Travel & Explore

Southern Kyushu road trip: an outline guide

By the Travel & Explore team · Last checked

On this page
  1. The route
  2. When to go
  3. Getting there and the car
  4. Driving there as a UK driver
  5. Earthquakes, typhoons and volcanoes
  6. Before you book
  7. FAQs

Southern Kyushu suits drivers who want a shorter regional trip in Japan rather than a longer tour of several islands. It works best if you are ready to drive on the left and have the right permit before you fly. Compare other fly-drive options in the worldwide road trips section.

The route

Your route is still being set. Check the car collection and return points with the hire company before you book.

When to go

Tropical cyclones, or typhoons, affect Japan. They can bring damaging high tides, landslides and flooding. Check the GOV.UK Japan safety advice and the weather for your dates before you set them.

Getting there and the car

JNTO's southern Kyushu feature suggests flying from Kansai International (KIX) to Miyazaki (KMI), a flight of about 50 minutes. It suggests collecting a rental car at Miyazaki Airport and finishing at Kagoshima Airport (KOJ).

Ask the hire company to confirm any one-way hire in writing, including the collection and return locations and opening hours. Do not assume the final day can absorb a return to the start point.

Driving there as a UK driver

  • Take your Great Britain driving licence with you (GOV.UK: driving abroad).
  • Japan needs the 1949 International Driving Permit (IDP) (GOV.UK: IDP). You cannot buy one outside the UK, so get it before you travel (GOV.UK: Japan safety).
  • The IDP must be issued under the Geneva Convention. IDPs issued under other treaties, such as the 1968 Vienna Convention, are not valid in Japan (JAF).
  • The permit is valid for a maximum of one year from your date of entry into Japan (JAF).
  • Driving is on the left (GOV.UK: Japan safety).
  • The legal alcohol limit for driving is about a third of the UK limit, and drink-driving is a serious offence (GOV.UK: Japan safety).

Earthquakes, typhoons and volcanoes

Japan is in a major earthquake zone. Flooding and heavy rain can worsen rapidly, especially in low-lying, coastal and mountainous areas. GOV.UK advises you to follow local authorities on active volcanoes and to check volcano warnings from the Japan Meteorological Agency (GOV.UK: Japan safety).

Before you book

Check the driving licence and IDP guide and the driving abroad checklist before you book.

  • Get the 1949 IDP before you travel.
  • Confirm your licence will still be valid for the whole trip.
  • Get written confirmation of any one-way car hire, collection and return points.
  • Check the hire company's own conditions for drivers.
  • Check that your travel insurance covers your itinerary, planned activities and emergency costs.
  • Check the GOV.UK Japan advice and the weather again close to your dates.
  • Build a spare day into the plan for weather or access changes.

FAQs

Do UK drivers need an International Driving Permit for Japan?

Yes. GOV.UK lists Japan as needing the 1949 IDP, and JAF says it must be issued under the Geneva Convention.

Do you drive on the left in Japan?

Yes. GOV.UK says driving is on the left.

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