5 Winter Activities in Aso, Kumamoto Recommended by a Local
Winter in Aso doesn’t usually see heavy snowfall, but the cold weather makes it the perfect time to enjoy the hot springs. There’s so much to experience in Aso during the winter months, so it’s a great time to visit! Just keep in mind, while snow is rare, it can still accumulate, so it’s a good idea to have snow tires for peace of mind.
Ichigyo Ichie—The Pirate Fish Shop of Yatsushiro
Savor fresh seafood from the Yatsushiro Sea in curated donburi bowls and daily lunch sets. Taste the passion of a chef devoted to every single fish.
From Curry to Community: A New Chapter for an Italian Chef in Kumamoto
BOND CURRY in Tsuboi, Central Kumamoto—A deliciously affordable curry shop with heart. Born from an Italian restaurant in Taragi, this new spot offers soul-warming dishes starting from just ¥500.
Kumamoto’s 5 Best Lunches Under 1,000 Yen: Delicious & Affordable Eats
Eating cheap in Kumamoto? Get our top 5 picks for delicious lunches under 1,000 Yen! From curry to okonomiyaki, find your next favorite wallet-friendly meal.
Minamata Travel Guide: 2 Days of History, Ocean Fun & Local Flavour
Discover Minamata in 2 days: history, hot springs, eco-friendly culture, local champon, and sweets on this model Kyushu road trip itinerary.
Eat Like a Local at Obentō no Hirai, Kumamoto’s Convenience Food Chain
Discover Kumamoto’s hometown chain Obentō no Hirai—bento, side dishes, local favourites like sarada chikuwa, plus nearby sights in Tateno and Aso.
A Time for Fish and Rice: Sahanji (魚飯時) in Kumamoto City
Enjoy freshly cooked claypot rice and seasonal Japanese cuisine featuring monthly-changing fish and ingredients. Fully reservation-only with fixed meal start times.
4 Yoshoku (Western-Style) Restaurants in Southern Kumamoto
Love classic Western-style Japanese food? Discover four beloved restaurants in Yatsushiro and Minamata, each with over 30 years of history. Nostalgia and flavour guaranteed.
3 Koji-Based Food Experiences in Yamaga – From Miso Soup to Miso Caramel
We head to the Kamoto area of Yamaga to introduce three must-try stops for miso, soy sauce, and koji-based treats—yes, even miso caramel desserts!
Kumamoto’s Beloved Backstreets: Kawaramachi Textile District
Renowned photo artist Yuki Yasuda, based in Kumamoto and Fukuoka, continues her series "Beloved Backstreets" with the visually rich Kawaramachi Textile District. Once bustling with post-war vibrancy, this street in the heart of Kumamoto now breathes with artistic life, attracting many with its charming alleys. Join us as we guide you through this enchanting locale, blending exquisite photography with the allure of hidden streets.
Yamato Town Visitor’s Guide: History, Culture, Souvenirs and Travel Tips
This article serves as your complete guide to Yamato Town, a lesser-known but culturally rich spot in the heart of Kyushu. From historic landmarks like Tsujunkyo Bridge to local specialties such as tea, niku-miso, and chestnut sweets, we’ll cover the highlights of its heritage, attractions, and practical tips for visitors. Whether you’re planning a trip or just curious about this unique destination, here’s everything you need to know.
Yatsushiro Food Tour: Takagi’s Premium Bananas
Hello! I’m Tabeena, a big fan of travel…
Savor Yatsushiro’s Strawberries – A Sweet Journey at Kuro Farm
Discover Yatsushiro’s sweetest spring treat—Ebiberry strawberries from Kuro Farm. Learn how these local gems are grown, where to try them, and the farmer’s vision for sustainable agriculture in southern Kumamoto.
3 Roadside Stations to Visit when Viewing Autumn Leaves in Kumamoto
Discover the charm of Kumamoto’s roadside stations through the eyes of “Michiayu,” a local enthusiast who has visited every single Michi no Eki (道の駅) roadside station in the region. This edition highlights three stations perfect for your autumn leaf viewing excursions. Enhance your travel experience with beautiful views, local cuisine, and relaxation.
Autumn in Aso: 3 Instagram-Worthy Silvergrass Spots in the Aso Grasslands
Autumn in Aso means fields upon fields of almost cinematic silvergrass. Read for the inside scoop from top local Instagrammers on the best photogenic locations to visit.
Capturing Kumamoto: 5 Must-Visit Photogenic Autumn Spots in Kumamoto
Yuki Yasuda, a celebrated photo artist known for her work in Kumamoto and Fukuoka, shares her favorite smartphone-friendly locations for capturing the essence of fall. From hidden leaf-peeping treasures within Kumamoto City to enchanting scenes of waterfalls and rainbows, and parks alive with golden gingko trees, this guide covers five essential spots for family and photography enthusiasts alike.
Soaking in the Past: 8 Storied Onsen of Minamata
Tucked between the sea and the mountains, Minamata is home to two remarkably different hot spring areas—Yunoko and Yunotsuru—each offering its own kind of healing escape. Read on to discover what makes them both worth the journey.
Exploring Ashikita: The Real-Life Inspiration Behind “Diary of Our Days at the Breakwater”
Discover the charming seaside setting of Ashikita Town, the real-world backdrop for the heartwarming anime and manga "Diary of Our Days at the Breakwater." Join us as we embark on a fishing journey, guided by the tips and tricks learned from the Breakwater Club, and delve into the vibrant local culture that inspired this beloved series.
5 Lunch Spots in Amakusa – Local Favorites You Don’t Want to Miss
Discover 5 must-try lunch restaurants in Amakusa, Kumamoto – from fresh sushi and tempura to stylish local pottery dining. Perfect stops during your island adventure!
Explore Arao with This Educational Summer Itinerary
A fun and educational day trip in the Arao area—perfect for families and curious young minds!
Kumamoto’s Cutest Kakigōri Showdown – Eye-Candy Shaved-Ice You Can Taste With Your Eyes
Self-confessed “cute-and-sweet addict” BOWZ goes on a photo-delicious quest to compare two picture-perfect kakigōri (Japanese shaved-ice) creations in Kumamoto. Spoiler: your camera eats first.
Firelight and Tradition: Takigi Noh Theatre at Suizenji Garden
Experience the magic of Takigi Noh at Suizenji Garden in Kumamoto—an open-air torchlit Noh performance with deep ties to the historic Hosokawa clan. Free admission, rich tradition, unforgettable summer atmosphere.