Kumamoto: Getting there and around

From/To:

JAL, ANA, Solaseed Air and Jetstar Japan operate frequent flights between Tokyo and Kumamoto. All airlines fly out of Haneda Airport except Jetstar which uses Narita Airport. Flight duration is about 100 minutes. The regular one way fares by JAL and ANA are around 53,000 yen, but discount tickets are usually available for between 20,000 and 28,000 yen. The fares by Solaseed Air are roughly 20 percent lower than the ones of JAL and ANA, while the fares by Jetstar start from around 6,000 yen.

Kumamoto Airport is located a 50 minute bus ride from Sakuramachi Bus Terminal in the city center or 60 minutes from Kumamoto Station (1000 yen one way). Many rental car outlets are located at Kumamoto Airport.

Airfares from Tokyo to Kumamoto over the next 30 days April 17, 2025 - May 16, 2025

Airline	Lowest fare	Average lowest fare
JAL	16,219 yen	23,690 yen
Solaseed	16,194 yen	21,382 yen
ANA	17,490 yen	24,995 yen
Jetstar Japan	6,200 yen	12,849 yen
ANA Wings	25,260 yen	28,219 yen

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Covered by: Japan Rail Pass

Tokyo and Kumamoto are connected with each other by the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen. One transfer of trains is required along the way, typically at Shin-Osaka or Hakata Station. The one way trip takes about six hours and costs around 27,000 yen. The Japan Rail Pass fully covers the trip if done by the slower Hikari and Sakura trains, but a supplement fee is required on the Nozomi and Mizuho trains.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.

The city's main station, Kumamoto Station, is located about two kilometers southwest of the city center. Local trains from Fukuoka also stop at Kami-Kumamoto Station, one station north of Kumamoto Station. Both stations are about a 10 minute tram ride from the city center.

Kumamoto is served by two tram lines and many bus lines. Trams cost a flat 180 yen per ride and provide convenient access from Kumamoto Station and Kami-Kumamoto Station to the city center and most tourist attractions. The local Denden Nimoca IC card, as well as Suica, Icoca and eight other IC card types can be used on the trams and JR trains in Kumamoto, but not on buses. However, in a highly unfortunate move, the city decided to end accepting the leading IC cards on its trams from April 2026.

Most city bus and highway bus lines terminate at Sakuramachi Bus Terminal in the city center. A one-day pass for unlimited use of trams and city buses in central Kumamoto is available for 800 yen, while a one-day pass for just the trams costs 500 yen. Both passes include discounts on admission to some of Kumamoto's main attractions.

The JR Hohi Line, which connects Kumamoto with Aso and Beppu, can be useful to access eastern parts of Kumamoto City, including Suizenji Garden, and the airport (see below).

Kumamoto Airport is located about 20 kilometers east of central Kumamoto. It can be reached by bus for 1000 yen one way in about 50 minutes from Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal or about 60 minutes from Kumamoto Station. Alternatively, take the JR Hohi Line from Kumamoto to Higo-Otsu Station (40 minutes, 560 yen, covered by JR passes), from where there are free shuttle buses (15 minutes) to the airport every 30 minutes.

Questions? Ask in our forum.

English

Kyushu Sanko

Operator of buses to Kumamoto Airport and between Kumamoto and Beppu.

Airport Liner

Official English PDF file for the free airport shuttle bus from Higo-Otsu Station.

- Minshuku Hiroshimaya
  Budget-friendly
  
  Located 1.8 km from Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei, Minshuku Hiroshimaya offers 2-star accommodation in Kumamoto and features a terrace. This guest house provides free private parking, a shared kitchen and free WiFi. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a picnic area. At the guest house, all units are equipped with a shared bathroom. There is a coffee shop, and packed lunches are also available. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Kumamoto Castle is 3.1 km from the guest house, while Suizenji Park is 7.2 km away. Kumamoto Airport is 17 km from the property.
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- Dyeing and Hostel Nakashimaya - Female Only
  Budget-friendly
  
  Located in Kumamoto, Dyeing and Hostel Nakashimaya - Female Only provides 1-star accommodation with private terraces. Guests staying at this guest house have access to a balcony. The accommodation offers a shared kitchen, full-day security and luggage storage for guests. Each unit is fitted with air conditioning, a shared bathroom and a well-fitted kitchen including a microwave, toaster, fridge and kitchenware. The units include bed linen. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Popular points of interest near the guest house include Kumamoto Castle, Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei and Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto. Kumamoto Airport is 16 km away.
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- THE BLOSSOM KUMAMOTO
  Luxury
  
  Located 3.2 km from Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei, THE BLOSSOM KUMAMOTO offers 4-star accommodation in Kumamoto and features a fitness centre, a restaurant and a bar. The property is around 3.4 km from Kumamoto Castle, 6 km from Suizenji Park and 14 km from Egao Kenko Stadium Kumamoto. The hotel has a sauna, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi throughout the property. All guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. All units will provide guests with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV. Guests at THE BLOSSOM KUMAMOTO can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Hirayama Hot Spring is 35 km from the accommodation, while Kumamoto Station is 200 metres away. Kumamoto Airport is 17 km from the property.
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- Sotetsu Grand Fresa Kumamoto
  Mid-range
  
  Sotetsu Grand Fresa Kumamoto is located in Kumamoto, within 3.2 km of Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei and 3.8 km of Suizenji Park. With a restaurant, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is situated 1.5 km from Kumamoto Castle. Guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. All rooms in Sotetsu Grand Fresa Kumamoto are fitted with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Speaking English and Japanese at the 24-hour front desk, staff are ready to help around the clock. Popular points of interest near Sotetsu Grand Fresa Kumamoto include Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto, Minami Kumamoto Station and Kumamoto City Museum. Kumamoto Airport is 15 km from the property.
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- Hotel Nikko Kumamoto
  Luxury
  
  Located in the heart of the city, Hotel Nikko Kumamoto features accommodations with free wired internet access and views of Kumamoto Castle. Torichosuji Train Station is a 1-minute walk, and the JR Kumamoto Train Station is a 10-minute drive away. Guests can choose among 5 dining options and relaxing massages can be requested as well. The air-conditioned rooms feature carpeted floors and a flat-screen TV. An electric kettle and nightwear are provided for guests. The en suite bathroom comes with slippers and a hairdryer. Laundry and photocopying services are available at the 24-hour front desk. Les Celebrites serves French dishes, and Tao-Li offers Cantonese specialities. Benkei serves Japanese cuisines with nice views and drinks are available at Fountain bar lounge. Breakfast is served at AsoShed. Kumamoto Hotel Nikko is a 10-minute walk from Kumamoto Castle, and the Contemporary Art Museum is only a 1-minute walk away.
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- KOKO HOTEL Premier Kumamoto
  Luxury
  
  KOKO HOTEL Premier Kumamoto is located in Kumamoto, within 4.4 km of Suizenji Park and 12 km of Egao Kenko Stadium Kumamoto. Featuring a restaurant, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is set 1.3 km from Kumamoto Castle. At the hotel, all rooms include a desk. All guest rooms in KOKO HOTEL Premier Kumamoto are fitted with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. A buffet breakfast is available at the accommodation. Languages spoken at the reception include English and Japanese. Popular points of interest near KOKO HOTEL Premier Kumamoto include Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei, Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto and Kumamoto City Museum. Kumamoto Airport is 15 km from the property.
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- Tamaki Ryokan
  Mid-range
  
  Situated within 1.5 km of Suizenji Park and 2.5 km of Kumamoto Castle, Tamaki Ryokan features rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Kumamoto. This 3-star ryokan offers free shuttle service and full-day security. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. At the ryokan, each unit has a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. A toaster and kettle are also available. At the ryokan, all units are allergy-free. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei is 3.5 km from the ryokan, while Egao Kenko Stadium Kumamoto is 9.1 km from the property. Kumamoto Airport is 13 km away.
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- &and COMFY HOTEL Kumamoto Jo View
  Mid-range
  
  &and COMFY HOTEL Kumamoto Jo View is set in Kumamoto, within 3.7 km of Suizenji Park and 11 km of Egao Kenko Stadium Kumamoto. Featuring a restaurant, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is situated 1.3 km from Kumamoto Castle. At the hotel, the rooms include a desk. All rooms in &and COMFY HOTEL Kumamoto Jo View are fitted with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy an ? la carte breakfast. The reception at &and COMFY HOTEL Kumamoto Jo View can provide tips on the area. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei, Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto and Former Residence of Natsume Soseki. Kumamoto Airport is 15 km from the property.
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- REF Kumamoto by VESSEL HOTELS
  Luxury
  
  Set in Kumamoto, within 1.2 km of Kumamoto Castle and 2.6 km of Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei, REF Kumamoto by VESSEL HOTELS offers accommodation with a spa and wellness centre and free WiFi throughout the property. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a restaurant. Attractions in the area include Suizenji Park, 4.2 km away, or Shimada Museum of Art, located 2.9 km from the property. A continental breakfast is available every morning at the hotel. REF Kumamoto by VESSEL HOTELS offers a sauna. Children's amenities are available at the front desk free of charge. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto, Former Residence of Natsume Soseki and Kumamoto City Museum. The nearest airport is Kumamoto Airport, 18 km from REF Kumamoto by VESSEL HOTELS.
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- tsukigakireidesune
  Budget-friendly
  
  Located 3.2 km from Kumamoto Castle, tsukigakireidesune offers 1-star accommodation in Kumamoto and features a garden. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The guest house has family rooms. There is also a well-fitted kitchen in some of the units equipped with an oven, a microwave, and a toaster. At the guest house, every unit has a shared bathroom. For guests with children, the guest house provides an indoor play area. A bicycle rental service is available at tsukigakireidesune. Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei is 3.6 km from the accommodation, while Suizenji Park is 4.6 km away. Kumamoto Airport is 16 km from the property.
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