2025 Kumamoto Prefecture Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

Escape the bustling crowds and commercialized attractions of Tokyo this summer and embark on a reverse travel adventure to Kyushu! Here, you'll find Japan's hidden gems—volcanic eruptions, serene forests, and gentle sea breezes—that will fill your heart with tranquility and wonder. ⭕ Suggested Itinerary: A journey full of surprises Fukuoka → Saga → Kumamoto → Kagoshima → Miyazaki → Oita → Fukuoka 🌋 Dive into a real-life "Journey to the Center of the Earth" * Volcanoes (Kagoshima): Take a ferry to see lava remnants up close and even dig up hot spring-steamed sand bath eggs—a must for volcano enthusiasts! * (Kumamoto): Ride a helicopter to view the massive volcanic crater from above, or gallop across the grassy plains of Kusasenri to experience the awe of Earth's "wounds." * Beppu Hell Hot Springs (Oita): Embark on a unique tour of eight extraordinary hot springs known as the "Hell Tour." 🌲 Retreat into the forest for fresh air and relaxation * Takachiho Gorge (Miyazaki): Paddle a small boat deep into the canyon's hidden beauty and watch sunlight pierce through towering waterfalls. * Yufuin (Oita): Hop aboard the Yufuin no Mori train to explore a fairytale-like town surrounded by forests reminiscent of Studio Ghibli animations. 🌊 Encounter breathtaking coastal landscapes * Aoshima Shrine (Miyazaki): Marvel at the natural "Devil's Washboard" rock formations and pray for safe voyages—perfect for stunning photos. * Nichinan Coast (Miyazaki): Discover replica Easter Island Moai statues for a quirky and offbeat experience. * Itoshima Couple Rocks (Fukuoka): Admire the white torii gate standing in the sea and the mesmerizing orange sunset over the ocean. 🐾 Enter a world of adorable animals * Ainoshima Cat Island (Fukuoka): Bring some treats and befriend a group of affectionate cats—become the "island master" for a day! 🚗 Sample Itinerary D1: Fukuoka Airport * Beppu Hell Hot Springs Tour D2: Beppu - Yufuin * Tsurumi Mountain Cable Car - Yufuin Observatory - Art Museum - Fairytale Town D3: Mount Aso - Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine - Takachiho Gorge - Stay in Kumamoto * Helicopter volcano tour - Kusasenri - Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine - Takachiho Gorge D4: Kumamoto * Dolphin watching in Matsushima - Visit Misumi Station D5: Kumamoto - Kagoshima * Kagoshima - Sakurajima - Active volcano sightseeing experience D6: Return trip

May is the best season to explore Kyushu, and we recommend a healing travel route filled with nature and culture! 🌿 Starting from Kumamoto, hop on the adorable "Kumamon Train" 🚋 and embark on a journey with the popular mascot Kumamon. Next, head to Aso Onsen Street to relax your body and mind in the hot springs♨️, followed by a visit to the majestic Takachiho Gorge, where the breathtaking valley scenery will leave you in awe 🌄. Don't miss the Kuju Dream Suspension Bridge, where you can challenge your courage on the high-altitude walkway while enjoying panoramic mountain views 🌉. Then, visit Yufuin, a favorite spot for art lovers, to explore unique shops and savor delicious desserts 🍰. Finally, make your way to Dazaifu Shrine to pray for good fortune ⛩️. The entire trip is leisurely paced, allowing you to fully experience the charm of Kyushu. 💕

#Kumamoto 🏯 Historical Highlights • Kumamoto Castle: One of Japan’s most impressive castles, originally constructed in the early 1600s by renowned samurai Katō Kiyomasa. Although damaged during the 2016 earthquakes, restoration efforts are ongoing, and parts of the castle are open to visitors.  • Suizenji Jojuen Garden: A beautifully landscaped Japanese garden that replicates the 53 post stations of the Tokaido, the road connecting Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo). • Reigandō Cave: The secluded cave where legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi spent his final years and wrote “The Book of Five Rings.”  ⸻ 🌿 Natural Attractions • Mount Aso: One of the world’s largest active volcanoes, featuring a vast caldera and picturesque landscapes. It’s a popular destination for hiking and enjoying panoramic views.  • Nabegataki Falls: A serene waterfall located in the nearby town of Oguni, offering visitors the unique experience of walking behind the cascading water.  ⸻ 🎭 Cultural Experiences • Kumamon: The city’s beloved bear mascot, Kumamon, is a cultural icon in Japan. You’ll find his image adorning various products and attractions throughout the city.  • Local Festivals: Kumamoto hosts several traditional festivals, including the Fujisaki Hachimangu Festival, featuring parades with elaborately decorated horses and participants in traditional attire.  ⸻ 🍜 Culinary Delights • Basashi: A local delicacy of thinly sliced raw horse meat, often served with soy sauce and garlic. • Kumamoto Ramen: Known for its rich, pork-based broth flavored with garlic, this ramen variant is a must-try for food enthusiasts. ⸻ 🚆 Accessibility Kumamoto is well-connected by the Kyushu Shinkansen, making it easily accessible from major cities like Fukuoka and Kagoshima. The city also serves as a convenient base for exploring other parts of Kyushu. Getting There - Attractions - Hotels - Food & Restaurants - Shopping -

#NewYearNewTrip How to take a bus to Takachiho Gorge from Kumamoto Station 1. Book a round-trip bus ticket, starting from Kumamoto Station to Takachiho Miyazaki 2. Get on the bus at Kumamoto Station terminal 7 3. Travel time is about 3 hours, stopping once to use the restroom near Aso 4. When you arrive at Takachiho Bus Terminal, take a taxi to Takachiho Gorge or walk 5. On the way back, get on the bus at the same place, Takachiho Bus Terminal, and get off at Kumamoto Station

#Sakura2024 Kumamoto Prefectural Office A photo spot for Luffy from One Piece. The leaves are changing color beautifully. A new landmark. Let's take a photo with the statue of Monkey D. Luffy at Kumamoto Prefectural Office. This statue was built to honor Professor Oda, the author of One Piece. Because in the severe earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture in April 2016, many houses collapsed. Dozens of people died. Professor Oda donated money to help the people of Kumamoto, his hometown. The amount of 800 million yen, which will be divided into 2 parts: 500 million yen will be donated in the name of "Luffy" and the other 300 million yen will be donated in the name of Professor Oda himself. This caused the Governor of Kumamoto Prefecture to build a memorial statue of Luffy in Kumamoto to honor Professor Oda. The statue is placed in front of Kumamoto Prefectural Office. Anyone who is a One Piece fan must not miss this. Come take a picture and in this project, there are also statues of many One Piece characters, such as Sanji / Usopp / Chopper / Brook / Zoro / Franky / Robin / Nami / Jinbe 📌Kumamoto Prefectural Office ⏰Opening hours: Open 24 hours a day 🚈Transportation: Take the tram and get off at Shiritsu Taiikukan-mae Station and walk for about 10 minutes

#Japan must-visit photo spots 🍂🍂 Once you leave Hakata Station, about 40 minutes away -- you'll come to Kumamoto, which is full of autumn! 🍁 How to get there: From Hakata to Kumamoto, it’s about 40 minutes by Shinkansen. Moreover, you can ride this Shinkansen for free unlimited times within the specified period as long as you have a Kitakyushu JR pass. The Shinkansen is divided into reserved and unreserved seats. Riding in reserved seats must be reserved with a JR pass. Or you can directly board the bus with JR pass to sit in free seats ✨️ (peak season time: it is recommended to reserve reserved seats in advance 🤣🤣). 💰If you buy a one-time ticket instantly: JPY4700 (As at 202311) #OverseasTravel #AutumnRecommendation #JapanTravel #FukuokaTravel #Fukuoka #Kumamoto #Autumn

Kusasenri Plains is perfectly located to see the Aso mountain range's Nakadake volcano spewing smoke. In the center of this vast plain, which is 1km in diameter, is a small rainwater pond where cows and horses often gather. The changing scenery from season to season is another attraction here.

Takachiho Gorge was originally a lava flow that erupted from Mount Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, flowing along the Gokasegawa River and was suddenly cooled. In 1934, this place was designated as a national scenic spot, a national natural monument, attracting a large number of visitors. In the gorge, there is "Manai Falls" which was selected as one of the 100 representative waterfalls of Japan, the waterfall flows down from a height of about 17m, which is really attractive! You can rent a boat to experience the vibrant nature in the gorge, typically this "Manai Falls". You can look up at the waterfall from such a close distance that the water spray seems to cover you, it is an experience that cannot be found anywhere else.

#Overseas Travel #Japan Travel #Kumamoto Prefecture #Japan The great thing about Kikuchi Valley is that it has been selected as one of the top 100 scenic spots. -Japan's Top 100 Forests for Forest Bathing - Kumamoto Green 100 Views -Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls There are hiking trails along the stream, which can especially feel the coolness in the hot summer.. It is recommended for summer vacation😎😎 The Kikuchi Gorge is about 4 kilometers long. The source is the undercurrent that gushes out of the Aso outer rim mountain, so it is also called the Kikuchi water source. Address: 5026 Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture transportation: Take the Kumamoto Electric Railway bus bound for Kikuchi from JR Kumamoto Station, get off at Kikuchi Square after 1 hour and 10 minutes, and take a taxi for 30 minutes

It is a famous natural hot spring resort in Kumamoto Prefecture, surrounded by beautiful nature and an atmosphere of an old Japanese village. There are hotels and ryokans that warmly welcome tourists. This hot spring town was awarded 2 stars by the Michelin Green Guide for Japan in 2009. 💧 Another unique feature of Kurokawa Onsen is the all-you-can-use hot spring pass called “Nyuto Tegata”. It is a ticket made of wooden boards with cute designs that you can keep as a souvenir. With this pass, you can choose to use 3 hot springs out of 24 hot spring hotels in Kurokawa Onsen, each with its own unique hot spring baths. Most have both indoor and outdoor hot springs to choose from, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery around you while soaking in the hot springs. 🌟 In winter, around Every year from January to March, Kurokawa Onsen holds the Kurokawa Onsen Bamboo Lantern Illumination or “Yuakari”, where the entire town is decorated with bamboo lanterns, creating a dreamy atmosphere with glowing lights. It is a beautiful sight and leaves a lasting impression on visitors. This is another highlight that should not be missed.

"Aoi Aso Shrine" Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture Day 5 of the Kyushu Trip Boasting a history of over 1200 years, it was the first shrine in Kumamoto Prefecture to be designated as a national treasure.  The thatched roof of the main hall is very tasteful, and the shrine has a calm atmosphere that evokes nostalgia. ⛩ However, the Kuma River flooded due to the heavy rains in Kumamoto in 2020, and Aoi Aso Shrine was also flooded.  The scars of the damage are still fresh in the surrounding area.  (See second photo) When I actually visited, there were people working towards reconstruction.  #shrine #freespot I hope for a speedy recovery. 

A hot spring area located very close to Aso ♨️  The atmosphere is amazing with many hot spring inns lined up!!  When you buy a hot spring tour pass, you can choose 3 day-trip hot springs at your favorite inns!  The color of the water and the scenery are all different depending on the hot spring, so you can enjoy your hot spring tour!!  Why not try to conquer all the baths😊 #KurokawaOnsen #HotSprings#CoupleTrip #KumamotoPrefecture #SupportTourism #HotSpringTrip

Located very close to Kurokawa Onsen in Kumamoto Prefecture♨️ Yamatake is a restaurant that has been remodeled from an old house First of all, it has an irori hearth and is a hot spot with a great atmosphere🍵 The standard menu is cute pickles and local cuisine made with wild yam! #Kumamoto #KumamotoPrefecture #HotSpringTrip #HotSpring #LocalCuisine #TourismSupport #GourmetTrip

#hotelcation Hotel Nikko Kumamoto is located in the city center with very convenient transportation. It is close to shopping and dining. It is close to the famous attractions Kumamoto Castle and Minister Kumamon's Office. The room is large, neatly organized and the mattress is comfortable. The breakfast is very rich, must try 👍👍 #hotelcation

#sakura-no-Baba Johsaien is located in Sakuranobaba, at the foot of Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s three major castles. It is a popular tourist attraction designed to enhance the appeal of the old castle town and convey to visitors the food, history and cultural traditions of #kumamoto #japan #travelinspiration #happynewyear

🌋 Recommended itinerary for observing the magnificent crater of an active volcano in Kurokawa, Kumamoto 🔥 📍 Mount Aso Nakadake Crater: Kurokawa, Aso, Kumamoto 869-2225, Japan 📍 Operating hours: 09:30~17:30 🏞️ Introducing Mount Aso Nakadake Crater, located in Kumamoto's Aso National Park, as a must-visit destination for your Kumamoto trip! You can observe the crater, where hot spring water from the active volcano gushes out, during favorable weather conditions. 🔥 Take a stroll along the trekking paths surrounding the crater in the national park and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Kumamoto. We highly recommend visiting Mount Aso Nakadake Crater to witness the vibrant volcanic activity firsthand!

🏞️ Recommended travel destination for a Kumamoto cafe tour where you can enjoy charcoal coffee while admiring the picturesque scenery of Kusasenri. 📍Kusasenri Coffee Roastery: 2391-15 Nagakusa, Aso, Kumamoto 869-2231, Japan 📍Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM 🌄 Introducing 'Kusasenri Coffee Roastery' as part of your Kumamoto travel itinerary! Enjoy the serene and tranquil volcanic landscape of Kusasenri while sipping on a cup of coffee. 🧡 The cafe offers adorable goods to browse and a unique experience of tasting charcoal coffee! ⛰️ Take in the peaceful scenery and make Kusasenri and Kusasenri Coffee Roastery a part of your 2-day Kumamoto travel plan!

#summervacay Located in Kumamoto City, this children’s library was designed by famed architect Tadao Ando and opened in 2024. Made with local timber and surrounded by nature, it offers a warm, serene space for kids to explore about 10,000 picture books and comics. Themed book sections and an open layout encourage kids to read freely and even take books outside on sunny days. The library operates on a reservation system to ensure a calm experience and hosts family-friendly events, making it a unique cultural spot perfect for families visiting Kumamoto. 📍 Address: 2-5-1 Izumi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 🕒 Hours: 9:30–17:00 (closed Tuesdays & select holidays) #AndoTadao #KodomoHonNoMori #KumamotoTravel #KidsLibrary

A tranquil hot spring town nestled in the mountains, perfect for a getaway Surrounded by the natural beauty of Aso, Kurokawa Onsen offers a serene atmosphere with the sound of flowing rivers and the scent of wood, reminiscent of Japan's traditional landscapes. One of its highlights is the 'Onsen Passport,' which allows visitors to enjoy a hot spring tour. You can choose three out of over 30 inns in the town to experience their outdoor baths. The inns feature charming traditional Japanese architecture, making every corner a picturesque spot for photography 📸. At night, take a leisurely stroll along lantern-lit paths. Here, you can indulge in the luxury of doing nothing. 📍 Minamioguni Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture 🚙 About 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Kumamoto Airport 🚌 Direct buses available from Hakata Station and Kumamoto Station

Travel from Fukuoka to Kumamoto by Iron Shark💞Reason for recommendation: Fast, food court, view, chill out#traveljapan

Located in the center of Kumamoto City, Keika Ramen Main Branch is a long-established ramen shop founded in 1955. It is a famous shop that boasts such a strong presence that when people think of Kumamoto ramen, they think of Keika. Its biggest feature is the light yet rich taste of the pork bone-based white soup with the addition of fragrant ma-yu (burnt garlic oil). The signature dish, Keika Ramen, is a medium-thick straight noodle topped with homemade char siu, boiled egg, bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms, and green onions, making one bowl very satisfying. It is perfect for those who are trying Kumamoto ramen for the first time. In addition, the "Taromen" with thick braised pork is also popular. The melt-in-your-mouth texture of the braised pork and the mellow soup are a perfect match. Why not try the original taste of Kumamoto ramen at least once during your trip? It is a perfect place to stop by in between sightseeing. #Kumamoto Gourmet #Kumamoto Ramen #Keika Ramen #Thick Noodles #Japan Trip #Enjoy Japan

"Sakura no Baba Josaien," located at the foot of Kumamoto Castle, is a tourist exchange facility where you can enjoy Kumamoto's history, culture, and food all at once. You can fully experience the charm of Kumamoto in a streetscape that recreates a castle town from the Edo period. "Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwakuza" where you can experience the history of Kumamoto At "Wakuwakuza," you can learn about the history of Kumamoto Castle and the achievements of Kato Kiyomasa through videos, exhibits, and performances. With content that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike, this is a facility where you can feel the history of Kumamoto up close. "Sakura no Koji" where Kumamoto gourmet food and local specialties are gathered "Sakura no Koji" is lined with 23 stores selected from Kumamoto Prefecture, where you can enjoy local dishes and specialties such as horse sashimi, mustard lotus root, and ikinari dango. It is also perfect for eating on the go, and you can enjoy the taste of Kumamoto. Convenient location and facilities as a base for sightseeing "Sakuranobaba Josaien" also has a tourist information center, providing tourist information for Kumamoto city and the prefecture. It is a safe spot for those visiting Kumamoto for the first time. In addition to sightseeing at Kumamoto Castle, why not enjoy the history and cuisine of Kumamoto at "Sakuranobaba Josaien"? #EnjoyJapan

Located in the downtown area of ​​Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, "Kenzou, a local horse meat restaurant" is a popular restaurant that serves local dishes including Kumamoto's specialty dishes of horse sashimi and mustard lotus root. The marbled horse sashimi, carefully selected by the owner, is characterized by its texture and sweetness that melts in your mouth, and is known as one of the few exquisite dishes in Kumamoto. There is also a wide selection of menu items that allow you to enjoy local flavors, such as Kumamoto's specialty mustard lotus root and Ichimonji Guru Guru. The restaurant has a calm atmosphere, with counter seats and tatami seating, making it easy to use for both individuals and groups. If you want to fully enjoy Kumamoto's local cuisine, why not visit "Kenzou". #EnjoyJapan

Located in the center of Kumamoto City, Gyoza-ya Ninoni is a popular izakaya that serves Chinese food, mainly fried dumplings. In particular, the bite-sized fried dumplings, which are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, are a specialty of the restaurant, and are popular with locals and tourists alike. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere and a casual space where you can drop in anytime. In addition to gyoza, there is a wide selection of Chinese dishes such as mapo tofu and yulin chicken, all of which can be enjoyed at reasonable prices. They also go great with beer and highballs, making them perfect for a drink after work or a meal with friends. If you want to taste delicious gyoza in Kumamoto, why not visit Gyoza-ya Ninoni? #EnjoyJapan

The Suntory Kyushu Kumamoto Factory, located in Kashima-cho, Kamimashiki-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture, is the industry's first hybrid factory that produces beer and soft drinks. It was completed in 2003 and covers an area of ​​approximately 400,000 m2. The main brands produced include The Premium Malt's, Kinmugi, All-Free, and Suntory Tennensui (Mineral Water Aso). The factory tour (free, advance reservation required) begins with an introduction to the ingredients of beer: malt, hops, and natural water, and you can see the manufacturing process, including brewing, fermentation, filtration, and packaging. You can also experience the charm of Kumamoto's abundant natural water through projection mapping on a three-sided screen. At the end of the tour, you can enjoy tastings of freshly poured The Premium Malt's and Suntory Tennensui. You can also purchase beer delivered directly from the factory and original goods at the factory shop. It is easily accessible, with a free shuttle bus running from Kumamoto city. Why not join a factory tour with your family or friends to experience the nature of Kumamoto and Suntory's commitment to quality? #EnjoyJapan

Located in the bustling downtown area of Kumamoto City, "Yasaimakikushiya Toori" is an izakaya that prides itself on its specialty vegetable skewers, carefully prepared by the owner who holds a vegetable sommelier certification. The popular vegetable skewers include a variety of options such as garlic chive and cheese skewers, myoga (Japanese ginger) skewers, quail egg and shiso leaf skewers, tomato skewers, and bacon and camembert skewers. Each skewer is meticulously prepared and grilled over charcoal to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients. The interior of the restaurant has a retro vibe, offering counter seating and tatami mat seating, with space for parties of up to 12 people. The cozy and welcoming atmosphere makes it easy for even solo female diners to enjoy their time here. Additionally, the restaurant offers a 120-minute all-you-can-drink plan for just 1,980 yen (tax included), featuring fresh-squeezed grapefruit sours and Kirin Ichiban Shibori beer, which is a delightful bonus. Why not enjoy a healthy and delicious vegetable skewer feast while soaking in the vibrant nightlife of Kumamoto?

If you want to enjoy authentic Japanese set meals in Kumamoto, you can't miss "Oshokudokoro Takeshita." This restaurant has been popular with locals for many years, and serves carefully prepared dishes using fresh ingredients. We especially recommend the assorted set meal. It is a luxurious meal that allows you to enjoy grilled fish, fried foods, simmered foods, and more all at once, and it is extremely nutritionally balanced. Each dish is gently seasoned, giving you the warm feeling of being at a family dinner table. The restaurant has a calm atmosphere, making it a comfortable space for both solo travelers and families. The staff are polite, and the prices are also very reasonable, which is a plus. In between sightseeing in Kumamoto, why not take a break at "Oshokudokoro Takeshita," which will satisfy both your heart and your stomach. #EnjoyJapan

Located in Kumamoto City's Chuo Ward, Suizenji Jojuen is a Momoyama-style stroll garden built by Hosokawa Tadatoshi, the feudal lord of Kumamoto, in the early Edo period. The garden, which covers an area of ​​approximately 76,000 square meters, is centered around a pond that uses underground water from Mt. Aso, and features artificial hills, floating stones, and pine trees, creating a landscape that imitates the Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido. Historical buildings are scattered throughout the garden, including Izumi Shrine, which enshrines the successive feudal lords of the Hosokawa clan, and the Kokin Denju Room, where the secrets of the Kokin Wakashu were imparted. There is also a kimono rental shop, so you can stroll through the garden in a kimono. Suizenji Jojuen offers beautiful seasonal scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in autumn. If you visit Kumamoto, why not stop by? #EnjoyJapan

Located in the center of Kumamoto City, Ichino Souko is a popular izakaya known for its dishes that make use of local ingredients and its extensive drink menu. We especially recommend the steaks made with Kumamoto's specialty red beef. The meat is tender and juicy. The stews made with horse meat are also excellent, with concentrated umami flavors. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, and is equipped with counter seats and private rooms. It's the perfect place for a drinking party with friends or colleagues, or for a date. This is a must-visit restaurant for those who want to enjoy Kumamoto's delicious food and alcohol. #EnjoyJapan