Kumamoto
A new proposal for sightseeing in Kyushu: an attractive journey linking Kumamoto and Takeo Onsen
Kumamoto Prefecture, located in the center of Kyushu, is known as a popular tourist destination where you can enjoy historical buildings, rich nature and delicious food. As a new style of travel that further enhances the charm of the area, a tour plan that combines sightseeing in Kumamoto with a visit to Takeo Onsen in Saga Prefecture is attracting attention.
The tourist attractions that Kumamoto is proud of
Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle, which reigns as the symbol of Kumamoto City, has recovered from the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake and is now open for visitors to tour the interior of the castle tower. The stone walls, which show off the castle-building techniques of Kato Kiyomasa, and the majestic castle tower convey the essence of Japanese castle architecture to this day.
Mount Aso
Aso, which has one of the world's largest calderas, continues to captivate visitors with its magnificent natural scenery. The 360-degree panoramic view from Kusasenri Beach and the spectacular view of the crater from Daikanbo offer impressive scenery no matter what time of year you visit.
Suizenji Joju-en
Suizenji Joju-en, a scenic spot that Kumamoto City is proud of, allows you to enjoy the beauty of Edo-period gardens. The pond-style garden, which makes use of spring water, is said to have been modeled on the 53 stages of the Tokaido, and you can feel the essence of a Japanese garden that shows a different face in each of the four seasons.
Amakusa
In the Amakusa Islands, which stretch out across the western part of Kumamoto Prefecture, you can enjoy a unique landscape that combines beautiful seascapes with historic buildings. In addition to historic buildings such as the five bridges of Amakusa and the Sakitsu Catholic Church, the fresh seafood and hot springs are also attractive.
From Kumamoto to Takeo Onsen
It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to get from Kumamoto Station to Takeo Onsen Station by bullet train and local train. It takes 25 minutes to get to Shin-Tosu Station by bullet train, and then 36 minutes to get to Takeo Onsen Station by local train. You can make efficient use of your time and enjoy sightseeing.
Travel plan combining Kumamoto and Takeo Onsen
Recommended model course (4 days, 3 nights)
- Day 1：Visit Kumamoto Castle and Suizenji Garden, and enjoy local cuisine such as horse sashimi and spicy lotus root in Kumamoto City
- Day 2：After sightseeing at Mt. Aso, move to Takeo Onsen in the evening and enjoy the hot spring
- Day 3：After strolling around Takeo City, move to Amakusa and tour the islands
- Day 4：Enjoy seafood cuisine in Amakusa to round off the trip
The feature of this tour route is that the lively tourist spots of Kumamoto and the relaxed atmosphere of the Takeo Onsen hot spring blend together beautifully. Furthermore, it is possible to make short trips from Takeo Onsen to other attractive spots in Saga Prefecture, such as Arita-yaki Pottery Village and Ureshino Onsen.
The Kumamoto/Takeo tour, which allows you to enjoy the rich nature, deep history and comfortable hot springs all in one trip, is becoming a new standard for sightseeing in Kyushu. Please consider it as an option for a trip that will be remembered for a long time.
Sightseeing
