All the reasons why I wished to see Kumamoto can be succinctly put in two words: Kumamon as well as ramen. Kumamon is the official mascot of Kumamoto prefecture, however he has taken over the entire country by storm. In my early years of traveling around Japan, I might see this adorable mascot practically everywhere, which stimulated my curiosity. Kumamoto ramen, on the other hand, was the last product on my ramen checklist.
Although these are my two primary motivations in setting foot in Kumamoto, this underrated destination has a great deal much more to offer. Recently, JR Kyushu invited us to check out as well as see for ourselves the numerous natural as well as historical attractions scattered throughout the prefecture.
Kumamoto is one of the seven prefectures that comprise Kyushu Island. It’s located south of Fukuoka as well as west of Oita as well as Miyazaki. Its many popular function is Mt. Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan, towering over the larger ancient Aso caldera. While many tourists only get to see the cultural heritage of Kumamoto City, the capital, numerous countryside trips are centered around the caldera area.
If you’re planning to see Kumamoto, right here are a few of the very best things to do as well as locations to see in both Kumamoto City as well as Kumamoto Prefecture.
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Daikanbo Peak
Kumamoto Castle
Sakura-no-baba Johsaien
Shimodori street Arcade
Suizenji Garden
Kumamoto Ramen
Aso Beef (Akaushi)
Carne de cal
Kurokawa Onsen
Amakusa Dolphin Watching
Kumamon
Ride special Trains
How to get to Kumamoto
How to get to Fukuoka
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Daikanbo Peak
Perched on the tallest of Aso caldera’s rim, Daikanbo (sometimes spelled Daikambo) is a lookout point that provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the caldera. the most interesting sight right here are the five peaks of Mt. Aso, which together type a silhouette of a sleeping Buddha in the distance. If your timing is right, you may even see it as though the Buddha is floating on a sea of clouds.
Photos by Vins Carlos as well as Yosh Dimen
You’ll likewise delight in a full view of Aso City below as well as the grass-carpeted rolling hills that surround the viewpoint. The site is extremely Instagram-worthy that we spent a great deal of time just taking pictures in the grass. If you get hungry, the souvenir shop near the auto parking area likewise offers some Japanese snacks.
Kumamoto Castle
Many Japanese cities that flourished in the olden days take pride in their own stunning castle, as well as Kumamoto is no exception. Kumamoto Castle is a massive, commanding structure in the heart of the city. The original building was built in 1607, however many of what stands today are just faithful reconstructions. Still, it is worth your time if you’re a history or design buff.
Hundreds of cherry trees likewise surround the castle, which makes it a spectacular sakura viewing site every spring!
Important! much of the castle was badly damaged by the 2016 earthquakes. Some parts are restricted as well as open only on weekends. Make sure to inspect the updated routine before your visit.
Sakura-no-baba Johsaien
Ushering tourists to the entrance to the Kumamoto Castle grounds is Sakuranobaba Johsaien, a new traveler hotspot which has the look as well as feel of an Edo-period town.
The primary attraction right here is the Wawakuza, an interactive display that showcases the history of the city. one more highlight is the Sakuranokoji buying Arcade, composed of over 20 specialty stores as well as regional restaurants. A stage is set up in the middle, where occasional samurai performances are performed. There is likewise a traveler info center, which makes it an necessary stop when going to the castle area.
Shimodori street Arcade
Every major contemporary Japanese city likewise has their buying arcade. In Kumamoto, it’s Shimodori, which straddles a number of blocks. This covered buying street as well as stemming alleyways are flanked by lots of stores, including a branch of Don Quijote, as well as a broad choice of restaurants — from quick food to yakiniku to sushi bars.
Suizenji Garden
Not as well far away from Kumamoto Castle is Suizenji Jōjuen. It was originally part of a temple complex developed in 1632 by the Hosokawa family. Today, it is an oasis of peace in a growing city. The plan of the garden provides a nod to the 53 publish towns punctuating the old Tokaido highway that links Kyoto as well as Tokyo back in the day.
Kumamoto Ramen
Kumamoto Ramen by Tengaiten
Like I stated earlier, one of the reasons I was so thrilled to see Kumamoto was the chance to fill my flabby deal with with authentic Kumamoto ramen.
Most people are extremely familiar with Hakata Ramen however not Kumamoto Ramen. They have great deals of similarities. For starters, both has tonkotsu-based broth, which utilizes pork bones that are boiled as well as simmered for hours. Both ramen styles can likewise trace their roots to Kurume, where the original tonkotsu soup was created. however like close brothers, Hakata as well as Kumamoto went on their own separate ways.
While Hakata ramen would grow as well as ended up being the most recognizable type in Japan, Kumamoto ramen isn’t as prominent or even heard of outside Japan. Kumamoto commonly utilizes much thicker noodles than its northern neighbor. Hakata’s stock is commonly kotteri, which is rich, thick as well as opaque, while Kumamoto’s is typically assari, which implies light as well as thin, many likely since many versions are mixed with poultry stock. That said, in spite of being lighter-bodied, Kumamoto ramen likewise packs a ton of strong flavors. thanks to the copious servings of garlic, which may are available in numerous forms. Some bowls have a layer of rich mayu (burnt garlic oil), some with rather generous sprinkles of fried garlic chips, others have both. Regardless, it is this distinctly strong garlic flavor that sets it aside from other ramen styles.
I am a sucker for garlic as well as strong, bold, punch-ful flavors so Kumamoto ramen is certainly my cup of tea (or bowl of ramen?). It’s best up my alley. So I made sure that I would be able to try it while in the city. as well as I can state definitively that it’s one of my top three favorites.
Aso Beef (Akushi)
Kumamoto’s land may be volcanic, however its map is shaded with miles of grasslands that are suitable for grazing cattle. one of the prefecture’s signature food product is Aso beef, which comes from Akaushi (Japanese brown cow or red cow), one of the four breeds of wagyu.
The term Aso beef is reserved for the meat from cows that are increased in the expansive grassland of the region. like Kobe beef (which is from Japanese black cow), Aso beef is valued for its top notch marbled meat. You can delight in it as a donburi (rice topping) or yakiniku (grilled/barbeque).
Carne de cal
Another meat delicacy in this part of Japan is equine meat. It’s not remove exactly how equine ended up being food in Kumamoto. Some state its origins can be traced back to the tale of samurai who were trapped with their horses in a castle for 2 months, without any type of other food source. one more account points to the period after world war II, when the horses ended up being obsolete.
Horse meat is served at some yakiniku places, where you can grill it, as well as however the most typical method that locals delight in this is by eating it raw. Called basashi, equine meat sashimi is a routine product at numerous restaurants not just in Kumamoto however other locations in Kyushu. I found basashi at a restaurant in Saga as well as Fukuoka!
And yes, I tried it. We had a platter of basashi from different parts of a horse. This was already my second time eating equine meat, so I wasn’t averse to the idea. (The very first time was in Kazakhstan.) The loin was truly great as well as tender. It tasted much like beef however leaner. Some parts — I failed to remember which exactly! — are a bit chewy. like fish sashimi, it is dipped in a sauce.
KUROKAWA ONSEN.
For those who want to stay away from the hustle as well as bustle of huge cities, Kurokawa Onsen is a location to consider. It is the most widely known hot spring towns in Kumamoto as well as fosters a traditional, rustic atmosphere. Tourists, mainly domestic, come right here for rotenburo (outdoor baths) as well as ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). Its few streets are likewise lined by restaurants as well as shops.
Amakusa Dolphin uitându-se
Amakusa is a chain of islands off the coastline of mainland Kumamoto. While much of the prefecture has embraced farming as well as the gifts their volcanic lands bring, the life in Amakusa revolves around the sea. From Amakusa, you can hop onto a trip boat to see a few of the 200 wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins that regular Ariake Sea.
The dolphins come to these waters every day, so trip guides are positive that you will see the dolphins. It is very, extremely unusual that they don’t show up, according to them. Our trip guide stated that in all her years in the business, the dolphins didn’t appear on only one occasion.
If the dolphins are a no-show during your visit, you will be provided a voucher that entitles you to come back on one more day as well as try once again for free.
Kumamon.
When it concerns popularity, economic success as well as cultural impact, few Japanese mascots can hold a candle to Kumamoto’s adorable as well as cuddly Kumamon.
Kumamon is Kumamoto Prefecture’s official mascot, a wide-eyed red-cheeked black bear produced to draw in much more tourists. Yet, his existence as well as influence is not restricted within the confines of Kumamoto. He’s all over in Japan! I always see him in some type — stuffed, plastered, key-chained, projected — in other parts of the country.
According to South China morning Post, “In just two years, Kumamon has produced US$1.2 billion in economic benefits for his region, including tourism as well as product sales.”
He’s likewise a YouTuber now, my gulay! Truly, Kumamon is not just a mascot. He’s a superstar! So I was truly pleased to set foot in his house prefecture!
Ride trenuri speciale
If you’re like me, you delight in train rides tremendously. however not all trains are produced equal. In Kumamoto, the journey can likewise be the attraction! Whether you’re traveling to or from Kumamoto Prefecture, you can catch two themed trains: the Aso young boy as well as the A-Train.
Un tren
The Aso young boy is a restricted reveal train that runs on Nippo primary Line as well as Hohi primary Line, linking the cities of Oita as well as Bepu to Aso City in Kumamoto. The train’s mascot is Kuro, whom you’ll see all over on the train. This quite young boy will treat you to remarkable views of the Aso caldera as well as the Kumamoto countryside.
But what makes Aso young boy different from all the other trains isn’t just in the packaging. It is packed with amenities that passengers will certainly appreciate including the following:
A Panorama section (Car-1, Car-4) with big front windows for a excellent view of the surrounding landscapes
A spacious lounge where you can likewise delight in the view as well as relax
Kuro Cafe, which provides a choice of snacks as well as other original products
A pool full of wooden balls, ideal for kids as well as kids at heart
A Japanese-style room
A mini-library with a collection of photo books for kids
Another special restricted reveal train running across Kumamoto is the A-Train, which operates on Amakusa-Misumi as well as Amakusa-Takarajima lines. named after the jazz common “Take the A-Train,” the A-Train is a vintage-themed charm that will take you down the memory lane!
In the 16th century, Amakusa had a strong southern European influence, which the A-Train takes on as well as showcases. inside the cabins, you’ll discover a dark wood as well as discolored glass motif. aside from its great design, you’ll likewise discover a bar on board, where you can view the idyllic rural scenes pass by as you delight in a glass of “A” Highball infused with regional Dekopon oranges. Or if your wonderful tooth is aching for dessert, munch on some Amakusa salt caramel or salt vanilla ice cream.
Both trains offer a quick picture op! Both are likewise covered by the JR Kyushu Rail Pass, which we will talk about below.
Cum să ajungi la Kumamoto
The nearest worldwide flight terminal is in Fukuoka. From here, you requirement to get to Hakata Station. Iată cum.
From Hakata Station, catch a shinkansen (bullet train) to Kumamoto.
Travel time: around 40 minutes.
Fare: ¥2,170 (one way)
Seat Fee: ¥2,530 (unreserved)
Total cost: ¥4,700 (one-way)
To see the schedule, you can inspect Hyperdia.
If you’re traveling from Fukuoka to Kumamoto or you plan to check out numerous parts of Kumamoto as well as other prefectures, think about getting a JR Kyushu Rail Pass to save a great deal on fares! On our many recent trip, JR Kyushu provided us a JR Kyushu Rail Pass so we might utilize it extensively as well as see exactly how far it might take us.
The JR Kyushu Rail Pass is available in three versions: Northern, Southern, as well as ALL Kyushu. however let’s focus on the two passes only: northern as well as ALL Kyushu.
If you’re interested to see Kumamoto City, Aso, as well as Misumi, the JR northern KYUSHU area PASS can suffice. It covers many of the essential traveler attractions in the northern half of the prefecture in addition to Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, as well as northern Oita. However, you won’t be able to utilize it to travel to stations south of Kumamoto station or Aso Station.
– Can be utilized for: regional trains, restricted reveal trains, as well as Hakata-Kumamoto Shinkansen
– Price: ¥8660 (3 days); ¥10,190 (5 days)
– number of seat reservations allowed: 10 (for 3 days), 16 (for 5 days)
If you’re going to Shin-Yatsushiro as well as Hitoyoshi, you will requirement to purchase single tickets. However, if you likewise plan to see much more destinations in the south like Miyazaki as well as Kagoshima prefectures, think about getting the ALL KYUSHU area PASS instead.
– Can be utilized for: regional trains, restricted reveal trains, as well as Hakata-Kagoshima-chuo Shinkansen
– Price: ¥15,280 (3 days); ¥18,330 (5 days)
– number of seat reservations allowed: 10 (for 3 days), 16 (for 5 days)
To provide you an concept on exactly how much cost savings you can get, here’s an example. The fare from Hakata (Fukuoka) to Kumamoto alone is approximately ¥4700 one-way, with unreserved seats. Round-trip, that’s practically ¥9,400.
Just by buying a northern KYUSHU area PASS for those two trips, you would already save over ¥740. however this pa