Scenic Minamiaso Railway Trolley Train Ride and Kusasenri Plain

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. After meeting your tour conductor, you will be traveling comfortably by bus toward Tateno. From here, you will board the Minami Aso Railway trolley train and ride the full line to Takamori, a journey of approximately 55 minutes. As the train moves slowly through the countryside, you will be surrounded by the vast landscape of the Aso caldera, with views of rolling terrain and the outer crater walls stretching into the distance. During the ride, the conductor provides live commentary in Japanese only, offering insight into the region’s scenery and history while adding to the local atmosphere of the experience. Please note that the boarding direction may be reversed (Takamori to Tateno), and the itinerary order may be adjusted accordingly.

   10 minutes here

2. After arriving at Takamori Station, you will continue your journey by bus. This quiet rural town serves as the southern gateway to the Minami Aso region, surrounded by open landscapes and mountains that define the character of the area.

   5 minutes here

3. Travel approximately 30 minutes to reach Kusasenri, one of the most iconic scenic areas in Aso. Located at an elevation of around 1,100 to 1,145 meters, this wide grassland spreads out beneath the sky with Mount Aso nearby, creating a vast and open landscape that feels very different from Japan’s cities. Even in summer, the temperature here is noticeably cooler, often several degrees lower than the surrounding plains. You will have time to walk freely across Kusasenrigahama, taking in the expansive natural scenery. During your visit, you will enjoy a lunch featuring Aso Akaushi beef, a regional specialty known for its flavor and quality, adding a local culinary highlight to the experience.

   80 minutes here

4. Kumamoto Earthquake Museum Kioku

   After approximately 20 minutes bus ride, continue to the Kumamoto Earthquake Museum KIOKU. This site preserves the memory of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, combining exhibition spaces with actual preserved structures affected by the disaster. Through these displays, you can gain a deeper understanding of the impact of the earthquake and the ongoing recovery of the region. Some exhibition areas require an additional admission fee of 500 yen. The tour concludes with arrival at Tenjin around 6:10 PM and Hakata around 6:30 PM.

   30 minutes here · Admission included

Where it starts and ends

Options you can book

• Depart from Fukuoka

  Starting point: LAWSON Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Store, 4-23 Hakataekichūōgai, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0012, Japan

• Depart from Tenjin

  Starting point: Yatai Bar Ebi-chan, 4-chōme-2-1 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0001, Japan

Before you book

Cancellation

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

Languages

ja, en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Tue, Thu, Fri

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Club Tourism International Inc.

Know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This tour is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. A Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be contacted 5 days prior to your travel date and offered an alternative date/tour or a full refund.
• Delays, shortenings of the tour or omissions made to the itinerary due to traffic, weather or other circumstances that are beyond the control of the tour operator are not subject to a refund.
• Infants (0-2 years old) are free of charge but no arrangements are made for them.
• According to traffic conditions etc, the order of the itinerary may be changed
• Delays due to transportation issues or non-participation will be subject to cancellation fees. The tour will depart at the time indicated.
• Please note that we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests, including food allergies. If you have specific dietary needs, we recommend making your own meal arrangements. No refunds will be provided for meals.
• Please wear comfortable walking shoes such as sneakers and suitable clothing. In case of rain, please bring rain gear.
• For guests traveling in odd-numbered groups, seating may be shared with other tour participants.
• The trolley train route on the Minamiaso Railway may operate in reverse between Takamori and Tateno. In such cases, the order of the itinerary may be adjusted accordingly.

Photos