【Aso-san Kurokawa Onsen Day Trip】Kamishikimi Kumanozha Shrine + Aso Nozomi Village & Kukino Kumamoto Round Trip
【Kamishikimi Kumanozha Shrine】is one of the many well-known energy sites in the Aso area of Kumamoto Prefecture, and it is also the setting for the movie "Hotarubi no Mori e".
Kurokawa Onsen has been selected as one of the top three hot springs in Japan for many years. Its characteristics are "tranquility and simplicity", even though it is surrounded by modern big cities.
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Product Info
Purchase Notice
Reminders
If the number of participants is less than 4, the tour will be cancelled, and an email notification of cancellation will be sent one day before departure.
In the event of adverse weather conditions such as typhoons or blizzards, a decision will be made one day prior to departure (at 17:00 local time) regarding whether the tour will be cancelled, and notifications will be sent via email thereafter.
Passengers with the following medical conditions or other conditions that preclude them from excessive stimulation, as well as pregnant women, are advised not to participate in this activity.
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minutes in advance. To avoid delaying your subsequent itinerary, we will not wait for latecomers.
The vehicle type will be adjusted according to the number of participants. When departing in a car, the driver will also serve as the tour leader.
No refund will be given for late arrivals or cancellations due to personal reasons.
Precautions:
(i) Once the order is confirmed, the date cannot be changed arbitrarily. Any losses incurred will be borne by the order holder.
(ii) When making a reservation, please be sure to provide complete information (name + number of people + phone number + WeChat ID + pick-up location) to avoid errors that may affect your trip.
(III) During the trip, please keep your passport and valuables with you at all times and keep them safe. You will be responsible for any loss, theft or damage.
(iv) Elderly people, patients with cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and heart disease, and pregnant women are advised to be accompanied by relatives.
(v) This tour does not accept bookings from customers under the age of 18. If you wish to book, please have your guardian book the tour together.
(vi) This is a fixed-route carpooling tour. Customers participating in this tour are required to adhere to the time limits for each attraction and follow the instructions of the driver/guide.
For services requiring flexible itinerary adjustments, please refer to our private charter car tour service.
(vi) No refunds will be given for any failure to participate or cancellation of the trip due to personal issues, lateness, or other reasons. Please take note.
(vii) If a participant leaves the group during the trip, the transaction will be deemed invalid and no refund will be given. Furthermore, the participant shall bear all consequences for personal safety or property loss caused by this action.
(viii) Arrival times for each itinerary may vary depending on traffic conditions, weather, holidays, and crowds on the day. If the itinerary is delayed or cancelled due to the aforementioned or other force majeure factors, please understand that no refund can be requested on this basis.
(ix) Please wear comfortable and suitable travel clothing and shoes for this trip.
(x) Please be sure to abide by local Japanese laws and regulations, and do not bring any items that are prohibited by Japanese law, so as to avoid violating the law and affecting your own rights.
(xi) During free time, you should pay attention to your personal safety and property safety. If you do not heed the advice and an accident or loss occurs, you will be responsible for the consequences.
[Travel Notice]
Pick-up/Meeting
Please be sure to arrive at the designated pick-up location at the specified time. This product is non-refundable, non-changeable, and cannot be transferred to other trips or joined midway. If you are unable to participate in this trip due to your own reasons, you will be responsible for any resulting losses. Thank you for your understanding.
Things to know during the trip
1) During the tour, you may not leave the group early or leave the group midway. If you choose to leave the group midway, the uncompleted part will be regarded as your own abandonment, and no fee will be refunded. You will be responsible for any accidents that may occur after leaving the group. Thank you for your understanding.
2) During peak tourist season or other special circumstances, the departure time of the trip may be earlier or slightly later (the specific departure time is subject to the guide's notification), so please prepare accordingly.
3) The transportation, sightseeing, and stay times involved in the itinerary are subject to the actual situation on the day. In case of special circumstances (such as traffic jams, weather conditions, etc.), the tour guide may reasonably adjust the order of sightseeing spots in the itinerary after obtaining the consent of the guests, without reducing the number of attractions in the itinerary.
1) Meals are not included in this itinerary. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are at your own expense. Please note that some restaurants do not allow outside food to be brought in or used for dining without ordering.
Local customs/laws
Please respect local customs and traditions when traveling.
weather
1) This product may be adjusted according to weather and other factors. For your safety, staff have the right to ask guests to stop outdoor activities and will communicate with you to make alternative arrangements, subject to the actual situation on the day.
2) In the event of severe weather or other force majeure events, the park may delay or change the operating hours of rides or show times without prior notice, or even cancel the operation of some rides and shows.
2) The quality of the flowers is mainly affected by the weather. If the flowers are not at their best viewing time, the tour will still depart as scheduled. Tourists who mind this should choose to place an order with caution.
Dining
1) This product does not include meals; please arrange your own meals.
Shopping
1) During the tour, some scenic spots, restaurants, rest areas, etc., may contain shopping areas. These are not designated shopping areas arranged by the travel agency. Please consume rationally according to your own needs and obtain necessary receipts. You are responsible for any disputes arising from your purchases. We apologize for any inconvenience.
2) The destination may have privately operated entertainment and consumption venues, most of which lack legal operating licenses and pose various risks. For your safety and health, please consider your consumption choices carefully.
Kind tips
Please keep your mobile phone accessible during your trip so that relevant staff can contact you.
If you have a history of motion sickness or seasickness, it is recommended that you take precautions to prevent motion sickness or seasickness, so as not to affect your pleasant journey.
Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes to participate in the activity, and prepare sunscreen, insect repellent, a windproof jacket, camera, etc.
Please keep your personal belongings safe and try not to carry valuables. If they are lost or damaged during the trip, you will be responsible for the loss.
Safety Warning
Activities such as swimming, rafting, diving, skiing, ice skating, and snow play all carry inherent risks. Before participating, please assess your own physical condition and carefully consider relevant announcements and advice from local authorities and other professional organizations.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 4 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–3 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
Mount Aso is a renowned active complex volcano in Japan, located in the northeastern part of Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu Island. It is famous for its large caldera, one of the largest in the world, which formed after ancient eruptions. While it's a prominent active volcano, the term 'supervolcano' typically refers to volcanoes capable of producing eruptions with a magnitude significantly larger than Aso's historic activity, making Aso a major, but not generally classified as a supervolcano.
Mount Aso is a unique and popular destination often called 'Japan's New Zealand' due to its vast, scenic landscapes. It is renowned for its magnificent caldera and active volcanic peaks, offering visitors panoramic views and diverse natural beauty. Key attractions within the area, such as Kusasenri, provide vast grasslands perfect for enjoying the majestic scenery and unique geological formations, making it a symbol of Kumamoto.
Mount Aso is an active volcano, and its activity status is continuously monitored by local authorities. Safety measures, including restricted access to certain areas around the Nakadake Crater, are implemented based on the volcanic alert level. Visitors should always check the latest official information and adhere to all local guidelines and warnings to ensure a safe visit, as conditions can change.
Historically, many onsens in Japan, including some in Kurokawa Onsen, have had policies restricting visitors with tattoos, often due to cultural reasons. However, policies are evolving, and some establishments now permit tattoos, especially if covered or if they are private baths. To enjoy Kurokawa Onsen with tattoos, it's advisable to seek out onsen ryokans that offer private rental baths (kazokuburo) where privacy is assured, or confirm their specific tattoo policy beforehand.
In Kurokawa Onsen, as with most traditional Japanese onsens, the customary etiquette in public communal baths requires full nudity. Before entering the bath, visitors must thoroughly wash themselves at the showering stations. In private onsens, while more relaxed, the expectation is still typically to bathe nude to fully experience the natural mineral waters. Undergarments are generally not worn in the bath for hygiene and cultural reasons.
When using private baths (kazokuburo) at Kurokawa Onsen, the etiquette emphasizes cleanliness and respect. Always wash your body thoroughly at the designated showering area before entering the bathwater. Ensure that no soap or shampoo enters the bath. Keep your voice down to maintain a peaceful atmosphere for others. After your soak, dry off as much as possible before returning to the changing area, and leave the space tidy for the next guests.
From Kumamoto, visitors typically reach the Aso region by train or bus. The JR Hohi Line connects Kumamoto Station to Aso Station, which serves as a gateway. From Aso Station, local buses or taxis are needed to reach specific attractions like Kusasenri or the Mount Aso Ropeway station (if accessible). For a more convenient and hassle-free experience, a dedicated tour with private transportation, directly departing from Kumamoto, offers seamless travel to these sites.
Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine is a highly atmospheric and visually striking shrine in the Aso region, celebrated for its unique mystical ambiance. It is known as one of Kumamoto Prefecture's famous 'power spots,' drawing visitors seeking spiritual energy and good fortune. Its distinctive appeal is further enhanced by its association as the background setting for the popular anime film 'Hotarubi no Mori e' (Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light), which contributes to its tranquil and ethereal reputation.
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