Kumamoto Castle + Mt. Aso + Volcano Crater + Kusasenri + Kishima-dake Mountain Climbing Day Trip (Departing from Fukuoka)
- Explore all of Kumamoto's most popular spots in one trip: visit Kumamoto Castle, Kusasenri, and the Aso volcano crater – a compact yet enriching itinerary.
- Challenge the light-weight hike of Mount Kijima: approximately 2 hours round trip, with a well-defined trail that beginners can easily complete.
- Experience the Aso volcano landscape up close: Head to the entrance of the Aso crater to view the volcanic smoke and the majestic volcanic formations.
- Explore the vast grasslands of the Grassland: enjoy expansive green volcanic grasslands and choose to ride a horse or bicycle (at your own expense).
- Professional tour guides accompany you: They provide itinerary explanations and mountain climbing assistance, making your trip more worry-free. The most convenient departure from Hakata: No need to drive, a comfortable bus takes you easily through Kumamoto.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Early Departure (Before 8 am) |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Historic site tour, 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.
One of Japan's three most famous castles, it remains magnificent even after being restored from an earthquake. The Honmaru Palace, the Musha-gaeshi (warrior's return stone wall), and the cherry blossoms in spring are all must-sees.
Because of its high altitude, the air at Caoqianli is fresh and clean. Standing in the middle of the grassland and looking at the smoke from the Zhongyue volcano in the distance, you will have a wonderful feeling of being in the middle of the earth and being gently embraced by nature.
Purchase Notice
[Tourism Conditions]
Travel departure point and destination: Fukuoka
Trip duration: Day trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: FLY Kanko Co., Ltd. Relations Cooperation Company
Meals provided: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum group size: 4
Team Leader: 0
Tour guide: 1
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating Company Name: JRT Group Co., Ltd.
Address: Room 510, Floor 5, Ginza Ishii Haru, 6-14-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
License Number: Tokyo Governor's Registered Travel Agent No. 2-8353
Name of travel industry association: Japan Travel Industry Association (full member)
Reminders
A minimum of 4 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 18:00). 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: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
We will contact you between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM the day before departure using the contact information you provided. If you do not receive a message, please check your email. Emails may sometimes be mistakenly placed in your spam folder. During peak tourist season, there may be slight delays in email delivery. If you receive multiple emails, please refer to the latest one. If you have not received your travel information, please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time on the day of departure and look for the JRT guide flag for assistance. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
The itinerary is for reference only. Actual transportation, stopover, and sightseeing times may be adjusted due to weather, traffic jams, facility maintenance, etc. The tour guide may reasonably change or remove attractions based on actual circumstances.
This is a group tour, and seating is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note any special requests you may have, and we will do our best to arrange them, but the final arrangements will be subject to the actual situation on-site.
The vehicle type used will be arranged according to the number of people; specific vehicle types cannot be specified. For small groups, a driver may be assigned as an attendant, and the explanation will be brief.
If you need to bring luggage, please inform us in advance. If you bring luggage without authorization, the tour guide has the right to refuse boarding and no refund will be given. Eating and drinking are prohibited on the bus; any damage will be charged according to local standards.
No refunds will be given for late arrivals, changes to the meeting point, or leaving the group midway due to personal reasons. Any accidents or additional costs incurred after leaving the group will be borne by the individual.
Seasonal activities such as flower viewing, maple leaf viewing, snow scenery viewing, and fireworks festivals are greatly affected by the weather, and the peak blooming season and peak autumn foliage season may be earlier or later. Even if the expected scenery is not achieved, the tour will still proceed as scheduled, and no refunds will be given.
Please arrive at the meeting point on time. Latecomers will not be waited for, and you cannot join the meeting midway.
If cable car, cruise ship, or other facilities are suspended due to weather or force majeure, alternative attractions will be visited or the stay time will be adjusted.
We recommend wearing light clothing and shoes. Please bring warm clothing if you are traveling in winter or in mountainous areas.
The itinerary does not include personal travel and accident insurance; it is recommended that you purchase your own insurance. Outdoor activities and high-risk sports involve certain risks; please carefully consider your own health condition before registering. If the trip is forced to be cancelled due to natural disasters or force majeure after departure, no refund will be given, and travelers will be responsible for their own return travel or additional accommodation costs.
During peak travel periods in Japan, such as holidays and weekends, there are often severe traffic jams or attractions closing early. It is recommended not to book flights, Shinkansen trains, or dinners for the same evening, and to bring your own light snacks and a power bank.
A complimentary shuttle bus ticket to the Aso crater is included. If Aso is closed, this complimentary item is non-refundable and non-changeable.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 2 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 70% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 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
The main keep of Kumamoto Castle has largely completed its restoration after the 2016 earthquakes, with the castle tower now reopened to the public. Visitors can explore the castle's interior and enjoy panoramic views from the top. While some areas of the wider castle grounds may still be undergoing repair, the primary viewing sections and main attractions are accessible for visitors.
A comprehensive visit to Kumamoto Castle, including exploring its reopened main keep and accessible grounds, typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. This allows ample time to appreciate its magnificent architecture, learn about its historical significance, and enjoy the unique defensive features and scenic viewpoints within the castle complex.
Kumamoto Castle is one of Japan's most impressive and historically significant castles, originally built by Kato Kiyomasa in the early 17th century. It is renowned for its innovative defensive structures, including the distinctive curved stone walls known as 'musha-gaeshi.' The castle played a pivotal role in various historical events, most notably during the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877.
Mount Aso is located in Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan's Kyushu island and is famed for having one of the world's largest active calderas. Its unique characteristic stems from its active Nakadake crater, allowing visitors to safely witness volcanic fumes and steam, offering a rare and powerful close-up experience of a dynamic volcanic landscape within its vast caldera.
Due to Mount Aso's active volcano status, access to the crater area is strictly monitored and managed based on current volcanic activity levels. Visitors must always adhere to local advisories and follow instructions from guides or park staff. Designated viewing areas are in place to ensure visitor safety while allowing observation of the volcanic landscape, and access may be restricted on certain days for safety.
At Kusasenri Plateau, visitors can explore the expansive green volcanic grasslands that stretch across the caldera. This picturesque area offers opportunities for leisurely walks and photography. Additionally, popular activities available for an extra charge include horseback riding and cycling, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the unique natural beauty of the Aso region.
The hiking trail on Kijima-dake is considered a light-grade trek, suitable for beginner hikers. It typically takes approximately 2 hours for a round trip. The path is well-defined and straightforward, allowing participants to comfortably ascend and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding volcanic terrain without requiring extensive hiking experience or specialized equipment.
The most convenient way to visit Kumamoto Castle and the Mount Aso region from Fukuoka (specifically Hakata) is by joining a comprehensive day tour. These tours provide comfortable bus transportation, eliminating the need for self-driving or navigating public transport connections. They often include a professional guide who offers insights into the sites, making the journey hassle-free and enriching.
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