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Kyūshū Cities and Caldera Road Loop: Route Guide

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Steam rising across Mount Aso's vast green caldera
Photo: 663highland · CC BY 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons

A six-day public-road loop linking Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, confirmed-open low-risk Aso caldera access and Beppu. The closed Nakadake crater road and crater viewing are not part of this itinerary; onsen, sand baths, tours, ferries and other provider activities require separate checks and bookings.

Kyūshū Cities and Caldera Road Loop is a 700 km loop (self-drive). It works best as a 6-day trip; the plan below is the 6-day version for November, built from 312 verified places, with planned transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

6
days
700km
distance
6
Stops
312
curated stops

Plan your own version → 6-day plan · best time to go

The route

Fukuoka public culture base→ 150 kmNagasaki public history day→ 150 kmKumamoto public castle-city day→ 60 kmAso confirmed-open public caldera day→ 120 kmBeppu public landscape day→ 220 kmFukuoka loop-return day

What you'll see

Fukuoka City Museum
Discover the city's history through permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Fukuoka public culture base
Dejima (Site of the Former Dutch Factory)
Explore the remnants of Japan's only port open to Western trade for centuries.
Nagasaki public history day
Kumamoto Castle
Admire one of Japan's most beautiful castles, a historic landmark.
Kumamoto public castle-city day
Aso Shrine
Visit an ancient shrine dedicated to transportation and traffic safety.
Aso confirmed-open public caldera day
Beppu City Traditional Bamboo Crafts Center
Learn about and try bamboo craftsmanship in this display center.
Beppu public landscape day
Fukuoka public return circuit
Complete the loop with confirmed-open public waterfront, garden and civic access; food stalls and paid venues stay optional.
Fukuoka loop-return day
Ohori Park
Stroll along a scenic 2 km jogging track in this beloved urban park.
Fukuoka public culture base
Atomic Bomb Museum
Reflect on history through poignant, anti-nuclear exhibits.
Nagasaki public history day

Choose your length

6-day plan30 stops · 17.5 h transit5 stops/day · 2.9 h transit/daySee the full plan →

When to go

Best months: March, April, May, October, November

Use the published road season and check current roads, weather, public access and every optional activity separately.

See the month-by-month breakdown →

Similar journeys

Plan your own version →