How to travel between Kumamoto and Tokyo
By train
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 25,000 yen. Japan Rail Pass holders will require an additional hour, because they cannot use the faster Nozomi and Mizuho trains.
By air
JAL, ANA, Skymark and Solaseed Air operate frequent flights between Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Kumamoto Airport. Flight duration is about 100 minutes. The regular one way fares by JAL and ANA are around 37,000 yen, but discount tickets are usually available for between 15,000 and 24,000 yen. The fares by Solaseed Air are roughly 25 percent lower than the ones of JAL and ANA, while the fares by Skymark Airlines are even cheaper.
Kumamoto Airport is located a 40 minute bus ride from Kotsu Center in the city center or 50 minutes from Kumamoto Station. The one way fare is 670 yen. Many rental car outlets are located at Kumamoto Airport.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. For the current yen exchange rate, click here.
Orientation
The city's main station, Kumamoto Station, is located about two kilometers southwest of the city center. 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 buses, operated by the city. Trams cost a flat 150 yen per ride and provide convenient access from Kumamoto Station and Kami-Kumamoto Station to the city center and most tourist attractions.
Most city bus and highway bus lines terminate at Kumamoto Kotsu Center in the city center. A one-day pass for unlimited use of trams and city buses in central Kumamoto is available for 500 yen and includes 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.
Kumamoto Airport is located about 20 kilometers outside of central Kumamoto. It can be reached by buses in about 40 minutes from Kotsu Center or about 50 minutes from Kumamoto Station. The one way fare is 670 yen.
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