【Fukuoka Road Trip】Explore the Largest City in Kyushu! Includes Fukuoka Car Rental Process, Self-Driving Routes, and Precautions

Enchanting coastlines, ancient shrines and temples, and delicious Hakata cuisine, a Fukuoka self-drive tour lets you explore the diverse flavors of Kyushu at your own pace! Whether you stroll through the ruins of Fukuoka Castle to feel the weight of history or visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine to pray for academic success, Fukuoka offers a unique journey. Rent a car and embark on a spontaneous Fukuoka self-drive adventure!

In Japan, to rent a car and drive it yourself, you need to have a valid international driver's license and be at least 18 years old. However, some rental companies may require drivers to be between the ages of 20-65, and certain vehicle types, such as high-performance sports cars, may have stricter age limits. Additionally, renters must have a valid credit card for the security deposit, which varies depending on the car type.

- Valid passport - Valid international driver's license (must be obtained before departure to Japan, cannot be applied for upon arrival) - Valid original driver's license - Valid credit card (in the driver's name) - Japanese translation of the driver's license (required for Taiwan, not required for Hong Kong)

Car Rental Process: * Book a vehicle on the rental company's website or through a car rental comparison platform, selecting the pickup and return date, time, and location. * After confirming your reservation, bring the required documents to the designated pickup location on the pickup day to complete the procedures. * The staff will inspect the vehicle condition and explain the vehicle usage instructions. After handing over the keys, you can depart. Car Return Process: * Return the vehicle to the designated return location at the agreed time. * Staff will inspect the vehicle for any abnormalities. If everything is in order, return the keys. * Sign the return slip to confirm and complete the return process.

- Toyota Rent a Car: Japan's largest car rental company, with service locations at transportation hubs such as Fukuoka Airport and Hakata Station. The website provides services in multiple languages, including Chinese and English. - Times Car Rental: Offers a wide range of vehicle options and has over 100 locations throughout Kyushu. With a new car ratio of up to 94%, it provides English service. - Nippon Rent-A-Car: Focuses on premium services with nearly 60 locations in Kyushu, offering English and Korean service. - Orix Rent a Car: A well-known company with branches throughout Japan. It has a service counter at Fukuoka Airport and offers English service.

In Japan, basic insurance costs are typically included in the rental price, covering:

• Vehicle collision and damage: The maximum compensation amount varies depending on the rental agreement.
• Third-party liability insurance: Coverage for the renter causing injury or property damage to third parties.
• Personal accident insurance: If the driver or passengers are injured in an accident, the insurance company will pay for medical expenses.

To further reduce your deductible, it is recommended to add excess insurance (NOC). In addition, if the driver has already purchased travel inconvenience insurance, it usually includes rental car coverage, avoiding duplicate insurance. It is recommended to carefully review the policy terms before renting a car to understand the claims coverage.

- When driving in Japan, you must obey left-hand traffic and speed limits of 60 kilometers per hour on general roads and 100 kilometers per hour on highways. - Japanese road conditions are generally good but mountain roads have many bends, so drivers should be extra careful. - There are many paid parking lots in Japan, so you need to check the payment method before parking. Some underground parking lots have height restrictions for vehicles.

- Itozu: Just a 30-minute drive from Fukuoka City, Itozu is known for its beautiful coastline and stunning sunsets. You can enjoy the sea views along the Genkai Coast Road and visit Futamiura Meoto Iwa to admire the sea erosion rock formations. - Yanagawa: Yanagawa is nicknamed "the Venice of Japan" due to its network of waterways running through the city. Take a traditional "donko boat" ride to appreciate the scenery of weeping willows lining both sides of the canals, as if transported back to the Edo period. Don't miss out on visiting the residence of the Yanagawa feudal lord, the Higa clan. - Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: One of the most popular shrines in Kyushu, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine attracts many students who come to pray for academic success. The shrine grounds boast towering ancient trees, radiating an atmosphere of solemnity and sanctity. The approach path is lined with restaurants and souvenir shops; be sure to try the ume mochi (plum rice cakes). - Hita: Located in southern Fukuoka Prefecture, Hita is a significant tea production area in Japan. The surrounding tea plantations offer breathtaking scenery, making it worth planning a short trip. - Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine: Listed as a World Heritage Site, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine consists of three shrines: Okinoshima, Nakatsu, and Hontsu. Currently, Okinoshima is closed to the public.

- Japan drives on the right, and many intersections have corner mirrors. Drivers must pay attention to vehicles in the mirror. - When entering gas stations or highway rest stops, follow the ground arrow indicators and do not drive against traffic.

This concludes the Fukuoka self-driving travel guide. You can enjoy the food, hot springs and natural scenery. Remember to do your pre-trip preparations, pay attention to road conditions and give way to others so that you can have a pleasant trip to this first major city in Kyushu~ Don't forget to go outlet shopping on your way back and come back with full bags! There is also other travel information available for you here: