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
    2606.66
    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
    Tam SamuelTam Samuel

    Despite some areas of the caster were still under repair due to the earthquake some years ago, the repair for the major part of the castle had been completed. It is anice place to go, especially in Spring.

  • 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
    Bart SimpsonsBart Simpsons

    Kurokawa Onsen: There are seven types of hot springs in Kumamoto Prefecture's Kurokawa Onsen. You can soak in most of the open-air hot springs by purchasing a "hot spring hand-shaped holder". A trip to Kurokawa Onsen will allow the hot springs to completely heal your body and mind. Kurokawa Onsen was selected as Japan's national health hot spring resort in 1964. The season when the "Temperature Festival" that lights up the entire hot spring street is especially worth recommending. During this period, the streets are decorated with cute spherical and cylindrical lanterns, blending in with the natural landscape.

  • 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
    KOALA_CKOALA_C

    Mount Aso, located in Kumamoto, can be seen erupting white smoke from above in November 2023. You can smell the smell nearby, and you can pay to watch it by helicopter at the ASO Zoo.

  • 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
    吳美麗吳美麗

    This visit to Kumamoto Castle was a super fun experience. As far as I know, Kumamoto Castle, one of the three famous castles in Japan, is famous for its majestic stone walls and unique architectural style. This castle, which has a history of more than 400 years, has witnessed the vicissitudes of the Warring States Period. Climbing up the castle tower, you can overlook the entire Kumamoto city and feel the intersection of history and modernity. During the cherry blossom season in the city, the pink petals and the ancient city walls complement each other beautifully. Even after experiencing the test of the earthquake, Kumamoto Castle still shows its tenacious vitality, and the restoration project makes people feel the Japanese people's cherishment of history. Whether you are a history buff or a nature lover, Kumamoto Castle is a must-see attraction.

  • 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
    MrAndrewChanMrAndrewChan

    Beautiful coloring at Kumanoza Shrine ⛩️ There are many long stairs, but it is worth walking up to see them. There is a large parking lot diagonally opposite the shrine, which is very convenient.

  • 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
    MeinightMeinight

    A very cute and childlike train The train theme is a very cute little black dog Each car has a different design There are panoramic seats in Cars 1 and 4 You can see the beautiful scenery along the way 🥰

  • 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
    17920.77
    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
    _TI***io_TI***io

    This time, I bought the Kyushu FunPASS Kumamoto 2-day ticket, which is perfect for exploring Kumamoto. It gives you direct entry to Kumamoto Castle and the Wakyu-za Theater, which are truly beautiful. I highly recommend it. You can also exchange it for an extra 1,100 yen worth of shopping street tickets, which is a great deal. We also went to the Yatai Village in the evening, where we could exchange it for alcohol and drinks.

  • 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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