2025 Mashiki Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in August)

Hidden Gem in Kyushu, an hour away from Fukuoka! Easily accessible via Shinkansen or an affordable 2hr bus ride from Fukuoka Airport. Kumamoto is a highly walkable city steep in history, culture and cuisine. Kumamoto Castle is often regarded as the top 3 castle in Japan. While the earthquake has inflicted substantial damage to it, a long and careful restoration plan is in progress to restore it. Visiting the castle now is still possible and the experience will be markedly different as you admire the restored castle while seeing it first hand the restoration works that’s ongoing around the castle compound. Make sure to earmark your evening of the 4th Saturday of each month to visit the Shirakawa Yoichi (Night Bazaar along the banks of Shirakawa). Lucky to bump into this bazaar without prior planning and totally enjoyed the matsuri vibes of the bazaar. The food options were highly international and traditional as well. Went during Sakura period and some of the stalls are just right below the Sakura tree. Great place to picnic too. Akagumi Ramen is a real treat, especially the miso braised offals. Should time allow, head to Aso region and visit the Aso Jinja, as well as the Monzenmachi Shopping Street right next to the shrine. Be sure to try the Katana Steam Bun and Beef Menchi that is absolutely delish. Flying out of Kumamoto is equally convenient if you are connecting/returning to a city that serves this route. Highly recommended to visit and spend 3 or 4 days in this city. Grids Hotel Premium is a great place to stay. #travel #kumamoto #kumamototravel #mountaso #japanese_food #ramen #Wheretostayinkumamoto #Gridshotelpremiumkumamoto

If you look closely, you will see that the bamboo lantern Christmas tree is carved into the shape of an airplane, which is a perfect airport-like tree, so be sure to check it out. Christmas trees were also decorated in front of the domestic JAL and ANA counters, giving you a sense of winter travel. At the outdoor "Sora Yoka Park," there is a Kumamon object and you can see the illuminations at sunset. Be sure to take a stroll around Kumamoto Airport. [Airport] Aso Kumamoto Airport [Location] 1802-2 Otari, Mashiki-cho, Kamimashiki-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture [Access] Bus or car from each city Visit date: December 2024 #Christmas trip #Kumamoto #Kumamoto sightseeing #Kumamoto Airport #Aso Kumamoto Airport #Kumamon #Bamboo lanterns #Airplane #Domestic travel

#Sakura2024 #Kumamoto #Japan Kumamoto Airport is a small airport in Kyushu with international flights. The first floor is the arrival/check-in area/bus station, the 4th floor is the observation deck, and the 3rd floor is the domestic/international flight security/boarding area. The duty-free shop area for international flights is very small, with not many shopping options and no restaurants. What is surprising is that there are hot and cold water dispensers. International passengers can go shopping/dining in the domestic terminal area after passing through international security, but they must arrive 60 minutes before the departure to go through immigration. If you do not check-in and go through security early in the morning, you cannot visit the domestic terminal area (but you can see the shopping area in the 4th floor corridor).

#Cherry Blossoms2024 #Kumamoto #Japan #Airport Located on the 4th floor of Kumamoto Aso Airport, it can be reached by lift or stairs, before a few exhibitions, then out of the open-air viewing area. There are sparse flights at Kumamoto Airport. When we arrived, we could only see one solaed plane on the tarmac in the whole airport

Kumamoto Kumamoto Tourism When you arrive at Aso Kumamoto Airport, it's convenient to take the bus to Kumamoto City! From Aso Kumamoto Airport to downtown Kumamoto City You can get there in just under 50 minutes by airport limousine bus This airport limousine bus is convenient because it runs about once every 15 minutes Also, this bus 📍The last seat is very spacious and comfortable 📍Transportation IC cards can be used, VISA touch compatible! 📍USB charging outlets available So, while you're looking up tourist spots in Kumamoto on your smartphone and enjoying the view from the train window, you'll arrive in the center of Kumamoto City in no time #Kumamoto #Kumamoto Tourism #Kumamoto Trip #Kumamoto Airport #Aso Kumamoto Airport #Domestic Travel

Address: Directly in front of the entrance to Josaien, Kumamoto Castle Atmosphere/Facilities: Lively with a line Recommended point: Unico Croquette Average price: 500 yen Hello 😃 This time, the Unico Croquette at Josaien looked so delicious that I lined up to get one 🤩 It was right in front of the entrance to Josaien, so it was really noticeable 😆 The sea urchins are apparently caught in Amakusa It was my first time eating Unico Croquette It was refreshing! I wonder if I could have eaten another 10 😏 lol The batter was crispy but thin and the filling was packed in tightly! The rice in Kumamoto is delicious 😋 Please give it a try! #trip2022 #2022trip #Kumamoto　#KumamotoCastle

Experience the local atmosphere at the new Aso Kumamoto Airport, the gateway to Kumamoto travel. ⸻ 📝What's it like? Kumamoto Airport underwent a grand renovation in March 2023. The new terminal, which combines domestic and international flights, is a space filled with Kumamoto-esque elements, including locally sourced wood and a design featuring Kato Kiyomasa's family crest, the "snake eye." The airport also features an observation lobby, event space, Kumamoto-related businesses, and "Kumamon" decorations, helping you get into the Kumamoto spirit even before your trip begins.   ⸻ 📌Basic Information • Address: 1802-2 Otari, Mashiki-machi, Kamimashiki-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture  • Access: ・Approximately 50-60 minutes by limousine bus from central Kumamoto City  • Terminal Hours: 6:30 AM - 9:30 PM (Information Center open the same hours)  • Airline Counter Hours: 6:30 AM - 8:15 PM  • Parking: Approximately 2,379 spaces, open 24 hours (partially manned 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM)  ⸻ 🎯Recommended Points • A design that evokes Kumamoto: A calming space with a black and white theme, featuring locally sourced wood and snake's-eye motifs throughout. The entire building is a symbol of Kumamoto.  • Kumamon and Kumamoto Culture: The first floor features a Kumamon photo spot and event stage. The local atmosphere shines through.  • Comfortable Stay with Extensive Facilities: A spacious information desk, rest area, lounge, shops, and souvenir shops. Enjoy a relaxing stay.  • Tenants & Restaurants: Tully's Coffee and Washoku Rindo are located on the first floor. Enjoy Kumamoto cuisine even after security checks.  • Observation Lobby and Airport View: There's an observation space overlooking the runway and Mount Aso, where you can see takeoffs and landings up close. Great for photography.  ⸻ 🏷️Hashtags #KumamotoAirport #AsoKumamotoAirport #KumamotoTravelStart #RenovatedAirport #KumamonAirport #LocalDesign #AbsolutelyFreeTravel

Spicy gourmet found at the airport! 🛫 Oda Shoten, a famous mustard lotus root shop ⸻ 📝What is it like? A mustard lotus root specialty shop established in 1989, located in the security check area on the 3rd floor of the passenger terminal at Aso Kumamoto Airport. A wide variety of flavors are available, including mustard lotus root with a pungent taste unique to Kumamoto, wasabi flavor, spice, curry, three-color lotus root, and lotus root chips. There are also freshly fried side dishes and snacks that can only be tasted locally, so it's perfect for a quick drink while waiting for your flight.  ⸻ 📌Basic information • Address: 3F Aso Kumamoto Airport Passenger Terminal Building, 1802-2 Otari, Mashiki-cho, Kamimashiki-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture • Business hours: 9:00-20:00 (same as airport)  • Closed days: Open every day (same as airport business hours)  • Payment methods: Credit cards, transportation IC cards, electronic money, and QR payments accepted  ⸻ 🎯Recommended points • Wide variety of mustard lotus root In addition to the standard flavors, there is a wide variety of flavors such as "wasabi lotus root", "curry", "spice", and "three colors (mustard, wasabi, and cherry blossom flavor)", making it perfect as a souvenir . • Lotus root chips & side dishes menu In addition to mustard lotus root, you can enjoy standing side dishes such as "lotus root chips" (soy sauce flavor), lotus root cheese balls, and croquettes . • Convenient location and style Located in front of the gate and in the waiting area for boarding, it is popular as a "one more dish" before boarding or as a companion to beer. It's nice to be able to use it quickly as a standing drink style (). • Tasting available & spiciness adjustable You can sample, and there is also a "mild" type for those who don't like spicy food, so it meets a wide range of needs . ⸻ 🏷️Hashtag #OdaShoten #MustardLotusRoot #MustardLotusRoot #ThreeColorLotusRoot #LotusRootChips #KumamotoAirportGourmet #AirportSouvenir #RelaxedSideDishes #AbsolutelyFreeTravel

A "Castle Town Roastery" at the Airport! Enjoy Coffee Time with Freshness and Flavor ⸻ 📝What's It Like? Coffee Kairo, a roasting cafe based in a 120-year-old townhouse in Furumachi, Kumamoto Castle Town, has opened a location in the post-security area of Aso Kumamoto Airport. Enjoy exceptionally fresh coffee roasted right before your arrival. The takeout cups make it a great way to enjoy a cup while watching the runway and planes. ⸻ 📌Basic Information • Address: Aso Kumamoto Airport, Passenger Terminal 3F (after security), 1802-2 Otari, Mashiki-cho, Kamimashiki-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture • Business Hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Originally 9:30 AM - 7:00 AM) • Closed: Open daily (same as airport hours) • Payment: Credit cards and electronic money accepted (prioritizing convenience within the security area) ⸻ 🎯Recommended Points • Roasted and brewed from raw beans: Beans roasted on-site offer outstanding aroma and richness. • Wide selection of drinks and merchandise: Drip coffee (approx. ¥500), charcoal latte/matcha latte (¥600), and drip bags and bottled coffee for Kumamoto souvenirs are also available. • Enjoy a luxurious time before boarding with a runway view: Enjoy a drink while watching the planes from a counter seat. It's also convenient that it opens at 7:00 AM, so you can catch the first flight in the morning.  • Kumamoto-inspired gifts: Kumamon-packaged drip coffee bags and airport-exclusive sticker novelties are also popular (). ⸻ 🏷️Hashtags #CoffeeCorridor #CoffeeCorridor #AsoKumamotoAirport #AirportCafe #GreenBeanRoasting #DripCoffee #RunwayView #KumamotoSouvenir #AbsolutelyFreeTravel

"Craft Beer Flight" to enjoy while watching the runway while waiting to board ⸻ 📝What is it like? This is Japan's first craft beer bar, located on the third floor of the area where the boarding gates are lined up after passing through security at Aso Kumamoto Airport. They offer draft beer, bottled beer, and canned beer carefully selected from Japan and overseas, with a focus on Kumamoto Prefecture beers. They also serve food, and the appeal is that you can enjoy a standing drink while watching the planes take off and land right in front of you. . ⸻ 📌Basic information • Address: 3F Passenger Terminal, Aso Kumamoto Airport, 1802-2 Otari, Mashiko-cho, Kamimashiki-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture  • Business hours: 10:00 to the departure of the last flight (last order 19:45)  • Closed days: None (same as the airport)  • Price range: about 950 yen for a small glass of beer, about 1,500 yen for a large glass. The tasting set is also popular.  • Payment: Credit card, electronic money, QR payment available  ⸻ 🎯Recommended points • A wide selection of limited brands Enjoy unique flavors such as the airport's original "WITCH'S FLIGHT" and the limited edition "AMAKUSA Kuro?" beer made in Amakusa . • A special experience of airplanes and beer Watching the runway and airplanes while drinking creates a different "travel mood" than just waiting at the airport . • Perfect as a souvenir! Cans and bottles are available for purchase, and you can pick them up at the airport in advance. Perfect as a memory of your trip or to enjoy after returning home . • Casual standing bar style A standing bar counter in the security area, directly connected to the gate. You can stop by while waiting for "one more drink" before the flight (). ⸻ 🏷️Hashtag #WitchsBeerFlight #craftbeer #KumamotoBeer #limitededitionbeer #runwayview #airportbar #AsoKumamotoAirport #travelmoments #absolutelyfreetravel

Soon completed the nine-day trip to Kumamoto, during which 2 days were local statutory holidays. All the attractions in Kumamoto, such as Kumamoto Castle, pedestrian streets, everywhere are locals and tourists . It's too crowded... So, if you really want to spend a leisure vacation, really do not choose a vacation to Kumamoto, haha

🗓️Itinerary management 🚗Car sharing at the airport ⛰️Soba noodles at Kukinoan in Minamiaso! Take a walk to the source of the Shirakawa soba springs to recharge your batteries!! 🚌Return to the airport and take a bus to Kumamoto city 🏨Ref Kumamoto Vessel Hotel The large bath and drink bar are attractive♨️🥤 🍺Horsesashi for dinner!! 🏯The next day, we went to Kumamoto Castle ✈️The airport is new and clean, and the shops are plentiful. The lounge is also comfortable. 💰Price per person:✈️ANA sale 15,080 yen 　　　　　　　　　　🏨Twin 6,000 yen 💞Reasons why we recommend it: The food is delicious😋The air is fresh😋

#MarchTravelSupportEvent Kumamoto Airport is a regional airport located in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, and operates domestic and international flights. It is about 20km from the city center, and can be reached by bus or rental car. There are duty-free shops, restaurants, and souvenir shops in the airport, so you can do some light shopping and dining. The facilities have been recently remodeled, making them cleaner, and you can wait in a comfortable environment before departure!

#MarchTravelSupportEvent I entered Kumamoto Airport and took a picture of the arrival hall! The lighting was bright and the interior was really clean and well-decorated with white tones! And from the moment the arrival gate opened, a cute Kumamoto greeted me, so I think my trip started off even more exciting!

#MarchTravelSupportEvent I traveled from Gimhae to Kumamoto on Eastar Jet! I was a little sad to hear that it was going to rain, but when I arrived, it was almost completely dry, which was really nice. Kumamoto Airport was the smallest airport I went to! It was a place where the cute Kumamon greeted me from the entrance.

#MarchTravelSupportEvent I checked in online in advance, but I'll let you know! Check-in opens at a set time, so I recommend not going early! There's not much to do inside the airport, so time really doesn't pass! An hour and a half? If you come an hour early, there's nothing urgent.

#MarchTravelSupportEvent Because it's a small city airport, it's very small in size and feels smaller than a bus terminal or train station in Korea. Also, Kumamoto Airport has a set time to enter the departure hall, so I recommend not going too early! There's not much to do inside the airport either, so time really doesn't pass!

#MarchTravelSupportEvent I traveled from Gimhae to Kumamoto on Eastar Jet! I was a little sad to hear that it was going to rain, but it was really nice because it barely rained when I arrived. Kumamoto Airport was the smallest airport I went to! Maybe because it was small, immigration took a while.

#MarchTravelSupportEvent Kumamoto Airport is more focused on domestic flights, so the international flights are small and there isn't much to see. Also, Kumamoto Airport has a set time to enter the departure hall, so I recommend not going too early! There isn't much to do inside the airport either, so time really doesn't pass!

#MarchTravelSupportEvent Kumamoto Airport has a set time to enter the departure hall, so I recommend not going early! There's not much to do inside the airport, so time really doesn't pass! I went early just in case, but I really regretted it🥹If you're going, arrive just an hour early!

#MarchTravelSupportEvent The Kumamoto Airport I visited this time is one of the cleanest airports I've ever visited. You should visit it next time. You'll be surprised at how clean it is! And the guide signs are all well-made, so you can go without a plan.

#MarchTravelSupportEvent I went to Kumamoto Airport. I arrived too early when I was returning to Korea, so I looked around the area. When I came out through the side exit, there was a photo zone where I could take a picture with Kumamon! I grabbed a person passing by and took a picture! Kumamoto is the best.

#MarchTravelSupportEvent When you arrive at Kumamoto Airport, take exit C and take the bus from number 3 to Sakuramachi Bus Terminal! It was great that you can travel to other small cities in Kumamoto as well as the city! Many people also go straight to Yufuin or Mt. Aso from the airport.

#MarchTravelSupportEvent When you arrive at Kumamoto Airport, take Exit C and take the bus from No. 3 to Sakuramachi Bus Terminal! I also took the bus this time. It was nice to be able to travel to the city center comfortably for just 1,000 yen! Everyone, please use the airport bus.

#MarchTravelSupportEvent When you arrive at Kumamoto Airport, exit through Exit C and take the bus from No. 3 to Sakuramachi Bus Terminal! I will slowly explain how to reserve a bus starting from the next post! There is a bus every hour, so there is no need to rush!

#MarchTravelSupportEvent Kumamoto Airport was a newly built airport, so it was a really clean airport! I've been traveling a lot recently, so I visit the airport often, and this was the best among them! I recommend it as a good place to buy souvenirs before returning to Korea👍🏻

#MarchTravelSupportEvent Kumamoto Airport was a newly built airport, so it was a really clean airport! I've been traveling a lot recently and visiting the airport often, and this was definitely the best among them. The duty-free shop was small, so it was a shame, but it was nice to have Royce chocolate!

#MarchTravelSupportEvent Kumamoto Airport was recently rebuilt, so the exterior and interior were really clean. It was nice that all the departure gates were in one place. There was also a good space to rest, and above all, Kumamoto Airport was clean and nice.