ITINERARIES Unwind in Central Kyushu Volcanic views, equestrian culture, idyllic countryside, and world-class hot springs
Journey across central Kyushu, from the volcanoes of Kumamoto to the hot springs of Oita.
Highlights
- Peer down into the steaming volcano, Mt. Aso
- Ride on a horse-drawn trolley with beautiful views of Mt. Yufu-dake
- Relax in the hot springs of Hita and Yufuin
How to Get There
Flights connect Tokyo Haneda Airport with Aso-Kumamoto Airport (1 hour 45 minutes). From Aso Kumamoto Airport, take a bus (Airport Liner) to Higo Otsu Station (about 15 minutes), and from there take the Higo Main Line to Aso Station (about 50 minutes). Change at Aso Station to the Kyushu Sanko Aso Crater Line bus , which takes 35 minutes.
Mt. Aso is a mountain with one of the world's largest areas, measuring 18 kilometers from east to west and 25 kilometers from north to south. Walk up to the top and peer down into the steaming crater, which bubbles and froths with hot liquids and gas.
You can take a 5-minute shuttle bus ride from the Aso Mountain Terminal to the crater.
Two hours northeast of Mt. Aso is the quaint hot springs town of Yufuin. With four million visitors annually, locals have gone to great lengths to preserve the town's charms. In addition to relaxing in the hot springs, you can also visit the numerous museums and galleries.
7 minutes
Walk down Yufuin's main street, Yunotsubo Kaido, to browse for local crafts like glassware and pottery, confectionaries and soy sauce. Consider spending the afternoon on a horse-drawn trolley exploring the surrounding country road, which weaves along the periphery of Mt. Yufu 
.
11 minutes
From Yufuin Station, take the JR Kyudai Line to the nearby hot springs town of Hita. For a relaxing, luxurious journey, take the Yufuin no Mori limited express train that has wood interiors and buffet and salon cars. The idyllic views of the countryside make for a relaxing and peaceful ride.
Located at a key crossroads in Kyushu, the quaint town of Hita flourished during the prosperous Edo period (1603-1867) and retains much of its charm today. With a thriving cedar industry, the town produces traditional geta sandals and lacquerware utilizing the material. Spend a night in Hita relaxing at the hot springs. Once the sun sets, enjoy a dinner cruise on a traditional riverboat.
Strolling down the narrow streets of Mameda, you'll feel like you've been transported to another time. This central district of Hita retains much of its Edo-period atmosphere, with old government buildings and traditional homes that have been converted into cafes and museums.
As a testament to Hita's wealth during the Edo period, the town maintains a luxurious collection of classic hina dolls, traditional handmade dolls used to celebrate the Hina Matsuri Festival on March 3. These dolls are on display at Hirose Shiryokan, a museum built within the warehouse of a former merchant. For several weeks leading up to the festival, additional hina dolls are arranged in elaborate displays at approximately 15 locations around town.
Join locals in the extravagant summer festivities of the Hita Gion Festival on the Saturday and Sunday after the third week of July. During the festival, revelers pull ornately decorated floats through the town.
Witness the traditional practice of ukai (cormorant fishing), in which cormorant birds are released to catch the sweetfish that thrive in Hita's rivers. The season for ukai lasts from May 20th to the end of October and is best viewed along the Mikuma River. Many of the restaurants in the area prepare various sweetfish dishes during this time, so be sure to try them.
