Best Bars for Expats in Kumamoto
Aug 28, 2024 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 ]
Best Shopping Spots in Kumamoto
Jun 27, 2024 By Justin Hanus
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...[ Click to read more ]
Craft Workshops for an Interactive Experience in Kumamoto
Jun 26, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Seeing crafts in exhibitions gives you a good sense of the culture that created them and an idea of the craftsmanship involved. However, nothing compares to having the experience of making something yourself. Visitors to Kumamoto can participate in interactive experiences at various craft workshops around the prefecture. Kumamoto City...[ Click to read more ]
How to Reach Kumamoto from Tokyo or Kansai
May 31, 2024 By Justin Hanus
Most visitors to Japan are aware of the top tourist destinations, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and other places in Kansai. However, there are interesting spots to see all over the country, including some that are less frequented by tourists. Visiting these places often gives you a more authentic Japanese...[ Click to read more ]
Sites to See on a Trip Around Yatsushiro
By Justin Hanus
A great option for a day trip if you’re in Kumamoto is Yatsushiro. This is a top destination for learning more about history and culture in Japan. 1. Kirai Art Installment If you arrive at Shin-Yatsushiro Station, the first thing you’ll see will be the Kirai art installment. This modern...[ Click to read more ]
Things to Do with Kids in Kumamoto
May 29, 2024 By Justin Hanus
If you’ve got kids, you’ll know how important it is to have an ongoing list of activities and places to go to entertain them at weekends or during school holidays. Kumamoto has a number of attractions designed for kids and plenty of places where the whole family can have fun....[ Click to read more ]
