Kumamoto Castle
📍 Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, 860-0002, Japan
Kumamoto Castle suffered extensive damage from the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, but restoration work is now underway, and the process itself is attracting significant attention as a ‘special sight that can only be seen now.’ This ‘impregnable castle,’ built by Kiyomasa Kato, is a symbol of Kumamoto and continues to give courage and hope to its visitors.
In 2021, the main keep’s restoration was completed, and fully renovated exhibitions were opened to the public. The castle’s history, from its construction to the Seinan Civil War, the Showa-era reconstruction of the keep, and its current Reiwa-era restoration, is explained in an easy-to-understand manner using elaborate wooden models and cutting-edge video technology. The view from the top floor of the keep is breathtaking, offering a 360-degree panorama of the ongoing castle restoration and Kumamoto city. Visitors can also download the official AR app to overlay old photographs from the early Meiji period with the current scenery, so be sure to prepare this in advance.
A major highlight during the restoration period is the newly established ‘Special Viewing Passage (Sky Corridor)’ located about 6 meters above the ground. From this unique vantage point, visitors can look down upon the ‘Niyo-no-Ishigaki’ (two types of stone walls), important cultural property turrets, and the ongoing restoration work, all from angles not usually accessible. To efficiently explore the vast grounds, we recommend utilizing the free volunteer guides available at ‘Sakura-no-baba Jōsai-en’ at the base of the castle.
Sakura-no-baba Jōsai-en
📍 Address: 1-1-2 Ninomaru, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, 860-0008, Japan
Located at the foot of Kumamoto Castle, Sakura-no-baba Jōsai-en is a charming tourist facility recreating an Edo-period castle town. It’s a must-visit hub for Kumamoto gourmet food and entertainment before or after touring the castle. With over 20 restaurants and souvenir shops bustling within its grounds, a lively atmosphere permeates the air. This spot is perfect for travelers with limited time, as it allows them to experience all of Kumamoto’s ‘delicious’ offerings in one place.
What you absolutely must try here is the abundant selection of takeout gourmet food. The freshly fried ‘Sea Urchin Croquette’ with its crispy exterior and creamy interior, and the juicy ‘Horse Meat Minced Cutlet’ are both excellent with a cold beer. If you’re looking for a hearty meal, we recommend the exquisite Akaushi beef bowl served at ‘Asoniwa Yamamichaya.’ Don’t miss out on classic souvenirs like ‘Karashi Renkon’ (mustard lotus root) or the piping hot ‘Ikinari Dango’ (sweet potato and bean paste dumpling).
One thing to note is the dining etiquette here. While ‘tabearuki’ (strolling and trying different foods from various shops) is encouraged, ‘aruki-tabe’ (eating while walking through crowded passages) is not allowed. There are numerous trash cans, benches for leisurely eating, and dine-in spaces within the grounds, so please follow the rules to enjoy your meal comfortably. Additionally, the adjacent ‘Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwakuza’ offers plenty of entertainment, including powerful stage performances by warrior samurai teams.
Suizenji Jōju-en
📍 Address: 8-1 Suizenjikoen, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, 862-0956, Japan
Suizenji Jōju-en, easily accessible by tram (Kumamoto City Tram) from central Kumamoto, is a circuit-style garden believed to have originated when Hosokawa Tadatoshi, the first lord of the Higo Hosokawa clan, built a tea house in the early Edo period. This elegant Momoyama-style Japanese garden is designated as a National Historic Site and a Place of Scenic Beauty. It features a distinctive Mt. Fuji-shaped mound, said to imitate the fifty-three stations of the Tōkaidō, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature throughout the four seasons.
As you stroll through the garden, the exceptionally clear and beautiful pond catches the eye. It is fed by spring water from Aso, selected as one of Japan’s 100 Exquisite Waters of the Heisei Era, and is also known as the ‘Water of Longevity.’ Many koi carp swim in the pond, and visitors can enjoy feeding them (finding a golden carp might bring good fortune!). There is also Izumi Shrine, dedicated to successive lords, enveloped in a solemn and tranquil atmosphere.
And if you visit Suizenji Jōju-en, a must-not-miss experience is spending time in the ‘Kokin Denju-no-ma’ (Room of Kokin Transmission) within the garden. This elegant thatched-roof building originally stood in the Kyoto Imperial Palace and is known as the place where Hosokawa Yusai taught the profound secrets of the ‘Kokin Wakashu’ (an anthology of Japanese poetry) to Prince Hachijō-no-miya Toshihito. It was relocated to its current site in 1912 (Taisho 1). Here, you can sit in the historic tatami room, gaze upon the magnificent garden scenery, and enjoy matcha green tea with traditional Japanese sweets (for a fee) made from the Hosokawa family’s secret recipe. Why not escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy a blissful time feeling like a feudal lord?
Kusasenri-ga-hama
📍 Address: Kusasenri-ga-hama, Aso, Aso District, Kumamoto 869-1505, Japan
If you’re driving from Kumamoto City and want to experience the magnificent nature of Aso, Kusasenri-ga-hama is an absolutely unmissable scenic spot. A vast grassland stretches at an altitude of approximately 1,100 meters, where you can see ponds formed by rainwater and horses grazing peacefully, all set against the dynamic backdrop of Mt. Aso Nakadake, which continues to emit volcanic smoke. It’s an expansive location that makes you want to take a deep breath in the grand natural surroundings.
Another charm of Kusasenri is how it presents completely different appearances depending on the season. In summer, the lush green is dazzling, while winter transforms it into a vast silver world (be sure to wear warm clothing during severe winter, as it can be very windy and feel much colder). In early spring (late February to March), ‘noyaki’ (controlled burning) is carried out to maintain the grassland environment, offering a unique landscape of blackened earth and a fragrant aroma. If you visit early in the morning, you might be lucky enough to witness a magnificent ‘sea of clouds’ forming within the Aso caldera, and the breathtaking, mystical sunrise will surely become a lifelong memory.
A popular activity on site is the guided horseback riding experience. Even beginners can enjoy it safely, taking in the panoramic views of Aso while feeling the gentle sway. When walking through the grassland, it’s a golden rule to wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty, as unpaved paths can be muddy, and there might be ‘gifts’ (droppings) from grazing horses hidden in the grass. The parking area of the adjacent Aso Volcano Museum also features souvenir shops and restaurants selling famous ‘basashi’ (horse meat sashimi) steak skewers, making it a convenient rest stop after enjoying the great outdoors.
Tips for 120% Enjoyment of Kumamoto Tourism
Convenient modes of transportation for Kumamoto sightseeing are the ‘Kumamoto City Tram’ and the ‘Shiromegurin’ loop bus. Particularly in Kumamoto City, roads where trams run have unique right-turn rules, making driving a rental car notoriously difficult, often described as ‘first-timer killer.’ If your focus is on city sightseeing, we highly recommend using public transportation.
Furthermore, knowing the historical background of Kumamoto’s spots enhances your appreciation many times over. For example, understanding the curve of Kumamoto Castle’s ‘musha-gaeshi’ (warrior-repelling stone walls), the Hosokawa family’s sentiments embedded in Suizenji Jōju-en, or the immense time taken for the Aso caldera to form—just a little prior knowledge will significantly elevate your perception of the scenery. Actively utilize tourist information centers, volunteer guides, and audio apps to fully enjoy the profound charm of Kumamoto.
