🚗 Nagasaki & Hidden Kyushu: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
I’ve been living in Japan for years, and with my Japanese husband, I’m constantly exploring to find the absolute best spots to share with you.
Kyushu has a very special place in my heart, we've visited this peaceful, quiet side of Japan multiple times. But ever since I got my Japanese driver’s license, my dream was to go on a road trip. Exactly one month after getting my license, I planned this exact route!
This itinerary takes you beyond the trains and deep into the scenic, slow-travel side of Nagasaki and its surroundings. It’s packed with unique stops that I was completely intrigued by, which you can really only reach comfortably by car.
What’s packed inside this road trip guide:
🍓 The Whimsical Fruit Bus Stops: A stretch of highway along the Ariake Sea lined with giant strawberry, melon, and orange bus stops, perfect for a fun, quirky driving break!
⛩️ Sueyama (Tozan) Shrine: The magical pottery shrine you cannot miss. Located in Arita, it has a breathtaking pale blue-and-white porcelain torii gate and stunning porcelain omamori (charms) and goshuin to collect.
🌋 Volcano Views & Hot Springs: Dramatic driving routes winding through the smoking landscapes of Mount Unzen and the hot spring towns below.
The driving times are relaxed, maxing out at around 2 hours a day, giving you plenty of freedom to pull over, explore, and enjoy the sights without spending the whole day behind the wheel.
For anyone looking to escape the crowds or experience the magic of the open road, this guide has everything you need to drive it yourself!
🛑 Before you hit the road: Make sure to read my Car Rental & Driving Guide first! It covers international permit rules, information about GPS, and tips to avoid expensive tolls.
