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 kinds of tasty ice cream treats. Here are some options from this year’s lineup:

Be sure to pick up a cone before heading up to Kumamoto Castle, or save it to the end to reward yourself after climbing so many steps!

Josaien also features great dining options, plenty of souvenir shops, and the fun and informative Wakuwakuza Kumamoto Castle Museum! Josaien is a must-stop for any visitor to Kumamoto Castle!

Sakuranobaba Josaien

Hours: 11:00 – 19:00 (subject to change, see website for up-to-date info)

Website: https://josaien-shops.jp/