Planning a trip to Kumamoto? This guide covers getting around Kumamoto without a car, including public transportation options, private tours, and the best hotels to stay near the city.
How to Get Around Kumamoto?
The best way to travel around Kumamoto without a car is by using the local bus, tram, and train. They can take you practically anywhere, however, if you’re planning to visit attractions far from the city, I highly recommend renting a car or chartered taxi. Going to Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu shrine took nearly 4 – 5 hours of commute time (worth it), but driving can save A LOT of time, and you can also visit Mount Aso without joining a tour!
What You Need to Get Around in Kumamoto
Kumamon no IC Card!!
- This is Kumamoto’s regional transportation card, specifically for local trains or buses
- Your regular Suica, PASMO, ICOCA cards will not work here
- Where to buy: bus sales counters
- Cost: ¥2,000 (includes ¥500 deposit)
- Per Ride: ¥180
- Official Site Link: Here
Kumamoto City Tram 1-Day Pass
- This is Kumamoto’s digital transportation pass for the city center and includes coupons to attractions (usually for students)
- The 1-Day pass expires at the end of the calendar day
- Good for Day trip in the CITY ONLY
- Not good if you what to visit further locations
- Cost: ¥500 Adult / ¥250 Children (12 or under)
- Where to buy: Official Site Link
Kumamoto City Tram 24hr Pass
- The 24hr pass’s function is the same as the 1 day pass
- However, it lasts 24 hours from first use
- Good for 2 day trips in the CITY ONLY
- Can’t visit the countryside
- Cost: ¥600 Adults / ¥300 Children
- Where to buy: Official Site Link
Cash
- If you don’t buy any cards you can still pay cash
- Exact change needed for the city trams
- Buses have an exchange machine accepting only ¥1000 bills
- Taxis also take cash
Should I Rent a Car in Kumamoto? Is Kumamoto Worth Visiting Without a Car?
If you’re visiting the country side in Kumamoto, I highly recommend renting a car, hiring a chartered car, or booking a tour to increase flexibility. If you don’t want to, you can travel with public transportation but it might take you hours (this is what I did).
Renting a Car in Kumamoto
Here are some reputable renting options. Make sure you have an international drivers license!
Kumamoto Private Chartered Car Tour for Flexibility
If you have a group of 3 or 4 people, consider getting a private chartered car to customize your Kumamoto trip without needing to drive yourself. Somehow majority of tours and chartered cars start from Fukuoka, but here are some options I think are worth it if you want to save time and reduce stress.
For more options you can check here or Go With Guide for more English Speaking independent guides
Kumamoto Tours for no Stress
If you can’t drive and still want to go to the country-side of Kumamoto, I highly suggest getting on a tour. Here are some Day tours offered by Trip that finally start from Kumamoto instead of Fukuoka!
Here are more Day Tours offered by Klook with English Guides!
How Many Days to Stay in Kumamoto?
1 day if you want to do a day trip from Fukuoka. Many Aso tours start from Fukuoka!
2 – 3 days if you want to visit the city, and attractions far from the city like Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu shrine. These are a full day trek if you don’t have a car.
4 days if you also want to visit Mount Aso.
Where to Stay in Kumamoto?
In most cases if you’re only spending a few days in Kumamoto, being near Kumamoto’s JR station is extremely convenient like at The Blossom Kumamoto and ONE STATION HOTEL KUMAMOTO.
If you’d prefer to stay near Kumamoto Castle, you can check out Hotel Nikko Kumamoto or Mitsui Garden Hotel Kumamoto.
Lastly, if you want to experience natural springs at the hotel check out Ref Kumamoto by Vessel Hotels and Dormy Inn Kumamoto Natural Hot Spring
Check out here for more hotels in Kumamoto!
Final Tips for Travelling in Kumamoto
Take advantage of the trams, buses, and IC cards in the city, consider private tours or car rentals for the countryside, and pick a hotel location that matches your itinerary.
I hope this guide serves you well 🙂
