The best of Kumamoto Prefecture for great Japan private tours
Kumamoto Prefecture has been on the list of nearly all my Kyushu Japan private tours over the years. The prefecture offers high volcanic peaks, the sea, amazing hot spring towns like Kurokawa, and all the trappings of a samurai lord's capital (one of Japan's most famous castles and landscape gardens).
The destinations and Japan private tour itineraries I have designed and created for my private travel clients have nearly all included the various charms of Japan's largest active volcano (Mount Aso), and the natural wonders of Takachiho (ancient Japanese mythology & a killer river gorge).
Getting to Kumamoto is as easy as getting on a bullet train. The city is a major stop on the northsouth bullet train route that connects Fukuoka (Hakata Station) to Kagoshima (which also has a big active volcano!). Learn more!
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Content by Ian Martin Ropke, owner of Your Japan Private Tours (est. 1990). I have been planning, designing, and making custom Japan private tours on all five Japanese islands since the early 1990s. I work closely with Japan private tour clients and have worked for all kinds of families, companies, and individuals since 1990. Clients find me mostly via organic search, and I advertise my custom Japan private tours & travel services on www.japan-guide.com, which has the best all-Japan English content & maps in Japan! If you are going to Japan and you understand the advantages of private travel, consider my services for your next trip. And thank you for reading my content. I, Ian Martin Ropke (unique on Google Search), am also a serious nonfiction and fiction writer, a startup founder (NexussPlus.com), and a spiritual wood sculptor. Learn more!
High-value spots in Kumamoto City
Kumamoto Castle: Among Japan's most striking castles is Kumamoto Castle. Kumamoto Castle provides tourists with one of the most comprehensive castle experiences in Japan because to its expansive castle grounds and assortment of buildings. However, the April 2016 earthquakes caused extensive damage to the castle grounds, and restoration will take several years. Few of Kumamoto Castle's buildings have made it through the post-feudal period undamaged. The majority of the buildings, including the castle keep, are recent reconstructions, however they are generally of excellent quality. The castle, which has over 800 cherry trees, is a well-known location for cherry blossoms, generally in late March or early April. It took seven years to build Kumamoto Castle in the early 1600s. The local feudal lord (daimyo), Kato Kiyomasa, who was renowned for his castle construction abilities, created it. The strategic efficacy of his fortifications was highly acknowledged. The Hosokawa clan, who dominated the region from Kumamoto Castle for the following two centuries, seized the castle and its surroundings from the Kato clan less than fifty years after it was built. The castle was crucial to the Seinan Civil War, which took place a few years after the Meiji Restoration (1868), in which the renowned samurai Saigo Takamori led an insurrection against the new government in Kyushu. In the early months of 1877, Saigo launched an attack against Kumamoto Castle, which served as the primary government stronghold in Kyushu. The rebel forces were forced to flee Saigo after the government forces, outnumbered, managed to hold out for two months.
Suizenji Garden: The ideal way to experience Suizenji Garden, a large Japanese-style landscape garden in Kumamoto, is to walk around its circular path. The Hosokawa family, the dominant local lords, constructed it in the seventeenth century. In miniature, the garden recreates the 53 post stations along the Tokaido, the crucial route that linked Edo (present-day Tokyo) and Kyoto during the Edo Period (1603–1868). A smaller version of Mount Fuji is also included.
Former residence of the author Lafcadio Hearn: Known in Japan as Koizumi Yakumo, Lafcadio Hearn (1850–1904) was one of the first Western writers to write about Japan. "Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things" and "Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan" are two of his best-known works. Hearn spent the remainder of his life in Japan after moving there in 1890. Hearn lived in Kumamoto City for a number of years (1891 to 1894) after a year in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. His previous home in Kumamoto is now accessible to the public and has a tiny author museum.
Kumamoto Prefecture's best day excursions & overnight spots
Mount Aso: Active volcano with a huge ancient caldera: The biggest active volcano in Japan and one of the biggest worldwide is Mount Aso, sometimes known as Aso Volcano. The living mountain is located in Kumamoto Prefecture, on the island of Kyushu, within the Aso Kuju National Park. Takadake, at 1,592 meters (5,223 feet) above sea level, is the park's highest mountain. Mount Aso is situated within a quite sizable crater that is around 120 km (75 mi) in circumference and 25 km (16 miles) north-south and 18 km (11 mi) east-west. The breathtaking Rhododendron kiusianum landscapes of Mount Aso, which are a part of important protected botanical habitats, are well-known. Since ancient times, Aso has been revered as a sacred site. It developed into a training and worship mountain. There was just one trekking route from Bauchuu, close to the present-day Aso station, prior to the Meiji period. During the Meiji period, Mount Aso was first visited by foreigners for research and tourism. As more and more local tourists arrived, a new hiking route from the mountain's south gained notoriety. The Miyaji train line began service during the Taisho period, and overnight Japanese visitors turned the region into a year-round vacation spot. The Mount Aso Ropeway, a cable car system that began on April 10, 1958, to offer even better access to the peak, was permanently closed in 2014 due to the volcano's extreme hazard. Additionally, because Mount Aso is a volcano, there are numerous onsen hot springs in places like Kurokawa, Asoakamizu, and Uchinomaki. The Nakadake route leads to the highest point on Mount Aso, which is part of the active crater and frequently closed when volcanic gas or activity is too high. There are several hiking trails that lead to the intriguing peaks and mountains surrounding the crater. The other nearby trails provide pleasant terrain and distinctive views of the Aso crater, the grasslands, and Komezuka, a small conical summit. The museum's bus station provides access to almost all of the trails, with the exception of Nekodake. Today, getting to Mount Aso involves a train ride and a taxi ride or just a taxi ride from Kumamoto City, a taxi from Kurokawa Onsen, and a taxi from Takachiho. Remote places either eat up your time or your money! That's private travel . . .
Takachiho: Mythological origins village & super river gorge: Japanese mythology abounds in Takachiho, a village in northern Miyazaki Prefecture. The Shinto Sun Goddess Amaterasu is said to have hidden herself in a cave there after being agitated by her brother's unkind antics, leading the other gods and goddesses to attempt to entice her out. The rice terraces of Takachiho are another notable feature. Along with Mount Takachiho-no-mine in Kirishima National Park, it is also the contested landing site of the god Ninigi no Mikoto, grandson of Amaterasu, who was sent down from heaven to establish the lineage of Japanese emperors. Takachiho is referred to as a "power spot" because it is an area of great religious significance and natural beauty that exudes spiritual force. On a tranquil day, Takachiho Gorge and Amano Iwato Shrine are two of the greatest places to have a spiritual experience. The old Hyūga Province included the Takachiho area. It has a significant role in Japanese mythology as the location where the sun goddess Amaterasu sent Ninigi to descend from the heavens. It is home to the Ama-no-Iwato shrine, which is said to be the cave where Amaterasu hid until Ame-no-Uzume enticed her to come out. The Kikuchi clan, which was connected to Aso Shrine in Higo Province, ruled the region from the late Heian period into the Sengoku period. Later, the Otomo clan of Bungo Province and the Shimazu clan of Satsuma Province fought over the region. It was a component of Nobeoka Domain's possessions following the rise of the Tokugawa shogunate. The 2nd Raiding Brigade, also referred to as the Takachiho paratroopers, trained in the town during World War Two. Top attractions in Takachiho: Takachiho Gorge: The Gokase River carved a slender gorge in the rock known as Takachiho Gorge. Volcanic basalt columns that resemble a dragon's scales, where the stone twisted and flowed during formation, creating the almost steep cliffs that line the gorge. The 17-meter-tall Minainotaki waterfall, which cascades to the river below halfway down the canyon, is incredibly striking when viewed against the surrounding grey cliffs and lush green flora. The gorge can be viewed from two different angles. The first is accomplished by rowing down the river from below. The water is calm and easy to sail, and you may rent boats near the gorge's south end. The cliffs and waterfall can be seen up close on this well-recommended path. Walking the paved walkway that runs along the gorge's edge allows for the second perspective, which is seen from above. There are breathtaking vistas everywhere you go, and at certain places along the trail, you can see the river below almost directly. After roughly a kilometer of hiking, the trail ends at the Takachiho Shrine. A freshwater aquarium, a stocked fishing pond, and a few eateries and gift shops are among the additional attractions near the southern end of the canyon. From the middle of May to November, the gorge is lit up until 22:00 in the nights. Amano Iwato Shrine: One of the most well-known stories in Japanese mythology is set in Takachiho. According to the tale, the Shinto sun goddess Amaterasu was so incensed by her brother's mean antics that she withdrew into a cave, refusing to go and denying the world her life-giving light. To entice her out, all the other gods and goddesses assembled. They tried everything they could think of, but it didn't work until one goddess did a risqué dance that made the other gods giggle uncontrollably. Amaterasu brought her light back to the world when she emerged from the cave to see what all the excitement was about. Amano Iwato Shrine was constructed close to the cave where Amaterasu is supposed to have hidden herself, around ten kilometers outside of central Takachiho. The major structures of the shrine are situated across the Iwato River from the cave. Although it is not possible to enter the cave, you can see across the river from the observation deck located behind the main building of the shrine. A priest will offer you a guided tour in Japanese if you ask at the shrine gate to enter the observation deck. Takachiho Shrine: Takachiho Shrine is tucked away in a large cedar grove about west of the town center. During the day, the unremarkable, unpainted structures of the shrine easily blend in with the trees that surround it. A sense of serene reverence permeates the air as the light passes through. In a sequence of episodes that portray the divine conflict and other divine actions, the ancient Shinto legends of Takachiho mentioned above are now performed nightly at Takachiho Shrine as Yokagura (night dances). Just a few scenes from the story are shown in the one-hour show, which is accompanied by traditional instruments and dancers wearing masks. It takes place at the Yokagura performance hall, which is only a short distance from the main shrine structure. There is no passenger train service in Takachiho. Every one of my clients on private tours in Japan has taken a taxi from Kumamoto City, Kurokawa Onsen, or Mount Aso to Takachiho. The ride is amazing in and of itself, but it's not inexpensive.
Kurokawa Onsen: hot springs known all over Japan by name: One of the most picturesque hot spring villages in Japan is Kurokawa Onsen, which is situated in the center of Kyushu, roughly 20 kilometers north of Mount Aso. The town's concerted efforts to preserve a welcoming, traditional ambiance have prevented Kurokawa from being overrun by the large concrete hotels, neon signs, and garish colors found in many other resort towns in Japan.
Rather, the townscape of Kurokawa is dominated by natural materials and hues, including a river that flows through, wooden buildings, earthen walls, and stone staircases. With the exception of a few ryokan that are less centrally positioned, the town center, which is situated in a forested valley, is small and simple to explore on foot.
Ryokan, public baths, charming shops and cafes, a tiny shrine, and bridges that cross the river directly to ryokan gates border the town's alleyways. It's really fun to go about town in yukata and geta sandals that one's ryokan provides. The town center also has an information center where you may get maps and other information.
Kurokawa is renowned not just for its picturesque town but also for its ryokan's remarkable outdoor baths (rotenburo), some of which are situated next to a rushing river or stand out for their size. While some of the more central ryokan boast modest but ancient baths that were originally frequented by the feudal lords of neighboring Kumamoto Castle, the larger baths with good views are often found a little outside of the town center.
While overnight guests and daytrippers can naturally take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy their own ryokan's baths as frequently as they like, they can also participate in a "tour of outdoor baths" known as Rotemburo Meguri, which allows them to explore other baths in town throughout the day.
To do this, a wooden pass (tegata) that grants access to the baths of three different ryokan of one's choosing is offered for 1500 yen. The ticket is good for up to six months. Both the information center and the more than twenty participating ryokan have it available. On the other hand, each bath costs about 600 yen. On the day of your visit, ask the information center about any potential closures.
In addition to the ryokan baths, Kurokawa boasts two very basic, unattended public bath houses with tiny indoor baths: the Anayu, which was recently rebuilt after being destroyed in a storm in 2020, and the Jizoyu, which is situated in the town center itself and is situated along the river just above it. It costs 200 yen to enter either bath.
The Amakusa Islands: Stunning sunsets and old Christian ruins: The Amakusa group of islands is located in western Kyushu, roughly 60 kilometers southwest of Kumamoto City. Amakusa is a secluded, rural area with lovely natural landscape, consisting of two large islands and hundreds of smaller islets. Before Christianity was outlawed in the early Edo Period, missionaries were able to convert a sizable portion of the local populace, including the daimyo, to Christianity thanks to this isolation. This religious legacy is reflected in the many churches and museums that are now dispersed throughout the islands.
Ferries connect the smaller islands to the larger Amakusa islands, Shimoshima, Ueshima, and Oyano, while bridges connect the three main islands to the Kumamoto mainland. Amakusa has been designated a national Geopark because of its abundance of natural geological structures and beautiful foliage. Additionally, boat cruises offer the chance to witness wild dolphins that reside among the islands.
The Amakusa Islands experienced starvation and cruel treatment of its lowest classes in the early Edo Period. In 1637–1638, peasants from the Amakusa Islands and neighboring Shimabara Peninsula rebelled against their ruler because they were fed up with the oppression of Christians and the high taxes imposed on the poor. One of the biggest peasant uprisings of the Edo Period was the Shimabara Rebellion, so named because it was primarily fought on the nearby peninsula.
The whole rebel army, including its youthful leader Amakusa Shiro, was killed when the insurrection was finally put down by a powerful Shogunate force. The Tokugawa Shogunate subsequently tightened its prohibition on Christianity. A statewide crackdown on practicing Christians was conducted, particularly in the Amakusa and Shimabara districts where the church was well-established, and all missionaries were banished from Japan.
Amakusa's stunning Misumi port town: old & embedded in nature: The little but important port town of Misumi, which is tucked away on the southwest coast of Kumamoto Prefecture, has a rich history and breathtaking natural beauty. The Amakusa Islands, a gorgeous island known for its secret Christian heritage and dolphin-watching opportunities, can be reached from this quaint location. Misumi West Port's significance as a historical and cultural landmark has been further enhanced since 2015 when it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Misumi provides tourists with an enthralling look into Japan's history and present with its distinctive fusion of industrial legacy, marine charm, and picturesque views.
Southwest of Kumamoto City, Misumi is well situated at the extremity of a peninsula. Its history and significance have been significantly shaped by its physical location. The town is known as the "Gateway to Amakusa" because of its closeness to the Amakusa Islands. Once home to a sizable population of Hidden Christians, these islands—now connected to the mainland by the well-known Five Bridges of Amakusa—brought a dimension of cultural mystery to the region.
When Misumi West Port was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, Misumi's historical significance took on a new meaning. With an emphasis on iron and steel, shipbuilding, and coal mining, it is now recognized as one of the 23 Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution. Due to the port's placement on this esteemed list, tourism has increased dramatically, attracting travelers from all over the world who are interested in history and culture.
The tremendous industrialization of Japan during the Meiji period is intimately linked to the town's development. One of three ports designed especially for exporting commodities was Misumi West Port, which was built in 1887. Its construction was thought to be more cost-effective than enlarging Misumi Port to handle bigger ships. Dutch engineer A. Rouwenhorst Mulder had an impact on the port's design, which features an intriguing fusion of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and Western technical concepts.
The main railway route to Misumi is the JR Misumi Line. This route begins 25 kilometers away in Uto, connects to the Kagoshima Main route, and ends at Misumi Station. It then continues on to Kumamoto Station. The local service, which costs 740 yen, takes 52 minutes to get to Misumi from Kumamoto.
Travelers can choose the special Limited Express service with the "A" Train for a more opulent experience. Named after a well-known jazz composition, this classy, reservation-only tour train provides a distinctive journey. The A Train was designed by Eiji Mitooka, who is well-known for his work on other special trains in Kyushu, such as the Sonic, Yufuin no Mori, and Kawasemi Yamasemi. It has a retro decor and even has an alcohol-serving bar. It makes two round journeys every day, timed to connect with ferry services to Amakusa, and operates mostly on weekends and holidays.
Bus services offer a another way to go to Misumi and the Amakusa Islands for people who would rather travel by car. From Kumamoto to Hondo, the Kyushu Sanko Bus runs an express route that stops close to Misumi Station. This trip costs roughly 1,600 yen and takes about 80 minutes. tiny local buses, which provide a slower but more picturesque route via tiny villages, also connect Misumi to different areas of Amakusa.
Minamata Eco-Town: From pollution site to environmental model city: Minamata City has been striving to become an environmental model city since 1999, when its environmental management policies were certified by the International Standards Organization (ISO) thanks to the experience of one of the worst pollution disasters in Japanese history (Minamata Disease or massive mercury poisoning crime; watch the heartwarming movie starring an old Jonny Depp!). A strict garbage classification and recycling program (waste is divided into over 20 categories), encouragement of energy conservation, waste reduction, ecologically friendly farming and fishing, preservation of natural resources, and the creation of Minamata as a city for environmental studies are some of the initiatives. Minamata Eco Town is an industrial park with a variety of recycling-related businesses situated just outside the city core of Minamata. spent bottles, televisions, air conditioners, refrigerators, tires, spent oil, plastics, and sewage are some of the items that Eco Town recycles and repurposes. Although individual visitors cannot see Eco Town's recycling facilities, study groups with an interest in the area can arrange trips.
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Content by Japan travel specialist & designer Ian Martin Ropke, founder & owner of Your Japan Private Tours (YJPT, est. 1990). I have been planning, designing, and making custom Japan private tours on all five Japanese islands since the early 1990s. I work closely with all of YJPT's Japan private tour clients and have a great team behind me. I promote YJPT through this content and only advertise at www.japan-guide.com, which has the best all-Japan English content & maps! If you are going to Japan and you understand the advantages of private travel, consider my services for your next trip to save time & have a better time. Ian Martin Ropke (unique on Google Search) is also a serious nonfiction and fiction writer, a startup founder (NexussPlus.com), and a spiritual wood sculptor. Learn more!