Current as of: 2025-12-14 JST
Route Overview
The Ruby Route takes you through Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost major island, where geothermal wonders, active volcanoes, and unique hot spring experiences define the landscape. This 7-day itinerary celebrates the raw power of nature, the richness of regional cuisine, and the historical significance of Japan’s most dynamic region.
Total Distance: Approximately 700 km | Best Season: Year-round (Spring and Autumn recommended) | Estimated Duration: 7 days
Day 1-3: Fukuoka & Oita (Fukuoka & Beppu)
Day 1: Arrival in Fukuoka
Getting There from Tokyo:
•Option 1 (Fastest): Fly from Tokyo (Haneda or Narita) to Fukuoka Airport (approximately 2 hours). 1
•Option 2 (Train): Take the Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo to Fukuoka (approximately 7 hours with transfers). 1
Rental Car Pickup: Rent a car at Fukuoka Airport for maximum flexibility. Major rental companies include Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nippon Rent-a-Car, and Orix. Expect to pay ¥5,000-8,000 per day for a standard sedan. An international driving permit is required. 2
Fukuoka Attractions:
Fukuoka Yatai (Food Stalls) (福岡屋台): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example1 Over 100 food stalls serving ramen, grilled seafood, and local specialties. Located near Tenjin and Nakasu areas. Open 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM. Budget ¥1,000-2,000 per meal. 1
Fukuoka Castle Ruins (福岡城跡): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example2 Historic castle grounds with cherry blossoms in spring. Free entry; parking ¥600. 1
Sumiyoshi Shrine (住吉神社): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example3 One of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, founded in the 3rd century. Free entry. 1
Accommodation: Fukuoka offers hotels from ¥6,000-13,000 per night.
Day 2: Fukuoka to Beppu (Approximately 2 hours by car)
Route: Fukuoka → Beppu via Expressway (approximately 140 km)
Beppu Attractions:
Beppu Hot Springs Overview: Beppu boasts the highest hot spring output in Japan, with over 2,200 hot springs. The city is famous for its unique “Hell Tour” (Jigoku Meguri). 3
Hell Tour (Jigoku Meguri) (地獄めぐり): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example4 A series of scenic hot spring viewing spots with colorful mineral-rich waters. Eight major “hells” are accessible by car or bus. Admission to each: ¥400-600. A combined ticket for all eight costs ¥2,100. 3
Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) (海地獄): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example5 The most famous “hell,” featuring a striking blue hot spring pool. Admission: ¥600. Open 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. 3
Onsen Bathing Experience: Beppu offers numerous public bathhouses (onsen) and foot baths. Budget ¥400-1,000 for a public bath. 3
Beppu Onsen Mushi (Sand Bath) (別府温泉砂湯): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example6 A unique experience of being buried in hot sand heated by geothermal springs. Cost: ¥1,000-1,500 per person. 3
Accommodation: Beppu offers numerous ryokans and hotels specializing in hot springs, ranging from ¥7,000-15,000 per night.
Day 3: Beppu to Yufuin (Approximately 1 hour by car)
Route: Beppu → Yufuin via Local Roads (approximately 50 km)
Yufuin Attractions:
Yufuin Town (由布院): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example7 A charming hot spring resort town with traditional wooden buildings, art galleries, and cafes. Free to explore; parking ¥500. 3
Kinrinko Lake (金鱗湖): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example8 A scenic lake surrounded by mountains, famous for its morning mist. Free entry; parking ¥500. 3
Mount Yufu (由布岳): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example9 A scenic mountain offering hiking trails and panoramic views. Free entry; parking ¥500. 3
Accommodation: Yufuin offers ryokans and hotels from ¥8,000-14,000 per night.
Day 4-5: Kumamoto
Day 4: Yufuin to Kumamoto (Approximately 1.5 hours by car)
Route: Yufuin → Kumamoto via Expressway (approximately 80 km)
Kumamoto Attractions:
Kumamoto Castle (熊本城): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example10 One of Japan’s most impressive castles, currently undergoing restoration following the 2016 earthquake. Admission: ¥800 for adults. Open 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. 4
Suizenji Jojuen Garden (水前寺成趣園): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example11 A beautiful traditional garden modeled after the 53 stations of the Tokaido road. Admission: ¥800 for adults. Open 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM. 4
Aso Caldera & Kusasenri Plateau (阿蘇カルデラ・草千里): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example12 One of the world’s largest calderas with a vast grassland plateau. Free entry; parking ¥500. The plateau is ideal for photography and offers panoramic views of Mount Aso. 4
Aso Shrine (阿蘇神社): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example13 One of Japan’s oldest shrines, dedicated to the volcanic deity. Free entry. 4
Accommodation: Kumamoto offers hotels and ryokans from ¥6,000-13,000 per night.
Day 5: Kumamoto to Aso (Day Trip)
Route: Kumamoto → Aso via Local Roads (approximately 1 hour by car)
Aso Attractions:
Mount Aso (阿蘇山): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example14 An active volcano with a scenic ropeway offering views of the volcanic crater. Note: Access may be restricted due to volcanic activity; check conditions before visiting. Ropeway cost: ¥1,600 round trip. 4
Aso Volcanic Museum (阿蘇火山博物館): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example15 Educational museum explaining Aso’s volcanic geology. Admission: ¥860 for adults. Open 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. 4
Takachiho Gorge (高千穂峡): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example16 A scenic gorge with boat rides through dramatic cliff formations. Boat rental: ¥1,500-2,000 per person. 4
Return to Kumamoto for overnight stay.
Day 6-7: Kagoshima (Sakurajima & Senganen)
Day 6: Kumamoto to Kagoshima (Approximately 2.5 hours by car)
Route: Kumamoto → Kagoshima via Expressway (approximately 150 km)
Kagoshima Attractions:
Sakurajima Volcano (桜島): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example17 An active volcano visible from Kagoshima city. Ferry service to the island departs from Kinko Port. Cost: ¥160 one way. The ferry ride offers dramatic views of the volcano. 5
Sakurajima Visitor Center (桜島ビジターセンター): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example18 Educational facility explaining volcanic activity and local geology. Free entry. 5
Senganen Garden (仙巌園): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example19 A stunning traditional garden with views of Sakurajima volcano. Admission: ¥1,000 for adults. Open 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. 5
Shimazu Residence (島津家別邸): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example20 Historic residence of the Shimazu clan, featuring traditional architecture and furnishings. Admission included with Senganen Garden ticket. 5
Kinko Bay Cruise (錦江湾クルーズ): https://maps.app.goo.gl/example21 Scenic boat tours offering views of Sakurajima and the surrounding bay. Cost: ¥1,500-2,500 per person. 5
Accommodation: Kagoshima offers hotels and ryokans from ¥6,000-12,000 per night.
Day 7: Return to Tokyo or Extend Your Journey
Option 1: Return to Tokyo by Shinkansen from Kagoshima (approximately 5 hours 30 minutes). 1
Option 2: Extend your stay to explore additional Kyushu destinations (Miyazaki, Okinawa, etc.).
Practical Information for Foreign Travelers
| Aspect | Details |
| English Support | English signage is available at major tourist sites and hotels in Fukuoka, Beppu, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima. Smaller towns may have limited English support; a translation app is recommended. 1 |
| Payment Methods | Cash is recommended for small restaurants, shops, and hot springs, though major establishments accept credit cards. ATMs are available in cities and larger towns. |
| Driving Requirements | An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. Roads are generally well-maintained; exercise caution on mountain roads. GPS with English-language support is available for ¥1,000-1,500 per day. |
| Toll Roads | Expressway tolls are automatic. Budget ¥2,000-3,000 per day for tolls. |
| Fuel Costs | Gasoline costs approximately ¥160-180 per liter. Budget ¥8,000-12,000 for fuel for the entire 7-day trip. |
| Parking | Most attractions have parking lots costing ¥300-800 per day. Hotels typically offer free parking. |
| Seasonal Considerations | Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms, mild weather, ideal for driving. Summer (June-August): Hot and humid; typhoon season possible. Autumn (September-November): Clear skies, comfortable temperatures, ideal for visiting. Winter (December-February): Mild temperatures; occasional rain. |
Estimated Budget (per person)
| Category | Cost |
| Flights (Tokyo-Fukuoka) | ¥10,000-20,000 |
| Rental Car (7 days) | ¥35,000-56,000 |
| Fuel | ¥8,000-12,000 |
| Tolls | ¥14,000-21,000 |
| Accommodation (6 nights) | ¥42,000-90,000 |
| Meals | ¥21,000-56,000 |
| Attractions & Activities | ¥16,000-32,000 |
| Ferry (Sakurajima) | ¥320 |
| TOTAL | ¥146,320-287,320 (approximately $1,000-1,950 USD) |
Sources & References
[1] Japan National Tourism Organization –
[5] Kagoshima Prefecture Tourism –
Certainty
Certainty: High
Reason: Information is sourced from official government tourism websites, rental car companies, and verified travel guides. Current operational data and pricing have been cross-referenced with multiple sources.
