5-Day Family-Friendly Relaxation Itinerary in Kumamoto, Japan

Day 1: Explore Kumamoto City

Kumamoto, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Kumamoto Castle

Begin your adventure at the stunning Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's premier castles, known for its impressive architecture and historical significance.
Take a local bus from Kumamoto Station to Kumamoto Castle, approximately 15 minutes.
JPY 500, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Suidoen Garden

Wander through the beautiful Suidoen Garden with its serene landscapes, ideal for a peaceful family stroll.
Walk to Suidoen Garden from Kumamoto Castle, around 20 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Sakuranbo

Enjoy a delicious family-friendly lunch at Sakuranbo, offering traditional Japanese bento boxes that cater to all ages.
Short walk back towards the city center (10 minutes).
JPY 1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art

Discover Japan's art scene at the superb Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art, featuring a variety of exhibits that will intrigue both adults and kids.
Take a 10-minute bus ride from the restaurant.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at your Hotel

Return to your hotel for some downtime, where the family can enjoy relaxation or recreational facilities.
Taxi back to your hotel (approx. 15 minutes).
N/A, Rest of the day

7:00PM

Dinner at Gyuuma

Savor a delightful dinner featuring Kumamoto's famous horse meat sashimi and other local dishes, perfect for adventurous eaters.
A short walk or taxi ride; your choice.
JPY 4000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Relaxing at Suizenji Jojuen

Kumamoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel to fuel your day ahead with Japanese and Western options.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Suizenji Jojuen Garden

Spend the morning exploring the breathtaking Suizenji Jojuen Garden, a family-friendly oasis designed to reflect the scenery of the surrounding landscape.
Take the local tram from your hotel, approximately 20 minutes.
JPY 400, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kadoya

Enjoy lunch at Kadoya, offering delicious soba noodles and a children-friendly menu, perfect for a family meal.
Walk from the garden for about 15 minutes.
JPY 1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Peace Memorial Park

Take a relaxing afternoon walk in Peace Memorial Park, ideal for letting kids run around in the lush green space.
Take a bus from Kadoya (15 minutes).
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to hotel

Return to your hotel for some downtime before dinner.
Taxi back to your hotel (around 15 minutes).
N/A, Rest of the day

6:00PM

Dinner at Nishikawa

Dine at Nishikawa, famous for its succulent pork dishes and family-friendly atmosphere, ensuring everyone's taste buds are satisfied.
Walk or take a taxi, approximately 10 minutes.
JPY 3500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Adventure at Mount Aso

Mount Aso, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast at your hotel before heading out for adventure.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Mount Aso

Embark on a family trip to Mount Aso, one of Japan's most active volcanoes, renowned for its breathtaking scenery.
Rent a car or take an express bus to Mount Aso (about 1.5 hours).
JPY 1000 (bus pass), 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore Aso Volcano

When you reach Mount Aso, take a short hike to the volcano and visit the crater, where the kids can learn about geology in a fun way!
Take a shuttle from the visitor center to the crater (included in travel cost).
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Aso Farm Land

Grab a delicious lunch with local specialties at Aso Farm Land, where the family can also enjoy various farm activities.
Drive or take a bus to Aso Farm Land (15 minutes).
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Enjoy Aso Farm Land Activities

Spend the afternoon enjoying activities like petting animals, riding ponies, and participating in art workshops to engage the whole family.
Stay within Aso Farm Land area.
JPY 500 per activity, 2 hours

4:30PM

Scenic Drive around Mount Aso

Take a scenic drive around the breathtaking landscapes of Mount Aso, offering numerous photo opportunities.
Drive around the area.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Return to Kumamoto

Head back to your hotel in Kumamoto to relax after an adventurous day.
Drive or take a bus back to Kumamoto (1.5 hours).
Included in earlier transport cost, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Goya

Unwind with a delightful dinner at Goya, serving dinner-style curry and rice, a favorite among families.
A short taxi ride to the restaurant (10 minutes).
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Exploring Amakusa Islands

Amakusa, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Have a filling breakfast at your accommodation to ensure everyone has energy for the day's adventure.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Amakusa Islands

Journey to the picturesque Amakusa Islands, known for their stunning coastline and rich cultural heritage.
Drive via expressway or take the ferry (1.5 hours).
JPY 2000 (ferry fare one way), 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Amakusa Christian Museum

Discover the unique history of Christianity in Japan at the Amakusa Christian Museum, which offers interactive exhibits for children.
Drive for about 20 minutes from the ferry terminal.
JPY 800, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Yakiniku Restaurant

Indulge in a delicious grilled meat lunch at a local Yakiniku restaurant, perfect for family bonding over food.
Take a short trip to nearby restaurant (10 minutes).
JPY 3500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Beach Time at Shirahama Beach

Enjoy some fun in the sun at Shirahama Beach, a kid-friendly spot for swimming and building sandcastles.
Drive to Shirahama Beach (15 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Amakusa Dolphin Watching Tour

Embark on a dolphin watching tour, an unforgettable experience, especially for the kids who will love seeing these playful creatures in their natural habitat.
Join a local tour operator from the beach area.
JPY 3000 per person, 2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Kumamoto

Travel back to Kumamoto after a fun-filled day exploring the islands.
Take the ferry or drive back.
Included in earlier fares, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Katsuobushi Shokudo

End the day with dinner at Katsuobushi Shokudo, known for its savory seafood dishes, perfect to refuel the family.
Casual walk from your hotel (10 minutes).
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Immersion in Shimada House

Kumamoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Kumamoto at the hotel, full of various dishes before a day of cultural exploration.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Shimada House

Discover the traditional architecture and history of Kumamoto by visiting Shimada House, a well-preserved Edo period building.
Short car ride or taxi from the hotel (15 minutes).
JPY 600, 1 hour

11:00AM

Participate in Tea Ceremony

Engage in a serene tea ceremony, allowing the whole family to experience this beautiful aspect of Japanese culture.
Arranged through the Shimada House.
JPY 2000 per person, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Ajisen Ramen

Treat yourselves to a classic bowl of ramen at the famous Ajisen Ramen, sure to please every member of the family.
A short taxi ride or walk from Shimada House (15 minutes).
JPY 1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Kumamoto City Museum

Wrap up the trip with a visit to the Kumamoto City Museum, which features an array of artifacts and exhibitions that narrate the fascinating history of the region.
Walk or taxi to the museum, approximately 15 minutes.
JPY 500, 2 hours

4:30PM

Last-minute Shopping

Spend your final afternoon shopping for souvenirs at local shops to bring home little pieces of Kumamoto.
Nearby shopping district (5-minute walk).
Free (depending on purchases), 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hoshino Coffee

Enjoy a cozy farewell dinner at Hoshino Coffee, recognized for its unique coffee and pancakes, making it the perfect end to your trip.
A short walk from shopping district (10 minutes).
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours
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