Spots in Kumamoto Area

  • Suizen-ji Joju-en Garden (Suizenji Park)
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    4.0
    780 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kumamoto Pref. Kumamotoshichuouku Suizenjikouen 8-1
    This strolling garden has been noted as one of Japan's Places of Scenic Beauty as well as a Historic Site. Construction of the garden was started by Lord Hosokawa Tadatoshii, who was the first Hosokawa lord of the Higo province and Kumamoto, and would continue for three generations. The large 10,000 square meter lake in the garden is filled with water from the Aso spring. The park opens at 7:30 AM from March to October and at 8:30 AM from November to February and a morning stroll is highly recommended. Horseback archery events are held in the spring and fall and during the summer Noh theater performances are held by fire light. Entrance to the park is a three-minute walk from the Suizenji Park stop on the Kumamoto streetcar.

    If like me, you love japanese gardens, then this is definitely a place you shouldnt miss. Its peaceful, beautiful and well arranged, and you will feel very relaxed after visiting.

  • Aso Shrine
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    4.0
    354 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Aso-shi Ichinomiyamachi Miyaji 3083-1
    Records state this Shinto shrine was founded in 282 BCE. The head shrine of the 500-some Aso shrines across the country, the shrine is dedicated to Takeiwatatsu-no-Mikoto and eleven other related deities. This ancient shrine combines Shinto with a mountain faith which worships the caldera of Mt. Aso as a sacred object, and is revered as the most important shrine in what was Higo Province (now Kumamoto Prefecture). Six of the shrines structures, such as its main shrine building and two-storied gate have been designated National Important Cultural Properties. In particular, its two-storied gate is one of the largest in Kyushu and is counted as one of the three greatest two-storied shrine gates in all of Japan. Some of the shrine's many other highlights include a stone which is said to grant wishes, and a pine tree which is said to grant luck in finding love and marriage.

    Travelling to Miyaji on a JR Hohi Line Limited Express, my primarly motivation for the journey was to sample JRs attractive Kawasemi Yamasemi scenic train for the return journey to Kumamoto. With...

  • Kato Shrine
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    4.0
    365 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Kumamotoshichuouku Honmaru 2-1
    Located on the northern part Kumamoto Castle's grounds, this Shinto shrine honors the local feudal lord Kato Kiyomasa, who is called by the name “Seishoko-san” by the locals in friendly manner. You can recognize it by its large white torii gate. The Seishoko Festival is held every year in July. Lots of people come for the night market the evening before the main event as well as the main festival's procession.

    This shrine, located in the premises of Kumamoto Castle, is dedicated to Kato Kiyomasa, a beloved hero of Kumamoto. But the foundation of this shrine is relatively new and it only dates back to Meiji...

  • Greenland
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    4.0
    137 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kumamoto Pref. Arao Midorigaoka
    Kyushu’s largest leisure land also boasts Japan’s largest number of attractions. There are 81 kinds of activities from a Ferris wheel to various roller coasters and buffet dining, meaning adults and children can both enjoy spending the whole day here. There are also events in each season including superhero shows for kids, fireworks and illuminations.

    Transportaion a bit difficult but once younger there its amazing. They have a lot of roller coaster rides even a type that is standing. Definitely will go again

  • Aso Cuddly Dominion
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    4.0
    185 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kumamoto Pref. Asoshi Kurokawa 2163
    Located on a sprawling plot of land at the foot of Mt. Aso, this zoo boasts nearly 500 specimens from approximately 100 species, including about 200 bears. It is famous for the chimpanzee Pan-kun, his daughter Purin-chan, and the dog James (currently James II), all of whom have appeared on television programs. It offers visitors many opportunities to get close and personal with the animals, including an exhibit where they can experience feeding the bears as well as a dog and cat petting facility.

    Overcrowding and unnatural forced interactions for the animals. It’s all under the guise of being cute, and one probably wouldn’t recognize the problems unless familiar with signs of distress in...

  • Kurokawa Onsen Okunoyu
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    4.0
    136 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Kumamoto Pref. Asogunminamiogunimachi Manganji Kurokawa 6567
    This is the 26-room Kurokawa hot spring traditional Japanese inn. It sits on an extensive site of 6,600 meters squared; you can enjoy a variety of hot springs 24 hours a day depending on your personal taste such as the open-air bath, the cave bath or the family bath which can be reserved. The handcrafted river bath is popular, which commands a view of the spectacular waterfall at the front. There is also Kurokawa’s only heated hot spring pool, so you can even visit with children and have peace of mind.

    I had high expectations of this place from the reviews and how it’s a lot more expensive than most Onsens. The good It’s a lovely setting. Next to the river it’s very pretty. The dinner was great...

  • Aoi Aso-jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    206 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Hitoyoshishi Kamiaoimachi 118
    This shrine was built in 806, the first year of Emperor Heizei’s reign, and became known as the shrine dedicated to the local deity of the Kuma region. The main building was constructed starting in 1610 over the course of approximately three years by Nagatsune Sagara, and it still stands today. It features a black thatched roof with steep slopes, as well as gorgeously colored, exquisitely decorative Momoyama-style sculptures. In 2008, the five sections of the main shrine building were designated National Treasures. White flowers bloom around the lotus pond in early summer, making it quite a sight to behold.

    This wooden carving Aoi Shrine has over 1200 years history. The 5 structures has been recognized National Treasures in 2008; The gate, Mail hall, Corridor, Offering hall and Oratory. There are...

  • Kumamoto Castle
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Kumamotoshichuouku Honmaru 1-1
    In 1607, Kato Kiyomasa built a castle in a hilly area called Chausuyama, which is one of the three premier castles in Japan. Thereafter, Kumamoto Castle has been a stage of a diverse history for 400 years from the Middle Ages to the present age. Castle buildings from those days are also in existence, and 13 of the buildings have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Kumamoto Castle was damaged in the Kumamoto earthquake which occurred in April 2016, and restoration work is currently still under way.
  • ASO VOLCANO MUSEUM
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    3.5
    144 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kumamoto Pref. Asoshi Akamizu 1930-1
    This three-story museum in Aso City is dedicated to Mt. Aso, an active volcano. The second floor's permanent exhibit features panel displays of the area's geology and the current conditions of the volcano. The third floor has video facilities showcasing Aso's natural environment and the area's folk culture. The museum lets visitors view the craters in real time, helpful when access is restricted due to bad weather or volcanic activity. Head to the first floor for the gift shop and a restaurant serving light fare.

    I visited this after the snow storm. The view is really amazing both along the way to this and around this place FB:กินเที่ยวไม่ซ้ำ จำที่ไม่ได้ Google map:กินเที่ยวไม่ซ้ำ จำที่ไม่ได้

  • Tsuruya Department Store
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    4.0
    115 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kumamoto Pref. Kumamotoshichuouku Tetorihonchou 6-1
    This long-standing department store, one of Kumamoto's most well-known, was opened in 1952. On the outside, the department store retains the same classic appearance it bore when it first opened, while inside it boasts one of the largest shopping floors in the country. Dedicated to being a locally-based department store delivering a high quality, elegant lifestyle, the facility strives to host shops and products rooted in the area. Because the facility refuses to stick to traditional images of department stores and promotes closeness between its employees and customers, it is popular with people of all ages. The department store also has areas for men and kids, such as a children's area and a waiting room where you can use high class audio equipment.

    We missed out this smaller building in our last trips so this time we locate while shopping at near the intersection of the Kamitōri and Shimotōri Arcades. Tsuruya Department Store Co. Ltd. operates...

  • Kikuchi Gorge
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    4.5
    156 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Kikuchishi Haru
    It is located approximately 50 minutes away from the Ueki Interchange on the Kyushu Expressway. This gorge stretches within the Aso-Kuju National Park, and is a scenic area that has been selected as one of the Top 100 Forested Valleys in Japan, the 100 elections of the waterfall in Japan and the Top 100 Famous Water. Also known as Kikuchi Suigen, the underground water of Mt. Asogairin, which flows between a broadleaf forest, creates various lakes and waterfalls of various sizes, creating a landscape filled with variety. The average water temperature in the summer is 13 degrees Celsius, so it is called a natural cooler and is popular as a summer resort area. You can enjoy fresh greenery in the spring, colorful leaves in the autumn and frosty flowers that bloom over the whole mountain in the winter.

    The blueish color from the water is very beautiful. It was so refreshing feeling the cool air from the waters.

  • Yachiyoza
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    4.5
    114 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Yamagashi Yamaga 1499
    Yachioyaza, one of Japan’s Important Cultural Properties, is a playhouse built in 1910. Since opening they have put on a variety of shows, but with the changing era the number of visitors fell and the place closed. However, thanks to the ardent fund-raising activities of groups both old and young, restoration took place over 30 years and it is now a working playhouse again. It is also possible to take a look behind the scenes of the theater, from the revolving stage to the theater basement.

    Yachiyoza is one of the old Japanese theaters still in use. Actually it was a reconstruction and the actual building has only 20 years of history. But it was so finely reconstructed that we can now...

  • Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens
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    4.0
    104 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kumamoto Pref. Kumamotoshihigashiku Kengun 5-14-2
    This park is divided into the three zones of animal petting zone, seasonal flowers vegetation zone, and amusement park zone. Now, due to reconstruction work following the Kumamoto earthquake, the flower bed around the botanical garden, animal petting area, part of animal museum exhibition area (elephants, giraffes) and part of the amusement park have been opened free to the public. It is around a 10-minute walk from the Kumamoto tram’s Doshokubutsuen Irigiuchi Station.

    For some of the animals the cages are tiny. Seeing how depressed and lonely some of the animals looked whilst children jeered and tormented them was was a horrible experience. This experience changed...

  • Roadside Station Ozu
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    4.0
    78 Reviews
    Transportation
    Kumamoto Pref. Kikuchigunodumachi Hikinomizu 759
    This roadside station is in Ozu Town, Kikuchi County. Its specialty shop sells items from around the prefecture, as well as handicrafts, daily essentials, and women's clothes. Their popular taiyaki treats are made with sweet potatoes (the region grows the most in the prefecture). You can watch vendors make ikinari dango dumplings, a Kumamoto favorite, as well as spicy mustard filled lotus root. The restaurant serves fare like gyudon beef rice bowl, steak, and yakiniku (Japanese style barbecue) featuring the local Aka beef.

    空港近くにあるレンタカー営業所にクルマを返却する前に立ち寄ってみました。 近隣エリアにある道の駅の中では規模が大きく土産品・農産物・馬刺し・あか牛などが入手できます。ここに立ち寄れば熊本県内の土産品が揃ってました。 宿泊した際に貰った地域クーポンも使用できるのも魅力でした。 下手に空港内の店舗で土産を購入するのならここに立ち寄ることをお薦めします。

  • Roadside Station Oguni
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    3.5
    110 Reviews
    Transportation
    Kumamoto Pref. Asogunogunimachi Miyabaru 1754-17
    "This roadside station is in Oguni Town, Aso County. It's also known locally as ""Yu Station."" Completely covered in mirror glass and made with local Oguni cedar, it's Japan's first wooden-space truss building. The first floor has a gift shop selling specialty products, and the second floor is a tourist information center providing all you need to know about the region. It's on the site of what was once the Japanese National Railway's Higo-Oguni Station."

    As my title suggest , nothing much at this place. First floor sell souvenirs and snacks while the 2nd floor is a small exhibition of photo taken of various part of japan.

  • Takamorimachi Yusui Tunnel Park
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    4.0
    108 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kumamoto Pref. Asoguntakamorimachi Takamori 1034-2
    Walk 10 minutes south from Takamori Station. After construction work to connect the Takamori Line and Takachiho Line of the former national railway was stopped, 550 meters of the tunnel entrance were given over to become a park. There is a walking path set up inside the tunnel, which features all manner of attractions including the “Water Pearl” fountain where one can watch the wonderful movement of water droplets, and projection mapping. Seasonal events include the summer “Star Festival” and winter “Christmas Fantasy.”

    高森湧水トンネル公園(たかもりゆうすいとんねるこうえん)は、熊本県阿蘇郡高森町高森(くまもとけんあそぐんたかもりまちたかもり)にある公園だ。1975年、旧国鉄の高森線と高千穂線を結ぶ工事中に、採掘中のトンネルから出水。敷設計画が中止となったため、そのまま公園として整備されている。 高森湧水トンネル公園 熊本県阿蘇郡高森町高森1057−14 0967-62-3331 2022年4月12日、この日は...

  • Aso Roadside Station
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    4.0
    28 Reviews
    Transportation
    Kumamoto Pref. Asoshi Kurokawa 1440-1
    An excellently situated roadside station which offers superb views of Mt. Aso to the south and the outer rim of a volcanic greater standing beyond agricultural land to the north. There is an information booth inside the facility staffed by guides who will be happy to tell you about local tourist attractions and recommend special local products. The facility stands at a key crossing point between the Aso Tozan Road, National Route 57, and National Route 212.

    熊本特産品がたくさん並び、バラエティーに富んだボリューム満点の手作り弁当も飛ぶように売れていました。 観光客はもちろん、地元の方々も大勢利用されていました。 わざわざでも立ち寄る価値があると思います。

  • AINO AMAKUSA MURA
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    4.0
    103 Reviews
    Shopping
    Kumamoto Pref. Kamiamakusashi Oyanomachinoboritate 910
    This specialty shop in Kamiamakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture is well known for its roughly 15-meter statue of Amakusa Shiro, the tallest of its kind in Japan. Their Amakusa Umakamon Market sells local specialties and their Shima Café where you can enjoy the feeling of being in a tropical country serves various Asian sweets such as drinks with tapioca pearls. You can tour a chikuwa fish cake factory there too. Lots of visitors drop in here while sightseeing in Amakusa.

    ツーリングで寄りましたが大きな天草四郎とアマビエが出迎えてくれて写真スポットには良いです。果物がのったソフトクリームも美味しかったです。

  • Kumamotojo Inari Jinja
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    3.5
    113 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Kumamoto-shi Chuo-ku Honmaru 3-13

    A small Inari Shrine that is at the SW corner of the Castle premise. Quite visible by the flagging red/white banner as we left the Castle, the red-white banner is a common Inari Shrine setup for...

  • Roadside Station Shichijo Melon Dome
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    4.0
    76 Reviews
    Transportation
    Kumamoto Kikuchi-shi Shichijomachi Okada 306

    菊池市中心部から国道325号線を西に数km。国道沿いに、巨大なメロンが乗っている建物が見えてきました。それが、道の駅七城メロンドームでした。 このあたりはメロン栽培が盛んな地域のようです。立派なメロンはもちろん、メロンを使った商品もいろいろありました。七城メロン果汁を使ったメロンパンを購入し、メロン100%のジュースもいただいてみました。当然ですが、メロンパンもジュースも、メロン感がはんぱなか...

Kumamoto Areas

around-area-map

Kumamoto lies in the center of Kyushu, a calm prefecture perfect for easy strolls around the historic center and lazy evenings in the natural hot springs at Kurokawa Onsen. For a slightly more strenuous activity, head to Mount Aso, whose surrounding hills offer hiking opportunities aplenty with views over the active volcano.

Kumamoto Photo Album

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