Kumamoto Castel, Mount Aso and Kusasenrigahama Tour from Fukuoka

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Board the distinctive Minami Aso Railway for a scenic ride from Tateno Station to Minami Aso Shirakawa Suigen Station.The train winds through mountains and farmlands, with ever-changing views outside your window. You can gaze at the majestic Five Peaks of Mount Aso in the distance, while observing layers of forested hills, open fields, and clear streams up close. The magnificent mountain scenery and tranquil rural landscapes of Minami Aso accompany you throughout the ride. Each season brings its own flair: fresh greenery in spring, lush verdure in summer, golden and red foliage in autumn, and crisp, serene mountain views in winter. Fares (Not included in tour price, to be paid personally): Regular Train:490JPY/person. Please note that seating is limited; during peak times, seats may not be available, and standing may be required. One Piece Themed Train:490–1,000 JPY/person. Special Limited Sightseeing Train (Trolley Train):2,000 JPY/person.

   40 minutes here · Admission not included

2. Mt. Aso

   Located in northeastern Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu, Mount Aso is a famous active volcano in Japan featuring a rare caldera landscape. It is one of the few places where you can observe an active volcano up close. You can overlook the crater and watch the continuous plumes of white smoke, experiencing the astonishing power and spectacular beauty of nature.

   20 minutes here

3. Kusasenrigahama

   Kusasenri is a vast grassland located on the northern foothills of Mount Eboshi. In the center of the grassland lies a pond formed by rainwater, and horses and cattle graze freely across the fields. You can enjoy different scenery throughout the seasons. Take a leisurely stroll across the 20,000-hectare expanse of green, watch the free-roaming livestock, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. It is a refreshing experience that feels like being in a fairyland.

   20 minutes here

4. Aso Volcano Museum

   Aso Volcano Museum (entrance fee is 1,100 yen, at your own expense). Facing the vast Kusasenri, this museum focuses on "Mount Aso Volcano," exhibiting the terrain, geology, flora, and fauna of the area. It preserves a wealth of interesting materials to help understand the history of Mount Aso. You can experience the formation process of the volcano through a large 3D model and view precious data on volcanoes in Japan and around the world. The museum also features live broadcast footage from the Nakadake crater captured by the latest camera systems.

   30 minutes here · Admission not included

5. Kusasenri Horseback Riding Experience (Optional) Would you like to try horseback riding amidst the magnificent nature of Aso? Experienced staff will lead the horses by rope, allowing even children and first-time riders to participate with peace of mind. Enjoy a comfortable breeze and a natural walk with gentle horses. The location offers a great view of the volcanic smoke rising into the sky while you ride across the green grasslands. Rates below are for reference only; please confirm actual prices on-site. Plan A (Approx. 5 mins): Single ride ~1,500 JPY / Double ride ~2,500 JPY Plan B (Approx. 20 mins): Single ride ~4,000 JPY / Double ride ~6,000 JPY Plan C (Approx. 25 mins): Single ride ~5,000 JPY / Double ride ~8,000 JPY (Note: Double riding is limited to children in lower elementary school grades or below.) Hours:9:00–16:00 Season: Early March to early December (Open daily during the season; closed on rainy days).

   30 minutes here · Admission not included

6. Kumamoto Castle

   Approx. 60–70 mins; free time; Admission 800 JPY, optional Ranked as one of Japan's "Three Famous Castles," Kumamoto Castle was built over seven years starting in 1601 by Kato Kiyomasa, the first lord of the Kumamoto Domain and a renowned castle builder. After the Kato clan was demoted, it became the residence of the Hosokawa clan. The castle features unique stone walls known as "Musha-gaeshi" (designed to make attackers want to turn back) and the splendid Honmaru Goten Palace, making it a landmark of Kumamoto City. The cherry blossoms in spring are particularly beautiful, attracting many flower lovers. Although severely damaged in the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, the Main Keep was restored in the spring of 2021. Standing on a slightly elevated hill in the center of Kumamoto City, this castle with over 400 years of history is well worth a visit. (Note: You may choose to end your tour at this location. Please be sure to note this in advance and specify the number of luggage pieces.)

   70 minutes here · Admission not included

Where it starts and ends

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

ja, en, zh-CN

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 30 travelers per booking

Operated by

Scenic Bend

Know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This tour is not suitable for people with the following respiratory diseases (asthmatics - people with bronchial diseases - people with heart disease) and it is forbidden to enter Aso Volcano at any time, the toxic gases from the volcano may cause an attack, which can be serious and may lead to death.
• The night before the tour, you will receive a departure reminder email in your mailbox, which contains the vehicle registration number, the contact information of the guide and the pick up time. Guides do not initiate contact with guests.Please wait for the bus at the specified location according to the meeting time in the email.
• One-day trip itinerary, it is not recommended to carry luggage, if you need to carry luggage, please register clearly when you book your order. 1 luggage is allowed per person. An extra 100 yuan per piece will be charged if you failed to make a note when booking your order or if it turns out more than 1 piece of luggage per guest.
• Be sure to provide complete information (name + number of people + phone number + WeChat ID + pick-up location) when making a reservation to avoid errors that may affect the itinerary.
• During the trip, please carry your passport and valuables with you and keep them safe. If there is any loss, theft, damage, etc., you will be responsible for it yourself.
• Elderly people, patients with cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and pregnant women are advised to be accompanied by relatives.
• This trip does not accept solo registration from customers under the age of 18. If you want to register, please ask your guardian to sign up for this trip together.
• This itinerary is a fixed itinerary for carpooling. Customers who are also participating in this itinerary must abide by the stay time at each attraction and follow the driver's arrangements. If you want to flexibly adjust your itinerary, please refer to our chartered tour service.
• Please note that if you fail to participate or cancel the trip due to personal problems, lateness, etc., no fees will be refunded.
• If a person leaves the group on his own during the trip, the transaction will be deemed invalid and no fees will be refunded. And if this results in personal or property safety, you must bear the consequences yourself.
• The arrival time of each trip may change due to traffic conditions, weather, festivals, and crowds on the day. If the trip is delayed or canceled due to the aforementioned or other force majeure factors, please forgive me and you will not be able to request a refund.
• Please wear light, suitable travel clothing and shoes to participate in this trip.
• Please be sure to abide by local laws and regulations in Japan, and do not carry items prohibited by Japanese law to avoid violating the law and affecting your own rights and interests.
• When moving freely, you should pay attention to your own personal and property safety. If you fail to listen to advice and an accident occurs or causes losses, you will be responsible for the consequences.
• Traffic jams may occur on weekends and red days, so if you are worried about traffic jams, you can avoid joining the tour on weekends or red days.
• Children under 3 years old are free of charge without occupying a seat. Please inform us in advance when registering; children over 3 years old are treated as adults.
• The remaining hours are allotted for the travel time and lunch.
• Please prepare cash for the excluded fee and pay on site. These prices are for reference only.
• Train tickets will be collected by the tour guide for group purchase. Those who prefer not to take the train can ride the tour bus instead.

Photos