Valentine’s Boat Trips in Kumamoto
Jan 29, 2024 By Justin Hanus
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, now could be the perfect time to plan a memorable romantic boat trip that takes in some of the scenery the Kumamoto prefecture has to offer. You could book a relaxing cruise with a nice meal or even indulge in a water-based activity...[ Click to read more ]
Where to Go for Ice Cream in Kumamoto
Dec 27, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Like the rest of Japan, Kumamoto has plenty of places where you’ll find high-quality ice cream. Whereas soft-serve ice cream is the most popular, you can also find gelato. To make sure you pick a great spot, try these top ice cream shops. 1. Libcafe For an elaborate sundae in...[ Click to read more ]
New Year Bike Rides in Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
Need to do a bit of exercise to shed those extra pounds gained during the holiday season? What better way than to explore the city on two wheels and let the fresh winter air hit you in the face. The Kumamoto prefecture has several scenic biking routes of varying lengths...[ Click to read more ]
Samurai Tourism in Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
Kumamoto was historically an important samurai town, signs of which still exist today. In fact, there’s now an industry around samurai tourism in Kumamoto. This includes several half- and full-day tours, offered by professionals. Samurai Experience Tour An exclusive option is the Samurai Experience Tour. Provided by a national government-licensed...[ Click to read more ]
Best Places for Breakfast in Kumamoto
Nov 30, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Breakfast in Japan may be quite different than what you’re used to, as it consists of things like grilled fish, steamed rice, and pickles. However, you can also find restaurants serving breakfasts that are more similar to what you find in the West. Whatever kind of breakfast you’re looking for,...[ Click to read more ]
The Wild Dolphins of Amakusa
Nov 28, 2023 By Justin Hanus
The Amakusa Islands in Kumamoto are known for their unique culture, interesting geological formations, beautiful green hills — and, most importantly, the wild dolphins that live just off the shore. Estimates put the number of Minami bottlenose dolphins (also called Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins) in the area at 200 to 300....[ Click to read more ]
Great Things to Do in Western Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
Western Kumamoto is dominated by Mount Kinbo, a now-extinct volcano, but there is still plenty on offer. Whether you enjoy spending time in nature, are interested in ancient Japanese culture, or are looking ways to keep fit throughout the year, you’ll find numerous things to do and see in this...[ Click to read more ]
Where to Eat Vegetarian Food in Kumamoto
Oct 30, 2023 By Justin Hanus
In many parts of the world, it can be difficult to find vegetarian options — but Kumamoto is not one of them. Throughout the city, you’ll find a wide variety of vegetarian-friendly restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Purely Restaurant Located in a transformed 140-year-old home, Purely Restaurant has a...[ Click to read more ]
All About Higo Zogan
Oct 27, 2023 By Justin Hanus
A local craft you’ll only see in Kumamoto is Higo Zogan. It involves engraving an iron base with a design and inlaying with gold, silver, or both. Designs are often ancient (such as kuyokamon — the crest of nine celestial bodies) but are sometimes modern. The History of Higo Zogan...[ Click to read more ]
How to Get an ETC Card in Japan
Oct 19, 2023 By Justin Hanus
To pay the expressway tolls in Japan, it helps to have an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) card. This allows you to make automatic cashless payments instead of needing to stop at tollbooths and pay in cash. There are even special lanes at the tolls for holders of ETC cards, which...[ Click to read more ]
