Kumamoto Prefecture is a place where rich natural beauty and history blend harmoniously. With breathtaking sights such as Mount Aso and Kumamoto Castle, a variety of activities to enjoy amidst nature, renowned hot springs, and local delicacies like horse sashimi and Kumamoto ramen, this region has much to offer. If you plan to visit Kumamoto, these are the recommended attractions and experiences!
Drive around Mount Aso and marvel at the stunning scenery
To fully appreciate the majestic natural beauty of the Mount Aso area, it is recommended to explore it by car!
Highlights include Daikanbo, where you can see all five peaks of Mount Aso at once, Kusasenri-ga-hama, offering picturesque pastoral landscapes with grazing horses, and the Aso Nakadake Crater, where you can experience volcanic activity up close. There are many beautiful spots to discover!
Driving along scenic routes like the Milk Road and Aso Panorama Line adds to the enjoyment of visiting these sites.
Soak in the hidden hot springs of Kurokawa Onsen
Kurokawa Onsen is the most popular hot spring area in Kumamoto Prefecture. This hidden mountain hot spring is famous for its tranquil atmosphere, making it the perfect place to truly relax and rejuvenate.
Kurokawa Onsen offers a unique system called "Nyuto Tegata," which allows you to choose three outdoor baths from 26 inns. Strolling through the hot spring town while enjoying the nostalgic Japanese scenery is a delightful experience.
Additionally, the town is filled with restaurants where you can savor local dishes like horse sashimi made from fresh Kumamoto ingredients, as well as cafés where you can indulge in sweets. Exploring while enjoying these treats is quite enjoyable.
【Address】Manganji, Kurokawa, Minamioguni-machi, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture
【Access】
- Bus: From JR Hakata Station at Hakata Bus Terminal, take a Hita Bus bound for Senomoto. Approximately 8 minutes' walk from the Kurokawa Onsen Bus Stop.
- Car: Approximately 39 minutes from Kusu Interchange on the Kyushu Odan Expressway and Oita Expressway.
Contemplate history at Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle is the iconic tourist spot of Kumamoto. Built by Kato Kiyomasa, it is one of Japan's three most famous castles.
The castle is known for its magnificent keep and beautiful stone walls, but it suffered significant damage during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake and is currently undergoing restoration. However, as part of a special exhibition, the interior of the castle tower is now open to the public.
In addition to the castle, there are many other attractions worth seeing, such as the Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art located within the castle grounds, and the cherry blossoms that bloom in spring. Most importantly, witnessing the efforts to recover from the disaster can leave you feeling inspired by their resilience!
【Address】1-1 Honmaru, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture
【Access】
- Bus: Approximately 35 minutes by car from Ueki Interchange on the Kyushu Expressway.
- Train: From JR Kumamoto Station, take a Kyushu Sanko Bus bound for Kumamoto Castle. Walk about 8 minutes from the Family Court Mae Bus Stop.
Explore the Christian culture of Amakusa
If you enjoy visiting historical sites, you must explore Amakusa in Kumamoto Prefecture! Amakusa is a place where hidden Christians continued to maintain their faith, and it is dotted with numerous ruins and churches.
A highly recommended spot is the Oe Church, known as the first church built in Amakusa after the prohibition on Christianity was lifted. It remains a symbol of Amakusa's Christian heritage to this day.
If you wish to delve deeper into history, the Amakusa Christian Museum is also recommended! Divided into four sections, it provides a clear and comprehensive understanding of the history of Amakusa Christians.
【Address】Oe Church, 1782 Amakusa-machi, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture
【Access】- Approximately 1 hour and 4 minutes by car from Aitsu Interchange on the Matsushima Toll Road
Savor Kumamoto Ramen
Kumamoto ramen is a must-try local delicacy in Kumamoto Prefecture. It is characterized by its rich pork bone broth and aromatic garlic oil, offering a uniquely deep and flavorful taste.
"Keika" is renowned as the representative restaurant of Kumamoto ramen. The broth, made from a blend of pork bones and whole chicken, is thick and full-bodied. Their signature dish, "Fatty Pork Ramen," features distinctive ingredients like pork belly and cabbage.
Other famous restaurants include "Kokutei" and "Komurasaki." If you are a ramen lover, you will undoubtedly find great satisfaction here!
【Address】Keika Ramen Main Store, 11-9 Hanabatacho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, K-1 Building
【Hours】11:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Only until 4:20 PM on Sundays)
【Access】Approximately 3 minutes on foot from Hanabatacho Station on the Kumamoto City Tram, and about 23 minutes by car from Kumamoto Interchange on the Kyushu Expressway.
Enjoy Outdoor Activities in Nature
Kumamoto Prefecture is renowned for its natural beauty, with the majestic Mount Aso being a prime example. There are numerous activities that allow you to immerse yourself in nature fully.
Among these, hot air ballooning or paragliding for an aerial adventure is highly recommended. At Aso Nature Land, you can easily enjoy a rare aerial stroll, taking in the breathtaking scenery from above.
Hiking and canoeing around Mount Aso are also popular. For those who prefer less strenuous activities, a guided nature tour with a local guide is suggested.
【Address】1092-1 Maki, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture
【Hours】
March to October: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
November to February: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
【Closed】Thursdays (Open on holidays)
【Access】
Bus: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Aso Plaza Hotel Bus Stop after taking a Kyushu Sanko Bus bound for Yufuin from JR Kumamoto Station on the Kyushu Shinkansen.
Car: Approximately 13 minutes on foot from the Kita Fukuoka Road Return IC.
Savor Horse Meat Sashimi
If you're looking to experience a local culinary specialty, horse meat sashimi is highly recommended! Since the horses are raised locally, the meat is exceptionally fresh, with the red meat being particularly flavorful!
For those eager to try horse meat sashimi, we recommend the long-established horse meat specialty shop "Suganoya." In addition to a variety of horse meat sashimi platters, you can also indulge in other horse meat dishes like steaks and hamburgers.
Moreover, Suganoya's horse meat bar, located next to Kumamoto Station, features stylish interiors and is perfect for both group gatherings and solo visits. You can also savor creative dishes, such as carpaccio—a unique twist on horse meat sashimi.
【Address】Higo Yomo Market, Suganoya Kumamoto Station Store, 3-15-30 Kasuga, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City
【Hours】
Lunch: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Last order at 2:30 PM)
Dinner: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Last order at 9:00 PM)
【Access】
Train: Approximately 1 minute on foot from JR Kumamoto Station on the Kyushu Shinkansen
Car: Approximately 37 minutes by car from Ueki IC on the Kyushu Expressway
Stroll Through Cooling Retreats like Nabegataki Falls and Kikuchi Gorge
If you visit Kumamoto Prefecture in the summer, why not explore the cooling retreats surrounded by nature?
Nabegataki Falls, said to have been formed by a massive eruption of Mount Aso’s caldera, stands about 10 meters high and 20 meters wide. It’s a popular spot often featured in commercials. The beautiful waterfall, resembling a silk curtain, brings a refreshing sense of coolness just by looking at it.
We also recommend Kikuchi Gorge, a famous summer retreat known for its naturally cool climate! The area features walking paths, allowing you to stroll, play by the river, and enjoy the soothing sound of the flowing water nearby.
【Address】Kurobuchi, Oguni-machi, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture
【Access】- By car: Approximately 51 minutes from Hita IC on the Kyushu-Oita Expressway
【Address】5026 Haru, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture
【Access】- By car: Approximately 39 minutes from Ueki IC on the Kyushu Expressway
Draw Pure Water from Shirakawa Spring
If you wish to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Kumamoto Prefecture, drawing fresh water from Shirakawa Spring is an experience not to be missed!
Surrounded by stunning nature, Shirakawa Spring is renowned for its pristine, drinkable spring water. The area is serene, clean, and refreshingly cool, making it an ideal spot to escape the summer heat!
In addition to feeling the fresh spring water with your hands, bottled water is also available for purchase, so you can take some back to your hotel or home. It's a perfect place to appreciate the bounty of nature!
【Address】2040 Shirakawa, Minamiaso Village, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture
【Access】
Bus - From JR Higo Line Tateno Station, take the Kyushu Sanko Bus towards Takatomi Chuo, then walk approximately 3 minutes from Shirakawa Bus Stop
Car - Approximately 49 minutes from Kumamoto IC on the Kyushu Expressway
Delight in Dolphin Watching
The natural scenery of Kumamoto Prefecture isn’t limited to the mountains and greenery, like Mount Aso. In Amakusa, you can witness pods of wild dolphins!
Join a dolphin-watching tour led by professional guides to enjoy the experience while learning about dolphin behavior. Seeing wild dolphins swimming close by will undoubtedly be a memory to treasure for a lifetime!
The recommended season is from spring to autumn, when dolphins are most likely to appear. Be sure to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures as they play in the water right before your eyes.
Let's Embark on an Extraordinary Journey Through the Natural Wonders of Kumamoto Prefecture ♪
Kumamoto Prefecture offers a plethora of attractions and activities that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Engaging in outdoor activities amidst stunning landscapes will not only rejuvenate your body but also soothe your mind, offering a perfect escape from the stresses of daily life!
