Top Spots to Explore in Kumamoto: A Travel Guide
Kumamoto Prefecture, nestled in the heart of Kyushu, is a true gem for travelers seeking a mix of history, culture, and nature. This region is often referred to as the "land of water" due to its abundance of springs, gorges, waterfalls, and groundwater. The prefecture's captivating capital, Kumamoto City, is a bustling metropolis on the west coast known for its awe-inspiring castle. Get ready to discover the top spots Kumamoto has to offer!
Top Places to Visit
1. Kumamoto Castle
Built in 1607, Kumamoto Castle is one of Japan's most extensive and well-preserved castles. Despite a few original structures remaining, the high-quality reconstruction within its vast grounds leaves visitors in awe. The castle tower boasts two towers—a six-story main tower and a four-story secondary tower—offering a breathtaking view of the castle grounds and the surrounding city. The Honmaru Goten Palace, reconstructed with original materials and methods in 2008, showcases stunning decorations reminiscent of the original palace. Although some parts of the castle were damaged by the 2016 earthquake, they are currently undergoing restoration.
Access:
- By tram from JR Kumamoto Station: Kumamotojo-mae tram stop (about 17 minutes), followed by a 10-minute walk.
- Tourist buses called "Shiromegurin" are also available from JR Kumamoto Station (about 30 minutes).
2. Aso
Aso, the world's largest inhabited volcanic caldera, is a must-see attraction in Kumamoto. This awe-inspiring area is home to Mount Aso, Japan's largest volcano, and offers breathtaking landscapes with vibrant green surroundings during late spring and summer. In winter, the area transforms into golden and silver tones as horses and Akaushi cattle graze the fields. Key attractions in the Aso area include Daikanbo Viewpoint, Kusasenri, and Nakadake Crater.
Access:
- JR Aso Station can be reached by bus from Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal in Kumamoto City. Public buses are available from JR Aso Station to Mount Aso Crater (Asozan Kakoguchi) and Kusasenri.
3. Kurokawa Onsen
Step into a tranquil, traditional hot spring resort in Kurokawa Onsen. This beautifully managed town offers a relaxing, hassle-free atmosphere with fewer crowds than other resort towns in Japan. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk around the town center in yukata (traditional clothing) and geta (sandals provided by your ryokan). Some ryokans are even located next to gushing rivers, offering picturesque riverside onsen (hot springs) with stunning views of the surrounding nature. During winter, the town is illuminated by handmade bamboo lanterns.
Access:
- By Kyushu Odan Bus from Kumamoto Station: Kurokawa Onsen (about 3 hours).
- By express bus from Hakata in Fukuoka: Kurokawa Onsen (about 2 hours 45 minutes).
4. Nabegataki Waterfalls
Just a 20-minute drive from Kurokawa Onsen, you'll find one of Japan's most beautiful waterfalls—Nabegataki. This stunning waterfall became famous after appearing in a green tea commercial, and as you descend the steps from the entrance, you'll be drawn in by the enchanting scenery. Visitors can enjoy the waterfall from behind it and capture breathtaking shots with a panoramic view of the surrounding greenery.
Access:
- Best accessed by car or rented vehicle.
4. Minamata
Minamata, a city on the west coast facing Amakusa Island, gained notoriety due to the Minamata Disease that occurred in the 1950s. Today, Minamata focuses on environmental conservation and offers facilities dedicated to Minamata Disease, providing visitors with an educational and emotional experience. Visitors can explore various onsen (hot springs) resorts, including Yunoko Onsen and Yunotsuru Onsen.
Access:
- Take Kyushu Shinkansen from Kumamoto Station, Kagoshima Central Station, or Hakata Station in Fukuoka.
5. Amakusa
Amakusa is a collection of two main islands and numerous smaller ones located in the Ariake Sea. In the Edo Period, Amakusa became a secret hideout for Japan's forbidden Christians. Today, visitors can immerse themselves in the island's unspoiled beauty and marine activities while exploring museums, churches, and learning about the island's religious heritage. Dolphin sightseeing is a popular activity in Amakusa, with various cruise providers available.
Access:
- Amakusa Airlines serves Amakusa Airport on Shimoshima Island from Osaka, Fukuoka, and Kumamoto. A shuttle bus connects the airport to Amakusa city center.
- Ferries connect Kuchinotsu Port on the Shimabara Peninsula with Oniike Port on the Shimoshima Island, as well as Kuranomoto Port in Kagoshima Prefecture with Ushibuka Port of Amakusa.
Where to Stay
- Hotel Nikko Kumamoto: Centrally located with easy access to numerous attractions.
- & and COMFY HOTEL Kumamoto Jo View: Offers a stunning view of Kumamoto Castle from your room.
- inn NOSHIYU: A modern, stylish bed & breakfast Inn in Kurokawa Onsen Area.
- Kurokawa-so: A traditional ryokan in a serene environment with six different types of hot springs.
Enjoy your time in Kumamoto Prefecture and discover the magic that lies within its borders! Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for more travel inspiration or tag us to get featured. Happy travels!
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In Kumamoto Prefecture, visitors can explore diverse lifestyles, sampling various food-and-drink offerings, and experiencing unique home-and-garden aesthetics. The vibrant city of Kumamoto, with its historical castle, offers a mix of traditional and modern architecture.
After a day of sightseeing at Kumamoto Castle or a scenic tour of the Aso Caldera, you can unwind at the tranquil Kurokawa Onsen. Here, nestled within lush nature, traditional ryokans provide a relaxing atmosphere, complete with riverside onsen and yukata-clad strolls.
For history enthusiasts, both Minamata and Amakusa offer a glimpse into Japan's past, with their connections to the Minamata Disease disaster and hidden Christian communities, respectively.
In addition to nature, food, and history, Kumamoto Prefecture welcomes travelers with various places to stay, including modern hotels like Hotel Nikko Kumamoto and charming traditional ryokans like Kurokawa-so. Get ready to immerse yourself in a true gem of Japan, Kumamoto Prefecture.
