Kumamoto
Japan · 15 m
Description
Kumamoto (熊本市) is a historic castle city on Kyushu and an important cultural center in southern Japan. The city is best known for imposing Kumamoto Castle, with its distinctive black towers and sweeping stone walls, as well as the elegant Suizenji Jōjuen landscape garden, whose ponds, pine trees, and miniature scenery evoke landmarks along the historic Tōkaidō road. Kumamoto is also the home of Kumamon, the prefecture’s famous black bear mascot, and is known for regional specialties such as Kumamoto ramen, karashi renkon, and basashi. The city also serves as an important gateway to the nearby Aso region, home to a vast volcanic caldera and one of Japan’s most spectacular volcanic landscapes.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: March – April or October – November
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Kumamoto Castle
- Suizenji Jojuen Garden
- Mount Aso & Nakadake Crater(Day trip)
- Sakura-no-baba Josaien
- Kato Shrine
- Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwakuza
- Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Museum
- Kumamoto City Museum
- Former Hosokawa Residence (Gyobutei)
- Hosokawa Gyobu-tei Garden
- Shimotori & Kamitori shopping arcades
- Kumamon Square
- Kumamoto ramen
- Kumamoto Castle cherry blossoms (March - April)
- Mount Kinbo & Kumamoto city views
- Reigando Cave & Unganzenji Temple
- Musashizuka Park
- Aso caldera viewpoints(Day trip)
- Kusasenri grasslands(Day trip)
- Daikanbo viewpoint(Day trip)
- Kurokawa Onsen(Day trip)
- Takachiho Gorge(Day trip)
Getting there
- Airports:
- KMJ
- Train stations:
- Kumamoto