Experience the Water Culture of Kumamoto, a City of Abundant Groundwater

With Mt. Aso's world-class caldera at its core, the many water resources found in Kumamoto, including its groundwater, rivers, lakes, and marshes, make it a truly unique place. This tour starts at the source and travels through a variety of places that accentuate the many charms of Kumamoto's water culture. First, we will visit the source of the Shirakawa River, where the water bubbles up before flowing through Kumamoto City, and then take a guided tour of Takamori Yusui Tunnel Park. (The visit to Takamori Yusui Tunnel Park can be changed to a visit to Yamamura Sake Brewery.) For lunch, you will make and eat your own soba noodles using the region's natural spring water while taking in the picturesque views of Aso. Finally, you will visit the Hicom Water Factory in Minamiaso, which bottles and sells 100% natural Aso groundwater. Here, you will see how they bottle non-heat treated water and can also taste different kinds of water.

Shin-Aso Ohashi Bridge
This 525-meter-long bridge has a maximum height of 97 meters and connects the towns of Kawayo and Tatsuno off Route 57 in Minamiaso.
The bridge was built in March 2021 just 600 meters downstream from the original Aso Ohashi Bridge that collapsed during the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes.

Shirakawa Fountainhead
This river source was designated by the Ministry of the Environment as one of the Top 100 Springs.
This water is the source of the Shirakawa River that flows through Kumamoto City. It flows out at 60 tons per minute at 14 degrees Celsius.

Takamori Yusui Tunnel Park
This park utilizes the water that leaked out of the ground when the tunnel was being built. An expert guide will give you a tour of the park.

Minamiaso Soba Dojo
Make and eat your own soba noodles, made with natural Aso groundwater!

Hicom Water Minamiaso Factory
Visitors can observe the company's premium water production process in the natural environment of Minamiaso.

Hicom Water Minamiaso Factory
Strict quality inspections and controls are all done by hand.
The company maintains a robust production system to consistently deliver safe, reliable, and delicious natural water to their customers.

Tour Summary

Tour Capacity:: 15-20 Participants
Meals Included:: Lunch (soba making workshop)
Meeting Place:: Example: JR Kumamoto Station Shinkansen Entrance (West Entrance) in front of the Shinkansen Line turnstile
3-15 Kasuga, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City
Note:: ・This is a custom-designed tour, not a regularly scheduled one.
Once you apply for the tour, we will discuss with you to determine the itinerary, content, and other details.
・Course content will be changed in the event of inclement weather or if certain activities and/or facilities are unavailable.
・Tour stops can be changed. Please consult with us for more details.

Related Links:: Shirakawa Fountainhead; Takamori Yusui Tunnel Park; Minamiaso Soba Dojo; Hicom Water Minamiaso Factory; Yamamura Sake Brewery

Contact:: Kumamoto International Convention & Tourism Bureau
Phone: 096-359-1788
Email: mice@kumamoto-icb.or.jp

Tour Itinerary

[Depart] Example: Kumamoto Station Shinkansen Entrance
9AM
1. Shirakawa Fountainhead
2. Takamori Yusui Tunnel Park (Tour led by an expert guide)
(Can be changed to a tour of Yamamura Sake Brewery)
3. Minamiaso Soba Dojo (Soba-making workshop and lunch)
4. Asobo no Sato Roadside Station (Shopping)
5. Hicom Water Minamiaso Factory

[Arrive] Example: Kumamoto Station Shinkansen Entrance
About 4:45 PM