Kumamoto & Aso
Travel Logistics and Destinations
Kumamoto & Aso Travel Logistics and Destinations
Image courtesy of Kyushu Railway Company
As of June, 2025
1. Traveling to and from Kumamoto
Please travel to ANA Crowne Plaza Kumamoto New Sky the evening before, as specified on the Tour Information.
You would either fly to Kumamoto Airport (KMJ) or take a Shinkansen to JR Kumamoto.
If you are traveling to Kumamoto from Tokyo, it is best to fly from Haneda Airport.
If you are in Kansai such as Osaka and Kyoto, it takes approximately the same time to fly from Itami Airport or to take the Shinkansen from JR Shin Osaka to get to ANA Crowne Plaza Kumamoto New Sky.
If you are already in Kyushu, such as Hakata/Fukuoka and Kagoshima, it is best to take the Shinkansen to JR Kumamoto Station.
Flight
Aso Kumamoto Airport (KMJ)
Domestic Flights:
https://www.kumamoto-airport.co.jp/en/timetable-dom/
From Haneda Airport, Tokyo (HND): Solaseed Air (code-share with ANA), ANA, and JAL / about 2 hours
From Itami Airport, Osaka (ITM): ANA, JAL, and Amakusa Airline (AMX/code-share with JAL) / about 75 minutes
Other flights to/from KMJ: Amakusa, Komaki/Nagoya, Shizuoka, Naha/Okinawa
Please see if you qualify for the special domestic fares for JAL or ANA. You will be able to reserve Solaseed flights on the ANA website; however, it may be cheaper to purchase them directly on Solaseed Air’s website. Solaseed Air tickets for Nov. 2025 or Mar. 2026 will be available in late August.
JAL Explorer Pass
https://www.jal.co.jp/aul/en/world/japan_explorer_pass/lp/
ANA Special Fares
https://www.ana.co.jp/en/us/plan-book/promotions/special-fares/
Solaseed Air
Shinkansen to JR Kumamoto Station
From Hakata/Fukuoka
It takes about 35 minutes from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka, by Shinkansen. It runs 2 - 4 times an hour and costs approximately 5,340 JPY.
From Osaka / Kyoto
It takes about 3.5 hours from Shin-Osaka Station by Shinkansen.
Direct Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Kumamoto runs 1 - 2 times an hour and costs 19,080 JPY.
From Kagoshima
It takes about 45 minutes by Shinkansen from JR Kagoshima-Chuo Station. It costs about 7,270 JPY.
You can book your train ticket here: https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/route/
Traveling to ANA Crowne Plaza Kumamoto New Sky
Kumamoto Airport to ANA Crowne Plaza Kumamoto New Sky
By Taxi - 45 - 60 min / 6,000 JPY - 10,000 JPY
No reservation is needed. Please queue at the taxi stand right outside the arrival lobby.
By Bus - 60 min 1,000 JPY (as of Dec 2024, No SUICA/PASMO. Pay by Cash.)
ANA Crowne Plaza Kumamoto New Sky is one of the last bus stops on the bus going to JR Kumamoto Station.
If you try to look up the bus schedule online, it may appear confusing, but once you are at the airport, getting a bus to ANA Crowne Plaza is very easy.
There are 3 - 5 airport limousine buses every hour bound for JR Kumamoto Station. https://www.kumamoto-airport.co.jp/pressrelease-media/timetable-limousine_en.pdf?241027
The bus stop is located right outside the arrival floor.
The Limousine Bus departs from bus stop No. 4.
Purchase a ticket from the vending machine or pay cash when you get off the bus..
Please see the Bus Information board or visit the Information Counter on the arrival floor for assistance.
JR Kumamoto Station to ANA Crowne Plaza Kumamoto New Sky
Hotel Name: ANA Crowne Plaza Kumamoto New Sky
Address: 2 Higashiamidaji-machi, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto 860-8575 Japan
Contact: +81-96-3542111(Front Desk)
Distance from Kumamoto Station: 850m/ 0.5 miles
Walk - 10 minutes
Taxi - 5 minutes
City Tram - 5 minutes. It’s only one stop from Kumamoto Station to Gion-bashi, the closest tram stop to the hotel. It costs 180 yen (flat fare.)
http://www.kotsu-kumamoto.jp/common/UploadFileDsp.aspx?c_id=9&id=2&set_doc=1
Tour finishing time and location
The tour finishes at Kumamoto Airport at 4:00 PM on the last day and the tour bus stops at these places.
1. JR Aso Station at around 3:00 PM
2. Kumamoto Airport at 4:00 PM
If you wish to continue your journey to JR Kumamoto or toward Oita, JR Aso Station provides good access to trains, buses, and a car rental office.
For those who finish the tour at Kumamoto Airport, please schedule your flights after 5:00 PM. If you are traveling to JR Kumamoto from Kumamoto Airport, please plan for the bus leaving after 4:30 PM.
On the last day, our minibus will not go toward JR Kumamoto Station. Therefore, if you wish to head to JR Kumamoto or downtown Kumamoto, please take a train from JR Aso Station or a bus/taxi from the airport.
2. Travel Ideas before/after Sake Tours Kumamoto Tour.
We have received several inquiries on places to explore before or after the tour.
If you are traveling around Kyushu for a week or so a JR Kyushu rail pass may be beneficial https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/railpass/railpass.html , however please note that there are different passes for Northern, Southern and all of Kyushu.
These are some recommendations if traveling to other areas before or after the Kumamoto / Aso Tour .
Beppu Onsen
https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/716/
Beppu Onsen, on Kyushu island, is a famous hot spring resort with over 2,000 springs offering varied mineral-rich waters and therapeutic benefits. Known for its "Hells of Beppu"—colorful hot springs for viewing—Beppu attracts visitors seeking relaxation through public baths, ryokan inns, and unique sand baths. Waters range from sulfurous to iron-rich or radium-bearing. The area also features cultural experiences, local cuisine, scenic mountain and sea views, and onsen-related activities like museums and steam cooking, making it a top destination for wellness and Japanese culture.
JR Aso to Oita by train (4:48 PM from JR Aso ) then switch train to Beppu. (There are also buses from JR Aso to Beppu)
https://beppu-tourism.com/access/ . You can return to Haneda from Oita Airport.
Other than Beppu, Oita has some areas with art focus.
Takachiho Gorge
https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/615/
Takachiho is a town in Miyazaki. It's known for Takachiho Gorge, where a trail follows the Gokase River, also accessible by boat, past Manai Falls. Surrounded by trees, Takachiho Shrine dates back over a thousand years.
Takachiho Gorge gets many tourists both domestic and from abroad.
To get there you need to drive by rent a car (next to Aso station) or there are some tour operators that offer tours to Takachiho Gorge.
Kagoshima
https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kyushu/kagoshima/
Kagoshima, a vibrant seaside city located on Japan's southern Kyushu Island, serves as the capital of Kagoshima Prefecture. The city is renowned for its scenic beauty and unique geographical features, most notably Sakurajima, an active volcano that dramatically rises from Kinko Bay. Sakurajima is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes and an iconic symbol of Kagoshima, offering spectacular views and a captivating natural backdrop to the city. Kagoshima’s mild climate, lush landscapes, and rich cultural heritage make it a fascinating destination for visitors interested in both nature and history. The proximity to the volcano also provides opportunities for hiking, hot springs, and learning about volcanic activity and its impact on the local community.
Yakushima
https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kyushu/kagoshima/yakushima/
Yakushima, a subtropical island south of Kagoshima, Japan, is famed for ancient cedar forests like Jomon Sugi and rich biodiversity. As Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, its dense forests and misty mountains create a timeless, Jurassic Park–like atmosphere. Inspired by Studio Ghibli’s "Princess Mononoke," Yakushima offers visitors a unique chance to explore an ancient, pristine ecosystem untouched by modern development.
To get to Yakushima, you can catch the Shinkansen South from Kumamoto to Kagoshima. From Kagoshima you can fly (40mins) or get a jetfoil (2.5 hours) to the island. To get back to Tokyo, you can either fly (or ferry) from Yakushima to Kagoshima and get a flight to Haneda. Only Japan Airline operate flights to Yakushima. There are daily flights from Osaka (Itami Airport), Fukuoka and Kagoshima. The most frequent flight operates from Kagoshima Airport (3 – 4 per day).
There are some nicer high end hotels / spas on the island (Sankara https://www.sankarahotel-spa.com/en/ and https://samanahotel.jp/en/ ) - but also some great cheaper guesthouses too.
The best way to get around the island is with a rental car. There are public buses - doable but not very frequent. Limited to no taxis. Depending where you stay your accomodation may have pick up service available. Sankara and Samana do.
If you wish to explore the forests and mountains of Yakushima it is best to have a guide that can pick you up at your hotel and show you around. There are many guides on Yakushima - usually you can organise through your hotel. We highly recommend Aida-san at https://yaku-geo.com/ - even for a relaxing day of sightseeing.
Yakusugi Land or Shiratani-Unsuikyo are both great areas to visit to experience and take in the wilderness of Yakushima. The Jōmon-sugi trek is famous but it is long (half marathon) and challenging and you don’t get to relax and enjoy the forest.
Nagasaki
https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kyushu/nagasaki/
Nagasaki is a historic port city located on the island of Kyushu, Japan. Known for its unique blend of Japanese and Western influences, the city offers a rich cultural experience with sites such as the Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, which commemorate the city's tragic history during World War II. Visitors can explore the charming Dejima Island, once a Dutch trading post, and enjoy scenic views from Mount Inasa. Take a boat trip to the deserted Hashima Island, also known as Gunkanjima because it looks like a battleship. Nagasaki is also famous for its diverse culinary scene, featuring local specialties like champon noodles and castella cake. The city's pleasant coastal climate and friendly atmosphere make it an inviting destination for travelers interested in history, culture, and natural beauty.
To get to JR Nagasaki, you can catch the Shinkansen from JR Kumamoto to JR Shin Tosu. Then, take an express train to JR Jakeo Onsen and switch to Shinkansen to JR Nagasaki. The trip can take from 2-4 hours total depending on connections and costs just under 10,000 JPY.
Karatsu (Saga)
https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kyushu/saga/karatsu-and-yobuko-area/
Karatsu, in Saga Prefecture on Kyushu Island, Japan, is a historic city known for its cultural heritage and coastal beauty. It features Karatsu Castle with panoramic bay views, a museum on samurai history, and scenic parks ideal for cherry blossoms. The city is famous for Karatsu ware pottery, valued for its rustic style and used in tea ceremonies, with local studios open to visitors. The annual Karatsu Kunchi Festival in November showcases elaborate floats and attracts many visitors. Karatsu’s coastal setting offers fresh seafood, beaches, hiking, and islands, blending history, art, and nature in one destination.
If you go to Karatsu we recommend staying at Yoyokaku Ryokan - http://www.yoyokaku.com/sub5e.htm you can also find them on booking dot com.
To travel from Kumamoto to Karatsu by Shinkansen and then train, follow these steps:
From Kumamoto Station, take the Shinkansen (Kyushu Shinkansen) northbound to Hakata Station in Fukuoka. This option takes about 40 minutes.
At Hakata Station, transfer to the JR Chikuhi Line bound for Karatsu. This train ride takes approximately 1 hour.
This website may also be of use in traveling around Kyushu - https://kumamoto.guide/en/access/kyusyu.html