Summer is Here! Kumamoto’s Best Beaches, Rivers, and Cooling-Off Spots
Summer means splashing around! Kumamoto boasts beautiful beaches, stunning rivers, and fun-filled pools—a treasure trove of activities! Make a splash on your summer outings!
Hello, Morinaga here, bringing you insights from Kumamoto as we dive into the heart of summer. With the year speeding by, it’s prime time to outline your summer vacation plans, especially if you’re aiming for some refreshing water-based activities. Here’s a guide to some of the best spots in Kumamoto for a quintessential summer experience, whether you’re looking to relax, swim, or simply enjoy the scenery.
1. Hitting the Beach
Mogushi Beach
Picture-perfect with its crystal-clear waters, Mogushi Beach is a hidden gem that even sees sea turtles during spawning season. Although slightly remote, the beauty of this beach makes it a worthwhile venture for any traveler.
Mogushi Beach (茂串海水浴場)
Address: Ushibuka-machi, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県天草市牛深町) [Google Maps]
Phone: 0969-73-2114 (Amakusa City Ushibuka Industry and Promotion Division)
Parking: 50 spots (expands to 500 spots during peak season for a fee of 500 yen)
Facilities: Toilets, showers (100 yen), changing rooms
Supervision/Safety: No lifeguard on duty
Swimming Period: Early July to late August
Amakusa has many other beaches too!
Amakusa has too many beaches to choose just one, so below are some additional locations. If you’re looking for hidden gems, try calling the Amakusa Treasure Island Tourism Association at 0969-22-2243.
▲ Shirogahama Beach (四郎ヶ浜ビーチ)
[Google Maps]
▲ Nishime Beach (西目海水浴場) aka. “Calm Beach”
[Google Maps]
▲ Hiai Beach (樋合海水浴場), aka. “Pearl Sun Beach”
[Google Maps]
▲ Onikizaki Beach (魚貫崎海水浴場)
[Google Maps]
▲ Wakamiya Park Beach (若宮公園海水浴場)
[Google Maps]
▲ Tate Beach (立海水浴場)
[Google Maps]
Minamata: Yunoko Beach
見てくださいこのエメラルドグリーンの美しい海を…！
— 古庄伸吾 / 食のクリエイティブディレクター (@LOGOSTA) March 2, 2023
熊本で海に遊びに行くといえばほとんど天草一択なのですが、水俣の湯の児海水浴場はとにかく水が綺麗で感動するレベルです。
水俣〜津奈木〜芦北にかけての海沿いは夕陽も綺麗でドライブコースにおすすめ。もっとみんなに知ってほしい！ pic.twitter.com/t6OWY18XNH
Just look at this emerald-green beauty! With its shallow, clear waters, it’s a safe playground for kids, making it perfect for a family’s first beach outing. And if that’s not enough, nearby Yunoko Hot Springs makes for a perfect day’s wrap-up.
Don’t miss the open-air “boat bath” (露天船湯), a local specialty at Yunoko Beach.
Yunoko Beach (湯の児海水浴場)
Location: Osako, Minamata, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県水俣市大迫) [Google Maps]
Phone: 0966-63-2079 (Minamata Tourism & Products Association)
Parking: 30 spots
Facilities: Toilets, showers, changing rooms
Lifeguard/First Aid: Yes
Swimming Period: Mid-July to late August
Ashikita Seaside General Park
Not just for swimming, Ashikita Seaside Comprehensive Park offers a variety of fun activities. Even without dipping into the sea, you can enjoy numerous playgrounds and activities.
Ever tried Zorbing? Rolling down a hill inside a giant ball feels like being in a washing machine—it’s strangely exhilarating!
Roller luge is also a thrilling ride!
/Ashikita Seaside General Park 芦北海浜総合公園
Address: 1400 Tsurugiyama, Ashikita-machi, Ashikita-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県葦北郡芦北町鶴木山1400) [Google Maps]
Phone: 0966-82-5588
Parking: Available (500 yen)
See the Official Website for further information.
2. Kumamoto’s Refreshing River Escapes
Rafting on the Kuma River
A must-try summer activity in Kumamoto is rafting on the Kuma River, one of Japan’s three major rapid rivers. The thrill of navigating these rapids in a rubber boat offers both fun and a unique team-building experience. Consider combining a rafting trip with a barbecue for a complete day out. Numerous operators in the Hitoyoshi-Kuma area provide a variety of courses catering to all levels of adventure seekers.
Yatani Gorge
Yatani Gorge in Yamaga is renowned for its natural rock slide and shallow waters, making it a perfect spot for safe river play, especially for families with small children. While officially not recommended, the thrill of sliding and jumping into the water is often too tempting to pass up. The area is also popular for camping.
Yatani Gorge (矢谷渓谷)
Location: Yatani, Kikuka-machi, Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県山鹿市菊鹿町矢谷)
Contact: 0968-48-9156（Yamaga City Kikuka Civic Center/山鹿市菊鹿市民センター）
Fees: 300 yen for those middle school aged or under, 100 yen for elementary school students or younger
Details on Yamaga City Official Website (available in Japanese only): https://yamaga-kikuka.com/sightseeing/yatani-valley/
Trekking at Mazeno Valley (Operated by Aso Nature Land)
For those looking to venture into untouched nature, the secluded Maze Valley in Minamioguni Town offers a pristine trekking experience. This trek, through the headwaters of the Chikugo River, takes you through lush landscapes and challenging terrains, culminating at a breathtaking waterfall. Ideal for families, the guided tours ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Aso Nature Land (阿蘇ネイチャーランド)
Location: 1092-1 Uchinomaki, Aso City
Meeting Point: Aso Cycle & Climbing Base CLAMP (阿蘇サイクル＆クライミングベースCLAMP), 48 Uchinomaki, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県阿蘇市内牧48) [Google Maps]
Contact: 0967-32-4196
Fee: 8,800 yen per person
For further details, visit the Aso Nature Land Website here: https://asonatureland.com/activity/trekking/
Ninja Experience at Hinokuniya
昨日の大雨から翌日は良い感じで増水になり激しく、#くノ一 の忍者修行が行われました。#水遁の術 #キャニオニング #忍者 #NINJA #熊本県 #八代市 #ラフティング pic.twitter.com/caBhEz80cO
— 火之国屋 (@sleepingfiter) May 29, 2024
Hinokuniya is famous for offering ninja cosplay and water fun experience. One of the fun ninja-water based activities is called ‘Suiton no Jutsu’, essentially river canyoning in ninja-style.
#兵庫県 から #卒業旅行 で #忍者 体験ありがたき候 #熊本県 #八代市 #氷川町 #kumamoto #ninja #japan pic.twitter.com/wzslIg5hrF
— 火之国屋 (@sleepingfiter) March 6, 2024
Growing up in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto, my childhood summers were always spent at Tategami Gorge. It’s here at Hinokuniya where you can dive into a thrilling ninja experience.
Hinokuniya (火之国屋)
Address: 389-2 Tategami, Hikawa-cho, Yatushiro-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県八代郡氷川町立神389-2) [Google Maps]
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZxgDx4Gtx16daNmq8)
Phone Number: 0965-62-1717
Official Website: https://fire-land.jp/
Ideventure (Cancelled for 2024)
Ideventure is the latest craze—a unique attraction where you paddle through ‘ide’, irrigation channels that feed water to rice fields. This one-of-a-kind adventure in Kyushu lets you canoe along these tranquil channels. Don’t miss out on this distinctive experience!
Ideventure (イデベンチャー)
Address: 1600 Hara, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県菊池市原1600)
Phone: 0968−27−0102
Further details here: https://suigen.org/ideventure/
3. Don’t Miss the Pools!
Greenland Water Park
When it comes to pools in Kumamoto, this is the place! From wave pools to slides and children’s areas, Greenland Water Park offers nine different types of pools. Come and experience the fun that one day is just not enough to enjoy!
Greenland Water Park
Address: Midorigaoka, Arao City, Kumamoto Prerecture (熊本県荒尾市緑ヶ丘) [Google Maps]
Phone Number: 0968-66-1112
Official Website: https://www.greenland.co.jp/park/
Aso no Tsukasa Villa Park Hotel & Spa Resort
Aso also has great pool options! Spend your day at Cuddly Dominion, enjoy the breathtaking views, and then relax in the hotel pool—what a fabulous way to spend your day!
Aso no Tsukasa Villa Park Hotel & Spa Resort (阿蘇の司ビラパークホテル＆スパリゾート) [Google Maps]
Address: 1230 Kurokawa, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture (阿蘇市黒川1230)
Phone: 0967-34-0811
Entry Fee: 1500 yen for middle school students and above, 650 yen for elementary school students, and 300 yen for those below elementary school age.
Official Website: https://asovilla.jp/spa/#pool
4. More Cool Spots
Since there were few mountain areas mentioned, let me introduce you to more places where you can feel the coolness of the mountains.
Ikeyama Suigen (池山水源)
Located in Ubuyama Village, this natural groundwater spring source has been ranked number one in Japan’s natural spring ranking. There’s also a foot bath along the way from the parking area to the spring, so make sure to dip your feet in! [Google Maps]
Yamabuki Suigen (山吹水源)
Also located in Ubuyama Village, the path to this spring is surrounded by trees, allowing you to feel the natural coolness. The shallow waters of this river make it perfect for families with small children. We recommend wearing slippers. It’s also a popular spot for camping and barbecuing. [Google Maps]
Yusui Gorge (遊水峡)
The shallow waters of this river make it perfect for families with small children. We recommend wearing slippers. It’s also a popular spot for camping and barbecuing. [Google Maps]
Nabegataki Falls (鍋ケ滝)
Famous for being able to walk behind the waterfall. Bask in the refreshing energy of this powerful natural wonder! [Google Maps]
Kyusendo Cave (球泉洞)
Photo provided by: Kumamoto Prefecture Tourism Federation
The cave’s interior is a maze-like structure, cool all year round at about 16 degrees Celsius. On the exploration course, you can wear a helmet and venture deep inside for an adventurous experience. [Google Maps]
Enjoy the cooling spots of Kumamoto, and why not end a perfect day with some delicious grilled noodles, a personal favorite after a swim!
Check out other cooling spots like fishing in streams or noodle sliding at water sources in our past articles. Make your summer outings memorable with these refreshing activities.
See you next time for more fun and updates!
The above was translated and adapted from an article on our Japanese-language sister website ALT Kumamoto. For the original content, see the article below!
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