A day in Aso, from Kumamoto Station.
Two private model itineraries, each for one group. Explore at your own pace. Routes, hosts, language support and prices will be confirmed before bookings open.
TOUR A
Tour A — ONE PIECE statues and the Aso caldera
About 9 hours · Statues & grasslands
View itinerary →
TOUR B
Tour B — A forest shrine, grasslands and Kurokawa Onsen
About 9½ hours · Shrine & hot springs
View itinerary →Tour A — ONE PIECE statues and the Aso caldera
Follow the statues installed as part of Kumamoto’s earthquake recovery project, then explore the grasslands of Kusasenri. This is not an official ONE PIECE tour.
Photographs show places featured in this model tour. The Kusasenri photograph from Wikimedia Commons has been adjusted for brightness and resized.
- 08:30 — Depart Kumamoto Station
- 09:00 — Sanji statue, Mashiki (about 15 minutes)
- 09:45 — Nami statue, Nishihara (about 15 minutes)
- 10:30 — Robin statue and earthquake remembrance, Minamiaso (about 40 minutes)
- 11:35 — Franky statue, Takamori Station (about 15 minutes)
- 12:00 — Lunch in Takamori or Minamiaso (about 60 minutes; extra cost)
- 13:45 — Kusasenri grasslands (about 60 minutes)
- 15:10 — Usopp statue, Aso Station (about 20 minutes)
- 16:15 — Zoro statue, Ozu (about 15 minutes)
- Around 17:30 — Return to Kumamoto Station
Tour B — A forest shrine, grasslands and Kurokawa Onsen
Walk the cedar-lined steps of Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, spend lunchtime at Kusasenri, then relax in the mountain hot-spring town of Kurokawa.
Photographs show places featured in this model tour. Images from Wikimedia Commons have been resized for display.
- 08:30 — Depart Kumamoto Station
- 10:00 — Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine (about 60 minutes)
- 11:40 — Kusasenri walk and lunch (about 90 minutes; lunch extra)
- 14:15 — Kurokawa Onsen, bathing or a town stroll (about 1 hour 45 minutes)
- Around 18:00 — Return to Kumamoto Station
Before you go
Both tours: private vehicle and driver-guide, with Japanese, Chinese and English support being planned. Fuel and parking are intended to be included. Meals, drinks, admission and bathing fees, and personal expenses are extra. Prices and cancellation terms are not yet confirmed.
Times are estimates. Weather, traffic, volcanic restrictions and winter road closures may change the route. A crater visit is not guaranteed. Wear shoes suitable for grassland and wet steps, bring an extra layer, water and cash. Tell the designated travel agency about access or dietary needs once consultations open. Bathing rules vary by facility; alternatives can be discussed in advance.
Ways to adjust Tour A
Reduce the number of statues to spend longer walking at Kusasenri or a viewpoint on the outer rim. Adding Brook in Mifune or Jinbe in Uto would extend the return by about an hour. Luffy and Chopper in Kumamoto city are convenient to visit independently before or after the tour. Statue locations and visiting hours may change.
A Kumamoto city hotel departure is intended to be open for discussion. Lunch may include Akaushi beef bowls or Takamori dengaku, with the venue selected according to availability that day.
Bathing on Tour B
Bring a towel or buy one locally. The Kurokawa bathing pass offers a choice of up to three participating outdoor baths. Facilities accepting tattoos are limited; we plan to discuss alternatives such as private baths in advance. A town stroll, a footbath or time in a café can replace bathing.
The return is planned via the Yamanami Highway. All times may vary with traffic.
Participation and travel conditions
After opening, our partner travel agency is expected to handle travel contracts and arrangements, and will explain prices and cancellation terms. The routes involve steps and grassland walking. Once consultations open, discuss stamina, walking-distance concerns or wheelchair access so stops can be adjusted.
Access to Nakadake crater depends on volcanic alerts and gas conditions. The Japanese itinerary notes that people with asthma or heart or respiratory conditions are advised not to approach the crater. Confirm applicable restrictions before travel.