Things to Do in Kumamoto
Hand-picked sights and experiences across Kumamoto, with day trips from Fukuoka.
When to catch the colours in Kumamoto?
Average red maple, golden ginkgo and cherry blossom dates for Kumamoto, from the Japan Meteorological Agency's 1991–2020 normals — the fortnight to aim for, not a promise for any particular year.
- Red maples
- Leaves turnDec 2
- Peak viewingDec 2 – Dec 16
- Golden ginkgo
- Leaves turnNov 27
- Peak viewingNov 27 – Dec 11
- Cherry blossom
- First flowersMar 22
- Full bloomApr 1
Where to look next?
The prefectures we've mapped so far, nearest to Kumamoto first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kumamoto Castle — one of Japan's three great castles, famously rebuilt after the 2016 quakes — the vast living caldera of Mt. Aso, the spring-fed gardens of Suizen-ji, and a certain ubiquitous black bear mascot.
When the mountain allows — the crater road and viewpoints close whenever gas or alert levels rise, so check the day's status. Even without the crater, the caldera grasslands, Komezuka cone and Daikanbō rim viewpoint make the trip.
Yes — tucked in the hills north of Aso, it's one of Japan's most tasteful onsen villages, famous for its rotemburo-hopping pass across the ryokan baths. It's remote (buses from Aso or Fukuoka); staying a night is the way.