Route Overview
Kyushu is one of Japan’s top touring paradises. In particular, the majestic caldera of Mt. Aso and the grasslands along the Yamanami Highway are celebrated worldwide as “Japan’s Best Ride.”
This 3-day route starts and ends at Fukuoka Airport, combining both mountain and seaside scenery.
The daily riding distance is around 150 km, making it suitable for beginner to intermediate riders. To balance the shorter mileage, we’ve included plenty of sightseeing stops. For those who want more riding, you can extend Day 1 to Beppu, or add a loop around the Aso Caldera on Day 2 for extra distance.
Note: Due to Google Maps’ waypoint limit, some stopovers are not shown here. Please check the daily route details for full maps.
This route is also featured in the Top 10 Motorcycle Touring Routes in Japan.
Day 1: Fukuoka Airport → Yufuin
Depart from Fukuoka Airport, ride through Dazaifu and the historic town of Akizuki, then continue to Hita. After exploring the Edo-period streets of Mameda-machi and visiting the Sapporo Beer Kyushu Brewery, head toward Kokonoe. Stop at the Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge before joining the northern section of the Yamanami Highway and finishing the day in the hot spring town of Yufuin.
Distance: approx. 170 km ｜ Local roads
- Akizuki (Old Castle Town)
A charming town with seasonal beauty—cherry blossoms in spring, colorful foliage in autumn. - Mameda-machi (Hita)
Preserved Edo-era streets known as “Little Kyoto of Kyushu.” Great for strolling and street food. - Sapporo Beer Kyushu Brewery (Welcome Hall, Hita)
Tour the brewery and enjoy tastings. A popular refreshment stop for riders. - Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge (Kokonoe)
One of Japan’s largest pedestrian suspension bridges, offering panoramic mountain views. - Kinrin Lake (Yufuin)
A mystical lake fed by hot springs, especially atmospheric in the morning mist.
Day 2: Yufuin → Aso → Kumamoto
Ride south along the full length of the Yamanami Highway, passing through Chojabaru with views of the Kuju mountain range. Continue to Daikanbo for breathtaking caldera views, then loop around the Milk Road ridge line. Ride across Kusasenri Grasslands and up to the Aso Nakadake Crater (check access conditions). Continue via the famous Kenny Road into Minami Aso, stop at Shirakawa Spring, and end the day in Kumamoto City with a visit to Kumamoto Castle.
Distance: approx. 157 km ｜ Local roads
- Chojabaru (Kuju Highlands)
A scenic wetland area with sweeping views of the Kuju mountains. - Daikanbo (Aso City)
The most popular viewpoint of Aso’s Five Peaks, often compared to a reclining Buddha. - Milk Road
A ridge road around the Aso outer rim with spectacular panoramic riding. - Kusasenri Grasslands
Vast meadows at the foot of Mt. Eboshi, with grazing horses. - Aso Nakadake Crater
An active volcanic crater (access may be restricted depending on conditions). - Kenny Road (Minami Aso)
A legendary winding road named after MotoGP legend Kenny Roberts. - Shirakawa Spring
Famous clear spring water, designated one of Japan’s “100 Remarkable Waters.” - Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto City)
One of Japan’s three great castles. Recently reconstructed and beautifully illuminated at night.
▶ Yamanami highway Road Guide
▶ Aso Panorama Line Road Guide
Day 3: Kumamoto → Ariake Sea Route → Fukuoka Airport
On the final day, leave the mountains behind and ride along the Ariake Sea coast. From Tamana, continue through Arao and Omuta, then stop in Yanagawa for a river cruise or to try the city’s famous steamed eel. End the journey with a visit to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine before returning to Fukuoka Airport.
Distance: approx. 130 km ｜ Local roads
- Tamana Onsen (Tamana)
A historic hot spring town. Foot baths and day-use facilities are perfect for a short visit. - Arao Tidal Flats (Arao)
A Ramsar-registered wetland with unique tidal scenery and migratory birds. - Yanagawa River Cruise (Yanagawa)
Explore the castle town by boat and enjoy Yanagawa’s specialty, steamed eel. - Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (Dazaifu)
A major Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of learning. Don’t miss the famous Umegae Mochi sweets on the approach.
Estimated Costs (2 nights / 3 days)
| Item | Details | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Rental Bike (3 days) | 250cc class: ~¥35,000 ／ 400cc+: ¥45,000–55,000 | |
| Accommodation (2 nights) | Guesthouse, Business Hotel, or Onsen Ryokan | ¥15,000–35,000 |
| Meals | Local cuisine (horse sashimi, Akaushi steak, onsen town dining, eel) | ¥8,000–18,000 |
| Fuel | Total distance approx. 500 km | ¥3,000–5,000 |
| Highway Tolls | Mostly local roads | ¥0–1,500 |
Total Budget Estimate
- Budget Plan (250cc bike + guesthouse + simple meals): ¥65,000–75,000
- Standard Plan (400cc bike + business hotel + local cuisine): ¥80,000–100,000
- Premium Plan (large bike + ryokan + gourmet dining): ¥110,000+
Summary
- Day 1 & 2 focus on the mountains: Yamanami Highway, Aso Caldera, Milk Road, Kenny Road
- Day 2 ends with Kumamoto Castle, adding cultural depth to the ride
- Day 3 returns via the Ariake Sea, with stops in Yanagawa and Dazaifu Tenmangu
- Daily riding distance is around 150 km – balanced for both riding and sightseeing
This route connects Aso’s great nature, the seaside towns of the Ariake Sea, and the history of Kumamoto Castle. It truly condenses the best of Kyushu into 3 days and is highly recommended for visiting riders from abroad.