Kumamoto: City of Abundant Waters - A Deep Dive into its Water Culture
Kumamoto City, nestled in the heart of Kyushu, enjoys a wealth of pristine water. This resource has not only shaped the city's history and culture but continues to define its present and future. From the volcanic heart of Aso to Kumamoto City’s intricate waterways, Kumamoto's story is interwoven…
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Echoes of the Last Samurai: Kumamoto City and the Satsuma Rebellion
The epic film "The Last Samurai," though fictionalized, draws heavily from the real-life Satsuma Rebellion of 1877. Tom Cruise's character, Nathan Algren, is loosely based on Jules Brunet, a French military advisor who fought alongside the samurai. The rebellion raged across Kyushu, with Kumamo…
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Explore Kumamoto's Vegetarian and Vegan Delights
Kumamoto, known for its exceptional produce, offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dining experiences. Here are three spots where you can enjoy delicious meals made entirely with local ingredients.
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Art Both Classical & Modern, Western & Japanese: the Shimada Museum of Art / Contemporary Art Museum, Kumamoto / Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art
Kumamoto City is not only a treasure trove of historical sites like Kumamoto Castle, Suizenji Jojuen Garden, and Reigando Cave, but also a vibrant hub of artistic expression. Much of Kumamoto’s historical art culture is influenced by the Hosokawa family, a samurai family that ruled over Kumamoto…
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Looking For Something More Than A Hotel? Try One of These Unique Guesthouses in Kumamoto
Forget the conventional hotel stay; how about a place to sleep that is steeped in history, culture, and local charm? Here are a couple guesthouses and boutique accommodations that offer unforgettable memories, culinary delights, and heartfelt interactions with locals. Dive into the heart of Kuma…
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Discover the Charm of Kumamoto’s Bar Scene
Kumamoto, famous for its exceptional bar culture, boasts a remarkable density of bars per capita, supposedly the highest in Japan. This vibrant scene is a blend of tradition, innovation, and camaraderie. Let’s delve into three distinct Kumamoto bars that encapsulate the spirit and uniqueness of …
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A Kumamon Extravaganza: Immerse Yourself in the World of Kumamon at the Newly Renovated Kumamon Square
Kumamon Square, everyone's center for all things Kumamon, has reopened its doors, unveiling a world brimming with new experiences, exhibits, and, of course, a wealth of Kumamon merchandise. Let’s take a look at what’s new at Kumamon Square.
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Explore Western Kumamoto City: Mt. Kinpo, Reigando Cave, and Endless Orange Orchards
While Kumamoto’s downtown area is rather compact, the city itself is enormous. The mountainous western part of the city is a great place to explore by car or taxi.
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Kumamoto Castle Nowadays, Vol. 3
It’s been almost 7 years since the devastating earthquakes of April 2016, and Kumamoto Castle is slowly but surely being rebuilt. Now that visitors are allowed back in the beautifully restored main keep, the focus has shifted to the long process of rebuilding Kumamoto’s many stone walls and turr…
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Higo no Budo - The Martial Arts of Kumamoto
The samurai is one of the most famous aspects of Japanese culture and still informs a lot of modern Japan. Kumamoto, as a castle town, had a strong samurai presence. Much of Kumamoto’s samurai tradition started during the rule of Kato Kiyomasa in the beginning of the 17th century. Thi…
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Places to Find, Make, and Buy Great Pottery in Kumamoto City
Kyushu is famed throughout the world for its ceramics. Although Arita ware from neighboring Saga Prefecture tends to get the most attention, Kumamoto also has a long history of unique and beautiful ceramics. Traditional styles like Shodai and Koda wares originated in Kumamoto, and the Amakusa re…
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Great Breakfast Spots in Kumamoto City
For foreign visitors to Japan, it can be hard to find places that can offer a tasty meal early in the morning. Here are a couple spots offering breakfast in Kumamoto that are worth a visit.
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Pose With A Life-Sized Luffy From the Manga One Piece!
Kumamoto City is a must-visit spot for any diehard fan of the manga One Piece! Starting with the unveiling of a statue of the main character Monkey D. Luffy in 2018 in front of the Kumamoto Prefectural Offices, a total of 9 statues of the members of the One Piece Straw H…
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A Look Behind the Scenes at How Manga is Made – Coamix’s Manga Lab
Are you a casual manga fan who wants to see how your favorite manga gets made? Or are you a budding artist looking to see the tools the pros use and talk with pro mangaka and editors? Come check out the Coamix Manga Lab in downtown Kumamoto City for a look at both the manga-making process and so…
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The Secret Spot for the Best View of Kumamoto Castle
Now that the interior of Kumamoto Castle is open, visitors can climb all the way to the top of the keep and take pictures of Kumamoto City.
But what do you do if you want a picture of Kumamoto Castle from high up? It may not be the first place you’d think of, but the 14th f…
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All Kinds of Heaven in a Cone – Josaien’s Soft Serve Ice Cream Fair
Nothing beats the oppressive Kumamoto heat and humidity like a cold, creamy cone-full of ice cream! Every year from March to November, around 10 of the shops in the Josaien shopping area at the foot of Kumamoto Castle cooperate to provide visitors with over 30 different …
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Kumamoto is a Melon-Producing Area!
In Kumamoto City, melons are produced in northern Ueki town and the southern Tomiai area. In the period before the rainy season, when the temperature difference between day and night is great, melons with a high degree of sweetness are grown. Kumamoto's Higo Green melon is characterized by its f…
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Go and See Chopper, the Ship Doctor of the Straw Hat Pirates!
As part of the Kumamoto Revival Project’s Straw Hat Pirates Hinokuni edition , a statue of Chopper from One Piece, the popular manga series drawn by Kumamoto native Eiichiro Oda, has been installed at Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens.
Chopper is the ship doctor for the St…
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"SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto" is finally open!
SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto will have its grand opening on September 14.
Connected with the city, connected with people
Connect with the city, connect with people, connect with things and things!
As the catchphrase suggests, the facility is a…
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Enjoy Kumamoto Gourmet at Home
Gohan no Tomo is a brand of furikake (a flavored topping of sprinkles for rice) developed in the Taisho era (1912-26). Featuring the same simple taste that one never tires of, this topping has been loved by people in Kumamoto for over 100 years. Over 40% of this furikake is made with carefully …
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