Kumamoto Tours -visit Aso, Kurokawa onsen, Takachiho Gorge

Offering Personalised & Premium experiences since 2015

All Explore Kumamoto tours are in English.
The maximum group size is 5 or 6 people.
There is always a choice of places for lunch and we are happy to advise and cater to any dietary needs.
Private tours and customised experiences can be arranged. (according to availability)
Family discounts are available, contact me with the ages of your children to get a quote.
You can request the tour you want on the day you want. (according to availability)
To see more detailed information about each tour, click on Find out more...

Explore Kumamoto in a spacious and comfortable Toyota Alphard

Explore Kumamoto - the edge of the Aso Caldera — Daikanbo Viewpoint - Aso

Takachiho tour photo — Takachiho Gorge - Manai Falls

kurokawa onsen nabagataki falls tour — Nabegataki Falls

Aso volcano crater with gas Mount Aso - Nakadake volcano crater Aso tour — Nakadake Volcano crater - Aso

Kumamoto famous sightseeing spot Kamishikimi shrine in summer green stone lanterns and torii gate — Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine

Aso horses on grasslands - Around Aso tour — Aso grasslands

Volcano and dramatic sky Aso, amazing view Around Aso tour - Kusasenri view — Kusasenri, Mount Aso

Takachiho gorge from above — Takachiho Gorge boating

Kurokawa Onsen village in autumn, Kurokawa onsen tour Kyushu top onsen village — Kurokawa onsen village

Mount Aso volcano museum Kusasenri summer — Kusasenri - Aso

tour group UgetoiwaKamishikimikumanoimasu shrine Aso tour — Ugetoiwa arch - Takamori

Mount Aso Nakadake crater view Kumamoto sights — Nakadake volcano

arao swordsmith workshop — forge experience

Jinbe statue Uto Kumamoto — Jinbe Statue - Uto

highest pedestrian bridge japan Kokonoe Yume Ohashi Kuju tour spot — Yume ohashi bridge - Kuju

Kuju Flower park tour — Kuju Flower Park

Kikuchi gorge spring — spring in Kikuchi Gorge

A selection of great day trips starting from Kumamoto

Deep Dive Tours - the top sights plus some local secrets

The scenery and location itself is marvelous but our guide made it really unforgettable...lots of photo opportunities while showering us with fascinating stories on ASO

Fran L

Dec 2018

My friend and I wanted to see Takachiho Gorge and after deciding to stay in a larger town debated getting a tour guide. BEST DECISION EVER!

Kerstin F

Nov 2021

Asking the kids, both said the day with you was the best in Japan. They will remember for sure the waterfall, the onsen and rural Japan

Azadeh & family

Aug 2016

Double Destination Tours - the best of 2 locations in just a day

We had an amazing time with Helen, seeing the most beautiful spots and hearing all the stories she tells so wonderfully.

Antoine P

Oct 2020

... it was a brilliant day. The area is stunning ...I saw way more than I would ever have done under my own power.

Elly Jahnz

Mar 2016

..The trip was well planned and executed and Helen was a mine of information. The whole day was perfect. I'll be back!

Barbara O'Flynn

Dec 2017

When I got back to work after my trip, I was essentially crowing to everyone about the volcano, horses, and waterfalls.

Grace Chan

Oct 2019

Cultural Experiences

Seasonal tours

Speciality tours

Customised tours

it was fantastic...having an actual sword lesson and getting to successfully try using the sword on a wet tatami training roll was an extremely special experience.

M K Wisner

Dec 2019

The day flew past, and we have many great photos to treasure. Special place, and a special tour. Can't think of any way it could be improved.

Happy wanderer

Mar 2020

Helen not only brought me to the statues, but also took me to amazing spots and off the beaten paths along the way

Staue of One Piece character Franky, Takamori town Kuammoto Prefecture Japan

Ara Beltan

Oct 2022

Contact me and let me know where you would like to go or what your interests are.

Also let me know the time of year, the number of people and I’ll be happy to plan an itinerary just for you.

3 great reasons to take a tour....

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1.Traveling with a native English speaking guide with over 25 years experience of life in Japan will help put the sights you see into a much richer context and develop a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.

2. Explore Kumamoto tours are small group tours with a maximum of 5 or 6. My role as a guide is not only to inform but just as importantly to ensure you have a fun & memorable day.

3. Taking a guided tour to the destination of your choice means you get to sit back, relax and enjoy your trip. There’s no stress of having to navigate unknown roads, Japanese road signs, or kanji laden menus.

Tour Availability

Take a look at the Tour Availability Calendar to see what dates are available and what tours are already running. Then just contact me if there are places available on a tour you want to join.

If the date is blank it is available for any tour of your choice.

I can only run 3 or 4 tours a week and I usually take bookings from 6 months in advance.

If there is no availability for your dates I may be able to put you in touch with a local freelance English speaking guide. (The itinerary and pricing they offer will vary though.)