Things To Do
in Nagasu

Locally caught fish and shellfish—try sashimi or grilled fish from the Nagasu harbor stalls and markets, best eaten the same day they're unloaded.

Must-Try!

A local variant of tonkotsu ramen with a mellow pork broth and often garlic oil; find it at small ramen shops in town and nearby cities like Kumamoto.

Ariake Sea nori (laver) is prized; you can buy roasted sheets and local processed seaweed at markets and souvenir stalls.

Mustard-stuffed lotus root popular in Kumamoto Prefecture—spicy and crunchy, commonly available at markets and specialty shops in the region.

Small port-side market where fishermen sell fresh catches—good for sashimi, cooked seafood snacks and chatting with vendors; mornings are best.

Seasonal stalls selling grilled shellfish, steamed seafood, nori products and local sweets during festivals and weekends.

Use a modest bow and polite phrases (e.g., 'arigatou gozaimasu' for thank you) when interacting with locals; courteous behavior goes a long way.

Remove shoes when entering homes, some ryokan/guesthouses, and certain traditional restaurants—look for slippers or a genkan (entrance area).

Keep voices low on trains and public spaces; avoid loud phone conversations and respect queues at bus stops and stores.

Follow local garbage sorting rules—public bins are scarce, so carry trash with you until you find proper disposal points.

Tipping is not customary in Japan and can be awkward; excellent service is standard and most establishments will politely refuse tips. In tourist-oriented hotels or guided tours, small gratuities are handled discreetly or given to staff with an envelope if culturally appropriate.

Cash (Japanese yen) is widely used—small shops, markets and rural restaurants may be cash-only. Credit cards are accepted at larger businesses, but bring cash for local markets and transport. IC transit cards (Suica, Pasmo, etc.) may work sporadically—check local compatibility—and ATMs at post offices and 7-Eleven convenience stores accept international cards.

Mild temperatures and cherry blossoms in late March–April make for pleasant sightseeing; migratory birds arrive at tidal flats. Expect some rainy days but generally comfortable weather for outdoor activities.

Hot, humid weather with the rainy season (tsuyu) typically in June–July and frequent afternoon thunderstorms; summer festivals and fireworks are highlights, but be prepared for heat and occasional typhoons.

Clearer skies, cooler temperatures and colorful foliage from October to November—great for hiking and coastal walks with lower humidity and good visibility.

Mild compared with northern Japan but cooler nights and occasional frost; fewer tourists, quiet coastal scenes and lower humidity—some services and smaller venues may have reduced hours.

Vegetarian options are limited in a seafood-focused town; look for vegetable tempura, salads, tofu dishes and rice-based meals. Communicate restrictions clearly (e.g., 'Watashi wa bejitarian desu') and choose larger cafes or restaurants in nearby cities for more variety.

Vegan dining is difficult—carry snacks, learn key phrases to explain no fish/dashi, and consider staying near Kumamoto city for more vegan-friendly restaurants.

Halal-certified restaurants are rare; seafood and simple vegetable dishes can be safe, but confirm preparation methods. Bringing some travel-friendly halal snacks or seeking services in Kumamoto or Fukuoka is advisable.

Soy sauce and tempura contain gluten; ask about ingredients and prefer plain grilled fish, rice dishes and sashimi. Pack gluten-free staples if you have strict needs.