Kumamoto and Mount Aso Day Tour from Fukuoka Return by Aso Train

Kumamoto Castle (Entrance fee is 800 yen, at your own expense)

Kumamoto Castle is one of the "Three Famous Castles in Japan". It was built by Kato Kiyomasa, the first lord of the Kumamoto Domain and a famous castle builder, over a period of seven years starting from 1601. After the Kato family was demoted, it became the residence of the Hosokawa family.

The more you go up, the more you want to turn back. There are many places worth seeing, such as the special stone walls called "Musha-gaeshi" and the magnificent Honmaru Goten. It is the symbol of Kumamoto City.

Seriously damaged by the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, the Tenshukaku was finally restored in the spring of 2021. Standing on a slightly elevated hill in the center of Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Castle, which has a history of more than 400 years since its construction, is worth a visit. Besides visiting the famous Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto, don't forget to visit the Sakuranobaba Josaien next to the castle.

KUMAMON Square (Japanese name: くまモンスクエア. Go by yourself. It takes 30 minutes to walk back and forth. Please pay attention to the time allocation)

Kumamon was born in March 2011 with the opening of the Kyushu Shinkansen. KUMAMON Square is the base of the Minister of Sales and Happiness of Kumamoto Prefecture, who is active both at home and abroad, and a place to promote Kumamoto Prefecture's tourism and product information . From the Kumamon sales minister's office to the limited-edition peripheral products in the office, and even the coffee shop dishes made with local ingredients in Kumamoto Prefecture, it is fun, easy to buy, and delicious. When the minister is present, he will also give a delightful performance on stage.

Aso Nakadake Crater (about 15 - 20 minutes, free time, additional entrance fees are at your own expense).

If the crater is under control, the itinerary will be adjusted based on the actual situation on the spot.

Aso Nakadake Crater is located in the northeast of Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu. It is a well-known active volcano in Japan and boasts a unique caldera terrain in the world. It is also one of the few places where you can see an active volcano up close. You can overlook the crater from a short distance and observe the continuous white smoke, allowing you to experience the incredible power and magnificent beauty of nature during your journey.

Kusasenrigahama (about 90 - 100 minutes, free time, including lunch time at your own expense)

Kusasenrigahama is a large grassland located at the northern foot of Eboshidake. There is a pool formed by rainwater in the middle of the grasslands where cattle and horses are grazing. You can see a variety of scenery throughout the year. In this vast grassland of 20,000 hectares, taking a leisurely walk on the green grassland, watching free cattle and sheep, and breathing the fresh air in the mountains can make you feel relaxed and refreshed, and give you the illusion of being in a fairyland.

Aso Volcano Museum (entrance fee is 1,100 yen, at your own expense).

Facing the vast Kusasenri, the Aso Volcano Museum focuses on "Aso Volcano" and displays the topography, geology, animals, and plants of Aso. It houses a wealth of fascinating materials related to the history of Aso Volcano. You can not only observe the formation process of Aso Volcano through a three-dimensional model, but also gain valuable insights into other volcanoes in Japan and the world. The museum's latest camera system also provides live video of Nakadake Crater.

Have a horseback riding experience in Kusasenri at your own expense. For itinerary A, it takes 5 minutes for 1,500 yen; for itinerary B, it takes about 20 minutes for 4,000 yen; for itinerary C, it takes about 25 minutes for 5,000 yen.

Are you interested in horseback riding in the breathtaking scenery of Aso? With the help of experienced staff, even children and those who have never ridden a horse can ride confidently.

Activity Name: Single Horseback Riding Double Horseback Riding (These prices are for informational purposes only. )

Plan A: Approximately 5 minutes (yen) to 1,500 (yen).

Plan B: Approximately 20 minutes, 4000 yen to 6,000 yen.

Plan C: Approximately 25 minutes , 5000 yen to 8,000 yen.

Double horseback riding in each plane is only available for children in lower grades of primary school. Business hours: 9:00 - 16:00. Operation period: from early March to early December.

There are no designated days off during the operating period. Closed on rainy days.

Get off at Michinoeki ASO (without a tour guide).

Aso Volcano has one of the largest calderas and magnificent outer rims in the world. Here, you can admire the magnificent Aso Five Peaks. Aso specialties can only be purchased here, such as seasonal vegetables, fruits, meat, dairy products, desserts, and handmade bento. As part of the collaboration between Kumamoto Prefecture and the popular manga "One Piece," created by local cartoonist Eiichiro Oda, the statue of Usopp of the Straw Hat Pirates is displayed in Aso Station Square.

Aso Bochu Onsen Yume Hot Spring (At Your Own Expense) https://www.aso.ne.jp/~yumenoyu/index.html

Natural hot springs are always readily available. The hot springs are made of Hinoki cypress, which is grown in the prefecture. The brown water is the hot spring.

The spring temperature at Aso Bochu Onsen Yume Hot Spring is 53 degrees Celsius, and the water flow rate is 260 liters per minute. You can experience a "family bath," "foot bath," "open-air bath," and "sauna" here.

Business hours: Public bath: 10:00 - 22:00 (Rest days: The public bath is closed on the first and third Mondays of each month. If Monday is a national holiday, it will be closed on the second day of the holiday).

Bathing fees: Public bath 400 yen, Family bath: 1,500 yen per room per hour, Foot bath: Free if you use this facility.