Kumamoto

Kumamoto’s most famous landmark is Kumamoto Castle, a large and, in its day, extremely well fortified Japanese castle. Close to the castle is Suizenji Garden, a spacious, Japanese style landscape garden best enjoyed by strolling along a circular path. The Former Hosokawa Residence (Kyū Hosokawa Gyōbutei) is the former residence of a branch family of the Hosokawa Clan and a great example of a high-class samurai mansion. Kumamoto has a prefectural mascot, ‘Kumamon’, a black bear with red cheeks.

Suizenji Park: The Tōkaidō Road In One Kumamoto Park

Nestled in the southeast side of Kumamoto City’s central ward, Suizenji Jōjuen Park (水前寺成趣園) is a Momoyama-style traditional garden that is home to an abundance of Japanese history and nature. Although the garden spans a relatively modest 64.6 hectares, it contains Japanese imagery from throughout…

June 22, 2020

Detail of a buidling replica made of paper

Posted by Voyapon

The Voyapon Ultimate Travel Guide to Northern Kumamoto

sponsored by Northern Kumamoto Administrative Headquarters In the heart of Kyushu, Kumamoto Prefecture is a natural paradise best known as the home of the world-famous active volcano, Mt. Aso, and the enormous caldera created by its eruption thousands of years ago. But the area boasts…

December 14, 2019

Posted by Clémentine

Yamaga: Strolling the City of Lanterns in a Vintage Kimono

sponsored by Northern Kumamoto Administrative Headquarters Situated in Kumamoto Prefecture on the old Buzen Kaido road linking northern and southern Kyushu, Yamaga is a town filled with history, and visitors will be amazed by its numerous surprises. From the Edo period, Yamaga has been known…

November 28, 2019

Shodai Yaki pottery mugs made by Mr Yamaguchi

Posted by Clémentine

Shodai Yaki Pottery and Bamboo Chopsticks: Making the Most of Tamana’s Natural Resources

sponsored by Northern Kumamoto Administrative Headquarters During my stay in Tamana, Northern Kumamoto Prefecture, I had the opportunity to visit two businesses which, despite their differences, were very similar. Both companies made use of the area’s natural resources, unique knowledge and passion for beauty to…

November 28, 2019

The Yonemura seated at the breakfast table

Posted by Clémentine

Northern Kumamoto: A Farm stay in Kikuchi

sponsored by Northern Kumamoto Administrative Headquarters When we travel, we often stay in hotels and hostels, but these styles of accommodations often feel isolated from local life and as though we are missing out on an authentic Japanese experience. These feelings can be more pronounced…

November 28, 2019

Mrs Igata, showing how to use a traditional tool to make somen noodles

Posted by Clémentine

Specialties of Nankan: Somen Noodles and Fried Tofu

sponsored by Northern Kumamoto Administrative Headquarters Nankan, in northern Kumamoto Prefecture, is in the district of Tamana. Although it’s a small town, it has gained a reputation for two culinary specialties: age (fried tofu) and handmade somen noodles (very thin noodles). Traditional Somen Noodle Factory…

November 28, 2019

Mrs Mizumoto, posing with a tree loaded with fruit

Posted by Clémentine

Kumamoto Delights: Tasty Fruit and Relaxing Onsen

sponsored by Northern Kumamoto Administrative Headquarters Japanese fruits are famous for being as beautiful as they are delicious, and the local farmers’ care and attention to them are legendary. Diversity is another characteristic of Japanese fruits, and travelling through the country I am always surprised…

November 28, 2019

Posted by Clémentine

Luxury stay in a ryokan with a private bath in Yamaga Onsen

sponsored by Northern Kumamoto Administrative Headquarters I had several opportunities to stay in Japanese ryokan, and I can say that these traditional inns are the epitome of luxury and hospitality. Caring but discreet staff, elegant and clean rooms, delicious food, and the renowned Japanese omotenashi,…

November 28, 2019

Posted by Todd Fong

A Theater and Show Preserving the Past in Yamaga, Kumamoto

sponsored by Northern Kumamoto Administrative Headquarters Some say the beauty of Japan lies in the way it attempts to balance the reverence of its deep history with the progress of modern times. You witness the contrasting natures of Japan juxtaposed in the ads plastered…

November 14, 2019