The easiest way around Kumamoto is on foot, since the major sights and attractions are within walking distance from each other. Though, some sights are located a bit further ahead, where a car or train might be useful. Luckily, Kumamoto offers an extensive tram network to get around. If you decide to rent a car, it is advised to do so from the nearest airport in the vicinity. You can use our car rental widget in the FAQ menu below. 

Travelers can also opt to buy the following passes to get around:

• Kumamoto 1-Day Pass Plus

  • Coverage: all trams and buses within Kumamoto City

  • Duration: 1 day

  • Price: 700 Yen

  • Where to buy:  Sakuramachi Bus Terminal

• Kumamoto 1-Day Pass

  • Coverage: all trams within Kumamoto

  • Duration: 1 day

  • Price: 500 Yen

  • Where to buy:  Sakuramachi Bus Terminal

Public transportation:

To get from Fukuoka to Kumamoto by public transportation, travelers have two options:

• Option 1: Bullet Train: take the Kyushu Shinkansen from Hakata Station to Kumamoto Station. (Travel time: approximately 30 to 40 minutes.)

• Option 2: Normal Train: take the JR Kagoshima Main Line from Hakata Station to Kumamoto Station. (Travel time: approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.)

Total travel time: approximately 30 to 40 minutes (bullet train) or 2 hours and 20 minutes (normal train).

Valid rail passes:

• Japan Rail Pass

• JR All Kyushu Area Pass

• JR North Kyushu Pass

• JR South Kyushu Pass

Nearest airport: 

The nearest and most convenient airport is Aso-Kumamoto Airport. 

• by car: approximately 50 minutes

• by public transport: approximately 45 minutes

Rental cars:

We recommend staying here between one and two days.
 

The nearest and most convenient airport is Aso-Kumamoto Airport. 

• by car: approximately 50 minutes

• by public transport: approximately 45 minutes

Cherry blossoms:

The best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan is usually between late March and early April. Although the blooming period can vary slightly from year to year. 

• Ninomaru Park: lush park known for its cherry blossom festival.

There is one well-known festival in this area. Please be advised that the following info is based upon previous entries of the festival and that the dates might have changed for the following year. It is also possible that the entire festival is cancelled in the case of heavy rainfall or a natural disaster. Please check with the official organisers' website for the most up-to-date information. 
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For the exact location of the festival, you can consult our map above by clicking on the icon in the upper most corner of the map to open the map legend. Festivals are hidden by default but can be made visible by clicking on the "Festivals" checkbox in the map legend.

• Tsubame Summer Festival

  • Date: July 6th and 7th

  • Time: 11:00 - 20:00

We recommend the following options for staying connected in Japan:

• Sakura Mobile Travel Sim (data only)
• Sakura Mobile Travel Sim (data + voice)
• Sakura Mobile Unlimited Wifi / Pocket Wifi