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akspence
akspence
about 7 years ago
1 response

Hi,

I am trying to get to a Ryokan (Ryokan Sanga) in Kumamoto from Kyoto via the the Kumamoto Station on the JR Hohi Line. The ryokan's website says to arrive at the Kurokawa Onsen bustop (a shuttle will pickup from there). It looks like I get off at the Hohi Line Aso Station and then take the bus to the Kurokawa Onsen bustop. I have outlined it below and just want to verify if this sounds correct.

Also, is there a name for the public bus, how do I know I am taking the correct bus? Will the bus station be accessible at the Kumamoto Station or do I have to travel to another location?

Also, I am correct that the Shinkansen is covered by the JR pass?

Kyoto --> Kumamoto (via Shinkansen)
Kumamoto --> Aso Station (via JR Hohi Line)
Aso Station --> Kurokawa Onsen (via bus?)

Thanks so much! - Anna

Toraneko
Toraneko
1303 posts
about 7 years ago

Hi,
Yes, you can use your JR Pass to take the bullet train to Kumamoto and then take the Hohi Line to Aso. From there you can take a Kyusanko Kyushu Odan Bus to Kurokawa (50 minutes; 990 yen). But there are only 3 trips per day on the bus. You can see their schedule here.
You can see regular rail fares, routes and schedules on Hyperdia.
Under "More Options", be sure to uncheck the Nozomi box since you can't ride that train using the pass.

If you find yourself with a wait, in Kumamoto you could go see the Suizenji Garden which is one of Japan's most beautiful. Kumamoto Castle is closed however due to extensive earthquake damage, and Aso Shrine is open but also severely damaged. Another option is in Fukuoka, where there are many open parks, shopping, seaside historical areas, and urban neon. See this site as a good guide.

Good luck!


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