Kumamoto city, Kumamoto is a quite interesting place with history, culture, local food, and more. It’s not a very big city though, there are a lot of things to do, like going to Kumamoto Castle which is a symbol of the city, shrines and temples, museum to feel arts, trying local foods which you cannot eat in other places, etc.
City View from Kumamoto city hall
This is the place that you can have a view of Kumamoto city for FREE! There are some exhibitions that you can learn about Kumamoto city such as before/after the earthquake, history, etc.
It opens 8:30, so I went up starting off the day! You can also use bathroom.
Kumamoto castle
Kumamoto has a beautiful castle called Kumamoto jo (castle). In 1607, it was built by order from Kiyomasa Kato. It has been through a lot of disasters like earthquakes, burning out, etc. In 2016, it got damaged by earthquake and now some parts are still on the process of recovery.
Information for Kumamoto Castle
- Ticket: 800 yen (over 18 years old), 300 yen (from Elementary to High school student), Free (under Elementary school student)
- Free wifi Available
Learn & Experiene at Sakurano Baba Josaien
It’s a small area that they reproduced a town as it used to be. You can feel nostalgic atmosphere. There are a small museum named Waku waku za (need a ticket) where you can learn history and culture, tourist information center, the event stage, shops where you can find local food/goods, and restaurants/cafes where you can enjoy Kumamoto food.
Josaien Official site (English)
Shrine & Temple
Kumamoto Inari shrine
Kumamoto Inari Shrine is a quite big one, and there are many kinds of Gods (in Shinto, it says there are hundreds of Gods out there ) ⛩ God for health, business, study, romance, marriage, and etc.
Kato shrine
The famous person who built Kumamoto castle as i mentioned earlier, Kiyomasa Kato‘s grave is here. Ginkgo tree in the site has been told that Kiyomasa Kato planted by himself. Also there is a huge tree looking like it has much energy..!
It is also a bit rare to find a Torii gate colored white.
Museum in Kumamoto City
Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto
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This museum was opened in 2002. Museum areas normally free of charge, but you need to pay admission fees for special events, etc. So it’s nice to stop by!
There are an artwork named INFINITY MIRRORED ROOM by Yayoi Kusama, Library for Human Use
by Marina Abramović, too.
Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto – Official site(English)
Shimada Museum
The collection was owned by Matomi Shimada who loved Japanese antiquities privately before, but it turned out exhibition at museum by his wish.
Must check thing in Shimada Museum is the collections of works and relics of Miyamoto Musashi who is known for the great swordsmanship and author of “The Book of Five Rings”.
Shimada Museum – Official Site (English)
Meet Kumamon : Local Character
Kumamon is a very famous local character representing Kumamoto prefecture.
Kumamon Square
This is where fans of Kumamon come for shopping original goods, meet&greet with Kumamon, events, etc.
Kumamon Square Official Site (English)
Sakura Machi
You can find “Sakuramachi” where a big Kumamon is there. 🐻 Also there are shops and restaurants in Sakuramachi, it would be nice to stop by if you want.
Enjoy Food : Kumamoto’s Speciality
Kumamoto has its own specialities that are absolutely must try foods!!
Kumamoto Signature Food – You Should Try! Akaushi, Basashi, Ramen, Ikinari Dango, etc
Get souvenirs
You can buy souvenirs at each place you go, but you can also check these places below.
Kumamoto Station
You should take a look at stores at the station. Here is an another article about souvenirs.
Hope you enjoy your trip to Kumamoto 😉
