Best Shopping Spots in Kumamoto

Jun 27, 2024

Best Shopping Spots in Kumamoto

Whether you’re looking for modern malls full of big brand outlets or a more traditional bustling high street, Kumamoto has plenty to keep shoppers busy across the prefecture. This includes purpose-built out-of-town shopping districts aimed at attracting consumers further afield. We choose some of the best spots to find great stock and also maybe pick up a bargain.

Shimotori and Kamitori Shopping Arcades

Kumamoto’s central shopping hub, these two arcades were built in the 1960s and cover nearly a kilometer stretch between Kumamoto Castle and Shirakawa River. They run either side of Densha-dori, the city center’s busiest street. You can spend the best part of the day browsing in stores both new and old, including those dedicated to fashion, electronics, homeware and souvenirs. Some of the outlets date back many years, such as the Nagasaki bookstore that opened in the mid-19th century.

Both arcades are covered and usually open until 9:00 p.m. Kamitori (upper street) runs to the north and is 360 meters-long. The smaller and more upmarket of the two, it is more exclusively focused on shopping. Shimotori (lower street) runs to the south and is 510 meters-long. This is the busiest mall where you can find many restaurants, bars and occasional cool events.

Kokai Shopping Street

If you like your shopping to involve browsing around a vast array of market stalls, this street to the northeast of Kumamoto’s downtown area should meet all of your needs. It has an old-fashioned vibe with various local shops and stalls selling the likes of food, drink, clothes and trinkets. The street is narrow and winding, definitely not where you’ll find any big-name chain-stores. It’s a great place to stock up good value groceries and is close to Kumamoto University as well as a number of temples, if you fancy a spot of sightseeing.

Website: https://www.kokai-s.com/

AEON Mall

Offering a more western-style shopping mall experience, AEON is one of the shopping mall powerhouses in Japan. Its retail park in Kumamoto is a ride away from the center, about 30 minutes from JR Kumamoto Station. It houses around 160 stores and is one of the largest shopping spaces in Kumamoto. You can find big global names such as H&M and Zara alongside top Japanese brands. There is also a tax-free shop, a food court and a cinema as well as kids’ entertainment such as a game arcade and soft play. One of the big benefits is that parking is free. Look out for Golden Week, when stores offer tasty discounts.

Website: https://kumamoto-aeonmall.com/

Sakura Machi

One of the newest shopping additions, this purpose-built mall lies to the south of Kumamoto Castle in the downtown area. It’s a shopping center, hotel, event hall, cinema and bus terminal with some nice Japanese food places. There is a good mix of shops but what really sells this location is the rooftop park where you can sit in a bar or restaurant and enjoy the view. There is also a public piano in the upstairs area if you fancy a hearing a tune or two.

Website: https://sakuramachi-kumamoto.jp/

663highland, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons