Kumamoto: Getting there and around

Getting to Kumamoto

By air
  • 3.5 h
  • ¥8,000 - 55,000

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 (1200 yen one way). Many rental car outlets are located at Kumamoto Airport.

Airfares from Tokyo to Kumamoto over the next 30 days July 8, 2026 - August 6, 2026
AirlineLowest fareAverage lowest fare
JAL15,650 yen25,853 yen
Solaseed15,180 yen21,738 yen
ANA17,160 yen31,765 yen
Jetstar Japan7,730 yen13,090 yen
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Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.

Getting around

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 200 yen per ride and provide convenient access from Kumamoto Station and Kami-Kumamoto Station to the city center and most tourist attractions. Suica, Icoca and other IC cards can be used on the trams and JR trains in Kumamoto, but not on buses. Plans to stop accepting IC cards on trams from spring 2026 were fortunately dropped. Tram fares can also be paid by credit card using tap-and-pay.

When using the tram, get on through the back door and pay the fare when getting off through the front door. If paying by IC card, touch your card against the reader when getting on and when getting off. If using a credit card, tap the reader only when getting off.

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 1200 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.

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Hotels around Kumamoto

Top rated in Kumamoto
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    •
      Minshuku Hiroshimaya
      Budget-friendly

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Minshuku Hiroshimaya in Kumamoto offers family rooms with private bathrooms. Guests enjoy free WiFi and a terrace for relaxation.

      Convenient Facilities

      The guest house provides a lounge, shared kitchen, coffee shop, and picnic area. Additional services include a shuttle, daily housekeeping, and free off-site private parking.

      Local Attractions

      Located 17 km from Kumamoto Airport, the property is near Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei (1.8 km), Kami Kumamoto Station (1.6 km), and Kumamoto Castle (3.1 km).

      Guest Highlights

      Guests appreciate the friendly host, rich history, and diverse culture. Breakfast is provided by the property, enhancing the stay experience.
      View on Booking.com
      9.8Booking.com
    •
      SUMITSUGU HOUSE Grandpa
      Mid-range

      Comfortable Accommodation

      SUMITSUGU HOUSE Grandpa in Kumamoto offers four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Each unit features air-conditioning, a balcony with garden views, and a fully equipped kitchen.

      Essential Facilities

      Guests enjoy a beautiful garden and free WiFi. Additional amenities include a washing machine, dining area, and free on-site private parking.

      Convenient Location

      Located 17 km from Kumamoto Airport and a 9-minute walk from Kumamoto Station, the aparthotel is near attractions such as Kumamoto Castle (2.8 km) and Suizenji Park (6 km).

      Guest Satisfaction

      Highly rated for its garden, convenient location, and suitability for city trips.
      View on Booking.com
      9.7Booking.com
    •
      Dyeing and Hostel Nakashimaya - Female Only
      Budget-friendly

      Comfortable Accommodation

      Dyeing and Hostel Nakashimaya in Kumamoto offers adults-only female rooms with air-conditioning, balconies, and tatami floors. Each room includes a washing machine, kitchen, and shared bathroom.

      Exceptional Facilities

      Guests can relax on the sun terrace or lounge area. The property features a shared kitchen, daily housekeeping, full-day security, bicycle parking, and luggage storage.

      Prime Location

      Located 16 km from Kumamoto Airport, the guest house is near attractions such as Kumamoto Castle (1.7 km), Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto (1.7 km), and Kumamoto Station (1.5 km). Highly rated for its host, room comfort, and cleanliness.
      View on Booking.com
      9.4Booking.com
    •
      THE BLOSSOM KUMAMOTO
      Luxury

      Comfortable Accommodations

      THE BLOSSOM KUMAMOTO in Kumamoto offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, free WiFi, and modern amenities. Each room includes a bidet, hairdryer, refrigerator, and free toiletries.

      Exceptional Facilities

      Guests can enjoy a sauna, fitness centre, and public bath. Additional facilities include a fitness room, lift, 24-hour front desk, child-friendly buffet, coffee shop, full-day security, and luggage storage.

      Dining Experience

      The hotel serves Japanese cuisine at its restaurant, offering lunch and dinner. A buffet breakfast is available each morning.

      Prime Location

      Located 17 km from Kumamoto Airport and a 2-minute walk from Kumamoto Station, the hotel is near attractions such as Kumamoto Castle (3.4 km) and Kumamoto City Museum (2.7 km). Guests appreciate nearby shops and public transport options.
      View on Booking.com
      9.3Booking.com
    •
      Natural Hot Spring Higo no Yu Onyado Nono Kumamoto
      Mid-range

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Natural Hot Spring Higo no Yu Onyado Nono Kumamoto in Kumamoto offers family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and free WiFi. Each room includes a work desk, TV, and complimentary toiletries.

      Relaxing Facilities

      Guests can enjoy a hot spring bath, sauna, and open-air bath. The spa and wellness centre provides a range of treatments, while the restaurant serves Japanese and European cuisines in a family-friendly setting.

      Convenient Location

      Located 15 km from Kumamoto Airport, the hotel is a short walk from Kumamoto Castle (19 minutes) and the Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto (600 metres). Nearby attractions include Minami Kumamoto Station (2 km) and Kumamoto City Museum (1.9 km).
      View on Booking.com
      9.2Booking.com
    •
      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.
      View on Booking.com
      9.1Booking.com
    •
      fav KUMAMOTO
      Luxury

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Kumamoto Hotel offers family rooms with air-conditioning, kitchenettes, and private bathrooms. Each room includes a washing machine, refrigerator, and work desk, ensuring a pleasant stay.

      Exceptional Facilities

      Guests can enjoy a sun terrace, bar, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include a lift, coffee shop, and full-day security. Paid on-site private parking is available for convenience.

      Prime Location

      Located in Kumamoto, the hotel is 1.9 km from Kumamoto Castle and 1.7 km from the Contemporary Art Museum. Kumamoto Station is a 16-minute walk away, while Kumamoto City Museum lies 1.5 km nearby. The airport is 16 km from the property.

      Guest Favorites

      Guests highly rate the family rooms, kitchen, and family-friendly environment, making it a preferred choice for families and travellers.
      View on Booking.com
      9.0Booking.com
    •
      Sotetsu Grand Fresa Kumamoto
      Mid-range

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Sotetsu Grand Fresa Kumamoto in Kumamoto offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a bath, bidet, hairdryer, free toiletries, shower, slippers, carpeted floors, and a TV.

      Dining and Amenities

      Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast and dine at the on-site restaurant. The hotel provides private check-in and check-out, a lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, child-friendly buffet, laundry service, full-day security, and luggage storage.

      Prime Location

      Located 15 km from Kumamoto Airport, the hotel is an 18-minute walk from Kumamoto Castle and near attractions such as Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto (600 metres) and Minami Kumamoto Station (1.9 km). Guests appreciate the nearby shops and convenient location.
      View on Booking.com
      9.0Booking.com
    •
      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.
      View on Booking.com
      9.0Booking.com
    •
      &and COMFY HOTEL Kumamoto Jo View
      Mid-range

      Comfortable Accommodations

      &and COMFY HOTEL Kumamoto Jo View in Kumamoto offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, baths, and free WiFi. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, work desk, and TV.

      Dining Experience

      Guests can enjoy Japanese cuisine at the on-site restaurant, complemented by an ? la carte breakfast. The hotel provides a lift, 24-hour front desk, full-day security, and bicycle parking.

      Prime Location

      Located 15 km from Kumamoto Airport, the hotel is a short walk from Kumamoto Castle (15 minutes) and the Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto (4-minute walk). Nearby attractions include Hosokawa Residence Gyobutei (1.5 km) and Suizenji Park (3.7 km). Highly rated for castles, sightseeing, and convenient location.
      View on Booking.com
      8.9Booking.com
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