Kumamoto Prefecture

A volcanic prefecture in central Kyushu, whose highlights are the Aso caldera, Kumamoto Castle, and Kurokawa Onsen.

Kumamoto Prefecture is in central-western Kyushu. In the east lies the Aso volcano caldera, one of the largest in the world, with magnificent grasslands and volcanic landscapes, and nearby Kurokawa Onsen is known for its rustic open-air baths. Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto City is one of Japan's three great castles and has been undergoing continued restoration since the 2016 earthquake; Suizenji Jojuen Garden is also worth a visit. In the west, the Amakusa Islands are tied to Christian history, and you can head out to sea to watch dolphins. Spring and autumn are best for driving in the highlands. The Kyushu Shinkansen stops at Kumamoto Station, and there is also Aso Kumamoto Airport.

Destinations

• Kumamoto & Aso
• Amakusa
• Takachiho

Itineraries

• Northern Kyushu Road Trip: Yufuin, Aso & Takachiho – A loop starting and ending in Fukuoka without backtracking, passing through Beppu, Kokonoe, Kurokawa, Aso, Takachiho, a…
• Western Kyushu Road Trip: Porcelain, Churches & Amakusa – From Saga's porcelain towns to Nagasaki, Unzen, and across the sea to Amakusa, tracing porcelain, ports, and Hidden Chr…
• Kyushu Rail Grand Loop (No Car) – A car-free loop around Kyushu: Nagasaki on the west, Aso in the center, Beppu and Miyazaki on the east, ending in Kagos…