The Charm of Kumamoto City

Kumamoto Castle, counted as one of the "Three Famous Castles of Japan," is a renowned fortress built over a period of seven years by Kato Kiyomasa, the first lord of Kumamoto domain, known for his skill in castle construction, starting from the year 1601. After the downfall of the Kato family, it became the stronghold of the Hosokawa family. The castle features distinctive stone walls known as "Mushagaeshi" that curve upward as you go higher, and a beautifully restored main keep called "Honmaru Goten." These are just some of the many attractions that make Kumamoto Castle the symbol of Kumamoto city. The cherry blossoms in spring are also stunning, attracting many visitors who come to admire the blossoms.

Blessed with pure groundwater and abundant natural resources, Kumamoto city excels in the production of various agricultural products such as rice, vegetables, fruits, flowers, and livestock. Notably, it is a major producer of watermelons, melons, eggplants, and mandarins, among others, recognized throughout Japan.
Kumamoto's specialties include "basashi" (horse sashimi), "karashi renkon" (spicy lotus root), and "Kumamoto ramen." Beyond local cuisine, the dishes made with prideful water and the produce it nurtures will surely leave you thinking, "Everything tastes delicious!" Don't limit your visit to just sightseeing; Kumamoto's cuisine is an integral part of the travel experience and will undoubtedly meet your expectations.

Within Kumamoto city's urban area, you'll find serene spots surrounded by greenery. First and foremost, there's the essential Kumamoto sightseeing spot: "Suizenji Park." This strolling garden, designed in the Momoyama style, was established in 1636 on the site of a teahouse affiliated with the Hosokawa family, the lords of Kumamoto domain. It's designated as a national scenic spot and historical site. The pond at the heart of the garden holds water from Aso's underground springs, and gazing at the clear, translucent water is said to cleanse the soul.
About a 15-minute drive from the city center, there's "Lake Ezu." It's divided into two parts, "Kamiezuko" and "Shimoiezuko," with a circumference of about 6 kilometers. Having such a lake within a major city is quite rare, making it a popular leisure spot for citizens. You can observe valuable aquatic creatures and wild birds, and there are pathways and lawn parks for casual strolls and exploration. Heading about 40 minutes north on National Route 3 from the city center, you'll reach "Ueki Onsen," known as Kumamoto's hidden hot spring. Located along the clear waters of the Goshi River, it's a tranquil countryside onsen. The smooth, "tamano hada" (literally "jade-like skin") water can be enjoyed through lodging or day visits. These natural spots and hot springs within the city will surely soothe your travel fatigue.

Kumamoto's tramway, also known as the streetcar system, was established in 1924 during the 13th year of the Taisho era. It's an east-west transportation network with two lines that is widely used by both citizens and tourists. The tram vehicles range from nostalgic retro ones to the modern "COCORO" model introduced in 2014. The fare is set at a uniform rate within the city.
During summer, there's a beer tram, and during the Christmas season, an illumination tram adds to the excitement of Kumamoto's cityscape. It's cherished by citizens as an entity that enlivens the city. Convenient for reaching major locations like Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Castle, Suizenji Park, and the arcade district, it's a user-friendly mode of transportation for tourists. With a purchased one-day pass, you can enjoy unlimited rides for 500 yen. Viewing the city's scenery from the tram offers a different kind of charm.

As part of the "ONE PIECE Kumamoto Recovery Project," a life-sized statue of Luffy was installed in November 2018 along the Kumamoto Prefectural Government Promenade. Kumamoto-born Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the popular manga "ONE PIECE," collaborated with Shueisha to realize this project to support the recovery of the areas affected by the Kumamoto Earthquake of April 2016.