Mt. Aso area is the must-see place if you visit Kyusyu Island. This tour will enable you to see highlights of Aso in one day!
I will recommend you the places to visit, and you can create your own Aso tour. If you like to stop by a local specialty shop/restaurant or experience a hot spring resort, it is also possible. The sample tour course includes Futae Pass, Daikanbo (breathtaking view of the northern part of the huge caldera), local market, Komezuka, Kusasenri-ga-hama, and Nakadake Crater. The highlight of Aso tour is to walk around the rim of the active Nakadake Crater viewing inside the crater, which is filled with cobalt blue water. And from season to season, you will enjoy the different natural scenery and color of Aso!

Magnificent view of one of the largest caldera in the world and walking along the rim of the active caldera, and more

Highlights of Mt. Aso in one day

Mt. Aso, is ONLY volcano in the WORLD you can peek into from a crater rim. In the crater you can see turquoise blue boiling water, which makes you imagine what the earth was like in ancient time. Depending on the condition of the volcano, it is prohibited to come close to the rim, however the majestic view of the mountain never fails to impress you. On this tour we will visit 3 main spots of Mt. Aso and one ancient shrines. As a local guide, who has had tours almost 200 tours, I would like to show you Aso from both scientific and mythical points of view. And I would like to tell you how the local people live in the caldera and why.

note : we cannot go to Nakadake, an active volcano when eruption level alert is more than 1 (the area within 1 km from the crater becomes off limits. )

Stunning Natural Beauty and Active Volcano

Full day Mt Aso Tour

Embark on a magical journey to Takachiho, just 90 minutes from Kumamoto City. This private tour immerses you in the essence of Takachiho with a blend of nature, mythology, and culture.

Begin at Takachiho Gorge with a serene boat ride through emerald waters amidst cliffs and waterfalls. Visit Takachiho Shrine, nestled among ancient cedars, and learn about Shinto myths. Explore Amano Iwato Shrine and discover the cave of the Sun Goddess.

*This is 9 hours tour with a taxi hired.
*For booking the boat rental in advance, please let me know how many boats you want to rent. Max 3 adults for one boat. I will offer a customized tour price, including boat rental. If you don't want a boat ride or in the case of a boat ride being closed because of the weather, we can visit Tsujunkyo bridge, a national treasure stone bridge on the way to Takachiho.

Nature and Mythology

Takachiho full day tour from Kumamoto

Kumamoto Castle is one of the three most premier castles in Japan. Kiyomasa Kato, its founder, built the most inpregnable fortress based on his experience in battles. Although the castle was badly damaged by the April 2016 Kumamoto EArthquake, we can view its magnificence from the outside the moat. Then, we will visit Suizenji-Jojuen, Japanese style landscape garden: please enjoy strolling along a path, then have a quiet time at a thatched tea house with a cup of green tea and a sweet. Your guide will let you have further information on Kumamoto i. e. where to visit, shop, eat, etc. It is my sincere hope that you will have the great time in my home town.

Serene contemplation sitting at an old house of Suizenji Park

Ride in a kago (palanquin) at Wakuwaku-za, castle museum

Visitors are enjoying feeding carps in the pond at Suizenji Park

Visit the best sites in Kumamoto

Best of Kumamoto (4hr tour)

Are you interested in Samurai ? The city of 600, 000 is still deeply colored with Samurai culture? Myself, as your professional guide will show you all the major highlights of my beautiful city and give you a glimpse into what it must have been like 400 years

Kumamoto Castle is one of the three most famous castles in Japan. It was chosen as the top Japanese castle in a recent survey. The castle was damaged by earthquakes in 2016 however which still attracts many visitors. It was sad that the castle, Japan's most unyielding fortress was devastated , however there are things we can see only when the buildings and stone walls are under recovery.



Come into contact with samurai culture

Kumamoto Castle half day tour

Experience Kumamoto to the fullest with this enriching tour.

Delve into the legacy of Miyamoto Musashi, who was known as the strongest Samukrai in Japan, with visits to Reigandou and Shimada Museum in the morning, where you'll learn about his life and his famous work, the "Book of Five Rings. "
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the traditional art of Wagashi-making in the Kawashiri area. And to top it off, explore the rich history of sake production at Zuiyo Sake Brewery, the first sake brewery in the prefecture dating back to 1867, where you can enjoy tastings.

Get ready for an adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories of Kumamoto!

This is 7-hour tour with tax hired.

Deep experience of Kumamoto

Reigando Cave and Kawashiri Area

As a local tour guide, I would like you to visit as many interesting places as possible based on your interests. I am sure you want to visit the most popular sites such as Kumamoto Castle and Suizenji Jojuen.

Although Kumamoto Castle was damaged by the recent quake, it stands out and I can take you to the lookouts which boast the good view of the castle ground with towers. If you are interested in celebrated swordsman Musashi Miyamoto, I will take you to Reigando where he spent his final days in writing "Book of Five Rings. "

If you like to try local specialties or find something nice for souvenirs, I will take you to the kind of restaurants or shops which you would enjoy. If you would like to experience Japanice culture e. g. , tea ceremony or calligraphy, such arrangements are also possible during your trip.

I assure you will have a fabulous day in Kumamoto!

Samurai will welcome you on the castle ground

Gracia Hosokawa's grave at ruins of Taishoji Temple

Reigando where Musashi Miyamoto wrote his book

Explore all of the best sightseeing sites and the central Kumamoto

Highlight of Kumamoto (7hr tour)

Kurokawa Hot Spring Resort is one of the most famous ones in Japan. Many other hot springs have become sophisticated and modern but the owners of the traditional inns of Kurokawa stick to the conventional style, which attracts old and young alike. In Kurokawa you will visit three hot spring. There are outdoor baths, some of which are separated for women and men and others are open to both.
Mt. Aso, is ONLY volcano in the WORLD you can peek into from a crater rim. In the crater you can see turquoise blue boiling water, which makes you imagine what the earth was like in ancient time. Depending on the condition of the volcano, it is prohibited to come close to the rim, however the majestic As a local guide, who has had tours almost 200 tours, I would like to show you Aso from both scientific and mythical points of view.

note : we cannot go to Nakadake, an active volcano when eruption level alert is more than 1 (the area within 1 km from the crater becomes off limit

Hot Spring Hopping

8hr Kurokawa Hotspring and Mt Aso

Embark on a captivating tour to Mt. Aso, boasting one of the world's largest calderas.
Explore the ever-changing natural landscapes that showcase stunning beauty throughout the year.
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural and historical heritage of Mt. Aso as an expert guide unveils its secrets.
Please enjoy discovering the wonders of Aso firsthand.

This is 9-hour tour with tax hired.

Enjoying the volcanic mountain and panoramic view

Highlights of Mt. Aso

Tour to visit your ancestors' home town in Kyusyu

This tour will take you to a home town of your ancestor in Kyusyu or eastern Chugoku region. It will cover variety of activities which were chosen based on the your requests and suggestions. The highlight of the tour is your visit to the ancestors' hometown where you may pay a visit to your family grave and old property, meet with relatives and local people.
Many people chose to immigrate to north and south America. Among prefectures, Hiroshima ranks no. 1 followed by Okinawa, Kumamoto, Fukuoka, Yamaguchi, Wakayama. I live in Kumamoto, central Kyusyu, and have helped many tourists who have come here to visit their ancestors' home town. Their purposes vary: some want to just see their grandparents' home town, some want to meet their distant relatives, some want to create their family tree, etc. I have tried to meet an expectation of each one of my client. If you like, I can obtain "koseki" (family registration) before your arrival. First of all please write to me what the objective of your tour is.

Tour guide will help you find your ancestory

Discover the Majestic Kumamoto Castle, a gem among Japan's top three castles, renowned for its historical significance and architectural brilliance. Founded by the skilled strategist Kiyomasa Kato, this castle stands as a testament to his battlefield expertise, with imposing fortifications that once made it an impregnable fortress. Despite the damage incurred during the April 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, we'll have the opportunity to admire the castle's magnificence from a vantage point beyond the moat. Your guide will provide insightful details on the castle's rich history. Following this awe-inspiring visit, we'll venture to Suizenji-Jojuen, a traditional Japanese garden. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty, strolling along picturesque paths, and find tranquility at a thatched tea house with a cup of green tea and a sweet. Your guide will also share local recommendations, ensuring you make the most of your time in Kumamoto. .

Kumamoto Castle, Museum at Josaien, and Suizenji Jojuen Garden

The view from the top floor of the Castle Tower

Seacret underground route to the Castle Tower?

A series of torii gates in a row. One of the photogenic spots in the garden.

Unveil the Essence of Kumamoto's Treasures in 4.5 Hours

Kumamoto Heritage Explorer Tour

7hr Tour to visit your ancestors' home town in Kumamoto

I will take you to the region associated with your ancestors. I will be an interpreter and a local guide during your stay here, and assist you in locating your relatives and family grave, etc. I will also show you around Kumamoto if time permits.

Takachiho tours

Explore with 12 tours and 3 guides.

Ikue K.

$ 270 (USD)

Yuko F.

$ 270 (USD)

Sakie U.

$ 460 (USD)

Ikue K.

$ 135 (USD)

Yuko F.

$ 250 (USD)

Sakie U.

$ 457 (USD)

Ikue K.

$ 200 (USD)

Yuko F.

$ 260 (USD)

Sakie U.

$ 445 (USD)

Ikue K.

$ 300 (USD)

Sakie U.

$ 272 (USD)

Ikue K.

$ 300 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Takachiho

Customize your tour