Kyushu Touring Day 2

Off to Ibusuki Skyline

On a morning when the sun appeared and the rain had stopped, we headed for the Ibusuki Skyline in the Porsche Boxster. This was the main destination of this touring trip.

The Ibusuki Skyline starts from Taniyama IC, and after paying the 100 yen toll, traffic thinned out significantly. From the occasional viewpoints along the way, the majestic Sakurajima volcano peeked through.

Some parts of the road were still wet, but the surface quickly dried. The Boxster kicked the dry pavement in 2nd gear with its rear wheels, enjoying the dry road as if it were alive and full of energy.

The Ibusuki Skyline features a mix of winding sections and stretches of straights and medium-to-high speed corners. The Boxster maintained its supple ride quality, smoothly carving curves with a light roll, making it a joy to drive. With just the right amount of power, it was fun to keep the engine revving high while driving.

On the stretches with straights and medium-to-high speed corners, the smooth acceleration in 3rd gear felt fantastic. Especially with a naturally aspirated engine, the way the torque and engine sound synchronize is pure bliss.

From Ibusuki Skyline to Mount Kaimon

After that, we headed south along the Ibusuki Skyline to Mount Kaimon and then to Kaimon Sanroku Nature Park. The two Boxsters ran alongside the free-roaming Tokara horses on the way to the observation deck. The view from the deck was spectacular, overlooking Kagoshima Bay and the East China Sea, with Nagasakibana and Sata Cape visible. Lunch was at a nearby diner. After lunch, we returned to the Ibusuki Skyline for the return trip.

On the return leg of the Ibusuki Skyline, we took it a bit more carefully. This road remains one of the best driving roads in Japan. There are other scenic roads, but this might just be the No.1 route that car lovers find truly fun to drive.

If time allowed, I’d love to do another lap, or even two more.

And then, a reunion

While checking the ferry departure time and directions to the port at a viewpoint along the Ibusuki Skyline, TAKURO suddenly got excited looking at his smartphone. It turned out that Porushetty-san, who had guided us around Aso on the first day, was also at the Ibusuki Skyline. We contacted him immediately and arranged to meet.

Porushetty-san appeared this time in a 992 Targa 4 GTS, quite different from the first day. This was my first time seeing this particular car, with its Agate Grey exterior, red interior, and clear taillights—a very stylish combination. I had the chance to test drive this Targa 4 GTS here, and I plan to write a separate blog post about that experience.

After parting ways with Porushetty-san, we headed mainly on the highway to Shibushi Port for the ferry. We arrived a bit early and waited for boarding after completing the check-in procedures.

Heading home from Shibushi Port

The ferry departed a little late, but while enjoying a hearty meal at the ferry’s restaurant, the two of us reflected on the Kyushu tour. It was TAKURO’s first Kyushu touring experience, and he was deeply impressed by the legendary Ibusuki Skyline. It was even better than he imagined, and he wished he could have driven it in his previous GT3. I couldn’t agree more. That road is truly exceptional.

While chatting about Porsche and touring, the two middle-aged guys once again indulged in the ferry’s buffet. The ferry then set course for Osaka.

The memories of this Kyushu tour are undoubtedly a dream trip for Porsche and driving enthusiasts. Especially the Ibusuki Skyline stands out as the most memorable driving route, a legendary road that makes you want to drive it again someday. As always, it’s through long-distance touring like this that you truly appreciate the charm of a Porsche—not just a super high-performance sports car, but also a great travel companion.

I hope everyone who buys a Porsche will take a touring trip like this at least once.

Route Map for This Trip