Kumamoto Prefecture

Kumamoto prefecture in the south-west of Japan is known for its cuddly bear mascot, Kumamon, “Wugyu” beef (and horse sashimi), the national treasure “Kiyoko Suizenji” and the beautiful Aso caldera. Easily accessible by air, it is an essential visit while in Japan.
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Kumamoto is located on the Island of Kyushu, at the far south-west of Japan. The dialects are thick, the paddy fields are expansive, and the population density is nothing like that of Tokyo. As with anywhere in Kyushu, travel can be a challenge but the reward is to experience rural Japan just like in the Studio Ghibli films (plus the odd volcano).

Getting to Kumamoto Prefecture

You can get to Kumamoto directly by plane to Kumamoto-Aso airport from most airports in Japan. ANA, JAL and other low cost carriers fly direct from Tokyo. Jetstar offers a direct service from Narita airport while most other airlines fly from Haneda (Haneda airport is much closer to Tokyo that Narita airport). The earlier you book the cheaper the flights will be. Sales can reduce a one-way ticket to ¥5,000 at times although closer to ¥10,000 is more usual. ANA and JAL prices will usually start from about ¥15,000 one-way. If you find ANA or JAL too expensive and Jetstar too inconvenient then Solaseed is a good mid-range alternative and flies from Haneda airport, .

Most locals will fly to Kyushu from Tokyo however the alternative is the Shinkansen, with a change at Hakata to the Kyushu Shinkansen direct to Kumamoto city. This is a very long, expensive journey as there are no discount tickets on the Shinkansen so a one-way will cost around ¥27,000 and take close to 6 hours. The cost is no problem with a JR pass (a fixed fee pass for unlimited travel on all JR lines for foreign tourists only) however 6 hours on a train maybe a wasted opportunity for those with limited time in Japan. Overnight buses are available only to Fukuoka (see the city where you change from the blue line to the red line in the Google map below). One-way is around ¥15,000, which doesn’t seen worth it considering how cheap air travel is.

Getting to Kumamoto is a choice of fast and direct (by air) or slow and over a period of days (by train or bus). There is certainly enough to see and do in Kyushu to warrant a direct flight to spend a week traveling the area, with Kumamoto as part of the plan. Bare in mind that travel inside Kyushu is difficult, with limited trains and buses. Car hire would be a good choice.

Highlights of Kumamoto Prefecture

Most travelers will arrive via the Kumamoto-Aso airport, or Kumamoto city station. The airport is a good one hour by bus from Kumamoto city, and a similar distance but even less convenient journey to Aso city. A list of buses can be found on the official airport homepage.

The usual tourist locations are Kumamoto Castle, Aso volcano summit and Kurokawa Onsen. Hot springs are numerous, spacious and usually not crowded. Most other locations are pretty much off-limits to tourists without a car, although the panoramic view from Daikanbo is a real treat should the Aso volcano be off-limits due to volcanic gases.

For a unique experience then a trip to the Aso volcano or Daikanbo is probably on the top of the list. There are few other such accessible volcano in the world with such a stunning view, especially on a clear day.

Weather in Kumamoto

While the summer days are as hot as anywhere else in Japan (high 30℃), the evenings tend to be cooler out of the city. Winters are cold and the wind can be biting, with some snow falling most years and nights below zero fairly common especially in January. While Tokyo Autumn and Spring can be pleasantly warm day and night, most of Kyushu will still get pretty cold at night so make sure you prepare, especially when traveling up to the Aso volcano summit, which is 1,600m above sea level.