Kumamoto Prefecture

Christmas in Kumamoto

Nov 29, 2024 By Justin Hanus

There are many ways expats feeling homesick for Christmas can get into the festive spirit in Kumamoto. Although Christmas is not an official holiday in Japan, Kumamoto is one of...[ Click to read more ]

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 ]

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 ]

Family Days Out in Kumamoto

Aug 30, 2024 By Justin Hanus

Located in the north of Japan’s Kyushu region, Kumamoto prefecture has a rich culture and plenty of affordable attractions if you’re looking for a day out that all the family...[ Click to read more ]

Kumamoto Street Food

Jun 28, 2024 By Justin Hanus

Home to picturesque remote islands and the smoking Mount Aso, Kumamoto is the place to head to in Japan’s Kyushu region if you’re a foodie. Famed for its sweetfish sushi...[ Click to read more ]

Best Shopping Spots in Kumamoto

Jun 27, 2024 By Justin Hanus

Whether you’re looking for modern malls full of big brand outlets or a more traditional bustling high street, Kumamoto has plenty to keep shoppers busy across the prefecture. This includes...[ 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...[ Click to read more ]

Expat Community Support in Kumamoto

Sep 28, 2023 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...[ Click to read more ]