before renting a vehicle, along with your passport and the card you plan on using to pay for the rental.

Times Car Rental is next to Fukuoka Airport, and Toyota Rent a Car!