[Fukuoka/Kumamoto Departure] Kumamoto Castle & Aso Volcano (includes volcano shuttle bus) & Kusasenri & Aso Shrine & Kurokawa Onsen One-Day Tour

Itinerary Reference

08:00 Lawson Fukuoka Oriental Hotel (in front of Hakata Station Chikushi Exit)

10:00 Sakura‑no‑Baba Josaien Coach Parking (Kumamoto Castle)

10:00 Kumamoto Castle

13:10 Kusasenri, Mount Aso Nakadake Crater, Aso Volcano Museum,

15:30 Aso Roadside Station

17:45‑18:15 Lawson ‑ Fukuoka Oriental Hotel

Itinerary may be adjusted based on traffic and weather conditions

Tour Highlights

Kumamoto Castle: Visit one of Japan's three famous castles, admire historic architecture and cherry blossoms.

Kusasenri: Stroll across the vast grasslands, watch freely roaming cattle and horses, and enjoy nature.

Kusasenri Horse Riding Experience: Ride horses on the lush green plains, feel the serenity and beauty of nature.

Aso Volcano Museum: Learn about the geology and history of Mount Aso, and witness the spectacular views of the volcanic crater.

Kurokawa Onsen: Dreamlike scenery, healing hot springs, gourmet food, retro streetscapes, enjoy a peacefulness akin to paradise.

Kumamoto has abundant natural hot spring resources, but few are as famous as Kurokawa Onsen. This mountain town has about 30 hot spring inns, with retro inns in a unified black colour scheme lined up neatly, creating a striking landscape. The beautiful river flowing through the town, dense vegetation, and steam rising from the hot springs overlap, offering visitors a dreamlike vista. The greatest charm of this hot spring town lies in its open‑air baths that make full use of the beautiful landscape, taking advantage of the unique geographical location surrounded by mountains; each inn has its own ingeniously designed open‑air bath. Here, you can fully enjoy the natural scenery while relaxing in the hot springs.

In the "Top 100 Japanese Hot Springs" announced by the Tourism Economy Newspaper in 2008, Kurokawa Onsen ranked first in the "Atmosphere" category. In the 2009 "Michelin Travel Guide Japan",

Kusasenri is a vast grassland at the northern foot of Mount Eboshi. In the centre of the grassland is a pond formed by rainwater, and cattle and horses graze on the fields, offering different scenery throughout the year.

Mount Aso, located in northeastern Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu, is a famous active volcano in Japan, featuring a rare caldera terrain.

Look down at the crater from close range, gaze at the constant streams of white smoke, and feel the incredible power and magnificent scenery of nature.

Kumamoto Castle is ranked as one of "Japan's Three Great Castles".

Kumamoto Castle was built over seven years by the first lord of the Kumamoto Domain, Kato Kiyomasa, a renowned castle builder. After the Kato family fell from grace, it became the residence of the Hosokawa family.

Strolling leisurely on this lush green grassland, watching the free and easy cattle and sheep, and breathing in the fresh mountain air will refresh your mind and give you the illusion of being in a fairyland.

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, also known as Tenjin, the god of learning, culture, and art, and welcomes over 10 million visitors annually. As one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines, it is the head shrine of 12,000 Tenjin shrines nationwide and one of Fukuoka's most popular tourist attractions. The shrine and its surrounding area are very quaint, yet its interpretation of art is eternally fresh. Dazaifu Tenmangu collaborates with international artists to create a wealth of cutting‑edge art programmes, blending spirituality and creativity in a unique environment open to all. Passing through the large torii gate into the shrine, you will see three sacred bridges over a pond stocked with koi carp and turtles. The pond is shaped like the Japanese kanji character "kokoro" (heart). On the raised rocks at the edge of the lake grow ancient camphor trees,

Achieving Success on the Honour Roll Sugawara no Michizane is closely associated with learning; students across Japan often visit the shrine before exams to pray for success and smooth advancement. Prayer charms can be purchased at the shrine office beside the main hall. During exam season, the tower gate is covered with ema (votive plaques), a truly spectacular sight.

Tobiume (Flying Plum Tree) To the right of the main hall is the most famous plum tree at Dazaifu Tenmangu, known as "Tobiume" (Flying Plum). Legend has it that when Michizane was exiled from Kyoto, the plum tree missed its owner so much that it uprooted itself and flew to Dazaifu to reunite with him. Michizane loved plum trees all his life. It is said that he could compose poetry at the age of five, and one of his poems roughly means, "How beautiful the red plum blossoms are; I want to colour my cheeks with them."

Aso Shrine Approach: Both sides of the road are lined with many varieties of cherry blossoms, such as Yamazakura and Somei Yoshino. You can enjoy the cherry blossoms while tasting local delicacies sold along the shopping street.