As we continue exploring the magical island of Kyushu in the south of Japan, we arrive in Kumamoto Prefecture. The 15th largest prefecture in Japan and with slightly under 1.8 million people, the prefecture has beaches, mountains, castles, and everything you could want from a trip to Japan. Kyushu is only a short flight away from Tokyo and other big cities, so make sure to explore and see all that Kumamoto has to offer!
Transportation
Formerly known as Higo Province, Kumamoto Prefecture is found solidly in the centre of the island of Kyushu. Depending on your preferred method of transport, there are plenty of ways that you can access Kumamoto. Flights are readily available into Kumamoto Airport from other cities around the country, however trains are also a great method of transportation. You can take the speedy Shinkansen down to Kumamoto Station, and there are other local trains around Kyushu if your adventures have already taken you to the island. For travel around Kumamoto City, there is a city tram that will take you around to some of the main locations. Around the prefecture, you can ride the JR Hohi Line which can take you north into Aso City and furthermore into Oita Prefecture. In addition, the Kagoshima Line will take you through Kumamoto to Fukuoka from Kagoshima.
Things to do
Kumamoto Prefecture has plenty of history to experience, and Kumamoto Castle is one of the top places to see some of the traditional Japanese castle architecture. Originally built in the early 17th century, it was an intricate piece of construction, with 29 castle gates and 3 turrets. With hundreds of cherry trees surrounding the castle area, springtime makes for a great time to walk around the castle grounds and admire the beauty that blooming cherry blossoms have to show. Still under reconstruction after an earthquake in 2016 damaged parts of the castle, you can still explore some parts that remain open. Known as one of the top three castles in all of Japan, the other two being Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture and Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture.
Suizen Jojuen
While you are still in Kumamoto City, make sure to visit Suizenji Jojuen garden, found to the southeast of Kumamoto Castle. Gardens all around Japan are notable for their beauty and architecture, many of them around the country use features and techniques that date back hundreds of years. Suizenji Jojuen is a 17th century garden, and one of its most unique features is a hill that is quite reminiscent of the most famous mountain in the country, Mt. Fuji. While strolling around the beautiful gardens, you can also visit nearby Izumi Shrine to make a wish or collect a few souvenirs for your travels. Around the garden there are multiple spots to have a tasty treat or drink, and the nearby city tram stations are very convenient for access and getting around to other areas of the city. Kokin Denju no Ma is a traditional tea house on the grounds of the garden where you can sit with a cup of matcha and a traditional sweet while looking out towards the scenery of the garden, an unparalleled view!
Kurokawa Onsen
Japan is an onsen country, and Kumamoto Prefecture is no different. Relaxing in a hot bath with a great view of the surrounding area and rejuvenating yourself after a long day of exploration is a top activity when you are in Japan. Kurokawa Onsen, located up in the mountains near the border with Oita Prefecture, is an idyllic hot spring location, with multiple inns set alongside the Tanoharu River. You can stay overnight at one of the many available traditional ryokans, or purchase what is called a ‘tegata’, a wooden pass that will allow you to enjoy the facilities of multiple ryokans. Some ryokans also offer private reservations, a way to have your bath completely to yourself. Make sure to wander around the historic streets, as there are plenty of shops and restaurants to spend time in. With Kurokawa Onsen being relatively in the mountains and away from some larger cities, it is a great spot for a relaxing and revitalising trip.
Hitoyoshi
Hitoyoshi is another relaxing city in the southern part of Kumamoto Prefecture, with a historic shrine, onsen, and more. With the Kuma River running through the town, you also have the opportunity to cruise the river, experiencing some of the famous rapids of the area. If you want a more leisurely activity, you can visit the ruins of Hitoyoshi Castle, which dates all the way back to the Kamakura Period (1185 - 1333). It has a unique architectural feature in its usage of historically European castle architecture where the tops of walls extend outward. Once you’ve explored castles and rushed through rapids, you can also spend some time at Aoi Aso Shrine, which is a National Treasure of Japan, and known for its unique thatched roof. As you finish your trip through Hitoyoshi, you can also try some of the local rice spirit known as ‘shochu’. Kuma shochu is the name of the locally produced version, with a wide variety of distilleries in the area. Don’t forget about Hitoyoshi Onsen as well for a perfect way to relax at the end of the day!
What else?
Japan is well known for the amount of mascots that represent all sorts of brands and locations around the country. One small town might have a specific fish as their mascot, while a castle might have its own castle mascot. Kumamoto Prefecture is no different, with their titular character known as ‘Kumamon’, a bear. No matter where you travel to in Kumamoto, you’ll be sure to run into Kumamon, whether through Kumamon souvenirs, food, trains, or more.
Kuratake Shrine
Out to the west, in the Amakusa area of Kumamoto Prefecture, which is characterised by more than 120 different islands, you’ll find stunning Kuratake Shrine perched upon the top of Mt. Kuratake. The tallest peak of the many islands, the torii gate at the top of Mt. Kuratake frames the many islands and the sea below.
Mt. Aso
Volcanoes are quite prevalent throughout Japan, dotting the landscape up and down the country. A main attraction of Kumamoto Prefecture, Mt. Aso is an active volcano with stunning surroundings and views. You can get up close to some of the craters to watch the steam coming out from them, however depending on activity and weather, there are times where access to the crater is closed or limited due to safety considerations. Kusasenri is also a grass plain located near the central crater, which is a great spot to walk around and get photos of Mt. Aso. The mountain is part of Aso Kuju National Park, and exploring the area is highly rewarding with its many unique natural features.
If Kyushu has always been on your list of places to see in Japan, then make sure that Kumamoto is also on that list. From historic shrines, castles, onsens, and more, there will be plenty of memories to make when you explore Kumamoto Prefecture.
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