Émile really enjoyed Kumamoto Prefecture. While he was there, he took a cycling trip to visit the young volcano, Mt. Komezuka. He also went on an adventure truck ride that took him past Asosanjo volcano, took a hike up to the summit of Mt. Kishimadake, and went for a ride on horseback. The next day, he dropped in at Kumamoto Castle and Suizenji Jojuen.
Émile takes a breather on his bike tour
Émile loved his view of Asosanjo volcano
This was such a thrilling experience! The scenery was beautiful and the surrounding forest was so peaceful and relaxing.—Émile Ntamack
If you want to get into the vast natural environment of Aso, check out how Émile did it. Émile took a cycling trip to visit Mt. Komezuka, a young volcano that is only 8,000 years old. Looking out at the rolling farm hills and impressive views of the caldera—a large cauldron-like hollow formed by the collapse of a volcano into itself— Émile was blown away.
You can also take a ride on an Aso Adventure truck in the Furubochu area. After an exhilarating truck ride a few meters up, you can clearly see Asosanjo volcano, with smoke pouring from its crater. Émile said, “The adventure truck was quite an experience. The bumpy path and 360-degree turns were unforgettable!”
Take a plane to Kumamoto airport; take a bus to Aso Station (About 3h 30mins)
Take a bus to Asosan nishieki (About 40 minutes).
Émile and Ai-chan
The summit of Mt.Kishimadake
Émile took a 30-minute hike to the summit of Mt. Kishimadake. At the top, he could see Mt. Takadake, the tallest mountain in the region. Once Émile had hiked back down the mountain, a surprise was waiting for him—a horseback ride at the Aso Kusasenri Riding Club. Émile said he was blown away by the sizes of Kumamoto’s horses—Ai-chan, which he chose weighs 900 kilograms!
Take a bus to Aso Volcano Museum. Take a walk (About 30 minutes).
Take a bus to Aso Volcano Museum. Take a walk (About 10 minutes)
An exchange with tour guides dressed in Japanese costumes from bygone eras at Kumamoto Castle
Émile enjoys a cup of tea at scenic Suizenji Jojuen
You can sense a lot of history and traditions at the park. It was very impressive.—Émile Ntamack
If you got all sweaty adventuring through the nature of Aso, maybe it’s time for a slow-paced sightseeing tour of the city. Kumamoto Castle is the historic and popular tourist spot in Kumamoto. When Émile visited it, there were tour guides dressed in Japanese costumes from previous eras who were showing tourists around the castle grounds.
Suizenji Jojuen is also a popular destination, a garden filled with replicas of iconic Japanese landmarks, such as Mt. Fuji, Lake Biwa, and the famous torii (gates) at Fushimi Inari Jinja in Kyoto.
Take a bus to Tōri chōsuji Bus stop. Take a walk (About 2 hours).
Take a bus to Suizenji kouenmae Bus stop (About 2 hours).
The Kyushu city of Kumamoto is the capital of Kumamoto Prefecture, which may be best known for its celebrated mascot, Kumamon(bear mascot). Although it was damaged in a 2016 earthquake, Kumamoto Castle remains one of the city’s prominent architectural landmarks. One claim to fame is that the great swordsman and philosopher Musashi Miyamoto spent his final days there.
Access from Tokyo by plane 1 h 40 mins ~
Access from Tokyo by plane 6 hours ~
Beloved by Kumamoto locals, this venue has a number of distinctive features, such as its wing-shaped roof and its prominent floodlight pylons. An innovative construction in which the large roof over the stand hangs on cables emanating from four LED lighting towers.- Hohi Honsen Line from Kumamoto Station to Hikari no Mori Station (About 25 minutes), take a taxi to the stadium (5 to 10 minutes)
MAP
The Kyushu city of Kumamoto is the capital of Kumamoto Prefecture, which may be best known for its celebrated mascot, Kumamon(bear mascot). Although it was damaged in a 2016 earthquake, Kumamoto Castle remains one of the city’s prominent architectural landmarks. One claim to fame is that the great swordsman and philosopher Musashi Miyamoto spent his final days there.
Access from Tokyo by plane 1 h 40 mins ~
Access from Tokyo by plane 6 hours ~
Beloved by Kumamoto locals, this venue has a number of distinctive features, such as its wing-shaped roof and its prominent floodlight pylons. An innovative construction in which the large roof over the stand hangs on cables emanating from four LED lighting towers.- Hohi Honsen Line from Kumamoto Station to Hikari no Mori Station (About 25 minutes), take a taxi to the stadium (5 to 10 minutes)
MAP
