Fukuoka to Kumamoto Castle One-Day Tour with Aso Volcano and Michi-no-Eki Aso

Highlights

  • Visit Kumamoto Castle and explore one of Japan’s top three castles
  • Enjoy the stunning views of Aso Volcano and its active crater area
  • At Michi-no-Eki Aso, you can also enjoy shopping for local products and souvenirs
  • Discover the picturesque landscapes of Kusasenri and Nakadake Crater
  • A guide who speaks Chinese, English, Korean, and Japanese will accompany you

What to expect

This bus tour from Fukuoka visits historic Kumamoto Castle and the stunning Mount Aso. End the day shopping at Michi-no-Eki Aso. A perfect blend of history and nature awaits!

About this experience

Starting at
08:00

Schedule

  1. Please Arrive in Front of Lawson Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Store
  2. Meeting Point
    Look for a yellow flag marked with "GOGODAY TRAVEL" as your sign.
  3. Departure
  4. Kumamoto Castle
    Kumamoto Castle, built by Kiyomasa Kato, is one of Japan's three famous castles, known for its impressive structure and beauty, often called "the Castle in the Clouds." It features historical exhibits and gardens that showcase Japan's culture.

    Note: Ticket fees are not included.
  5. Kusasenri *Lunch on your own.
    Kusasenri is a vast 20,000-hectare grassland at Mount Aso's northern foot, featuring a central rainwater pond and grazing cattle. It's a refreshing place to enjoy nature year-round.

    Note: Lunch time is included, so lunch costs are the responsibility of each participant.
  6. Nakadake
    Nakadake is a 1,506-meter volcano in central Aso, Kumamoto, famous for its conical shape and scenic views. The area has alpine plants and seasonal discoveries.

    Note: Itinerary adjustments may occur if access is restricted, with 90 minutes at Kusasenri in case of crater closure.
  7. Michi-no-Eki Aso
    Michi-no-Eki Aso
    Michi-no-Eki Aso is a popular tourist spot located at the foot of the majestic Mount Aso. It features a local market offering fresh, locally grown produce and specialty products, as well as a restaurant where you can enjoy unique Aso-inspired cuisine.
  8. Dismissal in Front of Lawson Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Store

Location and Directions

  • Check-in / Check-out

    Lawson Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Store

    Lawson Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Store, 4-23 Hakata Ekichuogai, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, Japan

    Lawson Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Store — Lawson Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Store, 4-23 Hakata Ekichuogai, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, Japan

Reviews

4.40
8 reviews
56
41
30
20
11
Be cautious of sudden changes in your itinerary and language interpretation.
Posted Date: 2024/12/18
ionia
●Issue 1
Twelve days before the scheduled date, I received an email stating that there was a change in plans due to guidance from the Ministry of Transport. I was surprised that instead of going to a hot spring, we were going to a souvenir shop. Since it was difficult to make other reservations at the last minute, I decided to participate, but I regret not canceling.

●Issue 2
Out of 30 participants, I was the only Japanese person. The rest were of Chinese descent. The guide was also of Chinese …
●Issue 1
Twelve days before the scheduled date, I received an email stating that there was a change in plans due to guidance from the Ministry of Transport. I was surprised that instead of going to a hot spring, we were going to a souvenir shop. Since it was difficult to make other reservations at the last minute, I decided to participate, but I regret not canceling.

●Issue 2
Out of 30 participants, I was the only Japanese person. The rest were of Chinese descent. The guide was also of Chinese descent, so the explanations of the highlights were long and detailed in Chinese, while in Japanese, it was only about the meeting place and time. It was painful to be subjected to an incomprehensible language for an extended period, and I felt a sense of alienation throughout, as if I had become invisible.
●問題点1
催行日の12日前に、運輸省指導により予定変更とのメールが届きました。
温泉にいく予定が、土産物屋にかわって驚きましたが、直前で他の予約は難しいため、参加することにしましたが、キャンセルしなかったことを後悔。

●問題点2
参加者30人中で日本人は自分一人でした。残りは中国系の参加者。ガイドも中国系なので、中国語での見どころ説明だけは長く丁寧、それに対して日本語は集合場所・時間のみ。意味不明な言語を延々と聞かされる苦痛、加えて終始、疎外感があって透明人間になった気分でした。
Machine translated from Japanese
Reply from the operator
We apologize for any inconvenience caused. However, our company has utilized all means to provide notifications and preparations.

1. To help customers better understand the route, a specific route confirmation email was also sent. The route that does not include the hot springs was clearly stated. We received a reply from the customer agreeing to the proposal through the platform.

2. For confirmation, we contacted the customer by phone. The customer received it and decided to participate in the to…
We apologize for any inconvenience caused. However, our company has utilized all means to provide notifications and preparations.

1. To help customers better understand the route, a specific route confirmation email was also sent. The route that does not include the hot springs was clearly stated. We received a reply from the customer agreeing to the proposal through the platform.

2. For confirmation, we contacted the customer by phone. The customer received it and decided to participate in the tour.

3. This tour is designed for overseas guests, so the primary language of guidance is aimed at international visitors. Important communications, such as meeting times, will also be provided in Japanese (there are hints on the product page).

4. After the tour, we still received a complaint from the customer (the only complaint regarding this tour), and we processed a 50% refund.

That is all. We will strive to improve any shortcomings. Our staff will continue to work hard.
ご迷惑をおかけしたことをお詫び申し上げます。だだし、弊社はすべての手段を利用して通知と準備をしています。
1、お客様にルートをよりよく知ってもらうために、具体的なルート確認のメールも送信されました。温泉を含まないルートがちゃんと書いてありました。プラットフォームを通じてお客様に提案を賛成されますという返信をいただました。

2、再確認のためにお客様に電話で連絡いたしました。お客様も受け取りまして、ツアーに参加しようにしました。

3、本ツアーは海外の方向けのプランのため、ご案内言語は主に海外向けとなっており…
ご迷惑をおかけしたことをお詫び申し上げます。だだし、弊社はすべての手段を利用して通知と準備をしています。
1、お客様にルートをよりよく知ってもらうために、具体的なルート確認のメールも送信されました。温泉を含まないルートがちゃんと書いてありました。プラットフォームを通じてお客様に提案を賛成されますという返信をいただました。

2、再確認のためにお客様に電話で連絡いたしました。お客様も受け取りまして、ツアーに参加しようにしました。

3、本ツアーは海外の方向けのプランのため、ご案内言語は主に海外向けとなっております。集合時間等の重要なご連絡は日本語でもご案内いたします。(製品ページにヒントがございます)

4、ツアーが終わってから、まだお客様のクレームを受けて(このツアーのただひとつのクレーム)、最後50%の返金処理をいたしました。

以上です。足りない点は改善に努めます。これからも、スタッフ一同精進してまいります。
Machine translated from Japanese
I couldn't enter the Nakadake crater.
Posted Date: 2026/02/22
タッキー
I was the only Japanese person in the group. I started by visiting Kumamoto Castle, which has changed quite a bit since before the earthquake. At Kusasenri, there were remnants of controlled burns here and there, and the aftermath of the burns might not be very pretty. The basashi (raw horse meat) rice bowl at the drive-in was delicious. The coffee was brewed using a unique method with roasted beans, but I gave up due to the long line.

At the Aso roadside station, you can buy local specialties an…
I was the only Japanese person in the group. I started by visiting Kumamoto Castle, which has changed quite a bit since before the earthquake. At Kusasenri, there were remnants of controlled burns here and there, and the aftermath of the burns might not be very pretty. The basashi (raw horse meat) rice bowl at the drive-in was delicious. The coffee was brewed using a unique method with roasted beans, but I gave up due to the long line.

At the Aso roadside station, you can buy local specialties and vegetables. There is a Kumamon monument at the Aso roadside station, and you can see a statue of Usopp from One Piece at the nearby Aso Station. Unfortunately, the area around the crater is off-limits due to a helicopter accident, so the caldera will have to wait for next time. I am very grateful to the female tour guide and the driver for their hard work, which allowed us to return early, and they also recommended a dinner place. The tour guide's stories were very interesting. She speaks Chinese and Korean as well, so if you prefer only Japanese, you should consider expanding your options, but today's tour is enjoyable enough for Japanese participants as well. Since there is a lot of movement, it is more suited for those who want to see specific points rather than many sights.
日本人は私1人でした。熊本城をはじめにみて、震災前と大分変わっていました。
草千里は野焼きの跡が所々あり、野焼きの跡はあまり綺麗ではないかもしれません。ドライブインで馬刺し丼が美味しかったです。珈琲は焙煎したコーヒーを独自の製法で出していましたが、長蛇の列で断念しました。
道の駅阿蘇では特産品や野菜を買えます。道の駅阿蘇でくまモンのモニュメントが、向かいの阿蘇駅でワンピースのウソップの銅像がみれます。
残念ながら、ヘリコプター事故で火口周辺は立ち入り禁止、カルデラはまた次回。女性添乗員と、ドライバーが…
日本人は私1人でした。熊本城をはじめにみて、震災前と大分変わっていました。
草千里は野焼きの跡が所々あり、野焼きの跡はあまり綺麗ではないかもしれません。ドライブインで馬刺し丼が美味しかったです。珈琲は焙煎したコーヒーを独自の製法で出していましたが、長蛇の列で断念しました。
道の駅阿蘇では特産品や野菜を買えます。道の駅阿蘇でくまモンのモニュメントが、向かいの阿蘇駅でワンピースのウソップの銅像がみれます。
残念ながら、ヘリコプター事故で火口周辺は立ち入り禁止、カルデラはまた次回。女性添乗員と、ドライバーが最後まで頑張ってくれて早めに帰ることができ、夕食のお店も教えてくれて大変感謝です。添乗員さんのお話がとても面白かったです。中国語、韓国語も喋るので、日本語だけを希望する場合は選択肢を拡げるべきですが、今日のツアーは日本人にも充分楽しめます。移動が多いので、数見たいではなく、ピンポイントで見たい人向けです。
Machine translated from Japanese
I enjoyed the magnificent Kusasenri and the impressive crater!
Posted Date: 2024/08/16
ジャスミン
I was searching for a tour to visit Aso Kusasenri and finally found this one. We were the only Japanese participants, while the rest of the group was quite international, including people from China, South Korea, Switzerland, Germany, the United States, and Poland. Our guide, Ryu, provided guidance in both Chinese and English, while also being very considerate towards us.

Initially, we couldn't enter the crater due to restrictions, but after checking by phone following our visit to Kusasenri, we …
I was searching for a tour to visit Aso Kusasenri and finally found this one. We were the only Japanese participants, while the rest of the group was quite international, including people from China, South Korea, Switzerland, Germany, the United States, and Poland. Our guide, Ryu, provided guidance in both Chinese and English, while also being very considerate towards us.

Initially, we couldn't enter the crater due to restrictions, but after checking by phone following our visit to Kusasenri, we learned that the restrictions had been lifted, which prompted applause from the bus participants! Thanks to that, we were able to see the impressive crater up close. We arrived late to Dazaifu Tenmangu, which was changed from Kurokawa Onsen, due to traffic, and the shops at the entrance were closed, but the quiet atmosphere of the shrine at dusk was actually very nice.

Thank you, Ryu and the driver!
阿蘇草千里を訪れるツアーを探していてようやく見つけたのがこちらのツアーでした。参加者は日本人は私達二人だけ、あとは中国、韓国、スイス、ドイツ、アメリカ、ポーランド‥と国際色豊かなツアーでした。ガイドのリュウさんは中国語と英語で案内をしつつ、私達にも細やかに気を遣ってくれました。
火口は最初規制で入れなかったのですが、草千里の後電話で確認してくれたら規制が解除されて入れるとのこと、バスの参加者から拍手がわき起こりました!おかげで迫力ある噴火口を間近でみることができました。黒川温泉から変更になった太宰…
阿蘇草千里を訪れるツアーを探していてようやく見つけたのがこちらのツアーでした。参加者は日本人は私達二人だけ、あとは中国、韓国、スイス、ドイツ、アメリカ、ポーランド‥と国際色豊かなツアーでした。ガイドのリュウさんは中国語と英語で案内をしつつ、私達にも細やかに気を遣ってくれました。
火口は最初規制で入れなかったのですが、草千里の後電話で確認してくれたら規制が解除されて入れるとのこと、バスの参加者から拍手がわき起こりました!おかげで迫力ある噴火口を間近でみることができました。黒川温泉から変更になった太宰府天満宮へは渋滞で着くのが遅くなり、門前のお店は閉まっていたのですが、夕暮れの天満宮は静かで逆にとても良かったです。
リュウさんドライバーさん有り難うございました!
Machine translated from Japanese
Reply from the operator
Thank you very much for your kind words. We will continue to strive for excellence as a team.お褒めいただき、心より感謝申し上げます。これからも、スタッフ一同精進してまいります。
Machine translated from Japanese
This tour is subject to weather conditions.
Posted Date: 2025/11/18
しのちゃん
There were only the two of us who were Japanese, but our guide, Mr. Zhang, was very considerate, allowing us to participate in the tour with peace of mind. The weather that day was rainy, and we couldn't see Kusasenri due to the fog, and we also couldn't go to Nakadake, which was very disappointing. I would like to participate again when the weather is nice. Mr. Zhang was very kind and friendly, and I would love to join another tour guided by him!日本人は私たち二人だけでしたが、ガイドの張さんがとても気遣ってくださり、安心してツアーに参加できました。
この日の天候は雨で、草千里も霧で見る事ができず、また中岳も行けず、とても残念でした。天候が良い時にまた再度参加したいです。ガイドの張さん、とても優しく、気さくな方で、また張さんのガイドのツアーに参加したいです!!
Machine translated from Japanese
Thank you very much.
Posted Date: 2025/12/02
トク
I was very satisfied with the content of the tour, and even though I was the only Japanese person, I was really happy with the easy-to-understand guidance from the guide, Kaku-san, and his warm consideration. It was truly a fun and meaningful tour. Thank you very much!ツアーの内容にも大変満足していますが、日本人が私一人だったのですが、ガイドのカクさんの分かりやすいガイドと、温かい心づかいがとても嬉しくて 本当に楽しい有意義なツアーでした。本当にありがとうございました。
Machine translated from Japanese
A fulfilling day.
Posted Date: 2025/12/14
ぷっこ父ちゃん
Traveling from Kanto to Fukuoka.
To enjoy Kyushu, I participated in this tour.
It was a small group tour with a few groups from Taiwan and just us, a single Japanese group, traveling in a minibus.
Our guide, Mr. Zhang, provided us with a thorough and fluent explanation in Japanese for our small group.
We were able to leisurely explore Kumamoto Castle.
Although we couldn't visit the crater of Mount Aso due to restrictions, he did his best and never gave up until the end.
He also shared many…
Traveling from Kanto to Fukuoka.
To enjoy Kyushu, I participated in this tour.
It was a small group tour with a few groups from Taiwan and just us, a single Japanese group, traveling in a minibus.
Our guide, Mr. Zhang, provided us with a thorough and fluent explanation in Japanese for our small group.
We were able to leisurely explore Kumamoto Castle.
Although we couldn't visit the crater of Mount Aso due to restrictions, he did his best and never gave up until the end.
He also shared many recommendations for shops and souvenirs in Fukuoka, making for a very enjoyable trip.
I would love to request him as a guide for other tours as well.
Thank you very much.
関東から福岡への旅行。
九州を楽しむため、こちらのツアーに参加させて頂きました。
台湾の方数組と日本人は私達一組の少人数のツアーで小型バスでの旅でした。
ガイドして頂いた張さんは少数の私達の為に、流暢な日本語で丁寧に案内下さいました。
熊本城もゆっくり観光出来ました。
阿蘇山の火口は規制が解けず観光出来ませんでしたが、最後まで諦めず最善を尽くして下さいました。
また、福岡のお店やお土産も沢山教えて下さり
とても楽しい旅が出来ました。
また、他のツアーでもガイドをお願いしたいと思いました。
ありがとうございました。
Machine translated from Japanese
Kumamoto, easily accessible for a day trip from Fukuoka.
Posted Date: 2026/04/19
company trip
Kumamoto Castle, known as one of Japan's three great castles, has an interior designed like a museum, allowing visitors to understand its history from its construction to the post-war period. I completely agree with the evaluation that emphasizes restoration, experience, and storytelling.

I had heard that the Kusasenrigahama in Aso often has a lot of fog and many days when visibility is poor, but fortunately, there was no fog, and I could see clearly. However, due to volcanic restrictions, I coul…
Kumamoto Castle, known as one of Japan's three great castles, has an interior designed like a museum, allowing visitors to understand its history from its construction to the post-war period. I completely agree with the evaluation that emphasizes restoration, experience, and storytelling.

I had heard that the Kusasenrigahama in Aso often has a lot of fog and many days when visibility is poor, but fortunately, there was no fog, and I could see clearly. However, due to volcanic restrictions, I couldn't enter the crater. Given that it's an active volcano, that's understandable.
三大名城と言われる熊本城は内部が博物館のようになっていて、築城から戦後まで理解できる設計。復興・体験・ストーリー重視という評価には納得。
阿蘇の草千里は霧が多く、見えない日が多いと聞いていたが、運良く霧もなく、ハッキリ見えた。
ただ、あいにく火山規制で火口には入れなかった。活火山なのでやむを得ない。
Machine translated from Japanese
It was my first bus tour with foreign nationals.
Posted Date: 2026/05/02
アケミさん
On the bus, there were just the two of us and the driver, who were Japanese, but thanks to the consideration of the female tour guide, we had great seats at the front, which was wonderful. I also appreciate the small attentions to detail. The service while speaking three languages was impressive. The driver's route to ease the traffic made for a comfortable journey, which was great. However, I would like everyone to strictly adhere to returning to the bus on time, as being late can cause inconve… On the bus, there were just the two of us and the driver, who were Japanese, but thanks to the consideration of the female tour guide, we had great seats at the front, which was wonderful. I also appreciate the small attentions to detail. The service while speaking three languages was impressive. The driver's route to ease the traffic made for a comfortable journey, which was great. However, I would like everyone to strictly adhere to returning to the bus on time, as being late can cause inconvenience for everyone. I would love to participate again. Thank you! バスのお客さんで日本人が私達二人と運転手さんでしたが、添乗員の女性の方の配慮で席は前で凄く良かったですし、細かな気遣いもありがとうございました。三カ国語を話しながらの接客には素晴らしかったです。
運転手さんの渋滞緩和のルートも快適な旅になり良かったです。
ただ、きちんと遅刻せずにバスに戻って来ないと全員に迷惑がかかる事を厳守してほしいです。また参加したいです。ありがとうございました〜
Machine translated from Japanese

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