Kumamoto City

A relaxed and carefree day trip itinerary. Meeting point: 7:50 AM Japan time, back exit of Kumamoto Station. There were too many groups that day; hopefully, there will be clearer signage next time. Otherwise, everyone was looking at the tour guide to see if they were on the list, which was chaotic. First stop: Kusasenri, enjoy the scenery and have lunch. There are no other places to eat on the rest of the trip, so we had to eat something here. You can see the Kusasenri Grassland (formerly a volcano), Mount Pudding, Mount Aso (view from a distance), and horseback riding (high price, don't ride). The second stop is Ueshikimi Kumanozha Shrine, a shady spot perfect for taking photos. It has dense trees, restrooms, and 220 steps up and down (440 steps round trip). Alternatively, you can choose to climb the nearby slope. Not recommended for those with sensitive skin. There are restrooms and two small vendors in the parking lot. The third stop is the Takachiho Scenic Railway, the most boring part of the day. After checking in in the morning, you need to pay ¥2300 per person for the round trip. The train ride is about 30 minutes. There is no shade throughout the journey, so be sure to wear sunscreen. Umbrellas are not allowed. The main attraction is the spectacular Takachiho landscape. The train conductor provides a bubble-like atmosphere. Limited-edition drinks are available at the vending machines at the station entrance. The fourth stop is the Takachiho Gorge boat tour. After getting off at the parking lot, it's a 20-minute walk to see the gorge (the terrain is usually downhill or down stairs). The boat is at the bottom, with a minimum of one and a maximum of three people. The rower sits in the middle. There are life jackets provided for the abdomen before boarding. There are vendors selling soy sauce dumplings along the way, which are quite delicious. The return trip takes 30 minutes back to the parking lot (uphill or up stairs). Alternatively, you can choose to take a shuttle bus or taxi down the mountain at your own expense. A taxi ride costs ¥600. This full-day trip requires sufficient physical strength and is not recommended for young children (those unable to walk independently) or the elderly (those unable to walk independently). You can bring your own bread or other food before boarding. Coffee, yogurt, and milk are not allowed on the bus.

After purchasing online, you can redeem your ferry ticket simply by showing your voucher. The staff at the ticket window are very friendly. There are only buses to Kumamoto Port, so remember to pay attention to the time. This time, I was late for the bus, so my ferry ticket was already expired. The staff at the window were very helpful in refunding my ticket. Also, if you miss your return trip, you can still catch a regular bus. Moreover, this ferry is faster and bigger than the other one, and you won't get seasick.

Kumamoto is awesome! 👍 It has everything you need for a first-time independent traveler. It's not too crowded, and the shopping streets are comfortable to explore. The public transportation is convenient and down-to-earth, definitely worth taking.

This chartered car experience was fantastic. The driver was very nice and talkative, and he even discussed the itinerary with us along the way, suggesting the most convenient routes. If you're planning to visit Fukuoka, this chartered car service is a great option.

Ningning, our tour guide, is very nice and a great photographer. Although you can't go up to the crater yet, you can ride horses in Chigusa. I don't recommend booking a boat ride yourself as the time is very tight.