Explore Mount Aso’s volcanic wonders, Kumamoto Castle’s history, and Kusasenri’s grasslands on a scenic ASO Boy train tour.
Explore Mount Aso’s volcanic wonders, Kumamoto Castle’s history, and Kusasenri’s grasslands on a scenic ASO Boy train tour.
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Kumamoto Castle - Kumamoto Castle (Entrance fee is 800 yen, at your own expense)
Kumamoto Castle is recognized as one of the “Three Famous Castles in Japan.” Constructed by Kato Kiyomasa, the first lord of the Kumamoto Domain and a renowned castle architect, it took seven years to build starting in 1601. After the Kato family was demoted, the…
- Kumamoto Castle - Kumamoto Castle (Entrance fee is 800 yen, at your own expense)
Kumamoto Castle is recognized as one of the “Three Famous Castles in Japan.” Constructed by Kato Kiyomasa, the first lord of the Kumamoto Domain and a renowned castle architect, it took seven years to build starting in 1601. After the Kato family was demoted, the Hosokawa family took residence there.
As you ascend, the desire to turn back increases. There are numerous attractions, such as the unique “Musha-gaeshi” stone walls and the splendid Honmaru Goten. It stands as a symbol of Kumamoto City.
Severely damaged by the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, the Tenshukaku was restored in spring 2021. Situated on a slightly elevated hill in central Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Castle, with its over 400-year history, is a must-visit. Besides exploring the renowned Kumamoto Castle, be sure to visit the Sakuranobaba Josaien nearby.
- Kumamon Square - KUMAMON Square (Japanese name: くまモンスクエア. Visit independently. It takes 30 minutes for a round trip. Please manage your time accordingly)
Kumamon was introduced in March 2011 with the launch of the Kyushu Shinkansen. KUMAMON Square serves as the base for the Minister of Sales and Happiness of Kumamoto Prefecture, who is active both domestically and internationally, promoting Kumamoto Prefecture’s tourism and products. From the Kumamon sales minister’s office to exclusive merchandise and even a café offering dishes made with local Kumamoto ingredients, it is enjoyable, easy to shop, and delicious. When the minister is present, he performs a delightful stage show.
- Mt. Aso Nakadake Crater - Aso Nakadake Crater (about 15 - 20 minutes, free time, additional entrance fees are at your own expense).
If the crater is under control, the itinerary will be adjusted based on the actual situation on the spot.
Aso Nakadake Crater is located in the northeast of Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu. It is a renowned active volcano in Japan, featuring a unique caldera landscape. It is one of the few places where you can observe an active volcano up close. You can view the crater from a short distance and witness the continuous white smoke, offering an incredible experience of nature’s power and beauty.
- Kusasenrigahama - Kusasenrigahama (about 90 - 100 minutes, free time, including lunch time at your own expense)
Kusasenrigahama is a vast grassland at the northern base of Eboshidake. A rainwater-formed pool lies in the center of the grasslands where cattle and horses graze. The scenery varies throughout the year. In this expansive 20,000-hectare grassland, a leisurely walk on the green fields, watching free-roaming cattle and sheep, and breathing the fresh mountain air can make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated, as if in a fairyland.
- Aso Volcano Museum - Aso Volcano Museum (entrance fee is 1,100 yen, at your own expense).
Facing the expansive Kusasenri, the Aso Volcano Museum focuses on “Aso Volcano” and showcases the topography, geology, flora, and fauna of Aso. It contains a wealth of fascinating materials related to the history of Aso Volcano. You can observe the formation process of Aso Volcano through a 3D model and gain insights into other volcanoes in Japan and worldwide. The museum’s latest camera system also provides live footage of Nakadake Crater.
- Aso Kusasenri Horseback Rides - Experience horseback riding in Kusasenri at your own expense. For itinerary A, it takes 5 minutes for 1,500 yen; for itinerary B, it takes about 20 minutes for 4,000 yen; for itinerary C, it takes about 25 minutes for 5,000 yen.
Interested in horseback riding amidst the stunning scenery of Aso? With the guidance of experienced staff, even children and beginners can ride confidently.
Activity Name: Single Horseback Riding Double Horseback Riding (These prices are for informational purposes only.)
Plan A: Approximately 5 minutes, 1,500 yen.
Plan B: Approximately 20 minutes, 4,000 yen to 6,000 yen.
Plan C: Approximately 25 minutes, 5,000 yen to 8,000 yen.
Double horseback riding in each plan is only available for children in lower grades of primary school. Business hours: 9:00 - 16:00. Operation period: from early March to early December.
There are no designated days off during the operating period. Closed on rainy days.
- Aso - Disembark at Michinoeki ASO (without a tour guide).
Aso Volcano boasts one of the largest calderas and impressive outer rims globally. Here, you can admire the majestic Aso Five Peaks. Aso specialties, such as seasonal vegetables, fruits, meat, dairy products, desserts, and handmade bento, are exclusively available here. As part of the collaboration between Kumamoto Prefecture and the popular manga “One Piece,” created by local cartoonist Eiichiro Oda, the statue of Usopp of the Straw Hat Pirates is displayed in Aso Station Square.
- Yumenoyu - Aso Bochu Onsen Yume Hot Spring (At Your Own Expense) https://www.aso.ne.jp/~yumenoyu/index.html
Natural hot springs are always accessible. The hot springs are crafted from Hinoki cypress, grown in the prefecture. The brown water is the hot spring.
The spring temperature at Aso Bochu Onsen Yume Hot Spring is 53 degrees Celsius, with a water flow rate of 260 liters per minute. You can enjoy a “family bath,” “foot bath,” “open-air bath,” and “sauna” here.
Business hours: Public bath: 10:00 - 22:00 (Rest days: The public bath is closed on the first and third Mondays of each month. If Monday is a national holiday, it will be closed on the following day).
Bathing fees: Public bath 400 yen, Family bath: 1,500 yen per room per hour, Foot bath: Free if you use this facility.

- Driver-guide service fee:
- Aso Boy train ticket
- Vehicle fuel costs, tolls, and highway tolls
- Vehicle service fees listed in the itinerary
- Driver-guide service fee:
- Aso Boy train ticket
- Vehicle fuel costs, tolls, and highway tolls
- Vehicle service fees listed in the itinerary
- Meals not included. Lunch usually cost about 2000 yen/person.
- Kumamoto Castle: 800 yen/person.
- Aso Volcano Museum: 1,100 yen/person
- Kusasenri Horseback Riding: Route A,1500 yen/person; B 4000 yen/person; C,5000 yen/person
- Aso Bochu Onsen Yume Hot Spring: family bath 1500 yen/room,public bath 400 yen/person
- Meals not included. Lunch usually cost about 2000 yen/person.
- Kumamoto Castle: 800 yen/person.
- Aso Volcano Museum: 1,100 yen/person
- Kusasenri Horseback Riding: Route A,1500 yen/person; B 4000 yen/person; C,5000 yen/person
- Aso Bochu Onsen Yume Hot Spring: family bath 1500 yen/room,public bath 400 yen/person
Hop on the ASO Boy train to visit the active volcano crater, delve into the rich history of Kumamoto Castle, and ride through the Kusasenri grasslands with knowledgeable guides highlighting Kyushu’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Discover the marvels of volcanoes at Mount Aso and wander through the historic castle grounds.
Enjoy the scenic beauty…
Hop on the ASO Boy train to visit the active volcano crater, delve into the rich history of Kumamoto Castle, and ride through the Kusasenri grasslands with knowledgeable guides highlighting Kyushu’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Discover the marvels of volcanoes at Mount Aso and wander through the historic castle grounds.
Enjoy the scenic beauty of the pastoral grasslands aboard the renowned ASO Boy sightseeing train, accompanied by expert tour services.
Skilled local drivers offer reliable and thoughtful services, possessing a profound understanding of Japanese local customs.
- WARNING:This tour is not suitable for people with the following respiratory diseases (asthmatics - people with bronchial diseases - people with heart problems) and it is forbidden to enter the Aso volcano at any time, the toxic gases from the volcano may cause an attack, which can be serious and may lead to death.
- The night before the tour, you will receive a departure reminder email in your mailbox, which contains the vehicle registration number, the contact information of the guide and the pick up time. Guides do not initiate contact with guests.Please wait for the bus at the specified location according to the meeting time in the email.
- One-day trip itinerary, it is not recommended to carry luggage, if you need to carry luggage, please register clearly when you book your order. 1 luggage is allowed per person. An extra 100 yuan per piece will be charged if you failed to make a note when booking your order or if it turns out more than 1 piece of luggage per guest.
- Be sure to provide complete information (name + number of people + phone number + WeChat ID + pick-up location) when making a reservation to avoid errors that may affect the itinerary.
- During the trip, please carry your passport and valuables with you and keep them safe. If there is any loss, theft, damage, etc., you will be responsible for it yourself.
- Elderly people, patients with cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and pregnant women are advised to be accompanied by relatives.
- This trip does not accept solo registration from customers under the age of 18. If you want to register, please ask your guardian to sign up for this trip together.
- This itinerary is a fixed itinerary for carpooling. Customers who are also participating in this itinerary must abide by the stay time at each attraction and follow the driver’s arrangements. If you want to flexibly adjust your itinerary, please refer to our chartered tour service.
- Please note that if you fail to participate or cancel the trip due to personal problems, lateness, etc., no fees will be refunded.
- If a person leaves the group on his own during the trip, the transaction will be deemed invalid and no fees will be refunded. And if this results in personal or property safety, you must bear the consequences yourself.
- The arrival time of each trip may change due to traffic conditions, weather, festivals, and crowds on the day. If the trip is delayed or canceled due to the aforementioned or other force majeure factors, please forgive me and you will not be able to request a refund.
- Please wear light, suitable travel clothing and shoes to participate in this trip.
- Please be sure to abide by local laws and regulations in Japan, and do not carry items prohibited by Japanese law to avoid violating the law and affecting your own rights and interests.
- When moving freely, you should pay attention to your own personal and property safety. If you fail to listen to advice and an accident occurs or causes losses, you will be responsible for the consequences.
- Traffic jams may occur on weekends and red days, so if you are worried about traffic jams, you can avoid joining the tour on weekends or red days.
- Infants aged 0-2 years old without occupying seats are free of charge; please inform the number of infants in advance when placing an order. If you do not specify the number of children under 3 years old without seats in advance, resulting in insufficient space in the car or overcrowding, the driver and guide have the right to refuse to get on the car, and the fee will not be refunded.
- Reservations must be made 5 days in advance.
- The remaining hours are allotted for the travel time and lunch.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.