Top 20 Best Things to Do in Kumamoto Prefecture
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Top 20 Best Things to Do in Kumamoto Prefecture

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Kumamoto Castletop_1
    󰺂6.3
    5.1
    Kumamoto3.8 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoExplore Kumamoto Castle with a Local Guide: History and Highlights Tour
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Night Attractions in Kumamoto Prefecture
    Highlights:
    󱨜360° view of Kumamoto
    󰋄One of Japan's top castles
    󱨠Saved by 605 users󱨠211 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    msmsmsms

    Kumamoto Castle is full of ingenuity. In my mind, the castle ruins are truly magnificent. Most astonishing are the piles of stones beneath the walls. They were rolled down during the Kumamoto earthquake. While progress is slow, they will one day be rebuilt.

  • Kurokawa Onsentop_2
    󰺂5.8
    Minamioguni49.2 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰋄Unlimited access to unique hot springs
    󱨜Unique outdoor bath & nature
    󱨠Saved by 534 users󱨠39% positive reviews
    4.8/5
    もぐちゃん夫婦もぐちゃん夫婦

    I would like to recommend Kurokawa Onsen! There are baths, you can eat while walking, and the air is delicious and relaxing. A car is necessary and the roads are narrow, but they are one-way so it is easy to get around ☺️ The people are kind and friendly, and it feels like you are on a trip, which makes you feel good 🎵

  • Mount Asotop_3
    󰺂5.4
    Aso34.5 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoRecommended spring activities in Aso-Kuju National Park | Mar 2025-Dec 2025
    trip best small logoNo. 4 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Kumamoto Prefecture
    Highlights:
    󱓊View active volcano & vast grasslands
    Scenic trails around the crater
    󱨠Saved by 305 users󱨠28% positive reviews
    4.8/5
    Doctor X_CandyDoctor X_Candy

    Aso has a unique weather and is home to flowers, birds and butterflies. More than 2,500 mm of rainfall falls on the grassland every year, seeping into the vast land and becoming the source of six first-level rivers, providing water for about 2.3 million people in Kyushu. There are as many as 1,500 places in Aso that are known as "famous water". Because the grassland is fertile and the grass grown is suitable for grazing, the milk produced here is also very fresh. Let's drink this glass of milk from Mount Aso🥛

  • Kumamon Square
    4
    󰺂5.3
    Kumamoto3 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoKumamon Square Live Performance
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Kumamoto Prefecture
    Highlights:
    󰋄Official limited Kumamon souvenirs
    Photo op with Kumamon
    󱨠Saved by 276 users󱨠39% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    Mary_Yao88Mary_Yao88

    There are two performances every day, from 2:00 to 2:30 in the afternoon, which is very suitable for parent-child activities. Of course, adults are also very happy. Minister Bear is cute, lively and interactive. Not bad 👍

  • Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine
    5
    󰺂5.2
    Takamori39.6 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Kumamoto Prefecture
    4.9/5
    Doctor X_CandyDoctor X_Candy

    Deep in the secrets of the Aso region, there is actually a very famous hidden attraction. That is Kamishikimi Kumanoza Shrine. Because the shrine is located in the deep mountains and dense forests, on the way to the temple, you can see moss-covered stone lanterns and torii. The moment you step in, it feels like you have walked into another world, so this place is also called the "mysterious entrance to the other world."   The two popular anime "Firefly Forest" and "Natsume's Book of Friends" were filmed here, adding a touch of mystery to this place, attracting countless anime fans like me to come here for pilgrimage

  • Aso Boy
    6
    󰺂5.1
    Kumamoto4.9 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Family-friendly Attractions in Kumamoto Prefecture
    Highlights:
    󰀆Breathtaking views of Mount Aso
    󱓊Ball pit & exclusive seats
    󱨠Saved by 122 users
    4.7/5
    PrincessttPrincesstt

    This is a sightseeing train from Kumamoto Station to Sankaku Station. The calm and majestic black color is embellished with a golden exterior, with angel-carved glass, a wooden ceiling inlaid with a golden logo, velvet seat covers with classical patterns, and colorful icy glass everywhere.

  • Aso Nakadake Crater 1
    7
    󰺂5.0
    Aso33.8 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Watch active volcano smoke & layers
    󰀆Explore rare active volcano craters
    󱨠Saved by 106 users󱨠53% positive reviews
    4.8/5
    Shady CrispyShady Crispy

    One of a kind experience and breath taking views to absorb should it be of acceptable air quality at the crater area/ proximity.

  • Seacruise
    8
    󰺂4.9
    35.07
    Kamiamakusa41.6 km from downtown
    4.8/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    It was a very satisfying trip. The Amakusa dolphin watching tour, which was previously difficult to book, was unexpectedly available on Ctrip. We took a direct bus from Sakuramachi this morning. Upon arrival, we were supposed to quickly queue up to exchange our tickets. I was hesitant to exchange my tickets, but when I boarded, I found that all the seats on the first floor were taken. However, the seats on the basement level were more comfortable (all the people on the return trip had already grabbed them). When we got to a dolphin-infested area, they would stop and let everyone go up to the second deck to watch. Remember to use your bag to reserve a spot; my seat was taken on my return trip...

  • Sakuranobaba Josaien
    9
    󰺂4.8
    Kumamoto3.9 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Free Japanese costume photo op
    󱓊Edo-style town architecture
    󱨠Saved by 168 users󱨠28% positive reviews
    4.3/5
    开心就好灬开心就好灬

    Next to Kumamoto Castle is Sakura-no-Baba. It's not a big place, it's actually a small market with food and shopping. There are quite a lot of people. You can find a place to sit down and eat something. If you don't eat, you can basically finish the shopping in 20 minutes. It's not a must-visit place, but because it's right next to Kumamoto Castle, it's nice to stop by and take a look.

  • Suizenji Jojuen Garden
    10
    󰺂4.7
    Kumamoto790m from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 5 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Kumamoto Prefecture
    Highlights:
    󱨜Mount Aso: Nature & Manmade Fusion
    󱓊Recognized as a national treasure
    󱨠Saved by 216 users󱨠30% positive reviews
    4.6/5
    开心就好灬开心就好灬

    Suizenji Jojuen Garden is also a place you can visit in Kumamoto. It takes 10 to 20 minutes by car from the city. The whole garden is quite designed. There is a very beautiful lake in the middle with many fat fish. If you like history, you can spend more time there. Normally, one and a half hours is enough to finish the tour. If the weather is good, it is still quite photogenic.

Best things to do in Kumamoto Prefecture (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Kumamoto Prefecture? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Kumamoto Prefecture offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Kumamoto Prefecture

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Kumamoto Prefecture experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Kumamoto Castle

• Kumamoto | 3.8 km from downtown

• : 360° view of Kumamoto,One of Japan's top castles

Kurokawa Onsen

• Minamioguni | 49.2 km from downtown

• : Unlimited access to unique hot springs,Unique outdoor bath & nature

Mount Aso

• Aso | 34.5 km from downtown

• : View active volcano & vast grasslands,Scenic trails around the crater

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Kumamoto Prefecture

If you want to explore attractions just outside Kumamoto Prefecture, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Kumamoto Prefecture, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Kumamoto Prefecture special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Kumamoto Prefecture

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Kumamoto Prefecture

Ready to explore the best of Kumamoto Prefecture? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Kumamoto Prefecture?
These are all Best Things to Do in Kumamoto Prefecture:Kumamoto Castle, Kurokawa Onsen, Mount Aso, Kumamon Square, Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Kumamoto Prefecture?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Kumamoto Prefecture include:Kumamoto Castle:4.6, Kurokawa Onsen:4.8, Mount Aso:4.8, Kumamon Square:4.5, Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine:4.9
At what locations in Kumamoto Prefecture can Best Things to Do in Kumamoto Prefecture be found?
The Best Things to Do in Kumamoto Prefecture are mainly located in:Kumamoto Castle:Kumamoto, Kurokawa Onsen:Minamioguni, Mount Aso:Aso, Kumamon Square:Kumamoto, Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine:Takamori
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