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Kumamoto City

Rich history and culture in south Japan

About Kumamoto City
Photo: Nicole Bauer / JT

Things to do in Kumamoto City

Kumamoto Top 10

Where to eat in Kumamoto City

Kokutei Ramen

Kokutei Ramen

Tom Roseveare

Operating since 1957, Kokutei (黒亭) is one of the most famous and popular ramen shops in Kumamoto, proudly serving the local ..

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Tengaiten

Tengaiten

Tom Roseveare

Tengaiten (天外天) serves up Kumamoto ramen in the city centre – tonkotsu ramen with garlic.

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Izakaya Hama Chan

Izakaya Hama Chan

Yui Yamaguchi

Evoking Kumamoto Castle with its black walls and wood framed windows is your first impression of Izakaya Hamachan. The sign ou..

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Places to stay in Kumamoto City

Hotel Nikko Kumamoto

Hotel Nikko Kumamoto

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Hotel Nikko Kumamoto provides the most luxurious, comfortable, and convenient accommodation in Kumamoto City.

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About Kumamoto City

Kumamoto City brims with history as it is where Kumamoto Castle, standing since the 13th century, is located. Along with Himeji and Matsumoto Castles, Kumamoto Castle is considered a top-three castle in Japan. A perfect time to visit would be in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, bringing vibrant colours to the castle's exterior.

Southeast of Kumamoto Castle is Suizen-ji Joju-en, a hill garden located within Suizenji Park, where scenic walks surrounded by trees of all shades of green are popular.

Visitors with an adventurous palate may find themselves satisfied with Kumamoto's delicacy of raw horse meat, also known as basashi.

Downtown Kumamoto offers two shopping arcades, Shimotori and Kamitori. Department stores, as well as smaller retailers and eating establishments line the area and makes for a convenient location for visitors. 

To see what Kumamoto has to offer culturally, head to the Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art and the Kumamoto Contemporary Art Museum to see a diverse showcase of local and international works. 

Kumamoto City is served by the Kumamoto City Trams and the Kyushu Shinkansen for easy travelling.

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