Welcome to Kumamoto Prefecture!
Located in the center of Kyushu, Kumamoto is a convenient base for sightseeing in Kyushu.
Mt. Aso, with one of the world's largest calderas, is one of the few active volcanoes in the world whose crater can be safely observed by visitors. Kumamoto Castle, one of the three most famous castles in Japan, was severely damaged by an earthquake in 2016, but restoration work is now open to the public as a popular limited-time tourist site. Amakusa consists of about 120 islands surrounded by the beautiful sea, which is inhabited by wild dolphins. Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto's own "Little Kyoto," is full of traditional and historical attractions. Kumamoto is also a paradise for hot springs, which you can enjoy throughout the prefecture.
The striking white and black silhouette of Kumamoto Castle is one of the region’s most recognizable symbols. Indeed, it is one of Japan’s three greatest castle complexes — an unmissable sight for anyone visiting Kyushu. This fortress, celebrated for its capacity to resist invasion, was an impressive architectural feat of the Edo period (1603-1868) at the time of its construction in 1607. Daimyo Kato Kiyomasa (1562-1611) was already notorious for designing castles with a strategical edge. Building on fortifications already in place since 1467, he renovated them into a citadel complex that included 49 turrets, 18 turret gates, and 29 smaller gates.
Kumamoto Castle’s skillful architecture saved the main buildings from destruction during the Meiji period (1868-1912), but the castle keep, and several other buildings did not survive the fire following the siege of the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877. The remaining original buildings were designated as an Important Cultural Property in 1933 and further restored during the 1960s. Unfortunately, part of the structure collapsed again after a devastating earthquake in April 2016, but dedicated craftsmanship and preservation efforts are slowly restoring and improving the complex while uncovering its most interesting secrets of construction. Since summer 2021, the main keep has reopened to tourists. Although several other areas remain off-limits to visitors, they are slowly becoming accessible, as restoration work progresses and is expected to be completed in 2038.
Besides being an important historical site, the castle houses an entertaining interactive museum to learn about Kumamoto’s local history, as well as old photos and detailed models of the castle’s structure. And for a complete castle experience, the vicinity replicates the nostalgic bustling atmosphere of a castle town, full of souvenir shops and restaurants serving local delicacies.
Nakadake is particularly active, so although the volcano crater is usually accessible to trekkers, it will be closed when sensors detect an increase in volcano activity, for visitors’ safety. And even on such days, the fuming fumaroles are a great sight to behold from nearby Kishimadake! You’re free to hike on your own or to hire a guide at the nearby Aso Volcano museum. We highly recommend hiking with a guide in order to learn more about these lands and get the most out of your experience. Meanwhile, there’s no shortage of exciting activities in Aso. Admire the landscape up close on horseback or trekking beside waterfalls, or even from above inside a hot-air balloon. Feeling truly adventurous with a fearless streak? Go paragliding with a guide and enjoy panoramic views from a bird’s eye view! Or just hop on an all-terrain adventure truck ride — there’s no time for boredom in Aso.
See
Aso, an outdoor-lover’s paradise
The Aso region in Kumamoto is synonymous with extraordinary natural sights. Here we can find one of the world’s largest volcanic caldera in Mount Aso and Japan’s largest grasslands at Kusasenrigahama. Vast green plains contrast with the mountainous landscape on the horizon, abruptly shaped by magma activity, which also creates the perfect environment for an onsen wonderland. Hikers rejoice! Visitors to Mt. Aso may be surprised to discover that the Aso mountain range actually comprises five close mountains, from oldest to youngest: Takadake, Nakadake, Eboshidake, Kishimadake, and Nekodake. All peaks are relatively easy to climb, so even inexperienced hikers can try to tackle some or even all of them, ready to feel as if they are standing on top of the world as they take in the unmatched views from each one.
Cultural heritage, cycling tour and onsen experience: A perfect day in Kumamoto
Higo Zogan, Kumamoto’s engraved history
Another world awaits you at Higo-Zogan Mitsusuke. This workshop is a small haven of Kumamoto’s exclusive craftsmanship, known as Higo Inlay. A craft born from seeking beauty in weapons and armor back in the Edo period further developed to cover a wide array of unique decorative pieces, from fashion accessories to architectural accent details on a building. Mitsusuke is the domain of Yuji Osumi, a 4th-generation craftsman at the helm of a shop established in 1874 and honored throughout history by crafting pieces for the imperial family and foreign dignitaries. You can also experience this aspect of Kumamoto’s history through hands-on workshops, where you can learn this traditional technique while decorating your very own souvenir item, such as a pendant or strap bracelet, under the careful guidance of a master craftsman.
Explore the landscape terrain on a cycling tour Aso Kuju
Cycle Tour invites you to explore and admire the beauty of Aso-Kuju National Park’s vast grasslands with the freedom of a bicycle and the wind on your face. Whether you are cycling as a family with young children, a casual rider or an avid biker, a large selection of bicycles (including electric bikes) ensures that tours can be tailored to everyone’s needs. Several different routes for varying fitness levels take you on a tour of both the best of nature and the charm of nearby rural villages. There are even bike trailers available, so even the little ones don’t have to miss out on the fun! All the guides are fully bilingual, friendly and knowledgeable, providing detailed explanations about the area. During the tour, you will also have opportunities to shop for local goods such as fresh produce and baked foods.
Kurokawa Onsen, the best of nature and Japanese hospitality
What better way to end an active and exciting day than recharging your batteries at Kurokawa Onsen? This lovely small town north of Mt. Aso maintains its centuries-old tradition as a popular onsen retreat, with over 30 ryokans where you can immerse yourself in the mountainous landscape while soaking in an outdoor hot springs bath. And in case you can’t choose just one, a clever and reasonably priced token system allows you to access up to three onsens for just 1,300 yen. So rest assured that you can merrily hop onsens to your heart’s content during your stay, before spending a blissful night on a fluffy futon, if you so desire, in one of the local ryokans.
Amazing Cuisine in Kumamoto
Amazing Cuisine in Kumamoto
Amazing Cuisine in Kumamoto
Amazing Cuisine in Kumamoto
Amazing Cuisine in Kumamoto
Amazing Cuisine in Kumamoto
Gastronomy is almost always a highlight of any travel destination, where local delicacies are popular tourist attractions. Thanks to its mild climate and pure mountain water and produce, Kumamoto has abundant local and seasonal ingredients that are lovingly transformed into gourmet meals by premium chefs. The chefs of Kumamoto harvest these natural blessings to create unique dishes featuring the finest ingredients such as akaushi beef, as well as fresh mushrooms, oysters, pumpkin, asparagus, and many other vegetables and fruits. So save your appetite for the best of Kumamoto’s rich terroir… and don’t forget dessert!
Fired Up Kumamoto: Discover its hidden gems
In addition to basic measures such as wearing masks and thorough disinfection, a certified restaurant system ensures a safe environment for eating and drinking.
About Kumamoto
Kumamoto City is served by train and tram lines. From Fukuoka’s Hakata Station, it takes about 40 minutes on the Kyushu Shinkansen; approximately 1 hour from Kagoshima Chuo Station, and about 3 hours by Limited Express train from Oita Station.
Kumamoto Prefectural Tourism Federation 〒862-0950
6-5-19 Suizenji, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto city
Kumamoto Prefectural Government Conference Building 1, 3rd floor
Tel: 096-382-2660
Fax: 096-382-2663
E-mail: info@kumakanren.or.jp
HP: https://kumamoto.guide/en/
