Kumamoto is the perfect place for adventure- and for relaxing once your adrenaline runs out!
Kumamoto is a “castle town” turned city, accessible by Shinkansen bullet train (six hours from Tokyo or four hours from Osaka) or airplane (a two-hour flight from Tokyo or one hour from Osaka). Extremely hot and humid in the summer, and chilly in the winter, spring and autumn are the most magnificent times to visit. Avoid early May’s Golden Week- a heavy travel time for all of Japan, as well as Silver Week which tends to fall around the third week of September.
The cherry blossoms tend to bloom in early April, but special festivals like the Fujisaki Hachimangu Grand Festival, a horse-chasing event unique to Kumamoto, make a late September/early October visit worth it. Kumamoto also has one of the most popular regional mascots in all of Japan- the aptly named “Kumamon”, a black bear with red cheeks. Streetcars make getting around the city center an easy task. Buy a one-day adult pass for ¥500 for unlimited rides. A two-day pass is available for ¥800.
Kumamoto Castle, built in 1467, is an absolutely stunning piece of Japanese architecture. Sadly, it was heavily damaged in the 2016 earthquake. For a cheap admission fee (¥500), it’s still a must-see even during the restoration process as many parts of the grounds are still open. The “Castle Loop” bus runs every 30 minutes from 9:00-17:00 from JR Kumamoto Station (¥130 one way) and the grounds are open 8:30–17:30 March-November, 8:30–16:30 December-February.
The nearby Kato Shrine is small but overlooks the castle for a great view. There’s also a free observation deck on the 14th floor of Kumamoto City Hall where you can get panoramic views (open Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 17:15pm, closed weekends and New Year’s week, usually December 29-January 3).
Don’t miss a walk around the gorgeous and rambling Suizen-ji Joju-en traditional Japanese gardens, 15 minutes away from the city center by streetcar. (¥400, open 07:30 to 18:00 March to October and 08:30 to 17:00 November to February, last entry 30 minutes before closing).
Shopping
Next to the castle compound is Sakuranobaba Johsaien, a shopping street with an atmosphere like feudal Japan, the perfect place to buy souvenirs and try local delicacies. If you’re lucky, you might even see some samurai actors walking around to take photos with!
Not far from the city center is the Shimotori Shotengai is a “covered arcade”- a shopping street that’s easy to mill about even if it’s raining outside. There’s everything from clothing stores, karaoke, restaurants, pachinko parlors, chemist shops with a cosmetics section, Parco and other department stores. It’s easy to fill up an afternoon just ducking into shops! Don Quijote is a great chain for quirky products.
The Adventurer’s Day Trip
Swing by Mt. Aso to see the largest active volcano in Japan! Be sure to check the conditions of the gas emissions levels before you go as the cable car to see the caldera may be closed due to safety precautions. If the cable car isn’t running, there are fairly easy hiking with some stunning views. The hike takes less than an hour from the parking lot to the colorful crater. Don’t worry about getting lost! Yellow arrows are spray-painted on rocks to guide the way, and red X’s will stop you from going down a dangerous path. There’s also maps posted along the way.
Mt. Aso is easily accessible by train and bus (Aso Station is around an hour away from Kumamoto Station) or by renting a car.
Bring a towel and take a trip to the famous Kurokawa Onsen or any of the many hot springs near Mt. Aso to bathe in some naturally-heated water (around ¥500). Be sure to shower off before getting in the communal baths, and be aware that tattoos are not always welcome in hot springs in Japan.
After your bath, check out the Nabegataki Falls, a beautiful 20 meters wide ring of waterfalls. Nabegataki Falls are only accessible via car or taxi.
Nightlife
For a low-key night out, the small and quirky foreigner-friendly bar Shark Attack with its sandy floor and surfboard tables will have you sorted.
Sanctuary is the ultimate nightclub, smack in the center of Kumamoto City, open from 20:00 to 5:00 on Fridays and Saturdays and to 4:00 the rest of the week. With 4 floors of multiple bars and party spaces, and even a floor dedicated to karaoke, you and your travel mates will have an unforgettable time dancing the night away!
Food
Kumamoto’s most famous delicacy is basashi, raw horse meat. Only for the daring foodie, the meat has a subtle flavor and is deliciously tender. Karashi renkon, lotus root stuffed with a hot miso paste, makes for a spicy snack. For dessert, Ikinari Dango are sweet potato and red bean paste dumplings wrapped in steamed-cooked dough- a Kumamoto favorite!
Want to explore a hidden treasure of Japan? Kumamoto is the heart of Kyushu, making it the perfect stop for any serious traveler.