3 Days in Fukuoka

A Kyushu Road Trip: Nature, Culture & Culinary Wonders When wanderlust called, we answered — with an unforgettable road trip across Kyushu, Japan. Starting from the vibrant city of Fukuoka, our journey unfolded like a perfectly written travel novel, each stop offering new chapters of adventure and discovery. We began at Ohori Park, where the calm waters and traditional Japanese landscaping offered a peaceful welcome to the city. The wide paths were perfect for a morning stroll, with locals jogging past and cherry blossoms framing the serene lake. It was the ideal start — tranquil and picturesque. From there, the road led us to one of Kyushu’s crown jewels: Takachiho Gorge. Towering basalt cliffs and the emerald Gokase River created a fairytale-like backdrop as we rowed beneath the majestic Manai Falls. The atmosphere here felt otherworldly — a rare blend of raw nature and spiritual calm that lingers in your memory long after you’ve left. Next on the map was Kumamoto, where history whispered from every corner. The reconstructed Kumamoto Castle stood proudly, a symbol of resilience. The surrounding streets were charmingly old-school, filled with local flavors and hidden corners waiting to be explored. Back in Fukuoka, we indulged in its famous seafood at Hakata. From melt-in-your-mouth sashimi to perfectly grilled mentaiko, every bite was a celebration of the ocean’s bounty. The fresh flavors and warm hospitality made this dining experience one of the highlights of our trip. Our journey then steered toward Beppu, a hot spring haven. We soaked away the road’s fatigue in the town’s legendary onsen baths, but the real surprise awaited at the Hells of Beppu (Jigoku Meguri) — a collection of steaming, colorful, and otherworldly geothermal pools that looked like scenes from another planet. Finally, we wrapped up the adventure at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, an expansive coastal wonderland where flower fields stretched endlessly and families cycled along scenic routes. It was the perfect place to reflect on our journey, with the sea breeze and vibrant blooms lifting our spirits. This road trip was more than a vacation — it was a sensory experience that combined Kyushu’s nature, history, and cuisine into one seamless, unforgettable journey. Whether you’re chasing tranquility, adventure, or culinary delights, Kyushu has it all. Our hearts (and stomachs) were full by the end. #kyushuroadtrip #fukuoka #ohoripark #takachihogorge #kumamotocastle #hakataseafood #beppuonsen #hellsofbeppu #uminonakamichiseasidepark #japantravel #roadtripvibes #wanderlustjapan #natureandculture #hiddengemsjapan