Kumamoto: Getting there and around

Getting to Kumamoto

JAL, ANA, Solaseed Air and Jetstar Japan operate frequent flights between Tokyo and Kumamoto. All airlines fly out of Haneda Airport except Jetstar which uses Narita Airport. Flight duration is about 100 minutes. The regular one way fares by JAL and ANA are around 48,000 yen, but discount tickets are usually available for between 10,000 and 27,000 yen. The fares by Solaseed Air are roughly 10 percent lower than the ones of JAL and ANA, while the fares by Jetstar tend to be even cheaper.

Kumamoto Airport is located a 50 minute bus ride from Sakuramachi Bus Terminal in the city center (880 yen one way) or 60 minutes from Kumamoto Station (960 yen one way). Many rental car outlets are located at Kumamoto Airport.

Airfares from Tokyo to Kumamoto over the next 30 days October 11, 2024 - November 9, 2024

Airline	Lowest fare	Average lowest fare
Solaseed	14,240 yen	21,533 yen
JAL	15,951 yen	24,790 yen
ANA	17,710 yen	25,840 yen
Jetstar Japan	6,740 yen	12,071 yen

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Covered by: Japan Rail Pass

Tokyo and Kumamoto are connected with each other by the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen. One transfer of trains is required along the way, typically at Shin-Osaka or Hakata Station. The one way trip takes about six hours and costs around 27,500 yen. The Japan Rail Pass fully covers the trip if done by the slower Hikari and Sakura trains, but a supplement fee is required on the Nozomi and Mizuho trains.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.

Getting around

The city's main station, Kumamoto Station, is located about two kilometers southwest of the city center. Local trains from Fukuoka also stop at Kami-Kumamoto Station, one station north of Kumamoto Station. Both stations are about a 10 minute tram ride from the city center.

Kumamoto is served by two tram lines and buses. Trams cost a flat 170 yen per ride and provide convenient access from Kumamoto Station and Kami-Kumamoto Station to the city center and most tourist attractions. The local Denden Nimoca IC card, as well as Suica, Icoca and eight other IC card types can be used on the trams and buses in Kumamoto.

Most city bus and highway bus lines terminate at Sakuramachi Bus Terminal in the city center. A one-day pass for unlimited use of trams and city buses in central Kumamoto is available for 700 yen, while a one-day pass for just the trams costs 500 yen. Both passes include discounts on admission to some of Kumamoto's main attractions.

The JR Hohi Line, which connects Kumamoto with Aso and Beppu, can be useful to access eastern parts of Kumamoto City, including Suizenji Garden.

Kumamoto Airport is located about 20 kilometers east of central Kumamoto. It can be reached by buses in about 50 minutes from Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal (880 yen one way) or about 60 minutes from Kumamoto Station (960 yen).

Questions? Ask in our forum.

English

Kyushu Sanko

Operator of buses to Kumamoto Airport and between Kumamoto and Beppu.

- Minshuku Hiroshimaya
  Budget-friendly
  
  Situated in Kumamoto, an 40-minute walk from Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei, Hiroshimaya provides air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi. Located around 2.2 km from Kumamoto Castle, the guest house is also 5 km away from Suizenji Park. The property is 800 metres from Shimada Museum of Art. Guest rooms at the guest house are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The shared bathroom is fitted with a shower and free toiletries. Kumamoto City Museum is 1.5 km from Hiroshimaya, while Former Residence of Natsume Soseki is 2.3 km away. The nearest airport is Kumamoto Airport, 16 km from the property.
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- THE BLOSSOM KUMAMOTO
  Luxury
  
  Located 3.2 km from Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei, THE BLOSSOM KUMAMOTO offers 4-star accommodation in Kumamoto and features a fitness centre, a restaurant and a bar. The property is around 3.4 km from Kumamoto Castle, 6 km from Suizenji Park and 14 km from Egao Kenko Stadium Kumamoto. The hotel has a sauna, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi throughout the property. All guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. All units will provide guests with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV. Guests at THE BLOSSOM KUMAMOTO can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Hirayama Hot Spring is 35 km from the accommodation, while Kumamoto Station is 200 metres away. The nearest airport is Kumamoto Airport, 17 km from THE BLOSSOM KUMAMOTO.
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- Dyeing and Hostel Nakashimaya - Female Only
  Budget-friendly
  
  Only a 2-minute walk from Senbabashi Train Station, Dyeing and Hostel Nakashimaya is a female only property that offers affordable accommodations with free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy views of Kumamoto Castle from the balcony and experience traditional tie-dyeing activities. JR Kumamoto Train Station is a 20-minute walk away. Guests can choose to stay in private Japanese-style rooms or in shared dormitory-style rooms. All rooms feature air conditioning, tatami (woven-straw) floors and Japanese futon bedding. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Nakashimaya Dyeing and Hostel is a 15-minute walk from Kumamoto Castle and a 10-minute drive from Honmyo Temple. A coin-launderette is available. Guests can sit by the traditional Irori hearth and enjoy DVDs on the flat-screen TV at the shared lounge. A free-use internet PC is available and the free-use kitchen comes with a microwave and fridge. No meals are served.
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- Sotetsu Grand Fresa Kumamoto
  Mid-range
  
  Sotetsu Grand Fresa Kumamoto is located in Kumamoto, 3.2 km from Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei and 3.8 km from Suizenji Park. Featuring a restaurant, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is situated 1.5 km from Kumamoto Castle. All rooms in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV. At Sotetsu Grand Fresa Kumamoto the rooms come with bed linen and towels. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Speaking English and Japanese at the 24-hour front desk, staff are ready to help around the clock. Popular points of interest near Sotetsu Grand Fresa Kumamoto include Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto, Minami Kumamoto Station and Kumamoto City Museum. The nearest airport is Kumamoto Airport, 15 km from the hotel.
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- fav KUMAMOTO
  Luxury
  
  Located in Kumamoto, within 1.9 km of Kumamoto Castle and 2.2 km of Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei, fav KUMAMOTO provides accommodation with a bar. With a terrace, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Private parking is available on site. Guest rooms are equipped with a fridge, microwave, a kettle, a bidet, free toiletries and a desk. At the hotel each room is equipped with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near fav KUMAMOTO include Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto, Kumamoto Station and Kumamoto City Museum. The nearest airport is Kumamoto Airport, 16 km from the accommodation.
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- Hotel Nikko Kumamoto
  Luxury
  
  Located in the heart of the city, Hotel Nikko Kumamoto features accommodations with free wired internet access and views of Kumamoto Castle. Torichosuji Train Station is a 1-minute walk, and the JR Kumamoto Train Station is a 10-minute drive away. Guests can choose among 5 dining options and relaxing massages can be requested as well. The air-conditioned rooms feature carpeted floors and a flat-screen TV. An electric kettle and nightwear are provided for guests. The en suite bathroom comes with slippers and a hairdryer. Laundry and photocopying services are available at the 24-hour front desk. Room service and newspapers are also provided. Les Celebrites serves French dishes, and Tao-Li offers Cantonese specialities. Benkei serves Japanese cuisines with nice views and drinks are available at Fountain bar lounge. Breakfast is served at AsoShed. Kumamoto Hotel Nikko is a 10-minute walk from Kumamoto Castle, and the Contemporary Art Museum is only a 1-minute walk away.
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- Tamaki Ryokan
  Mid-range
  
  Situated within 1.5 km of Suizenji Park and 2.5 km of Kumamoto Castle, Tamaki Ryokan features rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Kumamoto. This 3-star ryokan offers free shuttle service and full-day security. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. At the ryokan, each unit has a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. A toaster and kettle are also available. At the ryokan, all units are allergy-free. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei is 3.5 km from the ryokan, while Egao Kenko Stadium Kumamoto is 9.1 km from the property. The nearest airport is Kumamoto Airport, 13 km from Tamaki Ryokan.
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- Candeo Hotels Kumamoto Shinshigai
  Luxury
  
  Located in Kumamoto, within 1.5 km of Kumamoto Castle and 2.6 km of Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei, Candeo Hotels Kumamoto Shinshigai provides accommodation with free WiFi throughout the property. The property is around 4.1 km from Suizenji Park, 12 km from Egao Kenko Stadium Kumamoto and 34 km from Hirayama Hot Spring. Minami Kumamoto Station is 1.7 km away and Kumamoto Station is 2.9 km from the hotel. The rooms at the hotel are equipped with a seating area. All units will provide guests with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV. Guests at Candeo Hotels Kumamoto Shinshigai can enjoy a buffet breakfast. The accommodation offers 4-star accommodation with a sauna and hot tub. Around-the-clock guidance is available at the reception, where staff speak English, Japanese, Korean and Chinese. Popular points of interest near Candeo Hotels Kumamoto Shinshigai include Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto, Former Residence of Natsume Soseki and Kumamoto City Museum. Kumamoto Airport is 15 km away.
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- &and COMFY HOTEL Kumamoto Jo View
  Mid-range
  
  &and COMFY HOTEL Kumamoto Jo View is set in Kumamoto, within 3.7 km of Suizenji Park and 11 km of Egao Kenko Stadium Kumamoto. Featuring a restaurant, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is situated 1.3 km from Kumamoto Castle. At the hotel, all rooms are fitted with a desk and a flat-screen TV. At &and COMFY HOTEL Kumamoto Jo View the rooms include bed linen and towels. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy an ? la carte breakfast. &and COMFY HOTEL Kumamoto Jo View can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei, Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto and Former Residence of Natsume Soseki. The nearest airport is Kumamoto Airport, 15 km from &and COMFY HOTEL Kumamoto Jo View.
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- REF Kumamoto by VESSEL HOTELS
  Luxury
  
  Set in Kumamoto, within 1.2 km of Kumamoto Castle and 2.6 km of Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei, REF Kumamoto by VESSEL HOTELS offers accommodation with a spa and wellness centre and free WiFi throughout the property. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a restaurant. Attractions in the area include Suizenji Park, 4.2 km away, or Shimada Museum of Art, located 2.9 km from the property. A continental breakfast is available every morning at the hotel. REF Kumamoto by VESSEL HOTELS offers a sauna. Children's amenities are available at the front desk free of charge. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto, Former Residence of Natsume Soseki and Kumamoto City Museum. The nearest airport is Kumamoto Airport, 18 km from REF Kumamoto by VESSEL HOTELS.
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