Kyushu, Japan
The Aso region features the Nakadake Crater, Kusa-Senri grassland, Daikanbo viewpoint, and Aso Cuddly Dominion. Kurokawa Onsen, a charming hot spring town, features traditional atmosphere, rustic open-air baths, and an "onsen-hopping" pass. The scenic Amakusa Islands offer coastal beauty and Christian heritage sites. Yanagawa presents a picturesque canal town with leisurely boat rides.
Driving 1.5-2 hours from Kumamoto reaches Mount Aso. Kurokawa Onsen is 1.5-2 hours by car or 2.5-3 hours by direct bus. Amakusa Islands are 2-3 hours by car or accessible via train and ferry. Yanagawa is 1.5 hours by Shinkansen and local train to Fukuoka then Yanagawa.
Kumamoto Prefecture's natural landscapes offer tranquil retreats from urban life, with scenic walks and pure environments.
Kikuchi Gorge, about an hour northeast of Kumamoto City, welcomes nature walks. It offers clear, cool waters, numerous small waterfalls, and lush forest. A refreshing escape, specifically welcome during summer heat. Paths are generally well-maintained. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
This mystical Shinto shrine is within a dense forest in Takamori, Aso District. It features moss-covered stone lanterns lining pathways and a large, naturally formed hole in a rock face (Ugetoiwa). The shrine gained fame from an anime film, adding to its ethereal quality.
Discover more of Kumamoto Prefecture's history and cultural heritage with short trips to nearby cities.
Home to Uto Castle Ruins, with well-preserved stone walls. The Uto City Museum focuses on local history and archaeology.
A coastal city south of Kumamoto with castle ruins and traditions of local performing arts. It offers fresh seafood.
A picturesque group of scenic islands featuring coastal beauty and Christian heritage sites. Ideal for dolphin watching.
Uto City provides a quick cultural excursion with historical insights. Its proximity to Kumamoto City makes it a convenient option for exploring defensive architecture.
Yatsushiro City, a coastal destination south of Kumamoto, offers a distinct cultural experience with its castle ruins and local arts.
Extend your Kumamoto journey with overnight stays in charming destinations, deepening your regional exploration.
This recommended extension invites you to explore Mount Aso's natural wonders, then stay overnight in a traditional onsen ryokan in Kurokawa Onsen. Experience the town's charming atmosphere.
Spend an overnight or two exploring the Amakusa Islands. This provides more time to visit the Christian heritage sites and enjoy multiple dolphin watching tours.
Fukuoka features excellent food (famous for its ramen, motsunabe, and yatai food stalls), extensive shopping opportunities, and lively nightlife. It functions as a major transportation hub for further travel.
Located at the southern tip of Kyushu, Kagoshima is the largest city in southern Kyushu. It features its active volcano, Sakurajima, which frequently emits ash, and the beautiful Sengan-en Garden. Kagoshima is also known for its delicious Kurobuta pork.
Kumamoto connects well to other major Kyushu cities, allowing for extended regional exploration.
The bullet train presents fast and efficient connections from Kumamoto to Fukuoka (Hakata) and Kagoshima-Chuo.
These lines connect Kumamoto to various regional towns and cities throughout Kyushu. They offer a slower but more scenic travel option.
An extensive network of highway buses connects major cities across Kyushu, often an economical alternative to train travel for regional journeys.
