Kumamoto Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
city in Kumamoto prefecture, Japan
About Kumamoto
The city is home to about 730,000 people. Kumamotooriginally meant "turn of road/river" with a different kanji used (隈本). In 1607, Kiyomasa Kato, the founder of the castle, changed the kanji to stronger looking 熊, which means "bear". The city's nickname isMori no Miyako(capital of the forest). Kumamoto suffered from two large earthquakes in April 2016. The earthquakes were notable for causing damage to one of the city's major tourist destinations, Kumamoto Castle. The main keep of the castle reopened in June 2021. The local tourist association has agood multilingual guide site.
Top Attractions in Kumamoto
Explore the best things to see and do in Kumamoto:
- ★Fujisakidai Baseball Stadium
- ★Fujisaki Hachimangu Shrine
- ★Hanaokayama
- ★Honmyo-ji Temple
- ★Hosokawa Gyōbutei
- ★Kumamoto Castle
- ★Kumamoto City Hall
- ★Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Center
Where to Eat in Kumamoto
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴AzumaZushi (東寿司)
- 🍴Goro's
- 🍴Kōrantei
- 🍴Nikumaki
- 🍴Ni no ni 弐ノ弐
- 🍴Okada おかだ
Where to Stay in Kumamoto
- 🏨Media Cafe Popeye
- 🏨New Sky Hotel
- 🏨Toyoko Inn
Kumamoto Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 10 sections including: