Kyushu Kumamoto Castle & Mount Aso Kusasenri Adventure Day Tour from Fukuoka: Kumamon Square and Aso Roadside Station丨Optional Activities Available

Start your beautiful journey today.
Meeting point pick-up/drop-off: 8:00am at Lawson, Oriental Hotel Fukuoka (in front of Hakata Station Chikushi Exit)
Address:
ローソン オリエンタルホテル福岡店
4-23 Hakataekichuogai, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0012, Japan
* Please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes early, as the tour will depart on time. Guests are kindly asked to cooperate and follow the driver/guide's instructions.

10:00am – Kumamoto
▼ Kumamoto Castle (Approx. 90–110 minutes, self-guided, optional)
Ranked as one of Japans Three Famous Castles, Kumamoto Castle was built by Kato Kiyomasa, a renowned castle architect and the first lord of Kumamoto Domain, starting in 1601 over a seven-year period. After the Kato family was exiled, it became the residence of the Hosokawa family. The castle is famous for its "Musha-gaeshi"stone walls and the elegant Honmaru Palace, and is a symbol of Kumamoto City. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom beautifully, attracting many flower enthusiasts.
The 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake caused severe damage, but the castle keep was fully restored in spring 2021. Standing on a slightly elevated hill in central Kumamoto, the castle is well worth visiting. Nearby, don't miss Sakura-no-Baba Josaien, a castle town-themed area featuring cultural experiences at Yukumozaza and shopping and dining at Sakura-no-Koji, perfect for tasting local cuisine and buying souvenirs.
【Kumamon Square】 (self-guided; approx. 30-minute walk round-trip)
Established following the full opening of the Kyushu Shinkansen in March 2011, Kumamon is the official mascot of Kumamoto Prefecture.
The Kumamon Director's Office showcases Kumamon merchandise, local specialties, and even a café using local ingredients. When Kumamon is present, guests can enjoy adorable live performances on stage.
* Guest Notes for Boarding at Kumamoto Castle:
The bus leaves Fukuoka in the morning and will meet guests joining the tour in Kumamoto on the way. Delays may occur due to traffic or other unavoidable circumstances; your patience is appreciated.
* Kumamoto Castle Visit Tips:
Visits to Kumamoto Castle and nearby attractions are self-guided. Guests must return to the meeting point before the bus leaves to rejoin the group.

13:10pm – Kumamoto
▼ Mount Aso & Kusasenri Grassland (Approx. 90–120 minutes, self-guided, includes lunch break; other entrance fees optional)
* Itinerary may be adjusted if the volcanic crater is restricted.
【Mount Aso】
Located in northeastern Kumamoto Prefecture, Mount Aso is a famous active volcano in Japan with one of the world's rare large caldera formations. Guests can observe the volcanic crater up close, watching plumes of smoke rising and experiencing the awe-inspiring power of nature.
【Kusasenri Grassland】
At the northern foot of Mount Eboshi, Kusasenri is a vast grassland featuring a central rainwater pond and grazing cows and horses. Visitors can stroll across the 20,000-hectare plain, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and experience the serene, picturesque scenery throughout the year.
【Aso Volcano Museum】 (optional)
Facing the wide Kusasenri Grassland, the museum showcases Mount Aso's geography, geology, and wildlife, along with detailed information about its volcanic history. Features include a giant 3D model of the volcano and live feeds of the Nakadake crater.
【Kusasenri Horseback Riding】 (optional)
Experience horseback riding in the stunning Aso landscape, guided by experienced staff. Suitable for children and first-time riders.
【Mount Aso Helicopter Tour】 (optional)
Experience the volcanic crater from the air, with panoramic views of the caldera, surrounding mountains, and seasonal scenery such as blooming azaleas, green plains, and snow-covered landscapes.

15:30pm – Kumamoto
▼ Aso Roadside Station (approx. 15 minutes, free time)
Mount Aso boasts one of the world's few large calderas and magnificent outer rim mountains. Here, you can enjoy views of the majestic Aso Five Mountains. The station offers a variety of local Aso specialties that can only be purchased here, including seasonal vegetables, fruits, meats, dairy products, desserts, and handmade bento boxes. As part of a collaboration between Kumamoto Prefecture and the popular manga One Piece by Eiichiro Oda, a statue of Usopp from the Straw Hat Pirates is also displayed in the plaza of Aso Station.

15:45pm – Return
Conclude a pleasant day of sightseeing and begin the return journey.

18:00pm – Fukuoka
Lawson, Fukuoka Oriental Hotel (in front of Hakata Station Chikushi Exit)
ローソン オリエンタルホテル福岡店
4-23 Hakataekichuogai, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0012, Japan

Please note that the above itinerary schedule may be adjusted due to weather, traffic conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances. Thank you for your understanding.

B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: Excluded