Kumamoto Prefecture is a nature-rich prefecture located in the center of Kyushu, famous for the majestic Mt. Aso and the vast Aso Caldera. The beautiful Amakusa Islands offer spectacular views of the sea and fresh seafood. Kumamoto Castle, one of the three most famous castles in Japan, is a historical landmark. There are also many healing spots such as Kurokawa Hot Spring and Shirakawa Suigen. The cuisine culture is also rich, with horse sashimi and mustard lotus root being the specialties.
Mt. Aso (Kusasenrigahama, Daikanbo)
Aso is an active volcano located in Kumamoto Prefecture and is a magnificent mountain with one of the world’s largest calderas. Aso Gogaku and Nakadake craters are located here. Nakadake crater is particularly active, and it is a precious place where visitors can observe the crater and its surroundings up close. The surrounding area offers spectacular views of Kusasenrigahama Beach and Daikanbong Peak, where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons. There are also hot springs and rich pastureland, making it a sightseeing spot where visitors can fully enjoy healing and activities.
Access
Access by car
- From Kumamoto City: Approximately 90 minutes via Route 57 eastward and Milk Road (Prefectural Road 339).
- From Kumamoto Airport: Approximately 60 minutes via National Road 57 eastward and Milk Road.
- From JR Aso Station: Approximately 30 minutes via Route 212 northward and Milk Road.
Amakusa Five Bridges (Pearl Line)
Amakusa Five Bridges (Pearl Line) is the collective name for 5 beautiful bridges connecting Triangle in Udo City, Kumamoto Prefecture and Matsushima-cho, Amakusa City. It is a spectacular driving course with a total length of about 20 km, and you can enjoy the view of the sea and islands of Amakusa. Bridges No. 3 to No. 5 are particularly scenic, with hot springs, observatories, and seafood gourmet spots scattered around the area. This is a popular area for driving, sightseeing, and enjoying a resort atmosphere.
Access
Access by car
- From Kumamoto City: Take Route 266 west, and you will arrive at the first bridge (Tenmon Bridge) in about 1 hour.
- From Matsuhashi IC of Kyushu Expressway: Exit at Matsuhashi IC and follow Route 266 toward Matsushima for about 1 hour.
Nabegataki Waterfall
Nabegataki Waterfall is located in Oguni Town, Aso County, Kumamoto Prefecture, and is a rare spot where visitors can walk through the back side of the waterfall. The scenery created by the water falling from the waterfall, which is approximately 10 meters high and 20 meters wide, is beautiful and fantastic, just like a curtain of water. It is a popular spot for tourists seeking fresh greenery in spring, autumn leaves in fall, and cool air in summer. Viewing the waterfall from the back side, visitors can enjoy the mysterious scenery of light and water.
Access
Access by car
- From Kumamoto City: Approximately 2 hours via Route 57 eastward and Prefectural Route 339 (Milk Road).
- From Fukuoka City: Head south on the Kyushu Expressway, exit at the Hita IC, and drive approximately 2 hours via Route 212.
- From Aso Station: Approximately 50 minutes via Route 212 north and Prefectural Route 40.
- From Kurokawa Onsen Hot Spring: Approximately 25 minutes west on Prefectural Road 442.
Notes
- It is about a 3-minute walk from the park entrance to the waterfall, with stairs and a steep slope along the way.
- When entering the back side of the falls or the other side of the river, please be careful of falling rocks or tumbles.
Kurokawa Onsen
Kurokawa Onsen is one of my favorite hot springs. Located in Minami-Oguni Town, Aso County, Kumamoto Prefecture, it is one of the best hot spring towns in Japan. More than 30 ryokan (Japanese-style inns) are scattered among the mountains surrounded by nature, and the town is full of emotion. A popular tour of the area is to visit multiple open-air baths using “bathing coupons. The hot springs have a wide variety of qualities, and are expected to beautify the skin and relax the body. Many tourists from Japan and abroad visit the area to enjoy the seasonal scenery and hot springs as a relaxing sightseeing spot.
Access
Access by car
- It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours by car from the “Kumamoto IC” or “Mashiki IC” of the Kyushu Expressway.
- Since the area around Kurokawa Onsen is located in the mountains, driving with a navigation system is convenient.
Summary
Kumamoto Prefecture offers an abundance of great spots for a drive. A drive to enjoy the magnificent scenery of Mt. Aso and the vast grasslands of Kusasenrigahama is a must-see. The Amakusa Islands with their beautiful coastline and the Takamori Pass with its beautiful autumn leaves are also popular. In addition, the mountain roads around Kurokawa Hot Springs and the historical townscape around Kumamoto Castle are also great places to enjoy driving. The roads are full of nature and history, and you can enjoy a relaxing drive!
Please take a look at our other articles on Kyushu!
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