Kumamoto, Kyushu, Japan Day Trip | Kumamoto Castle & Asokadeli Zoo & Mt. Aso Crater & Kusasenri | Helicopter Experience Available On-Site | Departure from Fukuoka/Kumamoto
- This tour is provided with a tour leader and the service languages are Chinese and Japanese
- Experience an 11-hour classic Kumamoto itinerary aboard a comfortable tour bus
- Admire the ancient architecture of Japan's three most famous castles and experience the atmosphere of the Edo period
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Luggage limit | 1 piece |
| Minimum participant requirement | 6 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Seasonal | Spring Cherry Blossom |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Japanese castles, Bus tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
- Itinerary Information -
- Meeting time: 07:50
- Meeting point: In front of the Lawson convenience store on the first floor of the Oriental Hotel, Chikushi Exit, JR Hakata Station.
- Departure time: 08:00
- Itinerary Introduction -
08:00 Departure from Hakata Station
10:00 – 11:00 Kumamoto Castle (approximately 1 hour stop)
※Note: Admission fees are 800 yen per person and must be paid by the guest in cash only.
12:20 – 14:00 Asukadeli Zoo (approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes stop)
※Note: Admission is 2,000 yen per person and must be paid by the guest in cash only.
14:30 – 14:50 Aso Crater (approximately 20-minute stop)
15:00 – 15:30 Kusanagi Senri (approximately 30-minute stop)
18:00 Return to Hakata Station
- Attraction Introduction -
- kumamoto castle
One of Japan's three most famous castles, Kumamoto is renowned for its magnificent castle tower and is a historical landmark and popular tourist attraction. In spring, it is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot.
- Aso Nakadake crater
The Aso crater is one of the world's largest active volcanoes, with its magnificent terrain and smoldering volcanic landscape being truly breathtaking. Visitors can get up close to the crater and the emerald green volcanic lake, experiencing the immense power of nature.
- grass thousand miles
Kusasenri, located in the central part of Mount Aso, is a vast, boundless green grassland with magnificent scenery. Here you can take a walk, ride a horse, or picnic and fully experience the freshness and tranquility of nature.
- Asukadeli Animal Park
Asokadeli Zoo is a park where you can get up close and personal with animals such as bears, alpacas, capybaras, and penguins, and experience the popular "Hug a Baby Bear" activity. There are also adorable and entertaining animal shows. At "Kumakani Valley," you can observe bears up close and experience feeding them. There are also mini pig races and various family-friendly activities, full of surprises and touching moments. The park also offers helicopter tours, providing breathtaking aerial views of the Aso crater. Helicopter tours are available, offering unforgettable experiences with stunning views of Aso from the air. Asokadeli Zoo also offers helicopter sightseeing flights (a breathtaking flight offering close-up views of the Aso crater) allowing you to enjoy the surrounding scenery and the magnificent landscape of Mount Aso from the air. The time and cost vary depending on the flight route. (On-site reservation required, extra charge, 7-minute route, 10,000 yen per person. ※View of the crater, maximum 3 passengers per helicopter.)
Kumamoto Castle and Josaien: Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's three great castles along with Osaka Castle and Nagoya Castle, was built by Kato Kiyomasa, a general under Toyotomi Hideyoshi, during his tenure as lord of Kumamoto Castle. Numerous cherry blossom trees line the approach to the castle and within the park, making it a renowned cherry blossom viewing spot. Sakura-no-Baba Josaien, in addition to the historical and cultural experience facility "Wakura-Wakura-za" and the food and beverage outlet "Sakura-no-Koji," features a recreation of an Edo-period castle town.
Kumamoto Castle is renowned for its majestic castle tower and sturdy stone walls. The castle retains a rich historical atmosphere and is a must-see for those seeking to understand Kumamoto's culture and history.
Cherry blossoms around Kumamoto Castle in spring.
Aso Nakadake Crater: If the crater's emanation index exceeds the permitted level and access is unavailable, the itinerary will automatically switch to Kusasenri. Please note that Mount Aso, Kyushu's largest volcanic complex, experienced a major eruption 90,000 years ago, completely altering the landscape and even the environment. The surrounding area is home to numerous natural hot springs and scenic spots. Mount Aso is an active volcano and one of the few that can be viewed up close.
The turquoise waters of Aso's crater intertwine with the billowing white smoke, creating a breathtaking spectacle of nature. Admiring an active volcano up close is a must-see experience in Kyushu.
Caoqianli is a vast, lush green grassland, like a giant natural carpet, rippling with the wind. Ponies graze leisurely, and the wind brings the fragrance of the grass. Walking among them is as adorable and relaxing as stepping into a fairytale.
Konezuka is a charming little hill in the Aso region, named after its shape, which resembles an upside-down rice bowl. The hillside changes color throughout the year, from emerald green in spring and summer to golden yellow in autumn and winter, making it a dreamy photo spot.
Watch the star bear at Asukadri Animal Park play on the grass, full of energy and curiosity. Its round ears and lively eyes create a playful and adorable look.
A variety of animals and their trainers perform together in entertaining and moving shows that are very popular among tourists.
Get up close and personal with small animals.
Purchase Notice
- Infants under 3 years old can attend for free (without seat).
- There are underground gas eruptions near the Nakadake crater. Visitors with respiratory problems (asthma, bronchial tube problems, heart disease) are not recommended to participate in this tour.
- Each passenger may bring a maximum of one piece of luggage free of charge. Please note this when booking. Failure to provide at least one day's notice and bringing luggage at short notice may result in congestion and compromise safety. The operator reserves the right to deny boarding and will not refund any fees. Thank you for your understanding.
【Travel Conditions】
- Travel origin and destination: Fukuoka and Kumamoto
- Travel days: Round trip
- Transportation: Chartered bus
- Bus Company Name: Amasa Kanko
- Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
- Accommodation facilities: None
- Minimum group size: 6
- Team leader: 1
- Tour guide: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
- Name of the operating company: (Co., Ltd.) Japan Teleport Co., Ltd.
- Address: 1-14-4 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, 810-0001 Tenjin Heiwa Building 8F
- License Number: Osaka Prefecture Governor's Travel Business Registration No. 2-2181
- Travel Association Name: Regular member of the National Association of Travel Agents (Osaka Prefecture Branch), Regular member of the Osaka Prefecture Travel Agents Association, and cooperating member of JATA.
Reminders
A minimum of 6 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 12:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: Asthma, Heart disease
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
The sightseeing bus is a group tour. Please be sure to abide by the meeting time at each meeting point to avoid delaying other passengers' trips.
In the event of severe weather such as typhoons or natural disasters, the entire trip may be temporarily cancelled. Guests will be notified by email and a full refund will be given.
You may choose not to return to the departure point by bus after the tour, but please inform us in advance in the remarks section. If you decide not to return to the departure point on the spot, please sign the Chinese/English affidavit before leaving the group.
There are no toilets on the bus, but don't worry, the staff will guide you to the toilets when you arrive at each attraction.
After successfully booking, if you wish to change your departure date 7 days before the date of use, please contact customer service separately. (Please understand that changes may not be possible.)
Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Please take good care of your valuables. We will not compensate you for any loss of valuables during your trip.
For smaller groups, a VIP car with a driver who also serves as the tour leader will be used. Please be aware that this is a shared ride with other guests and does not allow parking outside of the attractions.
Depending on the traffic conditions on the day, the end time may be delayed or other unexpected circumstances may occur. Guests who are flying on the same day are not recommended to participate in this tour. Our company does not assume any responsibility for any delays in the flight.
The end time may be extended or shortened depending on the weather and traffic conditions of the day.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 4 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 2 to 3 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–1 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Kumamoto Castle, recognized as one of Japan's three great castles, is renowned for its robust stone walls, the unique 'Musha-gaeshi' curved ramparts, and its magnificent keep. During your visit, pay attention to surviving historical structures like the Uto Yagura turret. The exhibits within the castle keep offer insights into the castle lord Kato Kiyomasa's wisdom in construction and the historical evolution of Kumamoto Castle. These are important points to understand its significance as a military fortress and cultural symbol.
Currently, major accessible areas of Kumamoto Castle, such as the Main Keep, Lesser Keep, and Ninomaru Palace, are open for visits. It's recommended to allocate at least 1.5 to 2 hours to thoroughly explore the historical artifacts inside the keep, admire the reconstructed Ninomaru Palace's Grand Hall, and stroll through the open castle grounds to experience its magnificent atmosphere. This ensures you have ample time to experience the essence of Kumamoto Castle.
Kumamoto Castle has been actively undergoing restoration since the 2016 earthquake. The Main Keep and Lesser Keep have been fully restored and are now open to the public, allowing visitors to ascend to the top for panoramic views of Kumamoto city. The 'Shogunkaku' room and parts of the corridors in Ninomaru Palace are also accessible. While overall restoration is ongoing, the core areas are open for visits, with detailed explanations of the restoration process to help visitors understand the challenging undertaking.
Sakuranobaba Castle Town is a tourist facility located below Kumamoto Castle. Its outdoor areas and the 'Sakura-no-Koji' shopping street are free to enter, allowing visitors to freely shop and sample local delicacies. However, a ticket is required to enter the 'Wakuwakuza' (historical and cultural experience facility) within the town. You can easily book a Kumamoto one-day tour through KKday for convenient transportation, eliminating the hassle of planning your own transit, and making your visit to Kumamoto Castle and Castle Town more accessible.
Sakuranobaba Castle Town is an excellent place to experience Kumamoto's history and cuisine. At 'Sakura-no-Koji,' you can savor Kumamoto ramen, horse meat dishes, local specialty sweets, and purchase Kumamoto-exclusive souvenirs. The 'Wakuwakuza' within the town offers exhibits on Kumamoto's history and culture, as well as VR experiences, allowing visitors to delve into the past and historical stories of Kumamoto Castle through interactive means. It's ideal for family outings.
One of Kumamoto Castle's most distinctive architectural features is its tall and curved stone walls, the 'Musha-gaeshi,' which showcase sophisticated castle-building techniques and served a defensive purpose. The castle keep is a significant viewpoint, offering 360-degree panoramic views of Kumamoto city from its top floor. Additionally, don't miss the 'Shogunkaku' within Ninomaru Palace; its exquisite interior decorations and murals are also worth appreciating in detail, allowing you to experience the luxurious lifestyle of past feudal lords.
When visiting the Mount Aso crater, it is crucial to adhere to the on-site safety instructions and regulations. Due to the potential for toxic gases from volcanic activity, individuals with poor health, pregnant women, or those with asthma should avoid getting too close. Please pay attention to volcanic gas alert levels; if the alert level increases, some areas may be temporarily closed, or visitor access may be restricted. It is advisable to stay updated with official announcements and follow the instructions of guides or on-site staff to ensure your safety.
Aso's Kusasenri is a vast volcanic grassland boasting magnificent natural scenery. You can wander through the verdant grasslands and admire the views of the Nakadake crater, experiencing the vastness of nature. Horseback riding experiences are also available, allowing you to explore the plains in a unique way and enjoy the pleasure of being close to horses. It's perfect for taking photos and capturing the unique pastoral scenery of Aso.
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