[2026] 13 recommended places to drive to in Fukuoka! From classic destinations, to scenic views and roadside stations

Mojiko Retro is an area dotted with quaint buildings constructed from the Meiji to early Showa periods, exuding a nostalgic atmosphere. The local specialty “yaki curry” (baked curry) is a must-try dish.

Moji Port and Shimonoseki on Honshu are also just close by! Why not venture a little further and cross the Kanmon Strait via the Kanmon Bridge or the Kanmon Tunnel running across the seabed?

From Mekari Park Second Observatory, which is about a 10-minute drive away, you can take in a panoramic view of the illuminated Kanmon Bridge and the spectacular scenery of the Kanmon Strait.

This seaside park, with a beach of artificial white sand, is adjacent to Fukuoka Tower and Mizuho PayPay Dome FUKUOKA. Located near to the heart of Fukuoka City, it is easily accessible for a day trip while offering a full resort experience! Have an out-of-the-ordinary experience that feels as if you are overseas.

Marizon, a shopping mall floating on the sea, is packed with restaurants, cafes, and shops for shopping and dining. The stunning sunset over Hakata Bay makes it the perfect spot for a memorable driving date!

Situated halfway up Mt. Aburayama, which stands at an elevation of 597 meters, this observatory offers sweeping views all the way across Hakata Bay to Umi no Nakamichi on clear days. It is highly accessible, just about 30 minutes by car from central Fukuoka City. Visitors will also be pleased to find that the observatory can be reached directly from the car park without walking. The famous hot dogs sold at the parking area are a must-try!

ABURAYAMA FUKUOKA, equipped with a campground, an adventure course, a farm, and other attractions, is located nearby, so you can also fully enjoy Aburayama's nature and outdoor spaces.

Itoshima, located in western Fukuoka Prefecture along the long, beautiful coastline facing the Genkai Sea, is the perfect place for a seaside drive! Sunset Road, which extends more than 30 km along the coast, truly lives up to its name with the beautiful sunsets that can be seen year-round.

Highlights along the route include Meoto Iwa ("Married Couple Rocks") at Sakurai Futamigaura with its striking pure-white torii gates, and the towering rock formation Keya no Oto rising from the Genkai Sea. Around the summer solstice, there may even be a chance to see the mystical sunset sinking between “Meoto Iwa”! The area also offers many photogenic spots, including cafes housed in converted bright red London buses and stylish restaurants with ocean views.

This island connected to the mainland, a rare occurrence even within Japan, is known for the discovery of the national treasure, the "King of Na" gold seal. Activities such as swimming, fishing, and marine leisure are popular on the island, while numerous historic sites that evoke a sense of the island's timeless history remain.

We especially recommend driving along Kin'in Kaido, a coastal road that circles the island. Despite being a small island with an outer circumference of just about 10 km, it packs in irresistible spots for history lovers, including Kin'in Park ("Golden Seal Park"), Mongolian mounds, and Shikaumi Shrine, known as a powerful spiritual spot.

The coast with shallow waters, extending for about 3 km from Fukuma Beach to Miyajihama and Tsuyazaki Beach, is a spot that has also been dubbed "Kagami no Umi" ("Sea of Mirrors") for its spectacular views. At low tide, the sandy beach reflects the sky like a mirror, creating a mystical scene.

It is especially beautiful at dusk, when the skies, tinged with pink and orange, are mirrored on the sandy beach, bringing an air of drama. Visitors are certain to be able to capture photogenic pictures. Before you head out, check the forecast calendar published on the official website for the best viewing times.

This is a beautiful gorge, stretching for about 6 km. Legend says the gods of Hyuga were drawn by its beauty. The area features majestic towering giant rocks and unusual rock formations, creating a series of landscapes that resemble a traditional landscape painting.
Kehogi Bridge, with its distinctive red arch, is a recommended viewing point. The massive Heart Rock counts among the world's largest rocks, and is also a popular power spot for love fulfillment.
In spring, a thousand cherry blossom trees bloom around Hyugami Dam, so visitors can delight in taking a drive through a tunnel of cherry blossoms.

This is one of Japan's three major karst plateaus. Pure white limestone covers the landscape, resembling a flock of sheep frolicking on the grassland. The Hiraodai Karst Road (Prefectural Route No. 28) is a driving route that winds through this limestone terrain. The mystical scenery continues all the way to the observation deck, so you can fully experience the sculptural beauty of nature.

As many as about 200 limestone caves lie beneath Hiraodai, making it a famous mecca for caving. Its dynamic seasonal landscapes are also a draw for tourists, with noyaki (open burning) in spring, fresh greenery in summer, silver grass in autumn, and snowy vistas in winter.

Mt. Hiko counts among Japan's three great sacred mountains for Shugen ascetic practices, and many historical sites related to mountain ascetics and mountain worship have been preserved. The worship sanctuary at Hikosan Jingu Shrine, a center of Hikosan faith, is a spot you must visit. You can worship with ease while enjoying the expansive views below from the slope car.

For an autumn drive, be sure to stop by Takasubaru-kogen Highlands, extending across National Route No. 500 halfway up Mt. Hiko. Also known as “Susukigahara,” this highland covers an area of approximately 60,000 square meters and is completely covered in silvery silver grass.

This roadside station came first for nine consecutive years in Kyushu Jalan's ranking of everyone's favorite roadside stations! Renovated in May 2025, it has been transformed with a brighter, more open atmosphere.
The local products section features seasonal fruits, along with an extensive range of fresh locally grown vegetables and deli foods. The observation deck provides panoramic views of the vast Chikugo Plain.

Jalan's “National Roadside Station Grand Prix 2025” ranked this roadside station second in customer satisfaction. The fresh seafood corner, filled with catches from the Genkai-nada Sea, is a must-see! There is also a wide selection of farm produce such as freshly picked vegetables. Enjoy gourmet delicacies at the restaurant that is committed to using local ingredients, as well as baked goods from the rice flour bakery, and even smoothies. With an RV park on-site, you can also enjoy a barbecue using ingredients purchased at the roadside station, or even spend the night in your vehicle.

This roadside station, one of the largest in western Japan, welcomes over a million visitors every year. It boasts extensive facilities including a farmer's market, food court, and large baths and open-air baths fed by natural hot springs. With over 30 types of play equipment including an adventure course and a bouncy dome, along with go-karts and an indoor play area, you can have a great time together with the kids.

Another draw is the seasonal landscapes, such as cherry blossoms in spring, sunflowers in summer, cosmos in autumn, and winter light-up events. The “100 Million Yen Restroom,” said to have cost 100 million yen to build, is also worth a look!

This roadside station is adjacent to the ruins of an ancient county office, known as the Ono-se Government Office Ruins, making it a rare roadside station in Japan that is integrated with a historical site. It is popular for its unique gourmet offerings, including authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and sweets made with locally grown lemons. There is also seating on the lawn plaza overlooking the ruins, so why not enjoy a leisurely time here with a bite to eat?

Every spot is attractive and ideal for a road trip destination! Try venturing a little further afield for your off-day fun or a refreshing getaway.