We are planning a two week trip to Japan and want to spend some 6-7 days in Kyushu. We like eating, road trips, short hikes, meeting people. I am comfortable driving in Japan, and would like to have a car to be able to see some off the beaten path places.
Fri Oct 27: Land at Haneda Tokyo @ 1pm from US. Take flight \~4 pm to arrive in Fukuoka \~6 pm. Spend night in Fukuoka
Sat Oct 28: Day in Fukuoka: Walk around Hakata old town area, visit Kushida-jinja Shrine, Tochoji Temple, Team lab forests and possibly Momochi Seaside Park. Likely early dinner and bed
Sun Oct 29: Early start: day trip to Daizaifu or Nanzoin, Afternoon walk around Fukuoka, get good dinner.
Monday Oct 30: Rent car (get there right at opening at 8 am or possibly pick up day before) Drive to Kurakowa, depending on time stop at: Ukiha Inari Shrine, lunch in Mamedamachi , Jionnotaki falls, arrive to Kurakowa by 3pm. Spend night in ryokan
Tuesday Oct 31: Drive to Yufuin, then Beppu. Return rental car in Beppu. Spend night in Beppu
Wednesday Nov 1: Visit onsens in Beppu
Thurs Nov 2: Train from Beppu to Hiroshima
My questions:
1. Are there any other day trips we should do on Sunday oct 29? Is 3 nights in Fukuoka too much?
2. Is this too much driving in one day to get from Fukuoka to Kurakowa and try to stop at a couple places?
3. Should I try to fit in Mt Aso and Takachiho? We could add another night or 2 somewhere in there.
4. Should I use public transit for part of this itinerary and pick-up/drop off car somewhere else?
Thanks so much everybody!
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