National Parks to Visit Near Kumamoto
Sep 30, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Just beyond the borders of the city, the prefecture of Kumamoto is filled with natural beauty. Explore the mountains and forests, with shrines scattered in between, by visiting some of the national parks. Aso-Kuju National Park Spanning Kumamoto and Oita prefectures is Aso-Kuju National Park. It is named for Mount...[ Click to read more ]
What Makes Kumamoto Sake So Special?
By Justin Hanus
Although sake is the most famous Japanese alcoholic beverage, in Kumamoto (and, in fact, on the entire island of Kyushu), shochu is more common. Nonetheless, Kumamoto has a strong sake culture and creates a drink that is unlike what you find elsewhere in the country. To understand why that is,...[ Click to read more ]
Halloween in Kumamoto
Sep 26, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Halloween isn’t as big a deal in Japan as it is in the U.S., meaning you won’t see places filled with jack-o-lanterns, witches’ broomsticks, or cobweb decorations. However, Halloween has become a thing over the past couple of decades. Japan began to embrace Halloween when Tokyo Disneyland hosted its first...[ Click to read more ]
Family Days Out in Kumamoto
Aug 30, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Located in the north of Japan’s Kyushu region, Kumamoto prefecture has a rich culture and plenty of affordable attractions if you’re looking for a day out that all the family can enjoy. From fun outdoor activities to educational experiences, here are a few great destinations if you’re looking to keep...[ Click to read more ]
What You’ll See at Mifune Dinosaur Museum
Aug 28, 2024 By Justin Hanus
If you’re a dinosaur fan, you need to pay Mifune Dinosaur Museum a visit. Located in the small town of Mifune in Kumamoto prefecture, the site was home to numerous dinosaurs during the Cretaceous Period. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that researchers discovered the first fossils. Shortly after, in...[ Click to read more ]
Best Bars for Expats in Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
Kumamoto is one of the best spots for nightlife on Kyushu Island. In the downtown area, particularly Sakae Dori, expats can find plenty of haunts where they can enjoy a tipple, grab a spot of food and meet like-minded people. Whether you’re looking for a small cosy pub, a live...[ Click to read more ]
Where to Find the Best Coffee in Kumamoto
Jul 29, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Kumamoto locals love a good cup of coffee. This is great news for visitors who also want to make sure their daily caffeine is delicious. Coffee Gallery Despite being located in a renovated 120-year-old machiya (a traditional wooden townhouse), Coffee Gallery has a sleek, modern interior. The coffee shop is...[ Click to read more ]
Where to Find the Straw Hat Pirates in Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
The creator of One Piece, Eiichiro Oda, grew up in Kumamoto. After an earthquake severely damaged the city in 2016, he started a revival project in partnership with the prefecture to reconstruct the city. To commemorate his contribution, the prefecture installed Straw Hat Pirate statues around Kumamoto. Although there was...[ Click to read more ]
What to Visit in Kikuchi
By Justin Hanus
Kyushu, in general, is packed with great outdoor adventures — from mountains to climb and trails to cycle to rivers to wade in and forests to bathe in. One of the best places to enjoy all these kinds of adventures is Kikuchi. During your visit, make sure you see all...[ Click to read more ]
Kumamoto Street Food
Jun 28, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Home to picturesque remote islands and the smoking Mount Aso, Kumamoto is the place to head to in Japan’s Kyushu region if you’re a foodie. Famed for its sweetfish sushi with the rice inside the fish, and fruity Kumamoto oysters, the prefecture has a variety of distinctly local savory and...[ Click to read more ]
