10 Best Things to Do in Kumamoto

The most popular sight in the city, Kumamoto Castle is an iconic piece of Japanese history – and one of the most famous castles to visit in Japan. The castle has a fascinating history, spanning back 400 years, and was the site of the final battle between the Meiji government and thousands of Samurai warriors.

Restored after an earthquake in 2016, Kumamoto Castle is an impressive site to visit with a complex covering over a square kilometre. Be sure to visit the castle museum to learn more about the history and see the Uto Turret, which is one of the few buildings that dates back to the castle’s first construction.

A pretty Japanese landscape garden in Kumamoto, the Suizenji Jojuen Garden is a must-see on your visit to the city. Located close to Kumamoto Castle, the beautiful gardens cover a large area of around 7 kilometres and include a lake fed with spring water from Mount Aso.

Dating back to the 17th Century, the Suizenji Jojuen Garden has an incredible history and features a Buddhist temple, traditional Japanese teahouse, and a miniature recreation of Mount Fuji. The gardens look particularly beautiful in cherry blossom season, from late March to April.

The largest shopping arcade in Kumamoto, the Shimotori Arcade offers up a mix of old and modern stores, housed in an impressive building with high ceilings and skylights. From clothing and cosmetics to supermarkets and souvenirs, you’ll find a great variety for shoppers here.

The Shimotori Arcade is a lovely place to wander and get a feel for the local culture in Kumamoto. As well as the many stores to choose from, there are plenty of delicious restaurants and a vibrant nightlife – head there in the evening to try some karaoke or a Japanese izakaya bar, serving drinks and snacks until late.

For spectacular views of the city, head to the Kumamoto City Hall Observation Lobby. It’s open every weekday and is free to visit – the observation deck is on the 14th floor, which you can access by lift.

As well as panoramic views of the city, the Kumamoto City Hall Observation Lobby is particularly well situated for magnificent views of Kumamoto Castle. There’s also a restaurant in the city hall building on the 14th floor, where you can enjoy a meal accompanied by skyline views.

Located north of Kumamoto Castle, the Kumamoto Prefectual Traditional Crafts Centre showcases a wide selection of handmade crafts that originated in Kumamoto. The crafts include “Higo zogan” (metalwork), local ceramics, wooden and bamboo crafts, folk art, paper lanterns, and traditional toys.

A wonderful place to immerse yourself in the local culture, many items at the Kumamoto Prefectual Traditional Crafts Centre are accompanied by background information. Plus, there’s a gallery of officially designated crafts of Kumamoto. Make sure you visit the shop on the ground floor to pick up some traditional souvenirs to take home.

If you’re looking for some peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Suizenji Ezuko Park – home to Ezu Lake. A great spot for running or cycling – with dedicated promenades and bike lanes – you can also rent rowing and pedal boats here to take out on the lake.

Suizenji Ezuko Park is a family-friendly place to visit with a plaza fountain, nature garden, and children’s pool – along with plenty of space to let the kids roam free or to set up a picnic lunch. This is the perfect place to take some time out and enjoy Lake Ezu – particularly in warmer weather.

Also known as CAMK, the Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto is an art gallery exhibiting a diverse collection from leading Japanese and international artists. The building is a piece of art in itself – be sure to check out the impressive main gallery, which displays a handful of exhibitions each year.

Located in the city centre – on the 3rd floor of Bipuresu Kumanichi Kaikan – the Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto is a family-friendly social space as well as an art gallery. With plenty of cosy corners to hang out in, this is a great place for locals and visitors to take a break from the city. The community spaces include a library, children’s playroom, and café.

Located next to Kumamoto Castle, Sakuranobaba Johsaien is a popular place to eat out, shop, and fully immerse yourself in the history of the city. The area recreates a traditional Japanese castle town and features many historical exhibits at the Kumamoto Castle Museum, as well as shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs.

A heaven for foodies, Sakuranobaba Johsaien is home to many mouth-watering restaurants and food shops and is the perfect place to sample the best local delicacies. Also, keep an eye out for seasonal events here – from street performers to ice cream fairs and a night market in the summer.

Situated in the grounds of the Unganzenji Temple, Reigando Cave is famous for being the last home of legendary Japanese swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi, in the 17th century. Martial Arts and Samurai enthusiasts are sure to be fascinated by visiting the place where Musashi composed his famous work The Book of Five Rings.

There are many interesting statues to see at Reigando Cave and visitors can drink from a spring that the famous Samurai warrior would have drunk from hundreds of years ago. You can also explore the pretty Unganzenji Temple, founded in the 14th Century by a Chinese Zen monk.

Head north from Kumamoto Castle to discover Kyomachi – one of the oldest areas in the city. It’s a fascinating area to explore, steeped in history with traditional Japanese architecture and hidden shrines.

An ideal area to explore on foot, you’ll find an interesting mix of old and new in Kyomachi, with well-preserved historical buildings sitting alongside modern shops and organic restaurants. Looking for somewhere to take a break? Grab a coffee or a bite to eat at the Purely Café restaurant or the speciality coffee house, Coffee Gallery, in Kyomachi before you continue to explore the city.