Introduction to Kumamoto Prefecture
Kumamoto Prefecture is located in the center of Kyushu and boasts a population of approximately 1.7 million people. It offers a variety of attractions such as rich nature, history and culture, and hot springs. In particular, I personally recommend a drive up Mt. It is known for its majestic grasslands and the world of the Japanese anime “Shinkage no Kyojin. Kumamoto’s cuisine is also very attractive. Kumamoto ramen, the wagyu beef brand Akagyu, fresh and healthy horse meat, high-sugar melons, local sake, and many other famous products are available, so why not consider Kumamoto as one of the potential destinations for your trip?
Geographic location
Kumamoto Prefecture is located in the center of Kyushu, facing the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Ariake Sea to the west. The prefectural capital is Kumamoto City.
History & Culture
Kumamoto Prefecture has the following history and culture.
- Kumamoto Castle: This black lacquered castle is one of the three most famous castles in Japan.
- Mt. Aso: This is one of the world’s largest caldera-type active volcanoes. Mt. Aso is at the center, and the outer rim of the mountain surrounds it. From any vantage point, you can enjoy the spectacular view and feel the richness of the earth. It is a place you should experience at least once in your life. If your heart is tired, I suggest you take a trip to this place.
- Kumamon: Kumamoto Prefecture’s PR character. He is a well-known character in Japan and often appears on TV programs.
Tourist attraction
There are many tourist attractions to visit in Kumamoto Prefecture.
Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle, a national treasure, retains many clues to the lifestyle of the feudal lords of the Edo period and their history in its vast grounds and unique architectural style. Visitors can also see the latest civil engineering and construction techniques of the time, which were incorporated throughout the castle by Kiyomasa Kato, who was considered a master castle builder.
Japan’s tallest stone steps
Kumamoto boasts the largest stonesteps in Japan, with 3,333 steps. There are rest areas and restrooms along the way. Why not give it a try?
Japan’s tallest stone steps (Shakain Misaka Promenade 3333 stone steps)
Around Mt. Aso
Aso is one of the largest calderas in Japan and offers beautiful nature and hot springs. There are many different sightseeing spots in the Mt. Aso area, and you can enjoy them all day long.
Major Sightseeing Spots on Mt.
Kurokawa Hot Spring
It is a hidden hot spring resort in the Aso region. It is a well-known tourist destination with many luxury inns targeting the wealthy and difficult to book. The atmosphere is excellent due to the secluded and unobtrusive nature of the hot spring resort. It can also be enjoyed as a day trip.
Amakusa
The islands are nurtured by nature and culture, with idyllic scenery of beautiful islands, dolphin watching that can be enjoyed all year round, facilities that tell the history of Christianity, and dinosaur fossils.
Food culture
Kumamoto Prefecture is a place where you can enjoy the gastronomic delights of the Kyushu region, and a unique culinary culture has taken root.
horse-meat sashimi
Kumamoto Prefecture is a region with high horse meat consumption, and horse sashimi is a typical dish. Fresh horse meat is cut into thin slices and is usually served with grated radish, wasabi (Japanese horseradish), and slices of onion. When eating it, one can enjoy both the fatty and lean parts of the meat. You can try it at local restaurants and taverns.
Karashi lotus
Karashi lotus root is a Japanese spicy snack, popular in Kumamoto, made by putting a paste of mustard (a seasoning similar to Japanese horseradish) and miso paste in the hole of a lotus root and deep frying it in oil. It can be enjoyed as a snack with alcohol. Originally made as a healthy food for the lord, karashi lotus root contains many ingredients that are good for the body.
Ikinari dango
It is an old-fashioned confectionary made by kneading flour and stretching it, then steaming it with sweet potatoes and sweet bean paste inside. The balance of flour and sweet potatoes differs depending on the store, and some stores arrange them with various flavors.
Akaushi Bowl, Akaushi Steak Set
This dish features brand-name Japanese beef raised on the magnificent ranchland of Aso and served with delicious white rice. It is so popular that there are long lines at all the restaurants. My recommendation is to go to Kusasenri restaurant before 12:00 p.m., as it is relatively empty and you can have a delicious Akaushi-Bowl without standing in line. If you sit by the window, you can enjoy the Akaushi-Bowl while enjoying the spectacular view.
Imo-jochu
Kumamoto is famous as the largest producer of imo-jochu in Japan. Locally produced imo-jochu is of high quality, and tours and tasting events are offered. If you want to enjoy the flavor of Imojochu, you should visit a local brewery.
Kumamoto Ramen
Tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen is popular throughout the Kyushu region and can also be enjoyed in Kumamoto. It features a rich pork bone broth and thin noodles, and is available in a variety of garlic, condiments, and vegetable toppings. It is thicker than Hakata’s tonkotsu ramen and features the addition of burnt garlic oil.
Amao (Strawberry)
Kumamoto is also famous for producing the “Amaou” brand of strawberries. Sweet and juicy strawberries enjoyed during the winter season are popular as desserts and gifts.
Kumamoto melon
Kumamoto Prefecture is famous for its melons, with the second largest harvest in Japan. Incidentally, first place is Ibaraki and third is Hokkaido. Because they are produced in mineral-rich water with a large difference in temperature, they have a high sugar content. I recommend it because it is really delicious, so much so that I always buy a melon as a souvenir when I visit Kumamoto!
Activities
Sightseeing in Kumamoto Castle and the city of Kumamoto
Kumamoto Castle is a national treasure and famous for its beautiful stone walls. There is also a history museum inside the castle, where visitors can learn about the history and culture of the castle. A walk around Kumamoto Castle is a must-do activity for Kumamoto visitors.
Mt. Aso excursion
Aso is one of the largest calderas in Japan and offers beautiful natural scenery. There are many facilities around Mt. Aso where you can experience various activities. In addition, the drive along Milk Road offers such a variety of experiences that a full day is needed just to go around the area, as there are many sightseeing spots such as Daikanbong, Kusasenri, and the crater of Mt. Make sure to leave plenty of time for your plans.
Tour of a hot spring
Kumamoto Prefecture is home to many hot spring resorts, dotted with relaxing hot spring accommodations. Aso, Kurokawa Onsen, and Yufuin are easily accessible from Kumamoto City, and visitors can enjoy healing moments in hot springs. The spa facilities at Aso Farmland are also famous.
Amakusa Islands Cruise
Amakusa has about 120 islands of various sizes, and the five bridges connecting the islands are known for their scenic beauty, which can be viewed from the sea on this cruise tour. These waters are calm throughout the year, so there is no need to worry about seasickness. The tour lasts about 30 minutes and is an exhilarating ride.
Seasonal Recommendations
Spring
- Cherry blossoms on Mt. Aso: Cherry blossoms on the mountains and grasslands of Mt. Aso are spectacular.
- Cherry Blossoms at Kumamoto Castle: Approximately 1,000 cherry trees are planted on the grounds of Kumamoto Castle.
Summer
- Sea of clouds on Mt. Aso: The sea of clouds seen from the top of Mt. Aso in the early morning is a mysterious beauty.
- Bathing in the Amakusa Islands: The waters of the Amakusa Islands are crystal clear and offer beautiful swimming.
Autumn
- Mountains of Aso: The mountains of Mount Aso change color and offer beautiful scenery.
- Kumamoto Castle Autumn Foliage: Approximately 1,000 trees are planted on the grounds of Kumamoto Castle, which is known for its autumn foliage.
Winter
- Open-air bath at Kurokawa Onsen: Soaking in an open-air bath on a cold day is the best feeling.
- Kumamoto Castle Illumination: The illumination that decorates Kumamoto Castle is a wintertime tradition.
Local Culture
Festival
- Drive-in Fireworks Kumamoto: This is a fireworks display held near the Kumamoto Port Ferry Terminal. 2024 is the date of the event, March 31. It is a style of viewing fireworks from a car.
- HinokuniMatsuri: In the “Otemoyan So Odori” festival, a total of 5,000 participants dance through the center of Kumamoto City to the tune of Kumamoto’s representative folk songs “Otemoyan” and “Samba Otemoyan” with great enthusiasm.
Traditional crafts
- Higo Zogan: A craft in which lacquerware is inlaid with gold or silver. This metalwork has been made mainly in Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, for about 400 years.
Transportation
Access from Tokyo to Kumamoto Prefecture is by plane, bullet train, train, or highway bus.
Airplane
It takes about 2 hours from Haneda Airport to Kumamoto Airport. Since it is quite a distance from Tokyo, it is generally best to fly.
Shinkansen
It takes about 6 hours from Tokyo Station to Kumamoto Station on the Shinkansen bullet train. There is no direct connection to Kumamoto Station, and you will need to change trains at Okayama or Hakata.
Express Bus
It takes about 20 hours from Tokyo to Kumamoto. You will need to change trains in Kyoto or Osaka. The one-way trip costs about 12,000 yen, which is quite cost-effective, but is not recommended because it takes too much time.
Lastly
Kumamoto Prefecture is a tourist destination with a variety of attractions such as rich nature, history and culture, and hot springs. In addition to famous spots such as Mt. Aso and Kumamoto Castle, there is also a wide variety of gourmet foods such as red beef, horse sashimi, and fruits.