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

#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

#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

#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 -

#AprilTravelSupport I had yakiniku with my friends in Kumamoto. The meat was fresh and tender, so it was really delicious. In particular, the black pork, a specialty of Kumamoto, melted in my mouth. I felt so good eating grilled meat and drinking alcohol. The various side dishes served with the meat were also delicious, so it was a satisfying meal. It was truly an unforgettable experience.

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 Kumamoto Castle is located in Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. It is also known as Ginkgo Castle. The "Kumamoto Castle Ruins" have been designated as a national special historical site, and 13 buildings including turrets, gates, and walls have been designated as national important cultural properties. Together with Osaka Castle and Nagoya Castle, it is known as one of the three famous castles in Japan. When Kato Kiyomasa built this castle, he took into account the need for food supply in the city during a siege, so he planted a lot of ginkgo trees to store food for war preparations, so it is also called Ginkgo Castle. The overall structure of Kumamoto Castle is majestic and grand, and its flying eaves look as beautiful and dynamic as a white crane flapping its wings about to take flight when viewed from a distance. The city is surrounded by famous tall stone walls, known as "Return of Warriors", which means that no one can sneak into the city. Even if one is skilled in martial arts, it is difficult to climb over the steep walls and one can only turn back. Kumamoto Castle was damaged in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake and is still under repair, with many areas fenced off. Tickets: 500 yen/person It is highly recommended to go to the Kumamoto City Hall Observation Deck, which is not far from Kumamoto Castle. This is definitely the best location to overlook Kumamoto Castle and the city. The elevator goes directly to the 14th floor, and when you walk to the observation deck, you can see the mountains in the distance and a corner of Kumamoto Castle. The scenery in front of you is instantly shocking👍🏻

#Spring0yentrip I went to Takamori Dengaku Village in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture. The local cuisine enjoyed around the hearth is exquisite😋 Takamori Dengaku is a dish created to make the vine roe potatoes, which can only be found in this region, more delicious and longer to eat. This time I had the Takamori Dengaku set meal for ¥2100 It came with tofu, vine roe taro, konjac, taro tanpo, seasonal vegetables, salt-grilled yamame, takana rice, dago soup, small side dishes, and pickles☺️ The fish was delicious, and the dengaku miso was really good🥰 The sweetness of the miso brings out the flavor of the ingredients♪ I thought ¥2100 was a great deal for being able to eat so much. If you go to Aso, please be sure to visit☺️ ——————————————————— 📍Address: 814-2 Kamishikimi, Takamori-machi, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture 🕰️Opening hours: 11:00-17:00 💰Price per person: ¥2,000-3,000 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: A relaxing space with the atmosphere of an old folk house. 　　　　　　　　　　There are tatami seats and chair seats. #mayu✈️trip🇯🇵 #domestictravel #kumamoto

#Kumamoto Behind the Washington Hotel Plaza Affordable lunch okonomiyaki set A 500 yen lunch for happiness Store name Higotei

#April travel support fund #Kumamoto #Kumamoto travel Basically, the downtown area is gathered here, so it's good for eating and enjoying You can solve everything in the arcade shopping area in front of Sakuramachi Terminal.

#Spring0yentrip When I visited the Hexagonal Tunnel in Kumamoto Prefecture, I was surprised by its unique shape. Unlike normal tunnels, this tunnel has a hexagonal cross section, providing a mysterious space that makes you feel like you've traveled back in time. The moss-covered walls and cool air create a mysterious and fantastical atmosphere, making it truly a "hidden attraction." When you step inside the tunnel, you'll be enveloped in a tranquil and unique atmosphere that will help you forget your busy daily life. There are few lights, and some parts let in natural light, so there are many photogenic spots. Moss and plants are entangled on both sides of the tunnel, creating a beautiful fusion of nature and man-made objects. It was a valuable experience to be able to stroll through the tunnel slowly in a quiet environment with few visitors. This tunnel, which also has a historical background, is a place you should definitely visit. #HexagonalTunnel #KumamotoTourism #HiddenAttraction #MysteriousSpot #HistoricTunnel

#Spring0yentrip When I visited Nabegataki in Kumamoto Prefecture, I was captivated by its beauty and tranquility. Although the drop is not that high, the wide water flowing down looks like a curtain, creating a very fantastical landscape. The charm of Nabegataki is that you can go behind the waterfall. It is not often that you can experience looking out from behind the water, and it made me feel like I was in another world. The spray of the water and the cool breeze are pleasant, and it is especially recommended in the hot season. It is surrounded by nature, and the sound of the river babbling and the birds chirping echoes throughout, making it a truly healing space. There is also a well-maintained promenade, so it is easy to access and you can easily enjoy nature. Nabegataki is a place where you can feel your heart lighten as time flows quietly. If you visit Kumamoto, it is one of the spots you should definitely stop by. #Nabegataki #KumamotoTourism #BehindTheWaterfall #HealingOfNature #BreathtakingViewSpot

This is a hot spring in the hot spring area of ​​Oguni! The family bath is clean because the water is changed every time! It's nice that there are various types of baths! You can also see the autumn leaves in the fall, so please go! You can eat eggs and sweet potatoes with hell steaming! If you steam them while you're in the bath, you can eat them as soon as you get out! Please go! 📍Take no Yu Jigokudani Onsen Yuuka Address: 1800-33 Kitazato, Oguni-machi, Aso-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture, 869-2505 Opening hours: 8:00 to 22:00 Budget: Around 2000 yen #Spring 0 yen trip

#AustraliaFlightEvent Kumamoto, located in Kyushu, Japan, is a prefecture with a population of about 1.7 million. It is said to be the third ordinance-designated city in Kyushu, following Fukuoka City and Kitakyushu City! The natural scenery is so pretty, and Kumamon is everywhere. ㅋㅋㅋㅋ He's cute.

#MarchTravelSupportEvent A restaurant with a variety of menus and where you can order by scanning the QR code with your phone, so you don't have to worry at all even if you don't speak Japanese ⭐️Gyozaya Ninoni Shimotori Branch 📍Location: 2 Chome-2 Shimotori, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, 860-0807 Japan ⏰Opening hours: Every day 17:00-23:30

#MarchTravelSupportEvent When you travel around Kumamoto, you'll mostly be taking this tram! It's a tram you can't see on the streets in Korea anymore, so it was really amazing when I saw it! In Kumamoto, you can go near major tourist spots just by taking this tram, so you don't even need to buy a transportation pass!

#MarchTravelSupportEvent Adding toppings is cheap, so be sure to add them! I added shrimp tempura ⭐️CraneCurryShop 📍Location: 5-9 Anseimachi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto 860-0801 Japan ⏰Opening Hours: Everyday 10:00-19:00

#MarchTravelSupportEvent This is a restaurant where the shrimp tempura is really crispy and the curry tastes twice as good ⭐️Crane Curry Shop 📍Location: 5-9 Anseimachi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto 860-0801 Japan ⏰Opening hours: Every day 10:00-19:00

#MarchTravelSupportEvent When it comes to Japan, convenience store food is another fun thing! I also visited a convenience store every day during my 2 nights and 3 days trip to Japan. I'll tell you about the 7-Eleven convenience store in Japan that has everything from the hot crème brulee ice cream to smoothies!

#MarchTravelSupportEvent Kumamoto Pojangmacha Street with a really great atmosphere! I ordered tsukune and chicken wings, but overall, it felt salty and expensive! I don't recommend it to those who are expecting the same taste as in Korea🥹 ⭐️Kumamoto YataiMura 📍Location: 2-22 Jotomachi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, 860-0846 Japan ⏰Opening hours: Regularly closed every Wednesday, otherwise 15:00-23:30

#MarchTravelSupportEvent It was a really great place because each stall had a different atmosphere and menu! I went to the one where Tsukune was the main dish ⭐️Kumamoto YataiMura 📍Location: 2-22 Jotomachi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, 860-0846 Japan ⏰Opening Hours: Regularly closed every Wednesday, otherwise 15:00-23:30