Kumamoto Stn or Sakuramachi Bus Terminal

Hi, need some advice. I am planning to stay in Kumamoto for 4 days, where I will take 1 day trip to Takachiho Gorge and another day trip to Mount Aso.
Wondering If I should book my hotel near to Kumamoto Station (JR) or near Sakuramachi Bus Terminal?
I will be taking public transport all the way even if I am in Takachiho Gorge or Mt. Aso.

Thanks.

Transport-wise, Kumamoto Station is more convenient because the trains (to Aso and elsewhere) and the buses (to Takachiho and Aso) stop there. But the Sakuramachi complex is a more attractive place to stay because it is in the city center and has more attractions and restaurants nearby. The station is a little bit outside the center.

Hi Uji san,
Thank you for reply. Sakuramachi Bus terminal will also have those buses that can go to Aso and Takachiho right?
I will also be traveling to Yufuin from Kumamoto.
So I�fm really troubled where should I book my hotel.

Uji's advice is spot on! And I can testify to that because I live here!

The buses to Aso, Takachio and Yufuin all depart from Kumamoto Station but they all stop at Sakuramachi Bus Terminal enroute to their destination. If you're planning on travelling on a weekend/public holiday you might wanna consider reserving a seat just in case.

Apart from Amu Plaza next to Kumamoto Station, which is a small mall of sorts, there's not very much else in terms of restaurants and attractions nearby plus it is a little off from the city center so you'd have to either the tram, bus or a taxi. A bit too far to walk while dragging luggage behind you. Sakuramachi is right smack in the city center near all the restaurants, nightlife, the departmental store as well as the attractions, best to put up here if you're visiting and just grab a taxi back to the station when you're leaving.

Hope that helps and enjoy your stay in Kumamoto!

Argiato! It seems Better so stay at city center :)

Need another advice.
As I will only arrive at Kumamoto after 12 noon on the first day (after many hrs of flight), and I plan to have day trip to on Takachiho Gorge and another day to Aso, would it be recommended to spend 5 days 4 nights in Kumamoto or 4days 3 nights?

well since you have half a day on arrival. you'd probaly only need 3 days.
1. kumamoto
2. aso
3. takachiho

While you're downtown in Kumamoto, don't miss the small but perfectly-formed contemporary art space on the main road.

There's a James Turrell piece, as well as Marina Abramovic and Yayoi Kusama (under the staircase).

Well Aso and Takachiho are a day each and I would go early; you could potentially spend another day in Aso but it depends on what you want to do/see. After touching down into Kumamoto at 12 noon after your flight, if you catch the bus that's about an hour into the city from the airport. The earliest check-in at most hotels is 15:00 as far as I'm aware, so you could just drop off your bags and start exploring.

Also depends on whether you like to travel fast and furious or take it slow and easy.

Actually, it doesn't really matter that much as they are not that far distanced from each other. That said if you want to have easier access to the Shimotoori district, a hotel around Sakuramachi would be preferable. There is not much to do close to Kumamoto Station except for the new Amu Plaza. And personally I wasn't that impressed by it. Being forced to choose between that and Sakuramachi, I'd go for the latter.

There are some nice hotels close the entrances of Shimotoori and Kamitoori (Toori suji bus stop). And you'd also have a bus stop for overland busses in front of your door (as well as the tram for easier sightseeing) so I'd personally rather go for a hotel there. Sakuramachi is also in walking distance if you want to check out that, too.

As I will only arrive at Kumamoto after 12 noon

You might want to visit the Castle, a walking distance from Sakuramachi Bus Terminal

Dear all, thanks for much for advices.
So sorry for the late reply and thanks.
May anyone advise is there any other ways to pay for bus fare? Such as using a sucia card?
I�fve read about Sun Q pass, however it seems not so worth it for me.
I�fm only taking from Fukuoka airport to Sakuramachi terminal and another day will be from Sakuramachi to Takachiho bus center.
So was wondering what other options I have if I do not wan to get Sun Q pass.
Thanks 🙏

Thanks all for your replies. So sorry for late reply to thank all.
I will be taking buses and trams during my stay in Kumamoto.
I found Sun Q pass is not that worth for me to buy as I won�ft be taking so much bus rides.
May I know how can I pay for fares on buses if I do not get this SunQ pass?
Will I be able to a Suica card that can top up and use on bus and trams? Thanks for advices.