Great Things to Do in Western Kumamoto
Nov 28, 2023 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 ]
Camping in Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
Kumamoto has many great nature spots that can be enjoyed close up for a few days with a spot of camping. These range from luxury “glamping” villages with all mod cons to free park and camp facilities. If you’re up for a weekend or more in the great outdoors, here’s...[ Click to read more ]
Learning Japanese in Kumamoto
Aug 29, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Getting to grips with a new language is high up on the to-do list for many expats. Japanese can be daunting for many as it has its own unique writing system and linguistic structure. However, there are many classes that will walk beginners through the basics, as well as more...[ Click to read more ]
Activities for Kids in Kumamoto
Aug 28, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Looking for some cool family-friendly things to keep your kids entertained in Kumamoto? Whether it is energetic sporty thrills or something to engage the mind, here is a nice selection of places to head to if you have a free day with little ones. Kumamoto Castle One of Kumamoto’s prime...[ Click to read more ]
