Road Trip with kids in Kyushu Part 1
Here we come, Kyushu, Japan! Kyushu is the most southwesterly of Japan. It is known for its diverse landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, and numerous hot springs. I am sharing my experience of a road trip with my family, how we traveled 5 out of 7 prefectures on this island, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Miyazaki, and Oita in 6 days. Our journey begins as we fly into Fukuoka from Haneda, ready to embark on an exciting family adventure.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Morning - Flying in Fukuoka from Haneda, Tokyo
Lunch - West Udon in Fukuoka
Afternoon - Half Day Activity in Fukuoka
Day 2
Morning - Mifune Dinosaur Museum in Kumamoto
Lunch - Costco in Kumamoto
Afternoon - Arriving at AirBnb in Kagoshima
Day One:
Flight from Haneda to Fukuoka: We took a Japan Airlines from Haneda for $80, and the journey was less than two hours. My oldest son was particularly thrilled about the flight because he knew that kids would receive a complimentary toy on the airplane. The flight itself was easy and smooth, adding to the excitement of the trip. Upon landing at Fukuoka airport, we proceeded to pick up a car that my brother generously arranged for us to rent. For those considering renting a car, there are several rental car options available near the airport. Also, note that Fukuoka airport is conveniently close to the Hakata station which is the center of Fukuoka.
Our First Stop for Lunch: My friend from Fukuoka recommended West Udon, a family-friendly restaurant known for its delicious udon noodles. We went to one of the closest locations from the airport where it was a less than 10 minutes drive. The kids eagerly slurped their bowls of cold noodles, and we could already feel that this trip was off to a great start. While Fukuoka is famous for its Ramen noodles, it's essential not to forget about Udon noodles. The Udon noodles here have a softer texture compared to others, and you must try adding Gobo Tempura (burdock) for an extra delicious experience!
Afternoon Activity for Kids: Next, we headed to Hanahata Engei Park, a vibrant oasis located just 20 minutes from Hakata station. The children's laughter filled the air as they explored the water park and made new friends with local kids. It was a perfect decision for our kids, especially with the hot weather taking a toll on them.
Had to Try Ramen: For dinner, we couldn't resist venturing to Hakata Station for Ramen Kaido. The kids' eyes widened as they witnessed the array of ramen shops offering various mouthwatering options. Following a recommendation from my friend, we decided to try Shin Shin Ramen, where we savored rich and flavorful bowls of ramen, completely satisfying our appetites before calling it a day.
Day Two:
Adventure at the Museum: Our goal for the day was to drive all the way south to Kagoshima. Along the way, we discovered a kid-friendly museum in Kumamoto, just 1.5 hours away from Hakata station, accessible via the Kyushu Expressway. The museum is called Mifune Dinosaur Museum. Its life-sized dinosaur replicas and interactive exhibits left the kids in awe and ignited their curiosity about the ancient world.
Costco in Japan: Conveniently, there was a Costco just down the street from the museum, and we couldn't resist the opportunity to compare it to the ones we have back in the US. While it may not be a traditional Japanese experience, it was a fun way to immerse ourselves in the local culture. After picking up some food, we headed to the deli and treated ourselves to lunch, including the typical Costco pizza and the most delightful (according to my husband) Bulgogi Bake.
Arriving in Kagoshima: We said good bye to Kumamoto and journeyed south to Kagoshima, the southernmost of Kyushu. After a 3 hours drive, our Airbnb by the ocean awaited, and it was to be our accommodation for two nights along with our friends' family. The kids were thrilled to discover the hidden nooks of the old Japanese-style house, and a game of hide and seek ensued, filling the place with laughter that echoed through the traditional Tatami rooms. After a long day of driving, a simple bowl of Tamago Kake Gohan (rice with a raw egg) was enough to soothe the chaos and tiredness.
