New Direct Flight Route to Kumamoto for a Summer Getaway

China Eastern Airlines recently announced the launch of a new regular direct flight from Shanghai to Kumamoto starting July 11, operating every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Why not take advantage of this summer to embark on a spontaneous trip to Kumamoto? Flight Schedule: Outbound: 10:50-14:00, Pudong T1 to Kumamoto Return: 15:00-16:10, Kumamoto to Pudong T1 Current round-trip summer fares start from 2000 CNY including taxes. City Transportation: Kumamoto boasts a convenient tram system connecting major attractions and commercial areas. Visitors can purchase a [City Tram One-Day Pass] (500 yen for adults/250 yen for children) at the tourist information center in JR Kumamoto Station. One-Day Itinerary: Kumamoto Station ➡️ Sakuranobaba Johsaien ➡️ Kumamoto Castle ➡️ Kumamoto City Hall ➡️ Kumamon Square ➡️ Suizenji Jojuen Garden Two-Day Kumamoto-Aso Itinerary: D1: Kumamoto Station ➡️ Kumamoto Castle ➡️ El Patio Ranch ➡️ Kurokawa Onsen D2: Kurokawa Onsen ➡️ Seiryū no Mori ➡️ Ikesu Water Source ➡️ Takamori Yūsui Park ➡️ Kumamoto Station Kumamoto Coastline Itinerary: D1: Kumamoto Station ➡️ Misumi West Port ➡️ Shimoda Onsen ➡️ Amakusa Sunset Eight Views D2: Amakusa Dolphin Watching ➡️ Takabuto Mountain Hike ➡️ Amakusa Terrace Island ➡️ Amakusa Shiro Memorial Museum ➡️ Gokuraku Coast ➡️ Nagabedaka Seabed Road Kumamoto Castle One of Japan's Three Great Castles. Kumamoto Castle is massive, with towering stone walls and the keep standing proudly at its center. It's said that Kato Kiyomasa, the castle's main builder, took particular pride in its stone fortifications. Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art Located in a corner of Ninomaru Park, this masterpiece by Kunio Maekawa, the "father of modern Japanese architecture," seamlessly blends ancient and contemporary art through its unique spatial design. The museum itself is a work of art—its transparent glass walls and skylights allow natural light and seasonal scenery to become the most vibrant decorations in the exhibition halls. From the terrace, you can enjoy panoramic views of Kumamoto Castle, while strolling through the courtyard corridors feels like stepping into a time tunnel. Kato Shrine Originally Nishiki Mountain Shrine, it was relocated next to Kumamoto Castle in 1909 and renamed. The annual Kiyomasa Festival in July is particularly spectacular, with food stalls lining the shrine grounds and a grand mikoshi (portable shrine) parade adding vibrant traditional colors to Kumamoto's summer. Kumamon Minister's Office Kumamon isn't just a mascot—he's also the official Minister of Business and Happiness for the local government, with his own office located in Kumamon Square. Aso Volcano One of the world's largest calderas and Japan's most active volcanoes, Mount Aso's Nakadake Crater is its centerpiece, measuring about 600 meters in diameter and 130 meters deep. At the foot of Aso Volcano lies a small conical hill resembling a matcha cake—Komezuka.