Tsukumi(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Kugenuma City, the top choice for sea-view accommodation is Shimizu Hotel Kugenuma, located directly on Kugenuma Port. Its rooms feature panoramic ocean windows overlooking the Sunrise Coastline, offering breathtaking views of dawn breaking over the Pacific. The hotel specializes in local seafood cuisine, serving fresh daily catches like mackerel and octopus in its signature dining hall.

Another excellent option is Kugenuma Bayfront Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn with private verandas facing the water. Guests can enjoy morning tea while watching fishing boats set sail. Both hotels offer free bicycle rentals, enabling easy access to nearby trails such as the Aso Mountain Footpath and Onoyama Hot Spring. For luxury seekers, Kugenuma Seaview Villa provides spacious suites with heated floors and private outdoor baths—perfect for couples seeking tranquility and scenic beauty.

The Kugenuma Port district is the ideal area for accommodation due to its proximity to major attractions. This vibrant zone lies just steps from Kugenuma Port Dock, where ferries connect to Sogi City and Oita City Center, making travel seamless. It’s also within walking distance of the Kugenuma City Museum and bustling fish market, where visitors can witness early-morning auctions and sample fresh seafood.

The area features lush Kugenuma Riverbanks adorned with evening lights, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for evening strolls. Stay at Kugenuma Harbor View Inn, which offers direct harbor access and stunning sunset views. For those preferring modern amenities, Kugenuma Central Avenue hosts several apartment-style hotels near the Kugenuma Expressway Interchange, ideal for drivers exploring the region. However, for an authentic experience, the port area remains unmatched.

One must-experience cultural event in Kugenuma City is the Kugenuma Lantern Festival, held annually in August. Originating from Edo-period traditions, this festival sees fishermen float illuminated lanterns across Kugenuma Bay to pray for safety and abundance. Visitors can rent kimono, join the lighting ceremony, and enjoy limited-edition seaweed rice balls and local sake.

Another highlight is visiting the Kugenuma Historical Document Museum, which houses over 2,000 documents from the Edo to Meiji eras, detailing regional trade between inland Kyushu and the sea. The museum offers hands-on workshops in traditional calligraphy, teaching visitors how to write old-style kanji characters.

Additionally, the Kugenuma Folk Theater presents weekly performances of Kyushu Noh drama, featuring actors in intricately designed costumes enacting local legends. These performances preserve ancient storytelling traditions and provide deep insight into regional identity and heritage.

Yes, Kugenuma Children's Park Hotel is a top-rated family-friendly option. The hotel features a mini aquarium, sandbox playground, and hands-on cooking classes where kids can make takoyaki and seafood udon. Each room includes child-safe bed rails and cartoon-themed bathrooms, ensuring comfort and safety for young guests.

Outside, the Kugenuma Family Trail stretches 1.2 km along the riverbank, complete with nature interpretation signs and interactive quiz stations, turning exploration into an educational adventure. On weekends, families can join guided fishing excursions at Kugenuma Port, using lightweight rods to catch fish that are then prepared on-site.

For added relaxation, Kugenuma Spa Resort offers a family bath package including a private hot spring pool and children’s water slide, plus nightly star projection shows. The hotel also provides free baby strollers and child-sized tableware—ideal for stress-free vacations with little ones.

Must-try dishes in Kugenuma City include Kugenuma Mackerel Sushi, made with fresh Pacific mackerel caught daily and paired with house-made fermented rice vinegar. Enjoy it at Umi no Omoide, a beloved stall in the Kugenuma Fish Market, run by a family with over 30 years of tradition.

Another local specialty is Octopus Nabe, a rich stew made with short octopus from the bay, simmered in a broth of Oita chili paste and kombu dashi. It’s served at Kugenuma Town Hall Canteen, where meals cost around ¥800 per person and are known for their bold flavor.

Don’t miss Kugenuma Black Sugar Desserts, such as black sugar mochi and dango, crafted using a century-old recipe. These sweet treats are available at Kugenuma Specialty Shop and make excellent souvenirs. Some hotels even offer private cooking experiences, allowing guests to learn how to prepare these authentic flavors firsthand.

Photography enthusiasts should visit Kugenuma Port at sunrise—between 5:30 AM and 6:30 AM—for stunning shots of sunlight reflecting off the Pacific Ocean, casting golden hues across fishing boats and the iconic red lighthouse. Bring a tripod and use slow shutter speeds to capture flowing light and motion blur.

The Kugenuma River Estuary Wetlands are ideal for wildlife photography, especially during migration season (October–March), when rare birds like white egrets and Pallas’s gulls gather. The site includes observation platforms and hidden photo blinds to avoid disturbing animals. Late afternoon sun creates warm silhouettes among reeds.

Also consider the Kugenuma Old Townhouses, preserved Edo-era wooden machiya buildings with weathered walls and curved eaves—perfect for candid street photography. Visit after rain for wet cobblestone reflections under soft light. Some homes have been converted into cafes, offering cozy interiors for portrait shoots.

Public transportation in Kugenuma City centers around buses and car rental. Oita Transportation Co. operates multiple routes connecting Oita City, Sogi City, and Mount Aso, with fares starting at ¥300. The Kugenuma Loop Bus links key areas including the port, train station, and tourist sites, ideal for short trips.

For flexibility, car rental is highly recommended. Kugenuma Car Rental Center offers compact cars and electric vehicles starting at ¥3,000/day, with pickup services available. Renting allows easy access to remote spots like the Kugenuma River Upper Trail, Onoyama Hot Spring, and Aso mountain villages.

Ferry services connect Kugenuma Port to Sogi Port, taking about 30 minutes. The ferry deck has scenic viewing seats—perfect for capturing photos of seagulls flying above waves. Note that schedules are limited; check timetables in advance.

For couples seeking romance, Kugenuma Harbor View Inn stands out. Its glass-roofed couple’s suite offers uninterrupted views of the stars and sea, complete with heated flooring, aromatherapy systems, and a hidden love letter service—guests receive a personalized note delivered to a designated spot.

The hotel also offers private seaside dinners, where chefs prepare sashimi platters and braised octopus on the balcony, paired with custom silver chopsticks and cherry blossom porcelain. At night, stroll hand-in-hand along the Kugenuma Light Walk, where lighthouse beams and boat lights dance across the water.

Alternatively, Kugenuma Spa Cottage features a private hot spring experience with rose petal baths and couples’ massage. Afterward, guests receive a hand-drawn love map marking shared moments. Some rooms even have openable roofs, perfect for stargazing under the Milky Way—truly a dreamy escape.

Kugenuma City hosts several seasonal festivals. In spring (March–April), the Kugenuma Cherry Blossom Festival blooms along the Kugenuma River, with thousands of Yoshino cherry trees lit up at night, forming a glowing tunnel. Attendees can join picnic events featuring cherry blossom dango and matcha ice cream.

Summer (July–August) brings the Kugenuma Lantern Festival, where fishermen release handmade lanterns onto Kugenuma Bay to honor maritime traditions. Visitors can craft their own lanterns and wear kimono during cultural dances.

Autumn (October–November) features the Kugenuma Harvest Festival, celebrating local produce like black sugar, seafood, and rice farming. The festival includes farm tours, rice field concerts, and folk music performances.

Winter (December–February) hosts the Kugenuma Snow Lantern Festival, where hundreds of handmade paper lanterns illuminate Kugenuma Park, combined with ice sculpture exhibits and hot cocoa markets—perfect for warming up during cold months.

Yes, Kugenuma City is ideal for hikers. The Kugenuma River Upper Trail spans approximately 6 km through dense forest and rugged ravines, with rest platforms and shaded benches. Along the way, you may spot Japanese macaques and amphibians like Japanese salamanders. The trailhead begins at Kugenuma Bridge, with gentle gradients perfect for beginners.

Another popular route is the Kugenuma Port to Onoyama Hot Spring Path, stretching 8 km across hills and coastal cliffs. It passes through ancient stone markers and abandoned shrines, offering glimpses into historical landscapes. QR code-guided audio tours are available via smartphone for real-time commentary.

For experienced hikers, the Kugenuma Forest Trail climbs 300 meters to a summit viewpoint with sweeping vistas of Mount Aso’s five peaks and the Pacific Ocean. Pack trekking poles and insect repellent—especially during summer. Guided tours with certified local guides are offered by select agencies, ensuring safety and deeper insight into the region’s ecology.