Summer is Here! Kumamoto’s Best Beaches, Rivers, and Cooling-Off Spots
Summer means splashing around! Kumamoto boasts beautiful beaches, stunning rivers, and fun-filled pools—a treasure trove of activities! Make a splash on your summer outings!
Nagasu Town: Exploring One of Japan’s Premier Goldfish Breeding Grounds
For goldfish enthusiasts, here’s a special treat. Nagasu Town is celebrated as a hub for goldfish enthusiasts, bustling with 15 fish farming enterprises. Families here dedicate themselves to nurturing goldfish and koi. You’ll find attractions ranging from a goldfish and koi park to delightful goldfish-shaped sweets! A must-visit for anyone passionate about goldfish.
See Adorable Jumping Gobies at Arao’s Tidal Flat & Wetland Center
Join Miyata on a stroll through the Arao Tidal Flat & Wetland Center, where he uncovers the eclectic mix of sea creatures and birds that call this place home. Just a short walk from Minami-Arao Station, discover the area's natural beauty and the unexpected joys of exploring local wildlife through his eyes.
Kumamoto’s Beloved Backstreets: Kokai Shopping Street
A Lively Blend of Warmth, Nostalgia, and Melancholy. Join photo artist Yasuda Yuuki, who travels extensively across Kumamoto and Fukuoka, for this installment of "Kumamoto's Beloved Backstreets." This time, we explore the vibrantly chaotic Kokai Shopping Street.
Mogushi Beach: Summertime in Kumamoto’s Secluded Coastal Paradise
Explore Mogushi Beach in Amakusa, Kumamoto: pristine waters, secluded sands, and stunning scenery on the southwestern tip of Shimoshima Island.
Capture Kumamoto: A Photographer’s Guide to Summer Scenery
Join local photographer Yasuda Yuki as she unveils some of Kumamoto’s most photogenic locations, from the tidal transformations of Nagabeta Sea Road to the tranquil reflections of Arao Tidal Flat.
Amakusa Five Bridges Cruise: A Serene Journey Through the Islands
Embarking on the Amakusa Five Bridges C…
E-Bike Pedalling Through Takamori Town – Guide to ‘Guruchari’ Rental Service
Have you heard about 'Guruchari'? For just 2,800 yen, rent an electric-assist bicycle (helmet included)! But that's not all—your rental also comes with 10 vouchers usable at local Takamori shops and a discount ticket for the Takamori Spring Water Tunnel. Join us as we introduce 15 participating venues where you can use your tickets for a rich combination of cycling, dining, and local experiences!
Fish without the Fuss! Introducing “Kigonotaki Natural Fishing Center”
Fish to your heart's content for Japanese cherry trout and more amidst the lush mountain streams of Takamori, Kumamoto. Read to find out more!
Shohinken: A Spectacular Haven of Seasonal Blooms in Yatsushiro
Step into the tranquil beauty of Shohinken, a national cultural heritage site in Yatsushiro, renowned for its vibrant seasonal flowers, including the celebrated Higo irises. Discover the historic tea house and explore the timeless charm of Edo period architecture.
Your Ticket to 1958: “White Horse”—Japan’s Last Surviving Cabaret
Cabaret New Hakuba, a beacon of Yatsushiro's nightlife, stands as the sole surviving cabaret in Japan, offering a glimpse into the country's cabaret culture of yesteryear. This historical venue, opened in 1958, not only symbolizes Japan's past but also marks the starting point of the famed late enka singer Aki Yashiro.
Kumamoto’s Hidden Gem: The Unmatched Island Beauty of Goshoura
Discover Kumamoto's Goshoura Island: Journey to Karasutoge Pass for breathtaking views of a rich archipelago landscape. This in-depth guide reveals the beauty of remote island life, offering tips for visiting and capturing its serene vistas.
Stay Overnight And Find Luxury Sauna Bliss At “Kaminoura 307”
Discover the exclusive sanctuary of Kaminoura 307 in Kumamoto, a private sauna perfect for family or couples looking for a unique place to stay overnight in Kumamoto City. Enjoy a BBQ on a spacious balcony, unwind with premium amenities, and soak in the serene vibes.
Soothe Your Soul at Yuya Suizen Luxury Sauna & Spa
Discover serenity at Suizen Luxury Sauna in Kumamoto's Suizenji, where the tranquil gardens meet the pristine waters of Aso, where body and mind unite in the Zen atmosphere of a private tea room-inspired sauna.
9 Hot Springs in Kumamoto: Must-Visit Onsen and Nearby Restaurants
An introduction to the crème de la crème of Kumamoto's hot springs, along with some fantastic nearby spots perfect for day trips.
“Kamitori” and “Shimotori”—What Exactly Are They?! A Primer on Kumamoto’s Two Main Shopping Arcades
A primer on Kamitori and Shimotori, the premier shopping arcades in the center of Kumamoto City.
Kyushu Secrets: Uchinomaki Onsen Day Trip (Aso, Kumamoto)
Geography plays a large role in the way that human communities and societies organise themselves. It’s kind of a truism, but it can be interesting to observe the more extreme examples.
Kumamoto is a treasure trove of traditional crafts, born from its rich natural resources, the expertise of its artisans, and the wisdom of daily life. These crafts, which have been nurtured and preserved through the ages, continue to enrich various aspects of daily life with their unique character and practicality. This article will introduce you to four of Kumamoto's traditional crafts, including Kijiuma from the Hitoyoshi-Kuma region, Takezaiku (bamboo work) from Yamaga City, Higo Zogan from Kumamoto City, and Kawashiri Hamono (Japanese knives).
The Artisan’s Touch in Kumamoto: Shodaiyaki, Yamaga Lanterns, Honoha-zaru, and Amakusa Porcelain
Traditional crafts cherished for generations: Shodaiyaki from Arao City, Yamaga Lanterns from Yamaga City, Honoha-zaru from Gyokuto Town, and Amakusa Porcelain.
