Kumamoto in winter
Visiting Kumamoto in the winter? Here are the winter highlights!
Find out about Kumamoto prefecture’s best winter sights and events, from lantern festivals to frozen volcanoes, picturesque shrines to enjoying a steaming bowl of dago jiru…
What's winter like in Kumamoto prefecture?
Kumamoto has cold but often sunny winters. Snow can fall on the mountains of Aso from late December to late February but there’s a higher chance of finding snow in the neighbouring Kuju mountain range or at Kurokawa onsen. In the mountains temperatures may be below freezing but at sea level the temperature is usually under 10 degrees. These days early to mid December and late February can still have mild daytime temperatures. Autumn leaves can be seen in early December and the plum blossoms bloom around mid February.
If you are planning on driving on any mountainous areas between late December to late February it is advisiable to use studless tyres.
Here are just some of the winter sights you can enjoy in the Kumamoto area.
Kumamoto's Winter Highlights
Stunning but sometimes a little slippery in the snow. (Don’t worry there are free walking sticks available to use)
The Yu akari is one of my favourite winter illuminations. From late December to late March you can see bamboo lights in the river and scattered around the village every evening until 10pm.
An icy Kusasenri
Kusasenri is the great plateau on top of MT Aso, where you can find the volcano museum, cafes etc.. In winter the shallow ponds that often form there freeze over making it a fun place to skid around, build a snowman or play with ice.
About 20 minutes drive from Kurokawa onsen, I love going here on a freezing cold day to see the huge icicles that form on and behind the falls.
In winter the grasslands of Aso turn gold and just seem to glow in the sunshine.
If you don’t know the world famous One Piece animation this will mean nothing to you, but if you know – you know! (And no that is not a euphemism and yes she is a bit cold in the winter : ) )
There is nothing and I mean NOTHING better than a piping hot open air hot spring bath on an oh so cold winter’s day. Don’t be shy just try it! This is Tsuetate onsen which has so much steam you can also have a go at cooking with it!
This photo is a little extreme (don’t worry you can usually see a lot more than this! ) but if you want to visit Aso’s Nakadake volcano in the winter, be prepared to be cold. Very cold! (It can be really beautiful though!)
Cherry blossom viewing!
You can see sakura in the winter!? Yes, a dark pink early blooming variety called Kawazu sakura can be seen in bloom from late February all around the Minami Aso area
On Friday and Saturday evenings throughout February visit Yamaga town to see the old town center decorated with bamboo lights and umbrella lanterns. Special performances of Yamaga’s famous obon lantern dance can be seen at the Yachioza kabuki theatre.
Have a hearty bowl of dago jiru
Kumamoto’s hearty soup dago jiru is especially good on a chilly day. Every family and restaurant has its own version but it’s basically a miso soup with tons of winter vegetables and ‘dago’ or ‘dango’ flour dumplings.
Golden ginko trees
Autumn leaves can still be seen in early December particularly ginko trees. They are the symbol tree for Kumamoto so you will see hundreds around the city, including a very famous one at Kumamoto castle.
