This full-day tour from Fukuoka explores the volcanic landscapes and hot spring culture of Kumamoto Prefecture. Departing at 09:00 from Lawson Oriental Hotel Fukuoka near Hakata Station Chikushi Exit, the journey combines scenic railway travel, volcanic terrain and traditional onsen villages.

At 11:30, you'll board the Southern Aso Railway at Tateno Station for a 40-minute journey to Minamiaso-Shirakawamizu Station, travelling through the foothills of Mount Aso with views of the southern Aso region's natural landscape. The train fare of JPY 490–2,000 per person is payable directly and not included in the tour price.

By 12:50, you'll reach Aso Volcano, located in northeastern Kumamoto Prefecture. This active volcano is known for its large volcanic caldera and offers visitors the chance to experience volcanic terrain at close range. You'll have approximately 80–90 minutes of free time here, including lunch. Nearby Kusasenri, a grassland on the northern foothills of Mount Eboshi, features a natural pond in its centre where horses and cattle graze. The optional Aso Volcano Museum offers additional volcanic information (not included).

At 15:20, the tour arrives at Kurokawa Onsen, nestled deep in the Kumamoto mountains. This traditional hot spring village stretches along a mountain stream, with around 30 ryokan inns scattered throughout the surrounding forests. You'll have approximately 90 minutes of free time to explore the village or experience the hot springs (not included).

Why you’ll love this…

Full-day tour from Fukuoka exploring Kumamoto's volcanic landscapes and hot springs
You'll travel on the Southern Aso Railway through Mount Aso foothills with scenic views
Aso Volcano visit includes the large volcanic caldera and Kusasenri grassland with grazing livestock
Free time at each location allows for lunch and exploration at your own pace
Kurokawa Onsen features around 30 traditional ryokan inns along a mountain stream

Important to know

Extra fees to be paid on-site:

The train fare of JPY 490–2,000 per person is payable directly at the train station and not included in the tour fee. The train type, operating dates, departure times, and boarding arrangements are subject to the actual operating schedule of the Southern Aso Railway on the day of the tour
The entrance to Aso Volcano Museum is optional and costs JPY 1,100 per person to be paid on site
The entrance to Kurokawa Onsen hot springs is optional and not included in the tour fee

Know in advance:

The night before your tour, you'll receive an email with your tour guide's contact number and the vehicle's licence plate number. Please ensure your email and phone are accessible, and to check the spam folder
When Aso Volcano issues a no-entry notice, the tour guide will adjust the itinerary on-site
Due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances, the itinerary may change, including shorter sightseeing times, or cancelled attractions. It's suggested not to have other activities at the end of this tour to avoid any losses
If you have a small tattoo, please cover it with skin-coloured adhesive plasters to enter the onsen. If it's large, you might not be allowed to enter
If you don't like to take the train, you can go to the next attraction by the local operator's tour bus

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

What’s included

Transportation in air-conditioned vehicle
Pick-up and drop-off from designated areas
Tour guide

What’s not included

Food and drinks
Attractions tickets
Attractions tickets other than mentioned

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Location

LAWSON Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Store, 4-23 Hakataekichūōgai, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, Japan

Meeting point:

Please met at 9am Lawson Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Store (in front of Hakata Station Chikushiguchi). The tour guide will hold a yellow flag with the local operator's logo at the meeting point. Please arrive 15 minutes early. No refunds for late arrivals or no-shows.