How to travel from Yamagata to Kumamoto, Japan

The distance between Yamagata and Kumamoto is around 1,405km (873 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the train which takes around 8h 25m.

5 routes found

We've found 5 different ways to get from Yamagata to Kumamoto by train, bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out KumamotoYamagata if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
3 x train
+

Train

Take the train to Tokyo then Shin-Osaka and then to Kumamoto.

  • Duration8h 25m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    ¥39,700($290)

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

2
4 x bus
+

Bus via Sendai

Take the bus to Sendai, Basuta Shinjuku Tokyo then Hakata Bus Terminal and then to Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal.

  • Duration23hrs
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    ¥26,420($195)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

3
car
+

Drive

Drive to Kumamoto.

  • Duration15h 50m
  • Distance1,405km (873 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Yamagata and Kumamoto

There are several options for getting from Yamagata to Kumamoto by train, bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around ¥23,955 ($175) and will take around 23h 20m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take the train and arrive in approximately 8h 25m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ¥39,700 ($290).

The distance between Yamagata and Kumamoto is around 1,405km (873 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,077km (669 miles)

It takes around 8h 25m to get from Yamagata and Kumamoto by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 15h 50m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Yamagata to Kumamoto is to take the train which takes around 8h 25m and will set you back approx ¥39,700 ($290).

The cheapest way to travel between Yamagata and Kumamoto, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around ¥23,955 ($175) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Yamagata and Kumamoto. It typically takes around 8h 25m and departs hourly.

There are no direct train services that runs from Yamagata to Kumamoto. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Tokyo and Shin-Osaka. These services run hourly and will take a minimum of 8h 25m.

Japan Railways Shinkansen run train services between Yamagata and Kumamoto. Trains depart hourly and will take around 8h 25m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Yamagata and Kumamoto. It typically takes around 23h 20m and departs once daily.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Yamagata to Kumamoto. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Osaka City Air Terminal and Ōsaka Namba Station. These services run once daily and will take a minimum of 23h 20m.

Yamako Bus, Kintetsu Bus, JR Bus Tōhoku, Willer Express and Nishitetsu run regular bus services between Yamagata and Kumamoto. Buses run once daily and take around 23h 20m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Yamagata to Kumamoto. We recommend that you take the train to Tokyo then Shin-Osaka and then to Kumamoto. instead which will take 8h 25m.

The closest major airport to Kumamoto is Kumamoto Airport (KMJ) (KMJ) which is approximately 30km (18 miles) from Kumamoto. Amakusa Airport (AXJ) (AXJ) and Fukuoka Airport (FUK) (FUK) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Yamagata and Kumamoto. The distance is around 1,405km (873 miles) by road and it will take around 15h 50m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Yamagata to Kumamoto is to take the train which takes, on average, 8h 25m and will usually cost around ¥39,700 ($290).

How do I get from Yamagata to Kumamoto

Compare travel optionsbetween Yamagata and Kumamoto

Transport options from Yamagata to Kumamoto
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train + 1 similar
8h 25m
¥39,700($290)
hourly1,502km (934 miles)
Train via Tokyo8h 30m
¥39,700($290)
hourly1,502km (934 miles)
Bus via Sendai + 1 similar
23hrs
¥26,420($195)
once daily1,630km (1,013 miles)
Bus23h 20m
¥23,955($175)
once daily1,498km (931 miles)
Drive
15h 50m
¥21,080($155)
on demand1,405km (873 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Yamagata and Kumamoto

Bus companies

Airlines

Train operators

Airports near Kumamoto

The following major airports near Kumamoto offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Japan and internationally.

KMJ
Kumamoto Airport (KMJ)
Domestic Airport
Distance
30km (18 miles) from Kumamoto
AXJ
Amakusa Airport (AXJ)
Domestic Airport
Distance
48km (30 miles) from Kumamoto
FUK
Fukuoka Airport (FUK)
International Airport
Distance
106km (66 miles) from Kumamoto