Kumamoto Castle, Mount Aso and Kusasenri 1 Day Tour

Kumamoto Castle is one of the "Three Great Castles of Japan." It was built over seven years starting in 1601 (Keichō 6) by Katō Kiyomasa, the first lord of the Kumamoto Domain and a renowned master castle builder. This nationally celebrated fortress later became the residence of the Hosokawa family after the Katō family was demoted.

Mount Aso, located in the northeastern part of Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, is a famous active volcano in Japan and features a caldera that is rare in the world. It is also one of the few volcanic sites where visitors can closely observe an active volcano. From a close vantage point, you can look down into the crater and gaze at the continuous plumes of white smoke, allowing you to experience the awe-inspiring power and magnificent scenery of nature during your journey.

Asosan Kusasenri is a vast grassland located at the northern foot of Mount Eboshi. In the center of the prairie, there is a pond formed by rainwater. Cattle and horses graze freely across the grasslands, offering a variety of different scenic views throughout the four seasons. Stretching across an expansive 20,000 hectares, this endless green meadow invites you to take a leisurely stroll. As you walk among the carefree cattle and horses and breathe in the fresh mountain air, you will feel completely relaxed and refreshed, as if you have wandered into a paradise.

Mount Aso boasts one of the world's largest calderas and magnificent outer rim mountains, where you can view the majestic Aso Gogaku (the five peaks of Aso). A variety of Aso specialty products are available here, including seasonal vegetables, fruits, meat, dairy products, sweets, handmade bento boxes, and other items that can only be purchased locally. As part of a collaborative project between Kumamoto Prefecture and Eiichiro Oda, the prefecture's manga artist who created the popular manga "One Piece," a statue of Usopp from the Straw Hat Pirates is also displayed in the plaza of Aso Station.