2-Day Kyushu, Japan Tour | Kumamoto Castle, Mount Aso, Kusasenri, Takachiho Gorge, and Amano Iwato Shrine Classic Itinerary | Departs from Fukuoka | No Accommodation
- Explore Kyushu's hidden gems on this two-day itinerary, immersing you in the charm of nature and history.
- Visit Kumamoto Castle and Mount Aso, and admire the magnificent volcanic scenery in Kusasenri
- Stroll through Takachiho Gorge and Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine and experience the atmosphere of myths and legends
- Book your two-day Kyushu tour on KKday now and join a hassle-free tour from Fukuoka
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Luggage limit | 1 piece |
| Minimum participant requirement | 1 traveler |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Temples & shrines |
| 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.
- Each person can bring one piece of luggage for free, with no size limit. Please note this when registering (if the carriage is crowded due to failure to make this note, the driver has the right to refuse you boarding and the fee will not be refunded). If the number of pieces of luggage exceeds the limit, a fee of 2,000 yen per piece will be required.
- Reference vehicle types: 5-8 seater: Toyota Alphard or similar; 9-14 seater: Toyota HAICE or similar; 18-22 seater: minibus; 22 seater and above: large bus. The above vehicles are for reference only and will be adjusted according to the number of people in the group on that day.
- Driver-guide service (small groups of 1-13 people (the driver also provides tour guidance); bus groups of 14-45 people, the actual number of people in the group will be adjusted based on the departure date).
- Due to unpredictable factors such as traffic conditions, weather, holidays, and crowds, the arrival time of each tour is subject to change. Japanese law stipulates that drivers' maximum working hours are 10 hours. To ensure driver safety and smooth driving, we may adjust the itinerary based on actual circumstances, including shortening the time spent at attractions, adjusting the order of attractions, or even eliminating certain attractions. We sincerely hope that our passengers will understand and support these adjustments made while ensuring safety. In the event of these or other force majeure factors, we deeply regret any inconvenience caused. Please understand that we cannot provide refunds. This decision is made out of a sense of responsibility for the safety of our drivers and passengers, and to ensure the smooth operation of the entire tour. We always strive to provide you with the best travel experience, but in some cases, we need to flexibly adjust the itinerary based on actual circumstances. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Kumamoto Castle is one of the three most famous castles in Japan. Built by Kato Kiyomasa in 1607, it is famous for its sturdy stone walls, defensive facilities and magnificent castle tower. It is an important historical and cultural symbol of Kumamoto.
Mount Aso is one of the largest active volcanoes in the world. With its vast crater and beautiful grassland landscape, it is a representative natural attraction in Kumamoto Prefecture with spectacular scenery.
Kusasenri is a vast volcanic grassland next to Mount Aso. It has vast and beautiful scenery, green grass like a carpet, and herds of cattle and horses. It is an excellent place to experience the natural charm of Aso.
The Aso Road Station is located on National Highway 57, right next to Aso Station, offering panoramic views of the Aso Five Mountains. It features information centers, specialty shops, and a restaurant area, making it a great place for a relaxing stroll and shopping.
Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine is located in Takamori Town, Kumamoto. The ancient wooden approach to the shrine is mysterious and tranquil. It is famous as the filming location of the anime "Natsume's Book of Friends" and is a hidden shrine full of spiritual energy.
Located in Takachiho, Amano Iwato Shrine is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. It consists of two shrines, the Nishi-Hongu Shrine and the Higashi-Hongu Shrine. The shrine is enshrined in the cave where the goddess hid in mythology. The atmosphere is solemn and dignified, and the faith has a long history.
The Tenan River was originally the place where eight million gods gathered in mythology to discuss asking Amaterasu to come out of the cave. Piles of wishing stones stacked by believers are scattered around the cave, full of mysterious spiritual energy. It is a famous energy holy place in Takachiho.
Takachiho Gorge is a famous gorge in Miyazaki Prefecture, where steep cliffs and waterfalls intertwine, and the stream is as clear as a mirror. You can take a boat tour to visit Manai Falls and experience the magnificence and tranquility of nature.
Purchase Notice
【Travel Conditions】
Travel origin and destination: Fukuoka, Miyazaki, and Kumamoto
Travel duration: 2 days
Transportation: Bus
Bus company name: SANWA BUS Co., Ltd.
Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum number of people in a group: 1
Team leader: 1
Tour guide: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating company name: Shuzenji Takitei Co., Ltd.
Address: Shuzenji 722, Ii City, Shizuoka Prefecture
License exemption number: Shizuoka Prefecture Governor Registration Tourism No. 2-723
Reminders
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
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 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
This is a fixed carpooling itinerary. Please be sure to abide by the stopover time at each attraction and follow the driver's instructions.
This product is a 2-day tour (accommodation not included). The tour guide and bus driver information may be different. Please be sure to check your email to confirm the day before departure.
If you leave the group during the trip, the transaction will be deemed invalid and no refund will be given. If any personal or property safety is affected as a result, the consequences will be borne by the individual.
Please note that no refunds will be given if you fail to participate or cancel the trip due to personal issues, lateness, etc.
The arrival time of each tour may vary depending on traffic conditions, weather, festivals, and crowds. If the tour is delayed or cancelled due to the aforementioned or other force majeure factors, please understand that this is not a valid reason for requesting a refund.
If there are fewer people, we will use a small car with a driver and guide providing brief explanations. Please be aware that this is a shared ride and you will be traveling with other guests. Stops are not permitted outside of scenic spots.
The transportation and tourist attractions of this itinerary will be kept as close to the original plan as possible. However, in the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as traffic congestion, bad weather, tourist crowds, or other force majeure factors, the company reserves the right to change the itinerary for the safety of the passengers and the smoothness of the trip.
Japanese law stipulates that drivers' maximum working hours are 10 hours. To ensure driver safety and itinerary stability, we may adjust the itinerary based on actual circumstances, including reducing the time spent at attractions or canceling certain attractions. We appreciate your understanding and support. Refunds cannot be requested without a refund. We sincerely hope that all passengers will understand and support this.
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 is renowned for its distinctive architectural elements, including the impressive curved stone walls, known as musha-gaeshi, designed to repel attackers. Its intricate defense system features multiple turrets, underground passages, and strategically placed traps. Historically, it was built by Kato Kiyomasa and played a pivotal role during the Satsuma Rebellion, demonstrating its formidable strength as an impregnable fortress.
Visitors to Kumamoto Castle can explore its vast grounds, admire the majestic main keep and smaller keeps, and walk along designated pathways offering views of the castle's impressive scale. While some areas are still undergoing restoration, key reconstructed sections provide insight into its feudal past. Engaging exhibits inside the castle complex detail its history, architecture, and the ongoing efforts to preserve this national treasure.
Following the 2016 earthquakes, Kumamoto Castle has undergone extensive restoration. The main keep has reopened to the public, allowing visitors to enter and explore. While some sections of the castle walls and buildings are still under reconstruction, designated viewing routes provide excellent vantage points to observe the restoration progress and appreciate the castle's resilience. The grounds offer ample space for walking and appreciating its historical context.
Mount Aso is famous for having one of the world's largest volcanic calderas, offering breathtaking panoramic views. At Kusasenri, a vast, idyllic grassland within the caldera, visitors can stroll amidst grazing horses and enjoy stunning vistas of the active Nakadake crater. Popular activities include walking, photography, and simply taking in the serene yet powerful volcanic scenery that changes beautifully with the seasons.
Takachiho Gorge is celebrated for its sheer cliffs of columnar basalt, formed by volcanic activity, and the captivating Manai Waterfall that cascades into the river. A highly recommended activity is renting a rowboat to navigate the gorge, allowing for an up-close view of the waterfall and the unique rock formations. Alternatively, visitors can enjoy a scenic walk along the paved path overlooking the gorge from above.
Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine is renowned for its deeply mystical atmosphere, characterized by a long, moss-covered stone staircase winding through a dense, tranquil forest, lined with countless stone lanterns. This ethereal setting creates an otherworldly feel. It has gained significant popularity among anime fans for being a filming location that inspired scenes in beloved Japanese animations like "Hotarubi no Mori e" and "Natsume's Book of Friends."
Amano Iwato Shrine holds profound mythological significance as it is believed to be the site of the cave where the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami hid, plunging the world into darkness. The shrine complex is divided into two parts, one built over the cave and another commemorating the spot where the gods gathered. Visiting the nearby Amayasu River, where these deities convened, allows visitors to immerse themselves in the birthplace of Japanese mythology and experience its spiritual heritage.
Kusasenri offers distinct beauty throughout the year, making it enjoyable in any season for admiring its volcanic scenery. Spring and summer showcase lush green grasslands and often clear skies, perfect for viewing the caldera. Autumn brings vibrant hues to the surrounding foliage, creating a dramatic contrast. In winter, the landscape transforms into a serene, snow-covered expanse, offering a unique, stark beauty of the volcanic terrain.
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