Key Highlights.
One of Japan's most famous tourist destinations, Kumamoto, offers not only stunning seasonal landscapes but also a wealth of cultural and historical resources. This guide provides a detailed itinerary for a one-day trip to Kumamoto from Fukuoka, along with information on key attractions. We hope this will help those planning a visit to Kumamoto explore the city more comprehensively and smoothly.
Itinerary Introduction
Mount Mizuka
Along the route from Chikusa to Mount Nakadake, you'll encounter an important symbol of Aso: "Mikatake." Standing approximately 50 meters high, its peak has slightly collapsed, resembling an inverted rice bowl. Legend has it that the deity of Aso Shrine used to help the poor by piling rice here, shaping the mountain into a mound of rice, hence the name Mikatake. Mikatake is particularly beautiful in spring and summer when the entire mountain is covered in lush greenery, creating a breathtaking natural landscape.
Zhongyue Crater (As a precautionary measure due to volcanic activity, access to Asosan may be restricted depending on the situation.)
Located in Kumamoto Prefecture's northeastern part, Mount Aso is a renowned active volcano in Japan. It boasts a rare caldera formation, one of the few places worldwide where you can witness an active volcano up close. Visitors can get a breathtaking view of the crater from a short distance and observe billowing plumes of white smoke constantly emerging, allowing them to experience nature's awe-inspiring power and magnificent scenery firsthand.
Mount Aso Grasslands
Aso Mountain's Grasslands stretches across a vast expanse at the foothills of Mount Asosan.
The heart of this grassland features a basin formed by rainwater, while cattle and horses graze peacefully in its vastness.
Throughout the year, visitors can witness breathtaking transformations across this stunning landscape. In this expansive grassland of over 20,000 hectares, taking a leisurely stroll amidst the lush greenery, observing the freely roaming cattle and sheep, and breathing the fresh mountain air, one can experience a sense of tranquility and serenity, almost as if transported to a fairyland.
Shuiqiansi Chengqu Yuan
The Suizenji Jojuen Garden is located in Kumamoto, where Lord Hosokawa Tadatoshi built his residence in 1632. It features a traditional Japanese garden centered around a natural spring pond. Later, his grandson, Hosokawa Tsunatoshi, expanded the garden by adding a replica of part of the “Tokaido Gosankyo,” a famous road connecting Edo and Kyoto. This section includes a miniature Mount Fuji and other elements representing different stations along the Tokaido. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese sweets and tea at the renowned "Kokin Densho" teahouse, while taking in the beauty of the garden.
Seasonal Fruit Picking Fun in Kumamoto
Due to its geographical location and climate, Mount Aso's surroundings produce a variety of fruits throughout the year, allowing visitors to enjoy fruit picking experiences every season.
At the beginning of January, it's strawberry season in Aso. The strawberry farms in the area are mostly planted on raised beds, and the high altitude and climate make them ideal for growing strawberries. This results in flavorful strawberries with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Let's enjoy freshly picked, sweet, and large strawberries together.
Note: If the Aso farm is unable to accommodate bookings due to operating conditions, reservation status, or fruit yield, the fruit picking activity will be moved to another farm in Kumamoto.
※Strawberry All-You-Can-Eat (approximately 50 minutes): December every year ~ May of the following year
※Grape All-You-Can-Eat (approximately 50 minutes): July ~ September every year
※Pear All-You-Can-Eat (approximately 50 minutes): August ~ October every year
※Orange All-You-Can-Eat (approximately 50 minutes): September ~ November every year
[Note]: Fruit seasons are unpredictable. The above schedule is for reference only and may vary each year depending on the variety and weather conditions. The fruit picking experience offered by B tour's "Fruit Picking Fun" will be adjusted according to the growth of the fruits and the yield, providing visitors with the most suitable fruit picking experience for the current season.
Kumamoto Castle (from March 1, 2023, the "Moeruma Square" attraction has been changed to Kumamoto Castle).
More than just one of Japan's top 100 castles, Kumamoto Castle is also considered one of Japan's three most famous castles, nicknamed "Silver Leaf City." Severely damaged by the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, its main tower was finally repaired in spring 2021. Kumamoto Castle, which has stood for over 400 years, sits on a slightly elevated hill in the center of Kumamoto City and is definitely worth a visit.
In addition to visiting the famous Kumamoto Castle, don't forget to explore Sakura-no-Ba-jo Castle Plaza, located next to Kumamoto Castle. Sakura-no-Ba-jo Castle Plaza is a tourist area designed with a concept of an old castle town, featuring historical and cultural experience facilities called "Yuyu-za" and food and shopping facilities called "Sakura no Michi." It's a great place to enjoy Kumamoto cuisine and purchase souvenirs.
