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3 Days In Kumamoto: See Kumamoto Castle, Aso, And Amakusa
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Kumamoto is a prefecture in the Kyushu region of Japan with a variety of sightseeing spots, from lush nature in the Aso area to the historic Christian sites of Amakusa. This article introduces a three-day travel plan around Kumamoto City and the regions of Aso and Amakusa.
Written by
Previous experience as an editor at a women's media company in Japan. I lived in Australia for a while and joined MATCHA after returning to Japan. In charge of editing, promoting sponsored content, and creative direction. I love watching Western TV series.
Experience Kumamoto's Major Attractions - A 3-Day Travel Itinerary
Kumamoto Prefecture is located in the heart of the Kyushu region. There are many attractions to enjoy here, including the Aso region with its bountiful nature and Mt. Aso. The Amakusa region is famous for its Hidden Christian Sites, certified by UNESCO in 2017.
Since these locations are not close to the city of Kumamoto, we recommend three days to see all that the prefecture has to offer. This article features a travel plan with the first day in Kumamoto, the second day in Aso, and the third spent exploring Amakusa.
As of June 2020, businesses and sightseeing facilities may be closed or have adjusted hours amid the coronavirus pandemic. We advise checking the official websites for additional information.
Day 1: Explore Kumamoto - Suizenji Park, Kumamoto Castle, Kamitori and Shimotori Shopping Arcade
Day one covers Suizenji Park, Kumamoto Castle, and places with delicious local dishes such as Kumamoto ramen.
The flight from Haneda Airport in Tokyo to Aso Kumamoto Airport is approximately an hour and 45 minutes. After landing, take the airport limousine bus to central Kumamoto. If you want to head straight to the city, get off at the Torichosuji bus station near Kamitori and Shimotori, a traditional shopping street. The ride is approximately 40 minutes.
Suizenji Jojuen Garden
Photo by Pixta
If you have some time, why not stop by a beautiful Japanese garden? Simply get off at Suizenji Koen-mae bus stop, which is half an hour from the airport.
Suizenji Jojuen Garden (Japanese), or Suizenji Park, is a beautiful Japanese garden with 400 years of history. The pond in the center is surrounded by a stone bridge, pavilion, and lush greenery.
Suizenji Jojuen
8-1 Suizenji Park, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture 862-0...
Tadatoshi, the first lord of the Higo Hosokawa clan, took a special interest in this area, which was famous for falconry and where fresh water springs out. Later, during the reign of Lord Tsunatoshi, a large-scale garden was created, and an elegant Momoyama-style strolling garden was completed. During the glamorous Genroku era, there were many pavilions, and the Ten Views of Jojuen Garden were selected for enjoyment. In the era of Shigekata, due to the Horeki Reforms, the buildings were demolished except for Suigetsu-tei, and the trees became simple with only pine trees. During the reign of Morihisa, the land temporarily became government-owned, but on October 7, Meiji 11, Izumi Shrine was built on the grounds of Jojuen to enshrine successive lords of the domain, including Hosokawa Fujitaka and Hosokawa Tadaoki. It has arrived.
Hotels near Suizenji Jojuen
Kumamoto Castle
Photo by Pixta
After you visit the garden, take the tram and head to Kumamoto Castle: the landmark of the city. You can catch a ride at Suizenji Koen tram station and get off at Kumamotojo-Shiyakusho-mae. It's about a ten-minute ride.
A large portion of the Kumamoto Castle was destroyed in the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake. Since the building is still undergoing repairs, visitors are not allowed inside, unfortunately. However, you can admire the view of its exterior from Ninomaru Park and the surrounding castle grounds.
Kumamoto Castle
1-1 Honmaru, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture 860-0002
Kumamoto Castle is a historic castle located in Kumamoto City, Japan, and is one of the leading representative castles in Japan. The castle was built in the early Edo period and is characterized by its beautiful wooden architecture such as stone walls and castle tower. In particular, the castle tower is praised for its overwhelming beauty and robust structure. However, the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake damaged some of the buildings, but restoration is underway with the cooperation of citizens. Today, many people visit it as a tourist spot, and it is an important place to learn about history and culture. Kumamoto Castle is a proud cultural heritage of Japan, and is loved by many people for its dignity and historical value.
Hotels near Kumamoto Castle
Lunch at Kamitori and Shimotori Shopping Arcade
Picture courtesy of Kumamoto Prefecture
If you fly into Kumamoto in the morning, your arrival would be around lunchtime. About a ten-minute walk from Kumamoto Castle are the shopping arcades Kamitori and Shimotori. You will find plenty of places to eat here.
Two of Kumamoto's most famous ramen restaurants are located in Kamitori: Komurasaki (Japanese) and Sansuitei.
The ramen served at Komurasaki is known for its savory umami broth and garlic chips. The noodles are also thick and chewy. One piping hot bowl will surely satiate your hunger. Ramen at Sansuitei, on the other hand, has a refreshing broth with thinner noodles, ideal for those looking for a lighter meal.
While visiting Kamitori, you can stop by the Japanese sweet shop Horaku Manju (Japanese). Their manju (sweet bun) is a local favorite. It's stuffed with either red bean paste or white bean paste made from white kidney beans.
Houraku Manju Kumamoto Kamidori
5-4 Kamitoricho, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture 860-084...
The sweet dough filled with black bean paste made from adzuki beans and white bean paste made from white kidney beans is a classic snack in Kumamoto. In summer, cobalt blue shaved ice is famous.
If you head down Shimotori shopping arcade, you will find a host of restaurants serving Italian, French, and international cuisines. At the Chinese restaurant Korantei Shimotori, you can order taipien, a vermicelli soup that is a staple dish of Kumamoto. The fine rice noodles are served in a lightly seasoned broth and topped with lots of vegetables. The restaurant's Shimotori branch reopened on May 21, 2020 after being renovated.
Korantei Shimotori main store
5-26 Ansei-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture 860-0801
Reopened in 2020, four years after the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake. With the theme of "Kyushu", we will invite important guests to a delicious and rich time interwoven with food and culture by making full use of Chinese cuisine techniques.
Tsuruya Department Store and KUMAMON Square
After lunch, you can either explore Kamitori and Shimotori shopping arcade or visit Tsuruya Department Store: the only department store in Kumamoto.
Picture from KUMAMON Square, Kumamoto - Meet A Famous Japanese Mascot!
On the first floor of Tsuruya's East Wing is KUMAMON Square: an information center in the hometown of Kumamoto's adorable mascot, Kumamon. You might even get to see the beloved black bear dance before your eyes! You can purchase souvenirs at the gift shop inside.
Kumamon merchandise is also available at the KUMAMON Shop on the building's sixth floor. The items here range from 500 to 3,000 yen.
It will likely be around sunset after you finish sightseeing and shopping. It's now time to grab dinner in the city and head to your accommodation.
Kumamon Square
〒860-0808 8-2 Tedorihoncho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefectu...
Kumamon Square is the activity base of Kumamon, who travels around the country (and sometimes overseas!) as the sales manager of Kumamoto Prefecture. We provide not only various information about Kumamon, but also sightseeing and product information of Kumamoto Prefecture. It's Kumamon Square, which you can enjoy whenever you come!
Hotels near Kumamon Square
Day 2: See Aso - Kusasenri Plateau, Nakadake Crater
Photo by Pixta
The second day consists of visiting two scenic attractions featured in every Kumamoto travel guide: Kusasenri Plateau and Nakadake Crater.
The Aso region in northwestern Kumamoto is home to the Aso UNESCO Global Geopark. This park is famous for its stunning natural landscape, including Mt. Aso, Nakadake Crater, and the grassland plateau, Kusasenri.
If you are traveling from Kumamoto City, take the Kyushu Odan Bus from either Platform 1 at Kumamoto Station, or Platform 6 at Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal. You will get off at Aso Station. The ride is approximately two hours and costs 1,530 yen. After arriving at Aso Station, transfer to the Mt. Aso Crater Line from Platform 8 and offboard at Asosan Nishi Station. The ride from Aso Station takes half an hour and costs 650 yen.
Travel to and around Kumamoto by highway buse and/or overnight bus! Find the lowest prices here
The Majestic Kusasenri Plateau
Photo by Pixta
Walk 30 minutes from Asosan Nishi Station to arrive at the seemingly endless grasslands of Kusasenri Plateau. You can also take a taxi from the station, which takes around ten minutes.
You will find a large pond in the center of the plateau, while cows and horses graze in the surrounding grasslands. When night falls, Kusasenri Plateau becomes a popular stargazing site. If you can stay an extra night, we recommend visiting after sunset. This area is also famous for its golden pampas grass in autumn.
Photo by Pixta
The restaurant inside the Kusasenri Observatory serves Akaushi beef, a premium breed of cattle raised in the Aso region. Fulfill your appetite with an Akaushi beef rice bowl, or a tender red steak meal plate, before heading off for more exploration.
Kusasenrigahama
Kusasenrigahama, Aso City, Aso County, Kumamoto Prefecture 869-2232
Kusasenri boasts a great location, with a view of Mt. Nakadake, which emits volcanic smoke, a large pond, and horses grazing leisurely. It is one of the sightseeing spots representing Aso.
In the summer, the greenery shines brightly, and in the winter, it is wrapped in a magical world of silvery white. It is also attractive that you can enjoy different expressions for each season, and it is loved by many people throughout the year.
Some places are inaccessible due to volcanic activity.
The Impressive Nakadake Crater
Photo by Pixta
The next location is the summit of Nakadake, which is the site of a massive crater. To get here, you will need to return to Asosan Nishi Station. It only takes ten minutes (750 yen one way) via the Mt. Aso Loop Shuttle. If you choose to walk, it will take about 30 minutes. Depending on the volcanic activity in the area, however, visitors may be restricted from entering certain areas. Make sure to check the official website ahead of time. (As of June 2020, the Mt. Aso Loop Shuttle has suspended its service.)
Aso Nakadake Crater
Kurokawa, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture 869-2225
The Aso Caldera, with its rugged lava rock surface, is one of the largest in the world, measuring 18km from east to west and 25km from north to south. Among the five Aso mountains (Nekodake, Takadake, Nakadake, Eboshidake, and Kishimadake) that rise in the center of the caldera, Mt. Nakadake is still active today.
Nakadake has a diameter of 600m and a depth of 130m. At the gigantic crater with a circumference of 4 km, you can see the dynamic scenery and the appearance of white smoke rising up close. When the volcano is active, you may not be able to get close to the crater.
Nearby Attractions: Aso Cuddly Dominion Zoo, and Kurokawa Onsen
Photo by Pixta
It will probably be around sunset by the time you get back to Asosan Nishi Station. If you want to return to central Kumamoto, take the same route you took to getting to the Aso area.
If you have some time, visit the Aso Cuddly Dominion Zoo to interact with bear cubs, cats, and dogs. You can also stay the night at the nearby Kurokawa Onsen, a natual hot springs area.
Aso Cuddly Dominion
2163 Kurokawa, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture 869-2225
Hotels near Aso Cuddly Dominion
Kurokawa Onsen
Kurokawa, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture 869-2225
Kurokawa Onsen Village is located in the northern central area of Kyushu on the border with Oita Prefecture. Until 2000, it was so unexplored that the name of Kurokawa Onsen was not included in the "All-Purpose Map of Kumamoto Prefecture" published by a local newspaper. Many people involved in Kurokawa Onsen have created a "high-quality Satoyama" landscape, and the bathing bill for "Rotenburo Meguri" has gradually become known, and it has gained a reputation as a hot spring resort nationwide.
Surrounded by mountains, Kurokawa Onsenkyo is a collection of 30 inns. At this village, we consider all 30 inns and the scenery of Satoyama as "one ryokan". The word that expresses it is "Kurokawa Onsen Ichi Ryokan".
Each ryokan is a separate room. And the narrow path that connects the inns is the "connecting corridor". The scenery of the entire hot spring town blends into nature, just like a ryokan.
Hotels near Kurokawa Onsen
Day 3: Visit Amakusa - Sakitsu Church, Sakitsu Village
Photo by Pixta
The third day is all about visiting the Hidden Christian Sites—a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. It is located in Amakusa, an island off the western coast of Kumamoto (near Nagasaki Prefecture). Take the Amakusa-go Bus from Kumamoto Station and get off at Hondo Bus Center. The ride takes approximately two hours and 20 minutes and costs 2,280 yen.
Please note that public transportation to the remains of the Hidden Christian sites in Sakitsu Village is limited at certain times. When visiting, be sure to take the Amakusa Gurruto Shuyu Bus (sightseeing bus) from Hondo Bus Center.
Sakitsu Church and Oe Church: Uncover Hidden Christian History
Photo by Pixta
The World Heritage Site Amakusa Sakitsu Village Course takes visitors around Sakitsu Church with its beautiful gothic architecture, the surrounding Sakitsu Village, and Oe Tenshudo (Oe Church) with its distinguished Romanesque architecture. The sightseeing tour is five hours long. The bus ride costs 1,000 yen, but entrance to each site requires an additional fee.
If you want to participate in the tour, make a reservation from the Kyushu Sanko Tourism website (Japanese) at least two days in advance. In addition to the World Heritage Site tour, you can also go dolphin watching.
Sakitsu Village in Amakusa
〒863-1204 535 Sakizu, Kawaura-cho, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Sakitsu Village in Amakusa is a small fishing village in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. It is surrounded by beautiful nature and has traditional fishing roots. The locals are warm and friendly. It is also attractive for tourists as a place to enjoy the calm sea and simple life. It is an ideal place for those seeking quiet relaxation while enjoying traditional culture and seafood.
Where to Stay in Kumamoto
If you plan on sightseeining mostly in Kumamoto City, we suggest looking for accommodation in the downtown area. You will find a number of hotels, including Toyoko Inn Kumamoto-jyo Toricho Suji, Richmond Hotel Kumamoto Shinshigai, and Dormy Inn Kumamoto Natural Hot Spring.
If you prefer a more luxurious stay, we recommend the historic Kumamoto Hotel Castle or Hotel Nikko Kumamoto.
For those wanting to exclusively visit the Aso and Amakusa regions, or are considering to venture out to neighboring Fukuoka or Oita prefectures, look for a lodging near Kumamoto Station. Some options are Hotel Route Inn Kumamoto Ekimae, Toyoko Inn Kumamoto Ekimae, and ANA Crowne Plaza Kumamoto New Sky.
Kumamoto: Enjoy Spectacular Mountains and Ocean Views
From majestic mountainscapes to ocean views, Kumamoto Prefecture boasts natural landscapes that astonish all who visit. In addition to what we covered in this article, the prefecture has a plethora of places to visit. Since public transportation is limited in certain areas, we recommend renting a car to visit as many attractions on your trip.
Travel to and around Kumamoto by highway bus and/or overnight bus! Find the lowest prices here
Read also
Main image by Pixta
Written by
Previous experience as an editor at a women's media company in Japan. I lived in Australia for a while and joined MATCHA after returning to Japan. In charge of editing, promoting sponsored content, and creative direction. I love watching Western TV series.
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