Things to do in Kumamoto City

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Kumamoto Prefecture

Kumamoto Castle

With a history of more than 400 years, Kumamoto Castle is one of the three famous castles in Japan. Covering an area of 5.3km, there are many buildings that are designated as key cultural relics by the state. The earthquake in 2016 was severely damaged, and the restoration project is making every effort to restore the majestic and heroic appearance before the earthquake. Visiting the restoration project of the ancient city is also a rare experience. Please come and visit.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Kumamoto Prefecture

Mount Aso

Mount Aso is a famous active volcano in Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu, with a diameter of more than 25 kilometers and the largest caldera in the world today. The five mountains of Aso stand in the crater, namely, Mount Neko, Mount Takayama, Mount Zhongyue, Mount Wugao, and Mount Kitsima. Among them, Mount Zhongshan still has frequent volcanic activities, and the scenery is very spectacular. There are walking trails around the Nakadake crater of Mount Aso, and when you reach the viewing platform of Nakadake crater, you will be greeted by a scene of white smoke. There is also an observatory nearby where you can take in the magnificent views of Kussenri, Mt.

Sakuranobaba Josaien

Sakuranobaba Sakuranobaba Josaien is an area located below Kumamoto Castle, primarily featuring cultural experiences, Kumamoto food, and souvenirs. It is divided into two main sections: Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwakuza and Sakura-no-koji. Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwakuza primarily offers historical and cultural experience services. The first floor features a historical exhibition hall that uses realistic sets and digital recreations to transport visitors back to the era of Kato Kiyomasa, the founder of Kumamoto Castle. The second floor is a performance hall where historical plays are regularly performed. Sakura-no-koji recreates the streetscape of the Edo period and features 23 selected local restaurants from Kumamoto Prefecture. Visitors can enjoy dining in this nostalgic district, and there are many specialty shops where you can purchase souvenirs to take home.

Aso Boy

The Aso Boy is a popular sightseeing train line in Kyushu, Japan, designed for families and train enthusiasts. The train runs between Kumamoto and Aso, passing through the picturesque Mount Aso area, providing passengers with a unique viewing experience. The interior design of the carriage is child-friendly, with a dedicated children's play area and reading corner, which is very popular with family tourists. The exterior of the train is mainly black and white, and the cute mascot "Aso Boy" image on the front of the train adds fun. The large windows allow passengers to enjoy the natural beauty along the way, including vast grasslands and beautiful volcanic landscapes. Special dining services are also provided on board, and tourists can taste local food and drinks. The comfortable environment and unique design of the train make it an ideal choice for exploring the natural scenery of Kyushu. Tourists can relax during the journey while enjoying a good time with family and friends.

Suizenji Jojuen Garden

Suizenji Jojuen Garden was built in the 17th century and covers an area of 70,000 square meters. It was created by Hosokawa Tadatoshi, the lord of the domain when "Kumamoto" was known as "Higo." Originally established as a private garden called "Kokufu O-chaya," it later reached its current scale after the careful maintenance and planned expansion by Hosokawa Tsunatoshi. The name Suizenji Jojuen Garden is derived from Tao Yuanming's poem "Return to the Fields and Gardens," from which "Jojuen" was named. Strolling through Suizenji Jojuen Garden, you can see lush trees and flowers and feel a sense of ease and relaxation. The magnificent artificial landscape makes Suizenji Jojuen Garden appear orderly and beautiful, and the water gushing into the pond in the garden comes from the underground spring water of Mount Aso. In addition, there are the antique Kokin Denju-no-ma, small bridges, ponds, and a tall torii gate, making Suizenji Jojuen Garden a beautiful and engaging garden, as if it were a collection of delightful features. Within Izumi Shrine is a sweet, clear spring known as "Longevity Water," which is another highlight of Suizenji Jojuen Garden. Because of its elegant environment and pleasant scenery, it attracts many visitors, making Suizenji Jojuen Garden one of the famous and beautiful attractions in Japan.

Kumamon Square

"Kumamoto Castle" was born in March 2011 to mark the full opening of the Kyushu Shinkansen. Kumamon Square is the activity base for "Kumamoto Castle," the Sales Manager and Happiness Manager of Kumamoto Prefecture who is active both in Japan and overseas, and it is also a place for promoting tourism and product information for Kumamoto Prefecture. From Kumamoto Castle's office as Sales Manager to the manager's office, there are many limited-edition goods, and even cafe dishes made with local ingredients from Kumamoto Prefecture, making it fun to visit, shop, and eat. When the manager is present, he will also put on a cute performance for everyone on stage.

Kumamoto City Zoo and Botanical Garden

Kumamoto City Zoo and Botanical Garden is located in Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. It is a comprehensive urban park facility that integrates animal exhibits, botanical displays, and leisure activities. Opened in 1929, the park has undergone numerous expansions and improvements, and today it serves as a representative family-friendly leisure spot in Kumamoto City. Situated near Ezu Lake, the park covers a vast area, providing visitors with a space to get close to nature and learn about living creatures. The zoo area houses a variety of animals from around the world, including giraffes, elephants, lions, monkeys, and reptiles. Different exhibit areas are arranged according to the animals' habits, allowing visitors to observe the animals' daily lives up close. At the same time, the park also helps visitors learn about wildlife conservation and ecological knowledge through animal talks, interactive activities, and more.

Katō Shrine

Monkey D. Luffy statue

After theApril 2016Kumamoto earthquake, as the"driving force", the manga"One Piece"and Kumamoto Prefecture jointly launched"the One Piece Kumamoto Revival Project", one part of which was installing bronze statues of the One Piece protagonists across Kumamoto Prefecture. Starting with the Luffy statue in front of the Kumamoto Prefectural Office, bronze statues of the nine Straw Hat crew members will be installed across Kumamoto Prefecture one after another, and they will use their"strengths"to contribute to the recovery activities. Currently,8have been installed, and the final Zoro statue will be unveiled onJanuary 22, 2022.

Grandmesse Kumamoto

Grandmesse Kumamoto is located in Mashiki, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. The venue features a well-organized interior and hosts a diverse range of events. It hosts year-round events such as Kumamoto local product exhibitions, handmade craft markets, mineral shows, and industrial revitalization expos, while also attracting numerous musicians for touring concerts. These events promote Kumamoto's local agricultural and industrial specialties and provide a platform for business networking. They also offer fun, public-facing experiences that balance commercial value with leisure needs for residents. Many specialty markets also feature food trucks, bringing together local snacks from across Kyushu to create a relaxed and lively atmosphere. For travelers visiting Kumamoto, Grandmesse Kumamoto is more than just an exhibition venue; it is a window into the vitality of Kumamoto's local industries and popular cultural life. Whether attending a trade show, enjoying a live performance, or browsing a specialty market, you can experience the vibrant atmosphere of Kumamoto and enjoy a unique travel experience here.