Kumamoto City

The three-museum pass is well worth the price, allowing you to appreciate the grandeur of Kumamoto Castle and learn about its history and culture. However, the museums themselves are a bit far; if possible, consider using the shuttle bus or paying attention to the open paths to avoid taking a longer route.

The ship was very comfortable, the scenery was beautiful, and the staff were friendly. It was my first time disembarking from a ship with my car, a very novel experience.

Because of the large group, hiring a car and planning your own itinerary to visit more distant attractions and hotels is really easy and convenient. They'll notify you before departure to create a LINE group, so you don't have to worry about not being able to contact the driver. Highly recommended.

May 4, 2026 Due to the volcano crater being closed due to the accident, this trip started with Kusasenri -> Kamishimi Kumanozha Shrine -> Takachiho Scenic Railway -> Takachiho Gorge boat ride. Because of the Golden Week holiday traffic congestion, the time at some stops was shortened, but that's unavoidable when traveling during holidays 😅 The itinerary was quite tight, suitable for those who want to visit every spot. For a more in-depth experience, you'll have to drive yourself later. I must commend our tour guide, Ms. Kong Yan, for her excellent explanations, which helped me understand Kumamoto better. She also cared about the group members' well-being, deserving five stars! Thank you also to the driver for bringing us back safely!