So how many days you need to see Kumamoto alone.
One Kumamoto.
Things To Do In Kumamoto
Kumamoto is a treasure trove of equally impressive natural and man-made attractions combined with a rich cultural heritage dating back many centuries, which is why those who visit it are sure to find plenty of sights to see and things to do, enjoying a vacation with no room for a dull moment.
Sightseeing…
From historic marvels of architecture to natural retreats, Kumamoto is an enticing feast for the eyes.
Kumamoto Castle
Built by Kato Kiyomasa in 1607, Kumamoto Castle is the jewel of the Kumamoto Prefecture, with a magnificent exterior, distinct defensive features and a lavish interior. Although it suffered extensive damage during the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877, most of it was reconstructed in 1960. In 2007, the Honmaru Goten Palace, where Kiyomasa used to receive his guests, was also restored, making the castle an even more awe-inspiring attraction.
Suizen-ji Park
Suizen-ji Park is a network of traditional Japanese gardens spanning an area of 65 hectares. It was built in 1636 by Hosokawa Tadatoshi, who succeeded Kiyomasa as the lord of Kumamoto, as a private retreat and today, is renowned for its relaxing scenery comprised of well-trimmed shrubs and pine trees, small lakes filled with multi-colored carp and fed with fresh water from Mt. Aso, a shrine where members of the Hosokawa clan are enshrined, a tea house brought from the Kyoto Imperial Palace and miniature landscapes, most notably a miniature version of Mount Fuji – all of which are intended to be recreations of the sights seen when traveling between Edo and Kyoto in the 12th century.
Hosokawa Residence
Few remnants of the age of the samurai remain, and the Hosokawa Residence is one of them, being the former residence of the Hosokawa clan, one of the prestigious Japanese samurai clans, and a fine example of a samurai mansion in the Edo Period. Although the mansion was moved from its original location and extensively restored, it retains much of its former atmosphere, transporting visitors to a time when men lived and died honorably by the sword.
Kikuchi Castle
The Kikuchi clan was one of the most powerful clans on the island of Kyushu from the latter part of the 8th century to the mid-16th century. The Kikuchi Castle which was commissioned by the Yamato Imperial Court, was one of the symbols of their power, and although it eventually fell into disrepair, the ruins, particularly the octagonal drum tower, remain a remarkable sight, while restoration efforts are currently under way.
Tsujun Bridge
Tsujun Bridge, located in the city of Yamato, is the largest stone aqueduct in Japan, measuring 84 meters long, and one of the finest bridges of its time. Water is discharged several times a year, providing a great show for tourists.
Minamata
The city of Minamata is best known for its tragic past, being the site of one of the worst environmental disasters in Japan. From 1932 to 1968, one of the factories of Chisso Corporation in the city continually released methylmercury into Minamata Bay, causing the illness and deaths of many animals and humans. Since then, efforts have been made to clean up the contamination and compensate the remaining victims and today, the city has become an urban model for environmental management and a center for studying environmental problems. The city is littered with memorials for those who have died, and also provides breathtaking views of the Shiranui Sea.
Mt. Kinpo
Located on the outskirts of Kumamoto City, Mt. Kinpo is an excellent viewpoint, providing spectacular views of the cities of Kumamoto and Nagasaki, as well as the peaks of Mt. Aso and Mt. Unzen. There is also a fence on the observation deck where couples can put locks as a token of sealing their affection for each other, and a temple right beside it.
Amakusa
Amakusa is comprised of 120 small islands off the western coast of Kumamoto City, and boasts of a rugged yet beautiful coastline, as well as a rich history. It is also frequented by bottle-nose dolphins which can be spotted all year long.
Reigando Cave
Miyamoto Musashi is considered one of the greatest Japanese swordsmen of all time, with his life depicted in various works of fiction. From 1630, he served the Hosokawa clan, and in 1643, he went to live in Reigando Cave as a hermit. It was here that Musashi wrote ‘The Book of Five Rings’, which details the way of the warrior, and lived out his last years.
Shimada Museum of Art
This museum in Kumamoto City contains the works of Miyamoto Musashi, such as his sculptures, paintings and calligraphy, as well as his famous katana and various samurai armor and weapons.
Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Center
Located near Kumamoto Castle, this museum contains examples of various traditional Japanese arts and crafts, including bamboo craft, woodwork, ceramics, cutlery and the famous Higo inlay, which the prefecture is well known for. The museum also has a gift shop where visitors can take local craft home as souvenirs.
Hitoyoshi
The city of Hitoyoshi, located on the southern part of the Kumamoto Prefecture, is well worth touring, with the Aoi Aso Shrine, which is listed as a national treasure, and the ruins of the Hitoyoshi Castle, the former residence of the Sagara clan, among its landmarks.
Aso Shrine
The oldest Shinto shrine in Kumamoto Prefecture and one of the oldest in all of Japan, the Aso Shrine is not only elegant but is also the dwelling place of the kami or spiritual deity who provides safe travel, making it a popular pilgrimage site. Once a year, a tournament among horse-mounted archers is held at the shrine.
Cuddly Dominion
Also in the city of Aso, Cuddly Dominion is a zoological theme park which houses more than 1,000 animals from 95 different species. There is an area where visitors can hold the cuddly, baby animals and there are also shows by bears, chimpanzees and penguins.
Outdoor Activities…
For those who want to want to experience Kumamoto instead of just seeing it, there are various outdoor activities, both exciting adventures and relaxing escapades, to choose from in the area, all set against breathtaking natural panorama.
Mt. Aso
Mt. Aso, at 1592 meters above sea level and with a caldera measuring 75 miles in circumference, is the largest active volcano in Japan, and one of the largest in the world. There are hiking trails and cable cars leading to the crater, allowing tourists to see its beauty up close, although visitors are advised to be wary of its regular gas emissions. The grassy plain near one of the craters, known as Kusasenri, is also a good place for a stroll, with horseback rides available from March to December.
Lake Ezu
Kumamoto Prefecture is known for its abundance of freshwater and roughly 400,000 tons of it flows into Lake Ezu daily. The area around the lake is a good spot for birdwatching, particularly for catching a glimpse of the rare prefectural bird, the Japanese Great Tit, while the lake itself offers opportunities for boating and fishing.
Kikuchi Gorge
Considered by many to be the most beautiful gorge on the island of Kyushu, the Kikuchi Gorge is surrounded by an unspoiled forest which changes foliage with the seasons, and has many small, scenic waterfalls, creating th perfect backdrop for a refreshing hike. Several species of wild birds can also be spotted here.
Kawa-gawa River
One of the fastest rivers in Japan located within the city boundaries of Hitoyoshi, the Kawa-gawa River offers opportunities for either a leisurely cruise or an adrenaline-pumping ride through the currents in a boat or a raft.
Cultural Highlights…
The unique culture of Japan, particularly its arts and crafts, is an attraction in itself, which visitors to Kumamoto are welcome to enjoy.
Yachiyoza Theater
The Yachiyoza Theater in Yamaga city is one of the oldest theaters in Japan, dating back to 1910. Although it was closed in the 1970s, it has recently been restored and re-opened, and now holds regular kabuki performances.
Koshodai Ware Fumoto Pottery
The city of Arao is well known for its Shoudai pottery, which visitors can witness being made on a special kiln at one of the local factories.
Uchida-Sarayama Ware Pottery
Amakusa is also known for its pottery, which is called Takahama ware, made from clay found on the islands and characterized by its thinness and white and blue patterns. Visitors can view both the pottery-making and painting processes at this factory, and can even participate if reservations are made beforehand.
Kumamoto Municipal Crafts Center
This center affords visitors a chance to try their hand at making Japanese handicrafts, particularly those native to the Kumamoto Prefecture.
Cherry Blossom Viewing (Hanami)
Cherry blossoms or sakura are national symbols of Japan and viewing them, particularly the first blossoms, is a large part of Japanese culture, as well as a scenic and inspiring event. In Kumamoto, the most famous cherry blossom spots are the Kumamoto Castle and the Suizen-ji Gardens in Kumamoto City.
Shinshigai Sunroad
For those looking for fun opportunities, Shinshigai Sunroad in Kumamoto City is the widest arcade on the entire Kyushu island which is known for its establishments offering karaoke and pachinko, two of Japan’s favorite pastimes.
Dining…
Kumamoto is best known for baniku or horse meat, which is finely sliced and served raw with beans or vegetables, as well as its oysters, which are exported to many parts of the world because of their mild, sweet flavor.
Other local culinary offerings include Karashi Renkon, which is lotus root stuffed with spicy mustard, coated in batter and deep-fried, kidako nabe or porridge with moray eel, Kumamoto ramen, vegetable tempura, dried taro root and Ikinari Dango, a sweet made from potato and bean paste. There are also many excellent restaurants and sushi bars throughout the prefecture.
Shopping…
Shimotori and Kamitori are the two largest shopping districts in Kumamoto City, where most of the city’s shops and restaurants are located, while Diamond City CLAIR, also in the city, is one of the largest malls on Kyushu island with nearly 200 stores – both local and international. Yatsushiro City has a covered shopping arcade, as well, and two shopping malls.
Hot Springs (Onsen)
Japan has one of the highest records of volcanic activity in the world, and as such, has a wealth of hot springs scattered all over the country, providing tourists with a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Shiki no Sato Park
An hour’s drive from Kumamoto, Shiki no Sato Park has an animal park and a small hot spring located amidst breathtaking countryside scenery.
Kurokawa Onsen
Kurokawa Onsen is one of the most popular hot spring resorts in Japan, and one of the most attractive, since it is cradled by majestic mountains and forests and remains untouched by commercialism. The whole town is lined with private, traditional-styled inns or ryokan, each having large outdoor bathing areas, and also offers two public bath houses for those who wish to bathe indoors.
Aso Hot Springs Resort
This is the collective term given to the more than 80 hot springs located in the vicinity of Mt. Aso, the largest of which is the Aso Uchimaki Onsen.
Day Trips From Kumamoto
Because of its strategic location in the center of Kyushu island, Kumamoto City is not just a great base for exploring the entire Kumamoto Prefecture, but also a good starting point for trips to interesting cities in the neighboring prefectures.
Hakata ramen originated in Hakata city located north west of Kyushu . The main characteristic of Hakata ramen is the white, thick soup that is made from pork bones, also called Tonkotsu (pork bone) soup/ramen. Some of the other differences in character it has from other types of ramen are thinner noodles, and the simple decorative toppings of cha-shu , chopped scallions, red colored ginger, and sesame seeds.
