Southern Kyushu is known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, stunning coastlines, and rich local culture. Miyazaki and Kagoshima offer some of the region’s most unforgettable experiences, from breathtaking natural scenery to relaxing hot springs and delicious local cuisine. This guide introduces some of the best places to visit on a campervan road trip through southern Kyushu.
If you’re interested in northern Kyushu, don’t miss our Kyushu Part 1 guide covering Nagasaki and Kumamoto.
Miyazaki
Takachiho Gorge
Takachiho Gorge is one of Miyazaki’s most spectacular natural attractions. Formed by ancient volcanic activity from nearby Mt. Aso, the gorge features dramatic basalt cliffs rising up to 100 metres above the Gokase River.
One of the best ways to experience the gorge is by renting a rowboat and paddling beneath the towering cliffs to admire the beautiful Minainotaki Waterfall. The changing light throughout the day creates a different atmosphere, making every visit unique.
About a 15-minute walk from the main viewing area of Takachiho Gorge is Zipang, a Miyazaki beef restaurant where you can enjoy delectable wagyu beef grilled on a shichirin (a charcoal grill placed on the table). It was amazingly tender and delicious!
Amanoyasukawara
Around 20 minutes from Takachiho Gorge is Amanoyasukawara, a sacred cave deeply connected to Japanese mythology. According to legend, the sun goddess Amaterasu hid here, plunging the world into darkness. Today, visitors leave small stacks of stones as prayers for good fortune, creating a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.
Nearby is Amanoiwato Shrine, making this area an ideal stop for anyone interested in Japanese culture, mythology, and history.
Another excellent destination lies in southwestern Miyazaki, near the border of Kagoshima Prefecture, the Ebino Plateau. Here you can enjoy hiking amongst the several ponds/lakes that have formed due to the volcanic activity in the area. It is especially spectacular in the fall as the autumn colors set the plateau ablaze which creates a beautiful contrast with the ponds! If you are lucky, you may even see wild deer! In winter, you can enjoy ice skating at the outdoor skating rink that is located in the Ebino Plateau village area. Roadside Station Ebino is about a 30-minute drive north, so you won’t have any trouble finding a place to stay in your campervan.
Kagoshima
Kagoshima is the southernmost prefecture in Kyushu and has many destination-worthy places to visit with many people listing Yakushima Island as the best. Yakushima is said to be the setting of the Ghibli movie Princess Mononoke. On Yakushima is the Jomon Sugi, a several thousand-year-old cedar tree which is registered as a World Heritage Site. The hike to the tree is said to take about 10 hours round-trip, so those who are confident in their ability and up for an adventure should give it a try. With beautiful untouched nature and sweet and tasty water with no impurities along the way, the long hike is surely worth it. To reach Yakushima, there is a ferry that can accommodate campervans from the Kagoshima mainland.
In the heart of Kagoshima Bay lies Sakurajima, one of Japan’s most active volcanos that regularly smokes and often spews ash into the air. Once an island, Sakuraima was connected to the mainland due to a major eruption in 1914, so you can drive there and enjoy viewing this powerful sight up close. Sakurajima is fairly small at about 50 kilometers in circumference, but due to all the volcanic activity, there are numerous hot spring facilities, a lava rock promenade with many footbaths, and a roadside station.
Kagoshima is blessed with hot springs, and the most interesting is the sand steam bath, sunamushi, at Ibusuki Hakusuikan Onsen. With a 300-year history of bringing relaxation, visitors wear yukatas and are buried in sand that has a temperature of 50 to 55 degree Celsius for about 10 minutes and afterwards shower to remove the sweat and any sand. Recently, the efficacy of the sunamushi has been scientifically reported making it even more well known. Sunamushi hot springs can be experienced not only at day-trip facilities but also at inns and hotels in the Kagoshima Bay area.
Kyushu is a fascinating region filled with breathtaking landscapes, relaxing hot springs, rich cultural heritage, and outstanding local cuisine. Exploring the region by campervan gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace, stop whenever a view catches your eye, and discover places that are often missed by other travellers. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a longer road trip, Kyushu is a destination you’ll never forget.
Continue Planning Your Japan Campervan Adventure
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About the Author
Sayuri
I have been travelling by campervan to various areas all over Japan for more than 5 years. My goal is to visit all 47 prefectures in Japan! Just 12 more prefectures to go and I'll have accomplished it! I hope I can share some of information of wonderful places in Japan.
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