Kumamoto Castle Nowadays, Vol. 4
Since we last left off, Kumamoto Castle was still in the midst of the long process of post-earthquake recovery. Meticulous work proceeds on the stabilization and reconstruction of the damaged stone walls. While …
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Touchdown in Kumamoto: First Impressions of the Upgraded Aso Kumamoto Airport
Konnichiwa, traveler! Planning a Kumamoto adventure? You'll likely arrive at the newly renovated Aso Kumamoto Airport. Whether you're arriving, departing, or even a local, this updated facility has something for everyone.
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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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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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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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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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Top Things To Do At Kumamoto Station
Welcome to Kumamoto City! JR Kumamoto Station is one of Kumamoto City’s major transportation hubs with access to local and Shinkansen trains, the City Tram, local and long-distance buses, and taxis. This post will tell you all you need to know about Kumamoto Station, plus some extra recommendati…
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Special Events in Kumamoto City: Street Art-plex, Christmas Market & Shirakawa Night Market
Kumamoto City is rich in culture and boasts a number of traditional matsuri (festivals) throughout the year, like the Great Festival of Fujisaki Hachimangu Shrine in September and the Seishoko Matsuri in July. In recent years, a number of new events have sprung up throughout the city th…
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What Makes Kumamoto Ramen Special?
What’s your favorite kind of ramen? If tonkotsu is your thing, Kumamoto ramen is a must-try spin on this tasty ramen style. This post will tell you all you need to know about Kumamoto-style ramen, plus introduce a couple traditional tonkotsu ramen shops.
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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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Suizenji Jojuen: Where Traditional Japanese Arts Live On
Along with Kumamoto Castle, Suizenji Jojuen Garden (sometimes called Suizenji Park) is one of the main tourist spots in Kumamoto City. The carefully manicured gardens occupy an important place in Kumamoto’s history and speak volumes of Kumamoto’s unique samurai culture.
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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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