【Kyushu Private Charter Tour】Fukuoka to Kumamoto Day Trip | Kumamoto Castle · Mount Aso · Kusasenri · Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine · Kurokawa Onsen · Yabakei · Yufuin | Chinese & Japanese Service

【Kumamoto Castle】 Kumamoto Castle, begun in 1601 and completed in 1607, was a formidable castle built by Kato Kiyomasa, a senior retainer of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, after he was appointed lord of the Kumamoto Domain. Along with Nagoya Castle and Himeji Castle, Kumamoto Castle is considered one of Japan's three most famous castles. It is also known as the "Ginkgo Castle" due to the numerous ginkgo trees planted within its grounds. At the time, Kumamoto Castle was remarkably large, with a circumference of 9 kilometers and an area of ​​approximately 980,000 square meters. It featured three sturdy keeps, 49 turrets, 18 gate towers, and 29 gates, showcasing its magnificent and imposing castle appearance.

【Kumamon Plaza】 This is the home turf of Kumamoto Prefecture's ambassador, Kumamon, who also serves as the prefecture's Sales Manager and Happiness Manager. It's also the core base for Kumamon's activities both domestically and internationally. The plaza is also an important platform for promoting Kumamoto Prefecture's tourism information and local products. Visitors can find the world's only "Kumamon Sales Manager's Office" here and purchase exclusive souvenirs. When Kumamon is present, visitors have the opportunity to interact with him and even watch his amazing performances.

【Aso Nakadake Crater】Mount Aso is one of the world's few active volcanoes, home to the Aso Caldera, the world's largest lava field. Over the past 300,000 years, Mount Aso has experienced four major eruptions, forming the caldera we see today. The calderas here vary in age and size, and are numerous. Combined with the surrounding plateau and magnificent mountain scenery, the Aso Nakadake Crater has become one of Japan's most popular mountain climbing destinations.

【Kurokawa Onsen】 Located in Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Kurokawa Onsen is a scenic hot spring resort with thirty uniquely styled ryokans (traditional Japanese inns). Surrounded by verdant mountains, it offers a series of open-air baths, allowing you to enjoy the changing natural beauty of the four seasons and the special texture of the hot springs in spring while soaking in the hot springs. Here, you can enjoy the scenery while soaking in the hot springs, experiencing a unique and relaxing time.

【Kamishikimi Kumanozha Shrine】This shrine inspired a scene in the popular Japanese manga "Hotarubi no Mori e" (Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light), where the heroine first encounters the mysterious creature Silver. Recently, it has become a popular tourist destination in the Aso region.

【Suizenji Jojuen Garden】 In Kumamoto City, there is a representative garden—Suizenji Jojuen Garden (commonly known as Suizenji Park). Located within the Izumi Shrine, which enshrines successive generations of the Hosokawa clan, this garden is a typical Momoyama-style pond strolling garden, its history dating back approximately 360 years. Clear spring water flows gently, and koi fish swim leisurely within, adding to the garden's vitality. The origin of Suizenji Jojuen Garden can be traced back to 1636 (Kan'ei 13) when Hosokawa Tadatoshi, the first lord of the Kumamoto Domain, built the "Suizenji Tea House" to entertain guests. Later, during the reign of the third lord, Hosokawa Tsunatoshi, new springs and artificial hills were added, transforming the garden into its present form.

【Yufuin Town】Located near Yufuin Onsen, the Yunotsubo street leads to Lake Kinrin, offering stunning lakeside scenery and unique architecture. Strolling through this fairytale-like town, you'll find shops built in stone houses, with rolling mountains visible in the background on a clear day. Modeled after the village of Cotswolds in England, the town primarily sells merchandise related to Japanese anime. Although the area is small, shopping in the cool winter air offers a uniquely relaxing and therapeutic experience.

【Kikuchi Valley】Located in a corner of Aso-Kuju National Park, this approximately 4-kilometer-long valley is formed by groundwater from the outer ring mountains of Aso. Also known as Kikuchi Water Source, it has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Famous Waters. Even in the sweltering heat, the spring water of Kikuchi maintains a cool temperature of around 13 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal summer retreat. And when autumn arrives, the valley is ablaze with beautiful autumn foliage.

【Kyushu Nature Zoo】A large wildlife park in Japan, home to over 1,400 animals of more than 70 species. The park features a 6-kilometer-long wildlife observation trail called the "Large Animal Area," where visitors can choose to drive themselves or take the park's "Jungle Bus" for close-up viewing. There is also a "Small Animal Interaction Area" where visitors can directly touch and interact closely with the animals.

【Asukadeli Animal Park】 This is a unique theme park featuring bears and other animals from around the world. Located in Kyushu, it offers a one-of-a-kind experience: you can cuddle bears and interact with dogs, cats, alpacas, capybaras, and other animals from around the world in the popular "Interactive Zone." You can also enjoy a spectacular show featuring Trainer Miyazawa and the chimpanzee "Pudding," as well as other animal performances by world-class animal trainers.