Is 2 nights in Kumamoto too long?

Hi folks,

In our current itinerary we have 2 nights staying at Kumamoto, but the main Castle keep is the only thing opened since the major earthquake. Other than that, only Suizenji Garden interests us.

1. Therefore is 2 nights stay in Kumamoto too long?
2. What other place / activities should we consider while in Kumamoto or based there?

We will be in Kurokawa Onsen (8-9 Nov) --> Takachiho Gorge (10 Nov) --> Kumamoto (11-12 Nov). On 13 Nov we will take the ferry to Shimabara to check out the Castle, samurai street and Mt Unzen ropeway.

Maybe we could use half a day or a day visiting Mt Aso from Kumamoto?

Thoughts?

It's really only 1 full day. And that is all you need for Kumamoto city. Arrive late on arrival day. Leave early on departure day.

But plenty surrounding Kumamoto to see and do also. Aso-san is one of many options.

Aso-San IMO is unmissable, blew me away.

I also think that 1 day is enough for Kumamoto. And my recommendation would also be Aso-san visit - but only if the weather forecast is good (= sunny weather with clear sky). In case of not so good weather you should have a plan B.

Depending on the pace of your holiday, two nights in Kumamoto could be quite a nice relaxing stop.

The castle and the garden, as you say, plus maybe some things like these:
- https://kumamoto-guide.jp/en/spots/detail/9
- https://www.camk.jp/english/ ( I LOVE this place - well worth an hour of anyone's time)
https://kumamoto-guide.jp/en/spots/detail/127

The Kumamoto Guide website I've linked to above (I've got no connection to either the website, or Kumamoto), looks to have some good tips and activities (sake brewery? soy sauce maker?).

I've only been to Kumamoto once (pre-earthquake), and thought it was a nice place to hang out for a couple of nights before moving on. People were welcoming, and there was a relaxed vibe.

We were in Kyushu a few weeks ago and had 3 nights in Kumamoto, which was a great base. We did day trips to Mt Aso, Kagoshima (Mt Sakurajima and Sengan-en garden), and the Yoshinogari Historical Park.
Trains and buses to Mt Aso are not very frequent so it's probably more a day trip than half a day.