Kumamoto has to be one of the best destinations in Japan for walks. The number of options available means you’ll never need to repeat the same walk — although you may discover some favorites you want to return to repeatedly. As a starting point, here are a few walks that stand out as the best.
Shiramizu Falls
Waterfalls are always beautiful, but hiking out to them is often strenuous. Shiramizu Falls is much more accessible than many others. Reach the trail by driving 30 minutes from Takamori to the Hinatamenosato campsite. The walk is just 600 kilometers. It starts out flat and then takes you up a series of steps, but these are easy to climb. After passing a few small waterfalls, you’ll reach a volcanic rock cliff, down which the main falls cascade. The entire trail is under a canopy of maple trees, making this a perfect option for escaping the summer heat and seeing the autumn leaves in the fall.
Mount Kishima
The Aso caldera is made up of five mountains, one of which is Mount Kishima. You can reach its peak in just over an hour, but the walk is moderately difficult due to the elevation of 225 meters. Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views of the surrounding landscape.
Kusasenri
A walk you definitely must not miss while you’re in Kumamoto is Kusasenri. This plateau was created by two giant craters, still filled with magma but topped with ash from Mount Nakadake over thousands of years. The area is a grassland where horses and cattle graze, but lakes fill the craters after heavy rainfall. To hike Kusasenri, you can take the 13.4-kilometer loop trail that starts near Aso.
Mount Nakadake
You can also pay a visit to Mount Nakadake and Mount Takadake, the largest active volcano in the country. Be warned that this is quite a challenging hike. The trail is 9.3 kilometers long and may take about 3.5 hours to complete.
Suizenji Gardens
Close to downtown Kumamoto, you’ll find Suizenji Gardens. Walking around the grounds, you’ll find two shrines, a couple of bronze statues, tea rooms, and a lake. Twice a year, the gardens hold a yabusame ceremony (a mounted archery ritual), and performances occur throughout the spring and fall in the Noh theater. Since the park is a popular tourist destination, it’s best to visit on a weekday.
Takachiho Gorge
This pretty walk winds its way through the quiet town of Takachiho. The gorge was formed from the flow from the Aso volcanos, which formed the 100m-high cliffs that overlook the river. You can enjoy this walk at a pace of your choosing, stopping to marvel at the Manai waterfall. Perfect if you’re looking to combine exercise with taking in some natural beauty, as the gorge was designated a National Scenic and Natural Monument in 1934.
