Explore Kumamoto - Introducing you to the best places to visit in and around Kumamoto prefecture!






















Explore Kumamoto Guide
Kumamoto prefecture is rich in culture, has an abundance of volcanoes, a multitude of hot springs, fertile farmland, fresh air, lush green landscapes, great hikes, beautiful beaches, dolphins to watch, horses to ride …. and eat…, the cuddliest bear in Japan, Anime’s famous One Piece crew, delicious foods, kind and friendly locals and charming, peaceful countryside.
Kumamoto has everything you need for a great trip, the only thing you might struggle to find is a crowd.
I’ve made the Explore Kumamoto website to introduce you to the Kumamoto and northern Kyushu area, help you plan your trip and give you information about the best places to visit, including Kumamoto City as well as the top sightseeing areas of Aso, Kurokawa Onsen and Takachiho Gorge and blogs about many more off the beaten track spots.
If you have a car I guarantee you will have a great time exploring Kumamoto, if not you could always hire a guide, like me, to show you around.
Hi! I’m Helen, I’ve lived in Japan for over 20 years and since 2015 I’ve been providing a range of one day, small group tours to the top sightseeing areas in Kumamoto prefecture as well as some more off the beaten track locations.
It’s a privilige to be able to meet so many people from around the world and introduce them to the part of Japan I love the most.

Explore Kumamoto: Find out more about visiting the Kumamoto region
About Kumamoto
Find out more about why you should visit Kumamoto! What to see, when to visit and how to get around.
One Day Tours
Explore Kumamoto offers a range of 5 star rated small group, customisable and private tours in English
Sightseeing
Explore more off the beaten track locations by browsing the Places to visit and Explore by category sections.
Contact me
Get in touch if you have a comment, a question or would like to book a tour
Tour Availability Calendar
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Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |||
1Kurokawa onsen & Aso Tour all day![]() | 2Aso & Kikuchi Gorge tour all day![]() | 3Unavailable all day | 4One Piece statue tour 8 statues all day![]() | 5Takachiho Tour all day![]() | 6Unavailable all day | ||||
7Unavailable all day | 8Takachiho Tour all day![]() | 9Unavailable all day | 10Takachiho & Aso Tour all day![]() | 11One Piece 8 statue tour all day![]() | 12Unavailable all day | 13Kurokawa onsen & kikuchi Gorge all day![]() | |||
14Takachiho & Aso Tour all day![]() | 15Kuju flower park & Tsuetate carp flags & Nabegataki falls all day private tour | 16Unavailable all day | 17Samurai swords full day all day![]() | 18One Piece 8 statue tour all day![]() | 19Unavailable all day | 20Unavailable all day | |||
21Unavailable all day | 22Takachiho Tour all day![]() | 23One Piece 8 statue tour all day![]() | 24Unavailable all day | 25Takachiho & Aso Tour all day![]() | 26Unavailable all day | 27Unavailable all day | |||
28Unavailable all day | 29Unavailable all day | 30Unavailable all day |
*If the date is blank it can be booked for any tour. Just Contact Explore Kumamoto with your request. (I only have capacity for 3 or 4 tours a week. But if the date is unavailable it may be possible to introduce you to a freelance guide.)