Day 3: Nagasaki to Kumamoto, Kumamoto Castle, Josaien, Shimotori Shopping Arcade.

On Day 3 of our journey, we departed from Nagasaki and embarked on a 1.5-hour drive to Kumamoto. Kumamoto is significantly larger than Nagasaki and has a vibrant atmosphere which reminded us of bustling Sapporo.

Hotel: We chose REF Kumamoto by VESSEL HOTELS, a modern, contemporary hotel in the heart of Kumamoto city, adjacent to Shimotori Shopping Arcade. We had slight difficulty locating the hotel carpark at first as it’s not situated below the hotel. The hotel is built above the shopping arcade hence its parking arrangement is situated across the road, in a public multi-storey carpark. Hotel guests can take advantage of a special rate of 1,100 Yen per day for multiple entries, provided we obtain the required car park coupon from the hotel reception.

Other than this initial parking ‘inconvenience’, we actually like the hotel very much. It boasts amenities such as a spacious free onsen, a laundromat and all-day free beverages from a small vending machine for hotel guests. REF Kumamoto also spoils guests with a generous spread of Japanese breakfast food every morning. Its central location, within 3-min walk to the Sakura Machi Kumamoto Mall, and surrounded by plenty of convenience stores and restaurants below, makes it an ideal accommodation. We enjoyed our stay and highly recommend REF Kumamoto by VESSEL HOTELS when you visit Kumamoto.

Website: https://www.vessel-hotel.jp/ref/kumamoto/

Address: REF Kumamoto by VESSEL HOTELS
7-2 Shinshigai, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, 860-0803

Kumamoto Castle 熊本城: A stunning, well-restored castle and a must-visit for that iconic Japan photo. Expect large crowds, so be patient to snap a clear selfie or family photo without any photobombs. The interior has been modernized, giving it the feel of a contemporary office building. Take the lift to the top for great views.

Website: https://castle.kumamoto-guide.jp/en/

Opening Hours: 9: 00～17:00（Last admission 16: 30）

Admission Fee: High school students and above: 800 yen (640 yen) Elementary and junior high school students: 300 yen
Preschoolers (under 6 years old): Free

Tip: Visit in the late afternoon, close to closing time, for about 30 minutes when the crowds have thinned out. You might even have the castle grounds to yourself. The evening light makes for beautiful photos. We booked the Kumamoto Castle admission tickets with our hotel package.

Sakuranobaba Josaien: A reconstruction of an ancient town surrounding the castle grounds. The buildings look modern and commercialized, lacking historical significance. It is a convenient pit-stop for ice-cream or a quick meal after visiting the Kumamoto castle. Otherwise, skip it if you’re short on time.

Website: https://josaien-shops.jp/

Shimotori Shopping Arcade 熊本市観光ガイド: The city’s main shopping destination, bustling yet not overly crowded. It’s convenient for shopping, especially for those TikTok-famous skincare, and beauty products. Don’t forget to bring your passport for tax-free discounts. There are also plenty of food options to explore.

Website: http://shimotoori.com/en/

Access: 2.5 km from JR Kumamoto Station and 1 minute walk from Kumamoto City Tram Torichosuji Station. This shopping street is easily accessible, close to the tram stop, bus terminal and right below REF Kumamoto Hotel.

Day 4: Takachiho Gorge, Rowboat, Somen, Takachiho Amaterasu Railway

Today’s drive is not for beginners. The 2-hour journey includes tight hairpin bends. Stay alert and well-rested, but you’ll be rewarded with some unique experiences.

Takachiho Gorge 高千穂峡: Takachiho Gorge is a stunning natural wonder located in Miyazaki Prefecture in Kyushu. The gorge is renowned for its dramatic scenery, featuring towering volcanic basalt cliffs that rise steeply along the Gokase River. The highlight of the gorge is the 17-meter-high Manai Falls, which cascades gracefully into the emerald-green waters below, creating a mystical atmosphere. The gorge is considered one of Japan’s most enchanting places, and one of our favourite destinations in Kyushu.

Website: https://chihonoie.jp/en/access.html

Tip: Prebook your paddleboat ride via this website for a memorable experience rowing up close to the waterfall in the middle of the gorge. If you drive, park at Ohashi (Free Parking) or Araragi Parking Lot (300 yen) and enjoy a leisurely, 20 to 30 minute stroll along the Takachiho Gorge Footpath which offers multiple vantage points to admire the stunning landscape and capture breathtaking photos.

If you have elderly family members or very young children, try to park at Oshioi Parking Lot (500 yen) which is right where the Boat Rental Counter is situated.

Lunch at Nagashi Somen (Flowing Noodles) 千穂の家 元祖流しそうめん: Nagashi somen is a popular summer food in Japan, consisting of thin, white noodles scooped from water flowing through a bamboo gutter and then dipped in sauce. The restaurant near Takachiho Gorge called Chiho no Ie 千穂の家 was established in 1955 and visitors who enter will find a sign touting it as the birthplace of Nagashi somen. Trying the somen here was quite a fun experience as we tried to catch fresh somen running down bamboo pipes, gushed with clear spring water. Served chilled, the somen was fresh, soft, and delightful. David ordered the set which comes with locally grilled trout and some stewed vegetables. After the light somen lunch, we treated ourselves to ice-cream from the cafe next door.

Website: https://chihonoie.jp/soumen.html

Operating Hours: Weekdays 10:00-16:00; Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 9:00-17:00

Address: 62-1 Mukaiyama, Takachiho-cho, Nishiusuki-gun, Miyazaki Prefecture, 882-1103

Takachiho Amaterasu Railway 高千穗天照鐵道: The Takachiho Amaterasu Railway is a 30-minute open-air train rides provide sweeping canyon views while crossing the Takachiho Iron Bridge. We found this train ride by accident when googling for things to do but it proved to be one of the most fun experiences! Passengers sit in a Grand Supercart (max 30 pax) which will cruise through tunnels and natural landscapes before the train reverses, passing local attractions and the Takachiho rice terraces. The highlight is the photo stop at the top of Takachiho Iron Bridge, once the highest railway bridge in Japan. A unique experience not to be missed, especially with children!

Website: https://amaterasu-railway.jp/attraction

Operating Hours: 9:40am – 3:40pm, 10 services per day

Fee: High school students and above: 2,000 yen
Elementary and junior high school students: 1,300 yen
Preschoolers: 700 yen

As we wrapped up Days 3 and 4 of our 8D7N Kyushu self-drive adventure, we enjoyed the historical charms of Kumamoto. From the impressive Kumamoto Castle to the stunning waterfalls at Takachiho Gorge and the fun Takachiho Amaterasu Railway ride, it has been an amazing experience. Stay tuned for our next post as we explore Mount Aso!

Kumamoto Ramen Kurotei Shimotori Branch

Website: https://www.kokutei.co.jp/

Address: 〒860-0807 Noguchi Building 1F basement, 1-7-14 Shimotori, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City

TEL 096-321-6202

DIY Kyushu Japan 8D7N Self-Drive Itinerary

Part 1: Nagasaki: bit.ly/DIY_Nagasaki_Japan

Part 2: Kumamoto: bit.ly/DIY_Kumamoto_Japan

Part 3: Mount Aso: bit.ly/DIY_MtAso_Japan

Part 4: Yanagawa and Itoshima: bit.ly/DIY_YanagawaItoshima_Japan

Part 5: Fukuoka: https://bit.ly/DIY_Fukuoka_Japan_Itinerary

BONUS: Feel free to use our exclusive promo code LTMKLOOK on Klook for discounts on tours, activities, car rentals, and hotels. It’s a great way to save a little extra on your adventure!