Kumamoto

Great Shrines for Hatsumode in Kumamoto

Nov 27, 2024 By Justin Hanus

The turn of the year is holiday time in Japan. People are off work to celebrate the New Year with parties, family gatherings, culinary feasts, and hatsumode. Hatsumode is the...[ Click to read more ]

All About Yatsushiro Myoken Festival

Oct 25, 2024 By Justin Hanus

Dating back to roughly the 14th century, Yatsushiro Myoken is one of the oldest festivals in Japan. Spanning over two days, it takes places every year in Yatsushiro City in...[ Click to read more ]

The Best Restaurants for International Food in Kumamoto

Oct 25, 2024 By Justin Hanus

Even though Japanese food is delicious, you may not want to eat it every single day. The good news is Kumamoto has a number of restaurants serving international cuisine from...[ Click to read more ]

National Parks to Visit Near Kumamoto

Sep 30, 2024 By Justin Hanus

Just beyond the borders of the city, the prefecture of Kumamoto is filled with natural beauty. Explore the mountains and forests, with shrines scattered in between, by visiting some of...[ Click to read more ]

What Makes Kumamoto Sake So Special?

Sep 30, 2024 By Justin Hanus

Although sake is the most famous Japanese alcoholic beverage, in Kumamoto (and, in fact, on the entire island of Kyushu), shochu is more common. Nonetheless, Kumamoto has a strong sake...[ Click to read more ]

Halloween in Kumamoto

Sep 26, 2024 By Justin Hanus

Halloween isn’t as big a deal in Japan as it is in the U.S., meaning you won’t see places filled with jack-o-lanterns, witches’ broomsticks, or cobweb decorations. However, Halloween has...[ Click to read more ]

What You’ll See at Mifune Dinosaur Museum

Aug 28, 2024 By Justin Hanus

If you’re a dinosaur fan, you need to pay Mifune Dinosaur Museum a visit. Located in the small town of Mifune in Kumamoto prefecture, the site was home to numerous...[ Click to read more ]

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...[ 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...[ Click to read more ]

Where to Find the Straw Hat Pirates in Kumamoto

Jul 29, 2024 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...[ Click to read more ]