15 Must-Visit Spots in Kumamoto and Kagoshima with the Kyushu Recovery Support Discount

Since October 1, 2026, the “Kyushu Recovery Support Discount” program has been offering subsidies on accommodation costs for travelers visiting Kyushu. Kumamoto and Kagoshima Prefectures offer particularly generous discounts of up to 60%. After the summer’s earthquakes and typhoons, what the local residents wish for most is “to have visitors come.” From the spots in Kumamoto and Kagoshima featured on Discover Town, we have selected 15 places you should consider visiting during this special opportunity.

Key Points of the Kyushu Recovery Support Discount

Covered trips: Travel that includes accommodation in any of Kyushu’s seven prefectures (day trips excluded)
Accommodation period: October 1 to December 25, 2026 in principle (until December 15 in Fukuoka; in Kagoshima, from October 14, 2026 to January 31, 2027 via travel agencies and booking sites, or to February 28, 2027 when booking directly with the accommodation, as of October 9, 2026)
Discount: Up to 60% in Kumamoto and Kagoshima; up to 50% in the other five prefectures
Limits: Per person per trip — accommodation only or 1-night with transportation: 20,000 yen; 2 or more nights with transportation: 30,000 yen; trips visiting 2 or more prefectures: 35,000 yen
Note: This subsidy uses national government funds; sales end when the budget is exhausted

Reservation channels (accommodations, travel agencies, booking sites) and start dates vary by prefecture. Please be sure to check the official websites for the latest details.

Kyushu Recovery Support Discount Official Site (Kyushu-wide)
Kumamoto Recovery Support Discount
Kagoshima Prefecture Accommodation Discount (Kagoshima’s own “Kagoshima Tourism Support Discount” covers stays through October 13, 2026; the Kyushu Recovery Support Discount in Kagoshima covers stays from October 14, 2026, as of October 9, 2026)

For Visitors from Overseas: As of September 17, 2026, it is not specified on the Kyushu-wide or Kumamoto official sites whether overseas residents can use the Kyushu Recovery Support Discount. Please confirm with accommodations or travel agencies when making reservations. Kagoshima’s independent “Kagoshima Tourism Support Discount” (valid for stays until October 13) official FAQ states that foreigners can use it, with identity verification via passport or similar documents.

Recommended Spots in Kumamoto

Aso – The Land of Fire with Grasslands and Springs

Daikanbo Lookout (Aso City)
A viewpoint at the highest point of Aso’s outer rim mountain range. From here, you can see the caldera town and the five peaks of Aso all at once. A sea of clouds sometimes forms in the morning.

Kusasenrigahama (Aso City)
A vast grassland at the foot of Mt. Eboshi. Horses graze leisurely around the pond, presenting a classic Aso landscape.

Shirakawa Spring (Minamiaso Village)
A spring selected among Japan’s top 100 waters. You can see sand bubbling up from the riverbed, and many visitors come to draw water here.

※ Access to the crater of Mt. Nakadake in Aso may be restricted at times. Please check the latest information from Kyushu Regional Environment Office of the Ministry of the Environment before heading out.

Kumamoto City & Hitoyoshi – Castle and National Treasure Shrine

Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto City)
Although damaged by the July earthquake with stone walls affected, the main keep and special viewing passageways have reopened since August 13. Visiting to witness the ongoing restoration is a way to support.

Aoi Aso Shrine (Hitoyoshi City)
This shrine, whose thatched-roof buildings are designated as National Treasures, symbolizes the town of Hitoyoshi. It can be toured along with the nearby hot spring town along the Kuma River.

Amakusa – Islands of Sea and Prayer

Sakitsu Village in Amakusa (Amakusa City)
Part of the World Cultural Heritage Site “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region and Amakusa.” The landscape of a church nestled among fishing village houses is a unique sight.

Amakusa Tenku no Fune (Kamiamakusa City)
A lodging serving as a base for exploring Amakusa’s islands. The discount applies to accommodation, making it ideal to start your trip from a stay here.

Recommended Spots in Kagoshima

Kirishima & Isa – Mythical Mountains and Grand Waterfalls

Kirishima Shrine (Kirishima City)
The vermilion main hall, offering hall, and worship hall are designated national treasures. The serene, forested approach is another highlight. Combine with nearby Kirishima hot spring areas.

Sogi Falls (Isa City)
A waterfall about 210 meters wide, known as the “Niagara of the East.” The surrounding autumn foliage is also stunning.

Ibusuki & Southern Kyushu – Sand Baths and Mt. Kaimon

Saraku Sand Bath Hall (Ibusuki City)
The famous Ibusuki sand bath where you bury yourself in warm sand by the coast. You can enjoy it fully dressed in a yukata, making it easy to try even during your travels.

Ibusuki Hakusuikan (Ibusuki City)
One of Ibusuki’s representative inns. This is a good choice for staying and savoring the sand baths and hot springs.

Nagasakibana Cape (Ibusuki City)
A cape at the southern tip of the Satsuma Peninsula. You get a beautiful view of Mt. Kaimon, known as “Satsuma Fuji,” across the sea.

Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots (Minamikyushu City)
A museum showcasing letters and belongings of kamikaze pilots. It’s worth taking time to visit together with Chiran’s samurai residence district.

Kagoshima City & Amami – Sakurajima and the Southern Seas

Shiroyama Park Observatory (Kagoshima City)
An observatory overlooking Sakurajima island in Kinko Bay, just above the city area. Also known as a popular night view spot.

Ayamaru Cape Tourist Park (Amami City)
A park at a cape in northern Amami Island overlooking coral reef waters. Amami is also included in the eligible area for the support discount.

Things to Check Before You Go

Yakushima Mountain Areas: Due to Typhoon No. 24 in September, the prefectural road to Shiratani Unsuikyo is closed for the time being (roads to Yakusugi Land and Jomon Sugi reopened on September 17). This time, these sites are not introduced. Please check the latest updates from the Yakushima Tourism Association.
Transportation in Kumamoto: Some train, bus, and road services may be suspended or restricted due to earthquake damage. Confirm transit info before departure.
Business Hours: Opening days and times for facilities can change. Please verify on each spot’s page and official sources.

(Information in this article is current as of September 16, 2026.)