From Fukuoka: Day Trip to Kumamoto Castle, Mt.Aso & Kurokawa

Set out on a captivating day trip from Fukuoka that explores the natural wonders and historic attractions of Kumamoto and Aso regions in Kyushu. Marvel at the impressive Kumamoto Castle, learn about the serene Aso Thousand-mile Grassland, and witness the dramatic landscapes of Mount Aso. Conclude your journey in the charming hot spring town of Kurokawa Onsen, where you can indulge in therapeutic mineral-rich waters and traditional Japanese cuisine. This day trip promises to be an unforgettable experience that’ll leave you yearning for more.

Key Points

• A 10-hour journey from Fukuoka showcasing the top attractions in the Kumamoto and Aso regions, including Kumamoto Castle, Mt. Aso, and Kurokawa Onsen.

• Explore the historic Kumamoto Castle, the largest active volcano in Japan (Mt. Aso), and the tranquil hot spring town of Kurokawa Onsen.

• Witness Japan’s volcanic landscape, from the striking black walls of Kumamoto Castle to the expansive Aso Thousand-mile Grassland and the dramatic vistas of Mt. Aso.

• Visit the Aso Volcano Museum to learn about the geological forces shaping the region and experience interactive exhibits on volcanic phenomena.

• Indulge in the therapeutic, mineral-rich waters of the traditional hot spring baths and local cuisine in the charming town of Kurokawa Onsen.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trip Overview

This day trip offers a chance to explore some of the top attractions in the Kumamoto and Aso regions of Kyushu. It’s a 10-hour journey from Fukuoka, covering popular destinations like Kumamoto Castle, Mt. Aso, and Kurokawa Onsen. Travelers will witness Japan’s active volcano, expansive grasslands, and a traditional hot spring town.

The itinerary includes stops at Kumamoto Castle, Aso Thousand-mile Grassland, Aso Volcano Museum, Mt. Aso, and Kurokawa Onsen, with the option to visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine during the hot summer months. The trip includes transportation and a professional guide, though meals and tickets aren’t covered. Travelers should arrive 15 minutes early and note that the itinerary may change due to weather or other factors.

Itinerary

The day trip starts at the Lawson Fukuoka Oriental Hotel in front of Hakata Station Chikushiguchi. Participants will first visit Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s most impressive castles, for an hour.

Next, they’ll explore the Aso Thousand-mile Grassland for an hour. The Aso Volcano Museum is the following stop. Travelers then have 20 minutes to marvel at Mount Aso, an active volcano.

The final destination is the peaceful hot spring town of Kurokawa Onsen, where they’ll spend 80 minutes relaxing. The trip ends with a return to the starting point.

Kumamoto Castle

Visitors first explore the majestic Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s most impressive and historically significant fortresses. This iconic structure, dating back to the 14th century, stands tall as a testament to the region’s storied past. The castle’s striking black walls, ornate architecture, and strategic hilltop location captivate visitors.

Some highlights include:

1. Admiring the breathtaking views from the castle’s main keep, which offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding city.
2. Wandering through the castle’s expansive grounds, dotted with traditional gardens and ancient stone walls.
3. Discovering the intricate details of the castle’s design, such as its unique "genkabara" system of defense.
4. Learning about the castle’s turbulent history, which includes its role in the Satsuma Rebellion against the Meiji government.

Aso Thousand-mile Grassland

From the castle, the group then travels to the expansive Aso Thousand-mile Grassland. This vast, rolling landscape is the largest caldera in the world, formed by a massive volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. The grassland offers a serene and picturesque setting, with grazing cattle and horses dotting the horizon. Visitors can explore the region on foot or by taking a short drive.

Feature	Description
Size	Covers over 120 square kilometers
Terrain	Gently undulating grasslands
Wildlife	Herds of cattle and horses grazing peacefully

This natural wonder provides a peaceful respite from the bustle of everyday life, allowing visitors to enjoy the tranquility of the Aso region.

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Aso Volcano Museum

Next on the itinerary is the Aso Volcano Museum, which provides visitors with a fascinating insight into the region’s volcanic history. The museum offers an engaging exploration of the world’s largest caldera, featuring:

1. Awe-inspiring displays showcasing the raw power of volcanic eruptions.
2. Detailed explanations of the geological forces shaping the landscape.
3. Interactive exhibits that bring the volcanic phenomena to life.
4. Knowledgeable staff who share their expertise and passion for this natural wonder.

Prepare to be captivated by the museum’s comprehensive look at the dynamic forces that have sculpted the Aso region over millennia.

Mount Aso

After exploring the in-depth exhibits at the Aso Volcano Museum, the tour continues to the iconic Mount Aso, one of the main highlights of the day.

Standing at over 5,000 feet, Mount Aso is the largest active volcano in Japan and one of the largest in the world. The tour allows visitors to marvel at the breathtaking caldera, which measures an impressive 25 miles in diameter.

Although the volcano is currently in a relatively quiet phase, it serves as a powerful reminder of the dynamic geological forces that have shaped the region over centuries. With just 20 minutes allocated, guests can soak in the dramatic vistas before moving on to the next destination.

Kurokawa Onsen

The tour then journeys to the idyllic hot spring town of Kurokawa Onsen, offering visitors a peaceful retreat. This traditional onsen town is nestled in a scenic valley, boasting a range of ryokans, inns, and outdoor hot spring baths.

Visitors can:

1. Soak in the therapeutic, mineral-rich waters to unwind and rejuvenate.
2. Explore the charming streets lined with wooden ryokans and local shops.
3. Indulge in a traditional multi-course kaiseki meal featuring seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.
4. Stroll along the Kuma River, taking in the serene, natural surroundings.

After the relaxing time in Kurokawa Onsen, the tour returns to the starting point in Fukuoka.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes several amenities for participants, such as air-conditioned vehicles and a professional tour guide. The package also provides pick-up and drop-off at the designated meeting point. However, the tour doesn’t include food, drinks, or any additional tickets not mentioned in the itinerary.

Participants should be aware that the itinerary may be adjusted due to weather, road conditions, or other reasons beyond the tour operator’s control. When Aso Volcano issues a no-entry notice, the Aso Thousand-mile Grassland will be replaced with a 90-minute visit.

Plus, from August 5th to September 30th, Kurokawa Onsen will be substituted with Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine due to hot weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Weather Like in the Kumamoto and Aso Regions?

The Kumamoto and Aso regions generally experience a temperate, subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters. Weather conditions can be variable, so participants should prepare for potentially changing conditions during the day trip.

Is There a Restroom Break During the Trip?

The trip includes a restroom break at Kurokawa Onsen, where participants can relax in the traditional hot springs and use the facilities. The itinerary is designed to provide ample opportunities for breaks and refreshment throughout the day.

Can We Purchase Snacks or Drinks on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include any stops to purchase snacks or drinks. Participants should bring their own refreshments for the day. The vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, but food and beverages aren’t provided on the tour.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible. The itinerary includes visiting sites with uneven terrain, such as Kumamoto Castle and Mt. Aso, that may be challenging for individuals using wheelchairs.

Can We Extend Our Stay in Kurokawa Onsen After the Tour?

Participants can’t extend their stay at Kurokawa Onsen after the tour. The itinerary is fixed, and the group must return to the starting point at the end of the 10-hour trip.

Recap

Set out on a captivating day trip from Fukuoka to explore Kumamoto and Aso’s natural wonders and historic attractions. Marvel at Kumamoto Castle, learn about Aso Thousand-mile Grassland, explore volcanic history at Aso Volcano Museum, and witness the dramatic landscapes of Mount Aso. Conclude your journey in the charming hot spring town of Kurokawa Onsen, where you can indulge in therapeutic mineral-rich waters and traditional Japanese cuisine.

You can check if your dates are available here: