Things To Do
in Kumamoto
Kumamoto is a charming city located on the island of Kyushu in Japan. It is known for its historic castle, one of the country's most famous and largest castles. The city is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including mountains and hot springs.
Kumamoto is also famous for its regional cuisine, such as horse meat sashimi and basashi.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $40 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $8 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's most impressive castles. Explore the beautiful gardens and take in the stunning architecture.
Head to Suizenji Jojuen Garden for a peaceful walk through meticulously maintained landscapes. Enjoy a traditional matcha tea at the teahouse for a true taste of Japanese culture.
Wrap up your day by dining at a local restaurant known for its Kumamoto ramen. Savor the rich flavors of this regional specialty.
Visit the Shimada Museum of Arts to appreciate both historical and contemporary Japanese art. Take your time to enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Explore the historical district of Sakuranobaba Josaien, filled with shops, cafes, and traditional crafts. Don't miss the chance to try some local delicacies.
Enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner at a ryokan, where you can experience kaiseki cuisine. The multi-course meal will give you a taste of the local dining experience.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with historical sites such as Kumamoto Castle.
- Beautiful natural scenery, including Mount Aso and surrounding landscapes.
- Delicious local cuisine, including tonkotsu ramen and fresh agricultural products.
- Strong sense of community and friendly locals.
- Hot springs (onsen) nearby for relaxation and wellness.
- Occasional natural disasters, such as earthquakes and typhoons.
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger cities.
- Higher humidity and heat in summer months.
- Some areas may have a language barrier for non-Japanese speakers.
- Rural areas may lack certain amenities commonly found in urban centers.
Best Activities in Kumamoto
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning natural beauty of the park and enjoy hiking trails with views of volcanic landscapes and lush greenery.
Discover the historical and cultural significance of this impressive castle, and enjoy its beautiful surroundings.
Experience the breathtaking views from one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world and enjoy hiking, cycling, or horseback riding.
Take a leisurely walk through this traditional Japanese garden, featuring a tranquil pond, meticulously manicured landscape, and tea houses.
Enjoy a scenic ride on this vintage steam train while taking in the picturesque countryside and connecting to historic hot spring villages.
Tours
Uncover the best of Kumamoto with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Kumamoto
Visit one of these nice places.
Beautiful traditional Japanese garden with a large pond and scenic walking paths
Historic castle with panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape
Active volcano with stunning vistas and hiking trails
Food in Kumamoto
Kumamoto Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A local delicacy, Basashi is thinly sliced raw horse meat, often served with soy sauce and ginger. One of the best places to try Basashi is at Shinshu Ono in Kumamoto City.
Must-Try!
Karashi Renkon features lotus roots stuffed with a spicy mustard miso mixture and then deep-fried, creating a delightful and unique blend of flavors. Look for this dish at local Izakayas such as Torimatsu in Kumamoto.
Ikinari Dango is a popular sweet made from sweet potatoes, sugar, and soybean flour. You can find these delectable treats at specialty sweet shops like Shimojo in Aso.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Kumamoto better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A must-visit for street food enthusiasts, the area around Kumamoto Castle is lined with stalls offering a variety of local delights such as Takana pickles, Mentai fried rice balls, and Motsunabe skewers.
For the freshest seafood and a true taste of Kumamoto's coastal offerings, head to Shirakawa Suisan Fish Market where you can sample sashimi, grilled fish, and seafood donburi.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Kumamoto, it is important to show respect for elders through bowing and using polite language. Elders are highly respected in Japanese culture, and it is customary to give them precedence and special treatment.
Kumamoto residents value cleanliness and silence in public spaces. It is important to keep streets, parks, and public transport clean, and to minimize noise levels to show consideration for others.
When entering a home or certain traditional establishments in Kumamoto, it is customary to remove shoes at the entrance as a sign of respect and cleanliness. Slippers may be provided for indoor use.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Kumamoto with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Kumamoto
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Kumamoto, Japan. In fact, it is generally considered rude to tip in most situations. Good service is expected and is already factored into the price of the service or meal.
In Kumamoto, Japan, cash is the most common form of payment. Credit cards are also widely accepted, especially in larger establishments. It's always a good idea to carry cash, as some smaller businesses may not accept cards.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Kumamoto.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Kumamoto, Japan is during spring (March to May) when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the weather is mild and pleasant.
In summer (June to August), Kumamoto experiences hot and humid weather with occasional typhoons. It's the time for summer festivals and outdoor activities.
Autumn (September to November) offers pleasant weather and stunning foliage, making it another great time to visit Kumamoto.
Winter (December to February) is cold but offers beautiful snowy landscapes, and it's a good time to experience traditional Japanese winter activities.
Kumamoto at Night
Hiking in Kumamoto
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful nature park featuring various trails, suitable for all skill levels, with scenic views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Home to the active volcano Mount Aso, this national park offers breathtaking hikes with diverse landscapes, including grasslands and volcanic craters.
A stunning area within Aso National Park, known for its panoramic views of Mount Aso and rolling hills, perfect for hiking and picnicking.
A relatively easy hike that rewards adventurers with views of Kumamoto city and the surrounding countryside.
This location offers challenging trails and incredible vistas, making it a favorite among experienced hikers seeking solitude and pristine nature.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Kumamoto through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Kumamoto by plane.
Located approximately 100 kilometers northeast of Kumamoto, Fukuoka Airport is the largest international airport in Kyushu and offers numerous international and domestic flights.
Situated about 150 kilometers west of Kumamoto, Nagasaki Airport provides international services as well as domestic flights to various destinations.
Located around 80 kilometers north of Kumamoto, Kita Kyushu Airport serves both international and domestic routes, providing a vital connection for the region.
Although it serves as the primary airport for Kumamoto Prefecture, Kumamoto Airport offers limited international flights and is located approximately 15 kilometers from Kumamoto city center.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Kumamoto, constituting a significant portion of the population.
A notable minority group in Kumamoto, often comprising descendants of migrants from Korea.
Another minority group, with a community that has historical ties to Kumamoto, particularly in trade.
A growing demographic, particularly among migrant workers and mixed families.
Includes various ethnic groups from countries such as Brazil, the United States, and Southeast Asian nations.
The Soul of Kumamoto
Discover the essence of Kumamoto through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Kumamoto, with a strong following for both high school and professional teams. The region has produced many talented players who have gone on to play in the Nippon Professional Baseball league.
Soccer has a significant fan base in Kumamoto, with local clubs participating in various leagues. The sport has gained popularity through community involvement and grassroots programs.
Sumo wrestling is an important traditional sport in Japan, and Kumamoto hosts several sumo events. The sport has deep cultural significance and is celebrated throughout the region.
Basketball is increasingly popular in Kumamoto, with local schools and teams participating in regional competitions. The sport is enjoyed by youth and adults alike.
Rugby has a growing presence in Kumamoto, with local clubs and schools promoting the sport. It has gained traction among younger players and is recognized for its team spirit and community involvement.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kumamoto.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Kumamoto cuisine heavily features meat and seafood, many restaurants, especially in urban areas, now offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. Look for establishments that specialize in shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) or have dedicated vegetarian menu options.
For those with gluten sensitivities, it's advisable to communicate your dietary needs clearly when dining out. Some restaurants, particularly those with international influences, may offer gluten-free alternatives. Additionally, rice-based dishes can often serve as safe choices for gluten-free dining.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Kumamoto with these cultural adventures.
