Fukuoka: Mount Aso Volcano, Kumamoto Castle, Grasslands Day Tour
Overview
Available languages
10 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience the raw beauty and cultural heritage of Kumamoto and Aso in this unforgettable adventure. Ideal for families, friends, and adventurers, this tour blends history, nature, and hands-on activities. Begin at the iconic Kumamoto Castle, a symbol of Japanese resilience, then journey to the active Nakadake Crater of Mount Aso for a rare glimpse into the Earth's fiery core. Explore the lush grasslands of Kusasenri and enjoy a horseback riding experience surrounded by stunning volcanic landscapes. Dive deeper into the region's geology at the Aso Volcano Museum and savor local delicacies at the charming Aso Roadside Station. This tour offers a perfect mix of education, excitement, and scenic beauty—an authentic Japanese experience not to be missed!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
1.The itinerary may change if Aso Volcano issues a no-entry notice.
2.Weekend and holiday traffic in Japan may delay the return time past 9 p.m.Our company covers overtime fees for the guide and driver.To avoid issues, please don't schedule activities or transport afterward.Attraction times may also be shortened, adjusted, or canceled. Thankyou for your understanding.
3.From Mar.15th ,the departure time will advanced to 8:00 AM
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Kumamoto Castle
08:00am, begin your journey by meeting at Lawson, Fukuoka Oriental Hotel ▼Your first stop: Kumamoto Castle. Spend approximately 110 minutes exploring this renowned landmark (admission: ¥800, not included). Recognized as one of Japan's "Three Great Castles," Kumamoto Castle was originally built by the famed castle builder Kato Kiyomasa in 1601. The iconic steep stone walls, known as "Musha-gaeshi," and the elegant Honmaru Goten Pavilion are just some of the sights that make this castle a must-visit. Don't miss the Kumamon Square, the office of Kumamoto’s famous bear mascot, "Kumamon," located nearby (about a 30-minute walk round trip). Take a stroll through Sakura-no-baba Josaien, a tourist area at the foot of the castle, featuring "Yuyuyuza" for cultural experiences and "Sakura Komichi" for local delicacies and souvenirs.
Mt. Aso Nakadake Crater
▼Mount Aso – Nakadake Crater Next, head to the active Nakadake Crater on Mount Aso, one of Japan’s most famous active volcanoes. Get an up-close look at the crater, where you can watch white plumes rise and experience the sheer power and beauty of this natural wonder. Note: The itinerary may change if crater access is restricted.
What‘s Included
Driver service
Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
Admission of Aso Volcano
Multilingual tour guide
Fuel surcharge
Parking Fees
Pickup and drop off at Hakata station)
Food and drinks
Kumamoto Castle
Options
Fukuoka: Mount Aso Volcano, Kumamoto Castle, Grasslands Day Tour
Reviews
32 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
app is stuck cannot proceed
Miles N,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The bus ride takes up too much time both ways. Your guide Soon was excellent explained everything clearly.
Fukuoka - Kumamoto castle/ Mount Aso tour
jheea2025,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lina was a great and friendly tour guide. She never let anyone feel left behind. She takes care of the group and make sure everyone is okay. I highly recommend taking a tour with her.
Day tour to castle and volcano
sheilarJ1572MG,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The castle was amazing. We then went to the volcano it was spectacular. Our guide Lena was very pleasant and very entertaining.
Mount Aso
Valentin E,,Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I particularly liked the volcano (Mount Aso). The landscapes were beautiful. Our tour guide, Jyo, was very welcoming and professional.
Make sure guide speaks...
Colleen U,,Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Helpful to have a guide who speaks your language. Would like to have more information on the areas. Kept to schedule on time.
Long Day- interesting sites
Judith M,,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00If you an English speaker you are on your own in the Castle with no English explanations! I am not sure what the Grassland part of the tour was about unless it was the lunch stop? We were apparently lucky to see the Mt ASO crater as some days you cannot go there…. So I can’t imagine what happens if it was closed?
Disappointing day, make sure you check the weather forecast before booking
Colin L,,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00Our guide Carey was lovely and attentive. However our visit to the castle was disappointing as there was not sufficient time to see it properly. We then drove to the grasslands in poor weather to eat lunch at a roadside stop. Although the volcano museum was on the same site we did not have time to visit it. We then drove for a few minutes to the shuttle bus station for the crater. The access to the crater was closed. A very disappointing day all told, 6 hours on a bus for very little enjoyment. We felt sorry for Carey.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/MptUrl?p=AAVteKQYSwwBQriN2%2BJkX9nV0XUbxQk%2Byj3oGHSM3qUHGCPhIuTSESnP7eV16VTgAZ6LUCToXpbP%2B
Linus L,,Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Guide Miss Keisi was very polite & professional. Helpful. Appreciate. She’s precise & informative. Attentive & kind.
Senri Kusa, Kando
G1053KD,,Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was Chinese National Day, and there were three Japanese, me and my wife. At first, I was worried that I would be overwhelmed by foreigners, but the bus was quiet and everyone was observant and comfortable. The guide and driver were very kind and nice. The best part was Kusasenri. I was almost moved to tears by the scenery I had never seen before. I would love to use it again.
It was the most fun.
Trek64152635464,,Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I joined alone. I was the only Japanese on the medium bus full, and the rest were from Taiwan and China. The Chinese guide, who is of the same sex and similar age, was very considerate and we sat next to the guide and talked individually in Japanese. They seem to live near the meeting place and they gave us some information on recommendations that are not related to the tour, which was a lot of fun. It was great to be able to enjoy it as much as I wanted, even when I arrived at the sightseeing spots. The other guests were very quiet, there was nothing unpleasant about manners etc. and it was a very enjoyable trip from start to finish. I want to be on this guide's tour again!!
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