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Kumamoto

Volcanoes, ancient castles and world-class hot springs in the heart of Kyushu

Overview of Kumamoto

Located in central Kyushu, Kumamoto Prefecture is one of Japan’s most geographically dramatic regions. Nicknamed the “Land of Fire,” it is home to Mount Aso — one of the world’s largest active volcanic calderas — as well as a wealth of hot springs, sweeping highland plateaus and a castle city steeped in samurai history.

The prefectural capital, Kumamoto city, anchors the region and is best known for Kumamoto Castle. Originally built by feudal lord Kato Kiyomasa in 1607, the castle was badly damaged in a 2016 earthquake and has since undergone extensive reconstruction. Also worth exploring in the city is Suizenji Jojuen Garden, a meticulously designed Edo-period landscape garden that recreates in miniature the 53 post towns of the Tokaido road, including a representation of Mount Fuji.

East of the city, the Aso region draws hikers and nature lovers to its lunar-like landscapes, vast grassy plains and the still-active Nakadake crater. The surrounding Aso Kuju National Park offers some of Kyushu’s best trekking, horseback riding and forest bathing. To the north, Kurokawa onsen is one of Japan’s most celebrated hot spring towns, with over 20 ryokan tucked into a wooded valley. To the west, the Amakusa Islands — accessible by road across a series of bridges — are known for their association with Japan’s hidden Christian communities, a history now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Getting to Kumamoto

Kumamoto sits on the western side of Kyushu and is one of the easier Kyushu prefectures to reach thanks to the Kyushu Shinkansen running directly through Kumamoto Station, connecting it with Hakata (Fukuoka) to the north and Kagoshima-Chuo to the south. Kumamoto is also home to Mt. Aso and one of Japan’s three great castles, drawing both domestic and international visitors year-round.

From Tokyo, take the JR Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen with one transfer, typically at Shin-Osaka or Hakata Station, for a total of about 6 hours. Japan Rail Pass holders can use Hikari and Sakura trains fully (taking about 7 hours), or pay extra for Nozomi and Mizuho trains. JAL, ANA and Solaseed fly from Haneda to Aso Kumamoto Airport in about 1 hour 45 minutes. Jetstar also operates flights from Narita.

Within Kyushu, direct rail and bus connections also run from Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Beppu/Oita and Miyazaki. The scenic Limited Express Aso Boy runs between Kumamoto and Aso through the volcanic caldera. Ferries from Kumamoto Port cross the Ariake Sea to Shimabara in Nagasaki Prefecture in 30–60 minutes.

Things to do in Kumamoto