Best Shopping Spots in Kumamoto

May 19, 2023

Best Shopping Spots in Kumamoto

Kumamoto has a range of places to go shopping, including modern malls, covered arcades, traditional shopping streets, department stores, and souvenir shops. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll be able to have the kind of shopping experience you want.

Shimotori Shopping Arcade

Although Shimotori Shopping Arcade was only built in the 1960s, ssome of its stores have a much longer history. Today, shops that have existed for decades sit alongside modern stores under a glass covering. In particular, there are many eateries, but you’ll also find souvenir shops and even some supermarkets. The vibrant atmosphere makes for an enjoyable stroll. In addition to walking the main street, explore some of the small alleys — you may discover some hidden gems.

Kamitori Shopping Arcade

Another option for arcade-style shopping is Kamitori. The glass corridor was built around the same time as Shimotori and also contains many stores, including restaurants, electronics shops, drug stores, and bookshops. The main difference is the stores tend to be more upscale. It’s also slightly smaller than Shimotori and receives fewer visitors, leading to a more relaxed atmosphere.

Sakura Machi Kumamoto

A top indoor shopping mall to visit is Sakura Machi Kumamoto. It has a wide range of brand-name stores, many food options, and some comfortable places to sit when you need a break from shopping, especially on the upper floors and rooftop garden.

Aeon Mall Kumamoto

You’ll find many of your favorite stores at Aeon Mall Kumamoto. It has a wide variety, ranging from economic to high-end stores. An especially good time to go is during Golden Week, when many of the places have big discounts — you’ll also save on the free parking. This mall is a good choice for shopping with kids, as it has a game arcade and a soft play area for toddlers.

Amu Plaza Kumamoto

For more top-quality shopping in a mall, there’s Amu Plaza Kumamoto. It has many modern stores, including a high-end grocery store. The highlight of this mall, though, is the waterfall, which cascades down from the third to the first floor and is surrounded by greenery.

Aeon Town Nishi Kumamoto

One more large mall to consider is Aeon Town Nishi Kumamoto. The ample parking and spacious interior mean it rarely feels crowded. You can find stores for virtually anything you need — from clothing and shoes to cosmetics and groceries.

Kokai Shopping Street

For a more traditional shopping experience, head to Kokai shopping street. You’ll mostly find small businesses, many of which are family owned. The area is aimed at locals rather than tourists, making it an excellent spot to go if you need to buy groceries or want a traditional meal.

Kengun Shopping Street

A second small shopping street is Kengun. If you want to support local businesses and have a traditional shopping experience, this is another excellent place to go. There have been efforts to attract more shoppers (especially young people) to the area as people continue to flock to large malls and abandon more traditional stores. Paying the shopping street a visit is a great way to support these efforts. As a bonus, you can visit Kengun Shrine during your shopping trip.

Kawaramachi Shopping Street

To go even more off the beaten track, head to Kawaramachi shopping street. It has some truly unique places, including candle-making shops and secondhand stores. If you come in the evening, you may even be able to enjoy some live music.

Tsuruya Department Store

There are still some old-school shopping centers in Kumamoto, such as Tsuruya Department Store. In particular, it appeals to adults who want to shop without distractions and children who appreciate the kids’ zone on the roof. Many of the products are high-end, especially clothing and cosmetics.

Cocosa Shimotori

A shopping center in downtown Kumamoto, Cocosa Shimotori, has a modern feel and wide open spaces to avoid it feeling crowded. There’s a supermarket in the basement, a café and clothing store on the first floor, beauty products and more clothing on the second floor, stationery and Japanese products on the third floor, and furniture and another café on the fourth floor. Shoppers also come here to donate to the blood bank or visit the cooking studio on the fifth floor.

Sun Road Shin Shigai Shopping Arcade

You’ll find a range of interesting stores and restaurants in Sun Road Shin Shigai Shopping Arcade. Located right near Shimotori Shopping Arcade, it is wider, which keeps it less crowded. As it’s completely covered, it’s comfortable to walk through the arcade even when the weather is rainy.

Youme Mart Tasaki

For a larger selection of groceries compared to most supermarkets, Youme Mart Tasaki is an excellent option. It’s often good for bargains, especially if you purchase products that are nearing their expiration date.

The Daiso Kumamoto Kagocho Street Store

A chain store where everything costs 100 yen, you’ll find everything from houseware and decorations to gifts, toys, and stationery at the Daiso Kumamoto Kagocho Street Store. It’s a great place to pick up high-quality small items. Be warned, though, as it can be busy during the afternoons and evenings, although the cashiers do work fast to keep the lines moving.

Kumamoto Prefectural Product Center

There’s nowhere better to quickly grab some Kumamoto-themed souvenirs than Kumamoto Prefectural Product Center. Located in downtown Kumamoto, you can swing by when you’re doing some tourist activities, such as visiting the castle.

Kumamon Square

To pick up some merchandise featuring the mascot of the city, visit Kumamon Square. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs and gifts for friends who are Kumamon fans. You may also have the chance to see Kumamon when he’s in his office, although you need to request a ticket in advance and wait to see if you win the lottery for a place at the show.

Whatever you’re looking for, there are options in Kumamoto. Consider visiting both the malls and shopping streets to experience modern and traditional Japanese culture.

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