Kumamoto – The Home of Kumamon
Kumamoto is the capital of Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu. The city is famous for its castle, which is considered to be one of the three premier Japanese castles along with Himeji and Matsumoto.
As well as the castle, Kumamoto also hosts other historic sites, beautiful shrines, shopping, parks, and of course Kumamon, the city’s bear mascot.
Kumamoto is only a short train ride from Fukuoka, so it’s worth combining these two cities into one trip when visiting Japan. The city is also near Aso Mountain which is detailed on the Fukuoka page, as Fukuoka is the city I departed from for this tour. However, the mountain park is also accessible from Kumamoto.
Getting Around Kumamoto
Kumamoto has a rather unique public transport system. There are two tram lines, line A and line B, for getting around the city. You’ll see little tram cars running back and forth along the streets of Kumamoto, and some of them look very old.
Using the tram is quite easy. Simply hop on and pay the driver when you get off. There is a flat fare of ¥180 which can be paid in cash, by QR code, or with contactless credit/debit cards.
If you’re in Kumamoto just for a day then it’s worth getting the tram day pass. This antiquated travel card appears almost as old as the trams themselves, but at only ¥500 it’s definitely worth it. Just scratch off the date you’re visiting and show it to the driver when you get off.
things to do in Kumamoto
- Kumamoto Castle
- Sakuranobaba Josaien
- Kato Shrine
- Kumamoto Castle Inari Shrine
- Suizenji Park and Izumi Shrine
- Kumamon Square
- Shopping
Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle is considered one of the three premier castles in Japan, and it’s definitely an impressive site. While the castle is over 400 years old, the current keep is a reconstruction bult in 1960, but some of the original buildings are still standing.
Unfortunately Kumamoto was hit by an earthquake in 2016, resulting in the destruction of castle turrets and parts of the wall. When you visit the castle you’ll see lots of damaged walls and some parts under scaffolding. The reconstruction project is predicted to take many years.
I recommend entering the castle through the south gate. From this direction you can see the Bizenbori Moat, the one and only remaining water filled moats of the castle. The rest have been filled in over the years.
Once you enter the castle grounds you’ll be on a raised platform that runs around the castle walls. From here you can see the damage that was caused by the earthquake, as well as get your first peak of the castle keep.
You can then walk through a dark underground passage of the castle before emerging before the magnificent keep.
Head inside the castle for a museum about it. Unfortunately all the exhibitions are in Japanese, but there is multilingual app available to read about the castle. Inside you can also see a miniature of the keep, a model map of the castle, and Japanese artwork.
At the top of the keep you can get a view across the castle grounds and Kumamoto.
Despite the substantial destruction, Kumamoto Castle is still impressive and worth visiting.
Sakuranobaba Josaien
Sakuranobaba Josaien is a tourism facility near the entrance to Kumamoto Castle. Designed to look like a traditional town, Sakuranobaba Josaien contains restaurants and food stalls, souvenir shops, a castle museum and a tourist information centre (you can purchase a tram day pass here).
I recommend trying the horsemeat sushi here, or grab a cup of shaved ice.
You can also catch a performance on the stage here.
kato Shrine
Kato Shrine is located just north of the Kumamoto Castle keep, within the castle grounds. Kato Kiyomasa, a powerful lord from the 16th century, is enshrined here. You can get a great view of the castle keep from here.
As well as the main shrine building you can find a statue of Kumamon dressed as a samurai here.
Kumamoto Castle Inari Shrine
Kumamoto Castle Inari Shrine is located just east of Kumamoto Castle. The shrine was built in 1588 and, although quite small, is cool to see in passing.
It’s worth checking out when in the castle area.
Suizenji Park and Izumi Shrine
Suizenji Park is located southeast of the city centre, only a short ride away on the tram. Inside is a beautiful Japanese garden, with one of the artificial hills designed to look like Mount Fuji.
Stroll around the park to see the flowers, statues, or fish in the lake. You can also visit some shrines in the park.
One of these shrines is the Izumi Shrine, a peaceful shrine built in 1878 with an impressive torii gate at the entrance.
Another is the Inari Shrine, where you can pass under many red torii gates.
Kumamon Square
Kumamon is the mascot of Kumamoto. Kumamon is a bear and he can be seen all over the city.
At Kumamon Square you’ll find a shop selling exclusive Kumamon merchandise, as well as photo spots and an interactive stage and screen where you can dance with Kumamon.
Shopping
There are plenty of good shopping spots in Kumamoto, whether you’re looking for souvenirs, gifts, Kumamon merchandise or clothes and books. Here are some spots worth checking out.
Shimotori Shopping Arcade
Shimotori Shopping Arcade is a 511m covered shopping street filled with a wide range of shops and restaurants.
There are lots of different shops and restaurants here, including gacha and claw machines, pachinko rooms and souvenir shops.
If you’re looking for food here, I recommend Kokutei Ramen for a rich, deep tasting bowl of ramen.
Sakura Machi Mall
The Sakura Machi Mall is a modern mall located close to Kumamoto Castle. Here you’ll find lots of shops and restaurants, including Kumamon Village. This shop is dedicated to the Kumamoto mascot, Kumamon, and is full of exclusive merchandise.
When I visited this mall there was also a pop up Pokemon Centre, so look out for that as it occasionally comes to the city.
Outside there was also delicious street food available.
AMU Plaza, Kumamoto Station
AMU Plaza by Kumamoto Station is a mall filled with shops and restaurants. Here you can find a One Piece and Snoopy store, Gigo claw machines and Pokemon cards for sale. There’s a good selection of shops here if you need to kill some time before catching your train out of Kumamoto.
