Travelers would probably not want to spend too long in the city, and may prefer to enjoy the wide range of natural surroundings within easy reach of the city.
Aso highland area, with an immense caldera, numerous hot spring resorts, fine hiking courses, and an active volcano to look down into.
Amakusa, a chain of islands off the west coast of Kumamoto, and not far from the south coast of Nagasaki to which ferries run regularly.
Hitoyoshi which is famous for hot springs.
Takamori is also interesting for Yuusui tunnel.
Yatsushiro is famous for igusa, the material used to make tatami mats.
Uki is comprised of Matsubase, Misumi, Ogawa, Shiranuhi, and Toyono.
Shiranuhi area is on the west coast.
Misato is famous with 3333 stone steps, the longest set in Japan.
Siki no Sato Park has hot springs and kangaroos. What more can you ask for?
Shimabara/Mt. Unzen, Nagasaki- you can take the express ferry from Kumamoto Port and be there in 30 minutes. You can see Shimabara Castle and the onsens of Mt. Unzen.
Takachiho in adjacent Miyazaki Prefecture is easily accessed by bus from Kumamoto. Services run once in the morning and once in the evening every day.
