Boat Trips in Kumamoto

May 19, 2023

Boat Trips in Kumamoto

As a port city with several waterways, Kumamoto offers up a few boating opportunities. These include cruises along rivers and lakes and ferry trips that take you further afield. Here is a selection of what you can find in the prefecture.

Kuma River

The Kuma River is the longest in the Kyushu region, 115 km long and leading out to the Yatsushiro Sea. It’s also a fast-flowing river, considered to be one of the three most rapid rivers in all of Japan. There are several different boating experiences to be had along the river, most of them setting off from the city of Hitoyoshi in Kumamoto prefecture. These range from gentle cruises that take you past beautiful landscapes to thrilling rides such as whitewater rafting during the summer (April-October). Trips start at around 2,000 yen. Find out more information here.

Takachiho Gorge

Takachiho Gorge offers some of Kyushu’s most beautiful natural scenery, a 7 km stretch running along the Gokase River between Kumamoto and Miyazaki prefectures. One of the best ways to experience the natural wonders, which includes the 17 m high Minainotaki waterfall, is by boat. Options include renting a boat for around 3,000 yen, which you can do from the south end of the gorge, or taking a private tour that costs about 20,000 yen. Here’s one full-day tour that costs 30,000 yen per person and includes lunch and a visit to Takachiho Shrine.

Ferry trips to Nagasaki

The Kyusho Ferry Co. runs ferry trips from Kumamoto Port to Shimabara Port in Nagasaki every 60-90 mins between 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. most days. The journey takes around 60 minutes. It’s a no-frills journey that focuses on getting you from A to B, but you can marvel at the coastal scenery and enjoy the fresh air of the Ariake Sea. The cost is 890 yen for adults plus 2,750 yen to take your vehicle with you.

Amakusa tours

The Amakusa Islands are a group of around 120 islands off the west coast of Kyushu across the Yatsuhiro Sea. You can take a boat cruise around the islands and soak in sights such as the glorious Amakusa Gyo Bridge, embark on dolphin spotting tours in the sea around the islands, or even enjoy a stop-off tour where you can spend some time on the main island. See here for information on a full-day tour that includes a bus transfer for around 6,000 yen.

Ezu Lake

Ezu Lake is a scenic lake within easy reach of the Kumamoto city center. Located only 10 minutes from the city’s Suizenji Gardens, it stretches for 2.5 km. As well as a popular location for picnics during the summer, the lake also offers rowing and pedal boats if you fancy a more intimate boating experience with a partner or small group of friends. Rental prices are less than 1,000 yen per person.

MK Products, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons