Whenever friends come to Fukuoka to visit me, they rent a car to drive to Yufuin—and the first thing they do is set the GPS to the Oita Expressway .When I see that, I usually say: “You’re missing the real treasure.” As someone who’s settled in Fukuoka, I spend my days off exploring the prefectural borders. And honestly, compared to a predictable expressway drive, National Route 210 , stretching across Fukuoka and Oita, is where Kyushu’s scenery really shines. I’ve “conquered”

Escape the Tourist Noise If you think Kyushu’s autumn is only about Lake Kinrin in Yufuin, you may be missing the most breathtaking night of the season. In November, I originally planned to squeeze into Yufuin with everyone else for a roll cake. Then a local friend told me, “If you want to see a real Japanese autumn night—go to Hita .” Hita, often called “Kyushu’s Little Kyoto,”  hosts a two-day candle festival every year on the second weekend of November : Sennen Akari (千年あか