Kumamoto, Japan: travel guide
A black-walled castle and a tea-garden calm in central Kyushu
Home to one of Japan's three finest original castles, Kumamoto is Kyushu's most stately city. The castle was badly damaged in the 2016 earthquake and its ongoing reconstruction has become a symbol of community revival and craftsmanship.
About Kumamoto
Kumamoto is a Kyushu city dominated by its castle, one of the largest and most imposing in Japan. The castle was damaged in the 2016 earthquake and has been repaired in stages, so some areas may still be restricted, but the walls and grounds remain a strong draw.
Things to do in Kumamoto include strolling Suizenji Jojuen, a garden modelled on scenes of an old road, visiting Kato Shrine and seeking out local dishes such as horse-meat sashimi and Kumamoto ramen. Mount Aso, a vast volcanic caldera, makes a good day trip.
It suits garden lovers and travellers looping around Kyushu. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons.
- Country
- Japan
- Currency
- JPY
- Time zone
- Asia/Tokyo
- Nearest airport
- KMJ
Last updated
Top places to visit in Kumamoto
Kumamoto Castle
historic castle · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
One of Japan's three most impressive original castles, Kumamoto-jo was built between 1601 and 1607 by Kato Kiyomasa with legendary defensive innovations: interior wells, edible walls of crushed tatami, and steep curved stone walls…
Suizenji Jojuen Garden
Nature · about 1 h · entry ¥400 (≈ ₹240)
Strolling garden completed in 1636 whose landscaped mounds recreate the 53 stations of the Tokaido, including a miniature Mount Fuji.
Kato Shrine
Temple · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Shrine dedicated to castle-builder Kato Kiyomasa, sitting beside Kumamoto Castle with fine ramparts views.
Sakuranobaba Josaien
Market · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Castle-town themed complex of shops and eateries showcasing Kumamoto crafts, food and history.
Honmyoji Temple
Temple · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Hillside Nichiren temple complex and mausoleum of Kato Kiyomasa, reached by a long stone stairway.
Reigando Cave
Temple · about 0.8 h · entry ¥300 (≈ ₹180)
Meditation cave where swordsman Miyamoto Musashi wrote The Book of Five Rings, flanked by 500 stone rakan statues.
Tatsuda Nature Park
Nature · about 1 h · entry ¥200 (≈ ₹120)
Wooded park around Taishoji temple and the tea house of the Hosokawa clan, calm in every season.
Shimada Museum of Arts
Museum · about 0.8 h · entry ¥700 (≈ ₹420)
Private museum with a noted collection of Miyamoto Musashi calligraphy, paintings and swords.
Things to do
- Kumamoto Castle Guided Tour Tour · 2 h · from JPY 3,000 per person
- Mount Aso Volcano Day Trip Tour · 10 h · from JPY 12,000 per person
Where to stay in Kumamoto
- Downtown about JPY 3,500 per night
City center with mid-range accommodation
Hotels
- SHIMOMURA RYOKAN Kumamoto 3-star · JPY 12,000 to JPY 28,000 per night
- Richmond Hotel Kumamoto Shinshigai 3-star
- Kumamoto Hotel Castle 4-star
Where to eat
- Komurasaki japanese, ramen · about JPY 900 per person
- Suganoya Basashi japanese · about JPY 4,000 per person
Getting to Kumamoto
Airport: Kumamoto (KMJ)
Getting around
- Bus
- Tram
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Roppongi bar overcharge
Roppongi · Kabukicho nightlife
Foreign-fronted bar in Roppongi adds drink charges and seat fees you weren't shown; bill arrives at 5–10x expected.
How to avoid it: Stick to bars with clear printed menus and prices on the door. Ask price before sitting.
More in Japan
Frequently asked questions about Kumamoto
- What are the main places to visit in Kumamoto?
- Places covered in our Kumamoto guide include Kumamoto Castle, Suizenji Jojuen Garden, Kato Shrine, Sakuranobaba Josaien, Honmyoji Temple.
- Where should I stay in Kumamoto?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Kumamoto: Downtown.
- How do I get around Kumamoto?
- Ways to get around Kumamoto covered in our guide: City bus, Tram, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Kumamoto?
- Scams reported to us for Kumamoto include Roppongi bar overcharge. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Kumamoto?
- The nearest airport to Kumamoto has the code KMJ.