Live Music Venues in Kumamoto
Jul 19, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Kumamoto is the live music hub of the Kyushu region in Japan. While it doesn't have the same reputation for live bands as Tokyo or Osaka, it boasts a few lovely little venues that showcase everything from in-house bands to out-of-town rock and rollers. If you're looking for a gig...[ Click to read more ]
Breweries in Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
One of the most thriving areas of Japan's Kyushu region, Kumamoto has a strong history of alcohol production. Not just in the nation's favorite tipple of sake but also in another national beverage of shochu, not to mention craft beer producers that have emerged in recent years. You can find...[ Click to read more ]
Aso-Kuju: Kumamoto’s Breathtaking Park
Jul 01, 2023 By William Farrow
For residents of Kyushu, the outdoors and nature are always nearby. A far cry from the large cities of Honshu, people can expect a rich abundance of activities and places to visit. One of the first big must-see trips of the region is Aso-Kuju National Park, the emerald jewel of...[ Click to read more ]
The Reborn Town of Hitoyoshi Kuma
Jun 28, 2023 By Justin Hanus
Since the 2020 Kyushu floods brought record-breaking heavy rains down on Kumamoto prefecture, the Council for Tourism Advancement in Hitoyoshi-Kuma has been working to bring tourism back to the area. One of these efforts has centered on Hitoyoshi Kuma. Dubbed a reborn town, it is returning from the disaster stronger...[ Click to read more ]
Kumamoto Art Galleries and Museums
By Justin Hanus
Located in the central Kyushu region in Japan, Kumamoto prefecture is rich with its unique history and culture. There are spaces both large and small where you can bask in fine art and learn about historical events that have shaped the area. If you're looking for an afternoon getting to...[ Click to read more ]
Boat Trips in Kumamoto
May 19, 2023 By Justin Hanus
As a port city with several waterways, Kumamoto offers up a few boating opportunities. These include cruises along rivers and lakes and ferry trips that take you further afield. Here is a selection of what you can find in the prefecture. Kuma River The Kuma River is the longest in...[ Click to read more ]
Great Places for a Date in Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
Kumamoto has many romantic spots that are ideal for a date. Whether you’re looking for places to spend the weekend together or want somewhere you can go for a few hours after work, you have some great options. Suizenji Jojuen Garden A highlight of Kumamoto for tourists and a romantic...[ Click to read more ]
Minamata in Kumamoto: From Environmental Disaster to Eco-Town
Apr 20, 2023 By Justin Hanus
One of the worst environmental disasters in Japan occurred in Minamata (a town on Kyushu island in Kumamoto prefecture) when a chemical contaminant poisoned numerous residents; however, in the years since, Minamata has taken steps to reverse its legacy and has become certified as an eco-town. The Environmental Disaster The...[ Click to read more ]
Exploring the Amakusa Islands Near Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
Around 60 kilometers from Kumamoto City is a group of unique islands called Amakusa. There are two main islands (Shimoshima and Ueshima) and hundreds of smaller ones. Isolated from the rest of Kyushu, a sizeable Christian population lives here, whose ancestors were converted by missionaries shortly before the religion was...[ Click to read more ]
Summer Days Out in Kumamoto
By Justin Hanus
Located in the center of the southern Kyushu island of Japan, Kumamoto is known for its gorgeous scenery. There is certainly no shortage of fantastic days out during the summer months here, from picturesque hikes to relaxing boat trips to festival fun. Much has been written about famed attractions such...[ Click to read more ]
