Takamori and Minami-Aso: Rural Village and Clear River Village Spreading on Aso Outer Rim

[Important] About the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake

Because of the Kumamoto Earthquake of 28 July 2026, some tourist facilities and roads in Kumamoto Prefecture may be closed or impassable. Kumamoto Castle reopened on 13 August 2026, but the Kumamoto Castle Museum "Wakuwaku-za" remains temporarily closed (as of 13 August 2026). Please check the official information for each facility before you set out.

Always confirm the latest information on each facility's official website and in announcements from the local authorities before you travel.

Pure water welling up here and there, rural scenery backed by the majestic mountains of Aso, and an idyllic railway where a trolley train runs: Takamori Town and Minami Aso Village in Kumamoto Prefecture are a beautiful farming area spreading on the southern foot of the Aso outer rim. From spring water selected among Japan Top 100 Water Sources to the countryside scenery filled with clear streams and greenery, this land heals the hearts of its visitors.

The Spring Water Clusters of Minami Aso

The greatest appeal of this area is the Minami Aso Village spring water clusters, where Aso subsurface flow wells up in many places. Among them, Shirakawa Suigen is one of the sources of the Shirakawa River, a famous water spot where about 60 tons of fresh water per minute wells up, stirring the sand. The water temperature is about 14 degrees Celsius year round, and it was selected among Japan Top 100 Water Sources in 1985. Located in the grounds of Shirakawa Yoshimi Shrine, its clear water can be drunk, and it is a local treasure that many people carry home in bottles.

Minami Aso Railway and the Trolley Train

The Minami Aso Railway, connecting Takamori and Tateno, is a local line about 17.7 kilometers long that runs leisurely through the countryside. It was damaged in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake but resumed operation along its entire length in 2023. Along the line is Minami Aso Mizu no Umareru Sato Hakusui Kogen Station, once known as the station with the longest name in Japan. The trolley train Yusuge, on which you can open the windows to enjoy the scenery, is also popular, running on weekends and holidays typically from March to November, letting you take in the majestic nature of Aso from the window.

Access and Basic Information

The nearest stations are those of the Minami Aso Railway, with Takamori Station and others as bases. Common routes are transferring to the Minami Aso Railway at JR Hohi Line Tateno Station, or a drive of about one hour by car from central Kumamoto City. Since spring water spots and railway stations are scattered, touring by car is convenient. If using the trolley train, checking operating days and reserved seat availability in advance is reassuring.

Practical Travel Notes

At spring water spots such as Shirakawa Suigen, a cooperation fee for upkeep may be required. Bringing bottles or containers for drawing water is handy for taking the famous water home. Soba and tofu made with spring water, rainbow trout dishes, and cuisine using local vegetables are among the pleasures. Minami Aso also has mysterious power spots such as Kamishikimi Kumano Imasu Shrine, which round out a rewarding tour.

One Piece of Advice

The fresh greenery of early summer and the ripening rice of autumn are especially beautiful, and spring water tours also suit summer when you seek cool relief. Combining the trolley train with a spring water tour lets you fully enjoy the nature of the southern foot of Aso in a day. In comfortable shoes, spend an idyllic time savoring the famous water.

📚 Sources

This article was edited as general travel information based on the tourism information issued by Takamori Town, Minamiaso Village, and the local tourism association, public information on the Minamiaso spring group such as Shirakawa Suigen, and the trolley-train operation information published by the Minami Aso Railway. The cooperation fee for Shirakawa Suigen and the operating days and reserved-seat availability of the Yusuge trolley train may change. Before you set out, please confirm the latest details through official sources such as the Minami Aso Railway and the local government.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Half a day to a full day combining a tour of spring sources such as Shirakawa Suigen with the trolley train
• What to bring: To take the spring water home, bring a bottle or container, and have small change since spring sites may require a maintenance cooperation fee
• Check reservations: If you use the trolley train, confirm the operating days and reserved-seat availability in advance
• Suggested route: Savor the famous water at Shirakawa Suigen within the precincts of Shirakawa Yoshimi Shrine, enjoy the scenery from the Minami Aso Railway trolley train, and add Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine for a fuller day
• Clothing: Wear comfortable shoes for spring tours and pastoral strolls

Practical Information for Your Visit

Minami Aso Railway trolley train "Yusuge-go"

• Operating days: runs mainly on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays between March 14 and November 30, 2026. It also runs during the spring school holidays (3/20-4/5), Golden Week (4/29-5/6), the summer holidays (7/18-8/23 and 8/27-8/30), and on Thursdays and Fridays in September
• Departure times: from Takamori Station at 9:40 and 13:40; from Tateno Station at 11:30 and 15:35
• Journey time: about 55 minutes one way between Tateno Station and Takamori Station
• Fares: one way between Takamori and Tateno (basic fare plus trolley train charge) 1,500 yen for adults and 1,000 yen for children (the child fare applies from age 3 up to elementary school age)
• Reservations: all seats are reserved. Online reservations are accepted from 10:00 on the day 30 days before travel until 23:59 three days before. If seats are still available, same-day tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis at Takamori Station from 9:00 to 13:30 and at Tateno Station from 10:50 to 11:30 and from 14:40 to 15:30
• Please note: all seats are non-smoking, and pets may not be brought on board

Shirakawa Suigen spring

• Fee: 100 yen per person as a contribution toward protecting the environment (free of charge for junior high school students and younger)
• Please note: draw the water using the ladles and funnels provided. Do not put plastic bottles, water tanks, your hands or feet, smartphones, cameras or the like into the water-drawing area. Handcarts and trolley cases may not be brought in, and pets are not allowed into the water-drawing area

* The opening hours of Shirakawa Suigen and the number of parking spaces are not published on the official website.

(Sources: Minami Aso Railway official website; Minamiaso Tourism Bureau "Minamiaso info")