Samurai Tourism in Kumamoto
Dec 27, 2023 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 ]
Pottery Workshops and Galleries in Kumamoto
Sep 28, 2023 By Justin Hanus
The island of Kyushu is known worldwide for its ceramics. Kumamoto prefecture is the birthplace of the Shodai and Koda styles, and the city of Amakusa produces high-quality ceramics from porcelain called Amakusa pottery stone. You can see, purchase, and even make pottery yourself at several galleries and workshops around...[ Click to read more ]
Expat Community Support in Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
Finding your feet when you relocate to a new country or area can take a while. What are the registration procedures, if any? Where can you go to meet new people? This is where expat groups and networks can come in—usually founded and led by people who have been in...[ Click to read more ]
Top Things to Do and See in Yamato
Aug 30, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Although it’s most famous for Tsujun Bridge, there’s much more to see and do in Yamato. Have a few ideas in mind before you go to make the most of your time in the town. 1. Tsujun Bridge The reason Tsujun Bridge is famous is that it dates back to...[ Click to read more ]
