Destinations

Kumamoto

"Great food, rich history, amazing hot springs, friendly locals: Nestled between beaches, mountains and rural Japan there is something here for everyone"

Natasha Hockney - Travel Consultant

Kumamoto is one of Kyushu’s more vibrant cities, rich in samurai history and gateway to Kumamoto prefecture’s many areas of natural beauty.  The city’s landmark, Kumamoto Castle, is one of the top three castles in Japan, famous for its musha gaeshi,  curved stone walls that offered maximum protection against ninjas and opponent’s warriors throughout its great history. 

The castle is also a great place to enjoy cherry blossom viewing as is Suizenji Park, a group of traditional Japanese gardens which feature a miniature version of Mt Fuji and a tea house brought from the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Suizenji Park is a short tram ride out of the city and is a nice place to relax and take in the beauty of a Japanese garden.

Other attractions in this city are its shrines and temples, the Hosokawa Samurai Residence and Mt Kinpo on the outskirts of the city where expansive views across the city and mountains can be enjoyed. Musashi Miyamoto, one of Japan’s greatest swordsmen spent his last years of life at Reigando Cave just outside of the centre.

Kumamoto is one of the few cities in Japan where the train station is not at the heart of the city. A short tram ride will see you in downtown Kumamoto and at the entrance to Shimotori and Kamitori shopping arcades. Filled with a great of array of restaurants, bars and shops, life in this relatively small city is 24 / 7 and there is always something to do.

If you want to get away from the city, Kumamoto prefecture has a lot to offer. Mt Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan and one of the largest calderas in the world, makes for a nice day trip. For a relaxing ryokan stay, the renowned hot spring resort of Kurakawa is ideal. And the beautiful beaches of Amakusa are a well kept secret of this area. Few visitors to Japan make it this far down south, but for those who do Kumamoto has much to offer.

Products featuring Kumamoto...

Small Group Tour

Japanese Food & Cookery

Explore Japan and learn to cook Japanese food with Masterchef 2011 winner Tim Anderson and our food-loving tour leader and Japan expert Liam Chawdhary.

13 Nights: £4900

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Self Guided Adventure

Kyushu Adventure

Rural and remote, the island of Kyushu is a world away from the non-stop hive of activity of Japan’s eastern seaboard. From the laid-back historic port city of Nagasaki to the hot spring town of Beppu and the ancient forests of Yakushima Island, there are many treasures waiting to be discovered.

16 Nights: £2610

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