©Kumamoto Prefectural Tourism Federation
Discover the rich history and immerse yourself in the diverse natural settings, culture, and gastronomy by exploring Kumamoto Prefecture and Oita Prefecture in Central Kyushu, aptly named "The Land of Fire" and "Onsen (hot spring) Capital of Japan." Adventure awaits within the vast Aso-Kuju National Park in Kumamoto where you can experience its varied natural wonders and majestic landscapes formed by volcanic activities of Mt. Aso and Kuju Mountain Range. Along with that, take a look at the unique farm life and culture and interact with locals. Unwind at luxurious retreats in Oita and soak in natural hot springs to recharge your energy.
Sample Itinerary Overview
Day 1 Arrive at Kumamoto / Sightseeing in Kumamoto City
This itinerary assumes starting Day 1 in Kumamoto, but it is customizable depending on where you stay.
In the morning, start your journey to Kumamoto. Either fly to Aso Kumamoto Airport or take a bullet train to JR Kumamoto Station where an English-speaking guide will greet you. Head to the center of Kumamoto City to visit the iconic Kumamoto Castle*, completed in 1607 by Kiyomasa Kato, the first feudal lord of Kumamoto. Although some parts of the castle were damaged by the massive earthquake in 2016, the majesty of the castle has not been lost. Learn the history and architectural features including the secret of the distinctive stone wall that served as defense fencing. After that, stop by a building complex next to the castle that features restaurants, souvenir shops, and a museum, and try local food and sweets.
*Note: The castle damaged by the earthquake is still undergoing restoration. The castle's main keep finally reopened in June 2021, but it will take more years until the majority of the grounds are fully open to the public again.
In the afternoon, head to Suizenji Jojuen Garden. Take a leisurely stroll around the beautiful Japanese garden and the pond where spring water filtered by volcano layers gushes out. After strolling through the garden, stop by Kokindenju no Ma, a 400-year-old thatched-roof building, to enjoy a bowl of green tea and Japanese sweets while admiring the picturesque garden.
In the evening, try what the local feudal lords used to eat by visiting a famous Japanese restaurant serving a special cuisine that has been reproduced based on documents from 200 years ago.
At night, stay at Kumamoto Hotel Castle, or a hotel in Kumamoto city center.
Day 2 Transfer to Aso, Cycling Tour around the Aso-Kuju National Park
The day begins by transferring from Kumamoto to Mt. Aso area, known for one of the world's largest calderas and active volcanoes. Transfer via private vehicle, or a local train which is especially appealing to train enthusiasts. Sit back and enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you approach the dramatic volcanic landscapes.
First up in Aso, visit Aso Shrine*1, one of the oldest shrines in Japan to pray for a safe trip. Twelve deities starting with Takeiwatatsu-no-mikoto who is said to be the first pioneer of Aso and a grandchild of Emperor Jinmu are enshrined here. Getting through a big torii gate, notice the approach is parallel to the shrine, which is unusual since the approaches to most other shrines usually face straight toward the shrine. Curiously enough, the approach of Aso Shrine faces the direction of Mt. Aso.
Next, meet your cycling guide*2. After listening to the instructions on how to use an E-bike, start pedaling for an adventure around Mt. Aso and its surrounding giant caldera!
Thanks to its diversity of geothermal and volcanic activity, the Aso area is designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark. View five peaks of Mt. Aso, past eruption sites, and craters while discovering how geological events shaped the area. On the way, enjoy outdoor lunch and afternoon break with dairy products and sweets made in this area. You will certainly be blown away by the panoramic mountain views in all directions and beautiful grasslands where horses and the area's famous brown cows graze.
After long hours on the saddle, it is time to move to Aso Plaza Hotel, or a nearby hot spring ryokan to soak away your fatigue.
Note:
*1 The shrine damaged by the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake is still undergoing restoration.
*2 The cycling route will differ depending on the activity level of the guests and the status of volcanic activities within the National Park.
Day 3 Aso tour / Transfer to Beppu
Enjoy a private tour exploring a rural farming village situated inside the Aso caldera before transferring to Beppu in the afternoon. The locals will show you around the village including an ancient shrine located in the north of Aso Shrine with sacred massive cedar trees. The sacred trees are said to be planted by the god enshrined here. Thanks to the pure spring water of Aso, various crops can grow in all seasons. You will be given a close, genuine and thorough insight into the local life, culture, and traditions, and how these traditions are preserved up until today. For lunch, stop by a farm restaurant and savor carefully prepared meals using fresh ingredients sourced from the local farms.
In the afternoon, transfer to Beppu in Oita Prefecture driving along the scenic highway with spectacular mountainous landscapes. On the way, stretch your legs by crossing Kokonoe Yume Otsurihashi, the highest pedestrian suspension bridge in Japan which is 173 meters high and 390 meters long. This walkway in the sky presents a beautiful 360-degree-view of Oita's verdant countryside, including a river and waterfalls.
After a long transfer, stay at ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa or a deluxe hot spring ryokan in Beppu for 2 nights.
Day 4 Beppu tour
In the morning, start a privately guided tour in Beppu. Beppu boasts the largest quantity of hot spring water in Japan, and the hot spring resort consists of eight hot springs, each with different quality of water.
First up, enjoy exploring the historical townscape of the Kannawa District, including Jigoku (Hells), derived from the hot spring with different colors and steam vigorously gushing out from the land that people in ancient times assumed the land was cursed.
It is said that a Buddhist monk, Ippen Shonin, walked around to purify the area and developed the area's traditional steam bath "Kannawa Steam Baths". The area also offers foot baths and even sand baths. Not only healing pain but there are also numerous benefits from hot springs. The locals have made use of them from ancient times. "Jigoku Mushi" steaming food is a good example. Enjoy the healthy and eco-friendly local cuisine using the hot spring steam.
In the afternoon, visit Beppu City Traditional Bamboo Crafts Center, a museum displaying a curated selection of handcrafted bamboo arts including masterpieces created by the legendary bamboo artist designated as Living National Treasure in this field. As Oita Prefecture is the number one producer of bamboo suitable for creating bamboo ware, it gained a reputation throughout the country. To learn more about how bamboo crafts are made, be sure to try making your own bamboo craft and bring it back as a souvenir. Please rest assured, a craftsman will demonstrate how to make one step by step. You can also find various bamboo products at the adjacent museum shop.
If you are a big fan of bamboo crafts, your guide will take you to sophisticated bamboo craft shops with items ranging from contemporary design to masterful authentic ones.
At night, rejuvenate by soaking in a hot spring at your accommodation.
Day 5 Beppu tour / Move to your next destination
In the morning, head to Beppu Ropeway. The ropeway takes you through the journey to Mt. Tsurumi, 1,300 meters (4265 ft) tall above sea level. Overlooking the city and Beppu Bay, enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of each season: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, crimson autumn foliages, and rime ice and snow in winter. For hiking lovers, take a stroll around the summit while visiting the main shrine and Seven Deities of Good Luck enshrined at the top of the mountain.
Next, visit Gyateiji Temple, a Zen temple established in 1346, and participate in a private zen meditation practice. Take a moment to observe and reflect on yourself in this silent surrounding. After several attempts of meditation, sit around the hearth and enjoy a conversation with the monk about any topics ranging from Buddhism to daily life. It will make your experience all more rewarding.
Time flies, the trip draws to an end. Transfer to Oita Airport and fly to your next destination or transfer to Fukuoka by limited express train.
The tour price will differ according to various factors such as the choices of accommodation (e.g. 5-star, 4-star), transportation (e.g. train, private car), number of days with a private guide, duration of your tour, or seasonality. Please contact us. One of our tour consultants will come up with an ideal plan and cost for you.
Contact Us
For more information, or to start customizing your own itinerary, please contact us.
Michi Travel Japan
Tel: +81-3-5213-5040
