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.
Places to visit
Key Phrases
Speak like a local
- "こんにちは" - Hello
- "ありがとう" - Thank you
- "おはよう" - Good morning
- "こんばんは" - Good evening
- "さようなら" - Goodbye
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Exploring Historical Sites
morning:Visit the impressive Kumamoto Castle, a historic hilltop castle with beautiful gardens and scenic views. Be sure to stop by the nearby Hosokawa Gyobutei for a traditional Japanese breakfast.
afternoon:Explore Suizenji Jojuen, a stunning Japanese garden featuring a large pond, miniature landscape, and teahouse. Lunch at the garden's tea house for some authentic Japanese cuisine.
evening:Enjoy a soothing and traditional hot spring experience at Kikuchi Onsen. For a night-out, head to Shimotori Arcade for some vibrant nightlife and street food delights.
Cultural Immersion
morning:Start your day at the Reigando Cave, a tranquil spot with historical significance related to Miyamoto Musashi. Try some local breakfast specialties at the nearby cafe.
afternoon:Immerse yourself in the art and culture of Kumamoto at the Contemporary Art Museum. Enjoy a delightful lunch at the museum's cafe, which offers inventive dishes and stunning views.
evening:Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Josaien. For a night-out, head to Tsuruya Department Store for a unique blend of shopping and dining under one roof.
Nature and Serenity
morning:Embark on a peaceful morning hike in the stunning landscapes of Kikuchi Gorge. Stop by a local teahouse for a delightful morning treat.
afternoon:Discover the beauty of the Aso-Kuju National Park. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the picturesque surroundings and serene nature trails.
evening:Savor a serene evening with a visit to the Sogi Waterfall. For a night-out, head to Sakuranobaba Johsaien for a taste of local delicacies and cultural performances.
Savoring Local Delights
morning:Start your day with a visit to the Shimada Museum of Arts. Enjoy a delightful brunch at one of the charming cafes in the area, offering a mix of local and international flavors.
afternoon:Take a culinary journey at the Kumamoto Castle Town area, renowned for its local cuisine and specialty dishes. Experience a delightful lunch at one of the traditional restaurants.
evening:Indulge in the flavors of the nightly food stalls at the Kumamoto Ramen Village for a unique culinary adventure. For a night-out, head to the lively bars and izakayas in the Shimotori Arcade.
Kumamoto Famous Food
Must-Try local dishes
Basashi (Horse Meat Sashimi)
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 (Lotus Root Stuffed with Mustard)
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 (Sweet Potato Cake)
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.
Food Markets & Street Food
A food market and street food guide
Kumamoto Castle Street Food Stalls
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.
Shirakawa Suisan Fish Market
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.
Pet sitters in Kumamoto
Relax and unwind while your furry friend enjoys making a new companion!