Originally Posted by pho9187

Hello Everyone,

I am planning a slow-paced trip to Kyushu and Western Honshu filled with culture, history, and hiking. Can you please help with a portion of my itinerary?

I can try !

September 15: Pick up rental car at Kumamoto station at 10 or 11 AM, drive to hotel in Takamori (for three nights), included dinner is 5:30 - 8 PM.
Question: Should I "detour" through the Kikuchi Valley on the way? Or perhaps stop somewhere else along the way? Alternatively, should I check into the hotel, and take an afternoon "jaunt" from there?

Is this hotel a Ryokan Hot Spring style hotel? If so you won't be able to check in until much later in the afternoon between 3-4PM IME. I would take detour and check out the Kikuchi Valley as it is quite OK

September 16: Day trip to Aso area:
Naka-dake
Kusasenri
Mount Komezuka
Question: How do I plan the day? Since I will be alone, I want to limit my hiking to two hours in the morning, and two hours in the afternoon, but short walks in between in fine (I am worried about getting lost, etc).

I wouldn't be worried about getting lost as you won't be "alone". There will certainly be other hikers too, it could also be fairly warm at that time of year so please take precautions against being dehydrated etc.

September 17: Day trip to Takachiho
Ama-no-Iwato Shrine
Ama-no-Yasugawara Cave
Takachiho Gorge
Question: How do I map out the day?

I would drive to furthest point of your interest and work your way back in the direction of where you will be staying.

September 18: Drive back to Kumamoto, return rental car, board train for Kagoshima

Be sure to give yourself time, the road in and through Kumamoto city can be quite congested at certain times of the day.Have a great trip !!!




Thank you in advance for your help!