7 major attractions

1The symbol of Kumamoto
and its recovery,Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle is one of the three greatest castles in Japan. This magnificent fortress was constructed in 1601 by the first ruling domain lord of the region, Kato Kiyomasa, a renowned castle builder and strategist. Taking 7 years to complete, the castle is nothing like any other. Following the ruling by the Kato clan, it was then occupied by the Hosokawa clan during the Edo period.
This symbolic landmark of Kumamoto City features "musha-gaeshi" stone walls to combat intruders and newly-reconstructed extravagant Honmaru Goten Palace. The castle premises is a great cherry blossom viewing spot, drawing tons of spectators during the blooming season. The 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake has left many of the on-site structures severely damaged including the stone walls, the tenshukaku main tower, and others designated as Important Cultural Properties.Restoration of the tenshukaku tower is planned for the year 2019, as for the entire premises is projected to be re-established in the next 20 years. Entering the Honmaru Palace is currently prohibited; however, the Ninomaru Palace courtyard and Kato Shrine within the premises should provide a stunning view of it. Our wish for all visitors is that this would provide an unique opportunity to witness the rebuilding process of Kumamoto Castle.

Kumamoto Castle

2Daily life with quality drinking water
- Japan's No.1 groundwater city

Even with population of over 740,000, Kumamoto City is able to provide all of its water needs from the natural groundwater resource. It is the largest in the country for a city with over 50,000 in population. This makes Kumamoto one of the rarest groundwater city in the entire world. The ground formed by Mt. Aso's volcanic ashes here in Kumamoto soaks up water very quickly. The rainfall on the high Aso mountains would eventually trickle down to the city area in about 20 years time. As the water dissolves various mineral contents in the soil, it turns to the great tasting, healthy natural groundwater. It should be noted that the yearly rainfall in this region is well above the national average, and that the paddy field irrigation in the area developed by the feudal lord Kato Kiyomasa about 420 years ago adds to creating this abundant natural groundwater resource of the region.
Such is the blessed daily life here in Kumamoto where quality mineral water is available right at your faucet every day for all your life necessities including drinking, cooking, and bathing.

おいしい水の写真

3"Food produce"
cultivated with pure water

Abundant in clean groundwater and various natural resources, Kumamoto City is a fruitful producer of rice, vegetables, fruits, flowers, stock farm products, and many other agricultural commodities. The city is ranked the third highest in total production among all prefectures and government-designated municipalities, while coming in at 8th among all city-town-village municipalities in the entire country (2014 data). Kumamoto is, in fact, one of the nation's leading producers of watermelons, melons, eggplants, and tangerines.
Though the usual local specialties of Kumamoto are known to be the likes of "basashi" (raw horse meat), "karashi renkon" (lotus root with mustard), and "Kumamoto ramen noodles," various types of country cuisines and local specialty dishes made with pure groundwater and fresh produce of each region should also satisfy your taste buds! Why not go beyond just sightseeing and fully savor the tastes of "Kumamoto" during your stay? Guaranteed to meet your expectation!

karashi renkon Kumamoto ramen noodles

4Places of nature and healing in the midst of the city
-- Suizenji Jojuen Garden, Lake Ezu, Ueki Onsen

In the midst of bustling Kumamoto City are some nature-filled places of rest and healing. First up is a must-stop tourist destination in Kumamoto, Suizenji Jojuen Garden. Designated as a National Scenic Beauty and a Historic Site, this Momoyama-style stroll garden with a central pond opened in 1636 on the former premises of the tea house belonging to then-Kumamoto domain ruling Hosokawa clan.
The central pond is made up of Aso's groundwater. Its translucent clean water is as if it can purify your souls as you gaze into it. Lake Ezu is only about 15 minutes by car from the heart of Kumamoto City. Approximately 6 km in perimeter, this body of water is divided into two: Kamiezu and Shimoezu. It is quite rare for a Japanese metropolitan area to feature a natural lake of this size, thus making it a great resting place for the city residents. The lake area is equipped with a promenade and a grassy park, suitabl ffor a little walk as well as wildlife watching for aquatic and wild bird habitat on site.
Drive about 40 minutes north on National Road 3 from downtown Kumamoto City, and you will find yourself in the "inner parlor of Kumamoto," Ueki Onsen. This tranquil rural hot spring district is situated along the clear current Goshi River. Offered at various inns and day-trip communal baths, the hot tubs of Ueki is known to turn your skin "as smooth as the marble." Get rejuvenated in the hot springs of this nature-filled rural town.

Suizenji Jojuen Ueki Onsen

5A popular figure of Kumamoto running through the city,
the "City Tram"

Kumamoto City's City Tram first started its operation back in 1924. Consisting of two lines running east to west, the City Tram continues to serve many citizens and tourists in the city today. The style of the carts can vary from retro and classic ones to new COCOROs just installed in 2014. The ride fee is all flat rate anywhere throughout the city, and the carts are domestic transportation IC cards compatible for payments.This beloved mass transit of Kumamoto offers unique seasonal rides including the summertime "beer garden tram" as well as the "illumination tram" with light decors during the Christmas season.
Linking all major destinations such as Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Castle, Suizenji Jojuen Garden, and the arcade shopping district, the City Tram is a great way to get around the city even for tourists. The 1-Day Pass for 500 yen gives you unlimited rides anywhere in the city all day long. It should also be fun fully capturing different looks of Kumamoto City out of this moving streetcar as well.

City Tram

6"Kyushu's hub city"
with great access

Kumamoto City is located in central Kyushu, which gives it a great geographical advantage. Bullet train Kyushu Shinkansen opened in 2011, now connecting Kumamoto with Fukuoka City (via Hakata Station) by 33 minutes and with Kagoshima City (via Kagoshima-Chuo Station) by 44 minutes on the fastest routes, respectively.
This has not only made the area more livable, but also more convenient for leisure travels as well. Neighboring all the other 6 prefectures on the island, traveling from Kumamoto to various tourist destinations is simple and easy.
Reaching various parts within the prefecture is also very convenient. With Aso being just to the east and Amakusa being just to the west, Kumamoto City provides an instant access to various major tourist locations nearby. Travel throughout Kumamoto and the rest of Kyushu as Kumamoto City as your central location for maximizing your travel experience here in Kyushu.

Bullet train Kyushu Shinkansen  via Kagoshima-Chuo Station
Kumamoto City

7Kumamoto City's attractive
"energetic people"

"Mokkosu" and "wasamon" are phrases often used to describe the nature of Kumamoto people. "Mokkosu" is an expression typically used to describe a man of a strong conviction or of a stubborn mind. It is not a derogatory term, however. This complimentary word simply means that he is a man of principle."Wasamon" is also used as a compliment when describing someone with an adventurous affinity toward new things.
All the above traits -- strong conviction, passion, and affinity for new things -- nurture talents in areas such as art, entertainment, sports, and various cultures. We highly encourage you to strike a conversation with the locals during your visit in Kumamoto. Kumamoto citizens are more likely to respond and to interact with you with lots of enthusiasm. That, within itself, is a fun part of traveling!

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