natural wonder
Mount Aso Caldera
One of the world's largest volcanic calderas in Kyushu with an active smoking crater and vast green grasslands.
35 km · about 40 min drive
AsiaJapanKumamoto
Kotō
Kumamoto, Japan · Asia
About Kotō
Kotō sits on the route: 10 minutes from Uejima, 35km from Mount Aso Caldera.
Kotō is in Kumamoto, Japan, with about 540,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Uejima, about 4 km away.
Where to Stay in Kotō
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Kotō?
Within an hour or so of Kotō: Mount Aso Caldera (35 km), Autopolis (36 km), Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine (40 km), Nabegataki Falls (48 km).
Where is Kotō?
Kotō is in Kumamoto, Japan, about 4 km from Uejima.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 543,730
- Continent
- Asia
- Country
- Japan
- Region
- Kumamoto
- Timezone
- Asia/Tokyo
- Coordinates
- 32.7786, 130.7454
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in Japan
Japan Helpline (24h English assistance): 0570-000-911. An International Driving Permit (1949 convention) is required to drive.
Full driving guide for JapanTags
Worth the detour from Kotō
7 notable places within an hour's drive.
racetrack
Autopolis
A hillside circuit on the island of Kyushu in Japan, known for dramatic elevation changes and hosting Super GT and Super Formula.
36 km · about 40 min drive
photogenic
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine
A moss-covered stone stairway of roughly 100 steps climbing through cedar forest to a shrine below a rock face pierced by a huge natural window. Reached by a short walk from a small car park in the Aso caldera.
40 km · about 45 min drive
waterfall
Nabegataki Falls
A broad, low curtain of water falling from an overhanging ledge, allowing visitors to walk along a path behind the entire span of the fall. A short descent from the car park in northern Kumamoto.
48 km · about 55 min drive
landmark
Kurokawa Onsen
A hot-spring village in the Aso highlands that banned neon and concrete facades, so wooden inns and stone-walled riverside baths dominate. A single wooden pass grants entry to three open-air baths of your choice.
50 km · about 55 min drive
landmark
Tsuetate Onsen
A narrow ravine village straddling the Kumamoto–Oita border where steam vents rise between old wooden inns and footbridges. In spring hundreds of carp streamers are strung across the gorge.
52 km · about 60 min drive
natural wonder
Takachiho Gorge
A narrow chasm of columnar basalt cliffs cut by the Gokase River, with the Manai Falls dropping 17 m directly into the water. Rowing boats can be hired to reach the base of the falls.
53 km · about 60 min drive
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