Kumamoto City

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Top 10 attractions in Kumamoto City

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Kumamoto Castle
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Kumamoto Prefecture

Kumamoto Castle

5.8
4.7/5
582 reviews
With a history of more than 400 years, Kumamoto Castle is one of the three famous castles in Japan. Covering an area of 5.3km, there are many buildings that are designated as key cultural relics by the state. The earthquake in 2016 was severely damaged, and the restoration project is making every effort to restore the majestic and heroic appearance before the earthquake. Visiting the restoration project of the ancient city is also a rare experience. Please come and visit.Kumamoto City · 393m from downtown
Mount Aso
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Kumamoto Prefecture

Mount Aso

4.8
4.7/5
213 reviews
Mount Aso is a famous active volcano in Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu, with a diameter of more than 25 kilometers and the largest caldera in the world today. The five mountains of Aso stand in the crater, namely, Mount Neko, Mount Takayama, Mount Zhongyue, Mount Wugao, and Mount Kitsima. Among them, Mount Zhongshan still has frequent volcanic activities, and the scenery is very spectacular. There are walking trails around the Nakadake crater of Mount Aso, and when you reach the viewing platform of Nakadake crater, you will be greeted by a scene of white smoke. There is also an observatory nearby where you can take in the magnificent views of Kussenri, Mt.Aso · 37 km from Kumamoto City
Sakuranobaba Josaien

Sakuranobaba Josaien

3.9
4.3/5
45 reviews
Sakuranobaba Sakuranobaba Josaien is an area located below Kumamoto Castle, primarily featuring cultural experiences, Kumamoto food, and souvenirs. It is divided into two main sections: Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwakuza and Sakura-no-koji. Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwakuza primarily offers historical and cultural experience services. The first floor features a historical exhibition hall that uses realistic sets and digital recreations to transport visitors back to the era of Kato Kiyomasa, the founder of Kumamoto Castle. The second floor is a performance hall where historical plays are regularly performed. Sakura-no-koji recreates the streetscape of the Edo period and features 23 selected local restaurants from Kumamoto Prefecture. Visitors can enjoy dining in this nostalgic district, and there are many specialty shops where you can purchase souvenirs to take home.Kumamoto City · 391m from downtown
Aso Boy

Aso Boy

3.9
4.8/5
22 reviews
The Aso Boy is a popular sightseeing train line in Kyushu, Japan, designed for families and train enthusiasts. The train runs between Kumamoto and Aso, passing through the picturesque Mount Aso area, providing passengers with a unique viewing experience. The interior design of the carriage is child-friendly, with a dedicated children's play area and reading corner, which is very popular with family tourists. The exterior of the train is mainly black and white, and the cute mascot "Aso Boy" image on the front of the train adds fun. The large windows allow passengers to enjoy the natural beauty along the way, including vast grasslands and beautiful volcanic landscapes. Special dining services are also provided on board, and tourists can taste local food and drinks. The comfortable environment and unique design of the train make it an ideal choice for exploring the natural scenery of Kyushu. Tourists can relax during the journey while enjoying a good time with family and friends.Kumamoto City · 2.3 km from downtown
Suizenji Jojuen Garden

Suizenji Jojuen Garden

3.7
4.6/5
182 reviews
Suizenji Jojuen Garden was built in the 17th century and covers an area of 70,000 square meters. It was created by Hosokawa Tadatoshi, the lord of the domain when "Kumamoto" was known as "Higo." Originally established as a private garden called "Kokufu O-chaya," it later reached its current scale after the careful maintenance and planned expansion by Hosokawa Tsunatoshi. The name Suizenji Jojuen Garden is derived from Tao Yuanming's poem "Return to the Fields and Gardens," from which "Jojuen" was named. Strolling through Suizenji Jojuen Garden, you can see lush trees and flowers and feel a sense of ease and relaxation. The magnificent artificial landscape makes Suizenji Jojuen Garden appear orderly and beautiful, and the water gushing into the pond in the garden comes from the underground spring water of Mount Aso. In addition, there are the antique Kokin Denju-no-ma, small bridges, ponds, and a tall torii gate, making Suizenji Jojuen Garden a beautiful and engaging garden, as if it were a collection of delightful features. Within Izumi Shrine is a sweet, clear spring known as "Longevity Water," which is another highlight of Suizenji Jojuen Garden. Because of its elegant environment and pleasant scenery, it attracts many visitors, making Suizenji Jojuen Garden one of the famous and beautiful attractions in Japan.Kumamoto City · 2.7 km from downtown
Kumamon Square

Kumamon Square

3.5
4.4/5
155 reviews
"Kumamoto Castle" was born in March 2011 to mark the full opening of the Kyushu Shinkansen. Kumamon Square is the activity base for "Kumamoto Castle," the Sales Manager and Happiness Manager of Kumamoto Prefecture who is active both in Japan and overseas, and it is also a place for promoting tourism and product information for Kumamoto Prefecture. From Kumamoto Castle's office as Sales Manager to the manager's office, there are many limited-edition goods, and even cafe dishes made with local ingredients from Kumamoto Prefecture, making it fun to visit, shop, and eat. When the manager is present, he will also put on a cute performance for everyone on stage.Kumamoto City · 449m from downtown
Kumamoto City Zoo and Botanical Garden

Kumamoto City Zoo and Botanical Garden

3.3
4.0/5
1 reviews
Kumamoto City Zoo and Botanical Garden is located in Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. It is a comprehensive urban park facility that integrates animal exhibits, botanical displays, and leisure activities. Opened in 1929, the park has undergone numerous expansions and improvements, and today it serves as a representative family-friendly leisure spot in Kumamoto City. Situated near Ezu Lake, the park covers a vast area, providing visitors with a space to get close to nature and learn about living creatures. The zoo area houses a variety of animals from around the world, including giraffes, elephants, lions, monkeys, and reptiles. Different exhibit areas are arranged according to the animals' habits, allowing visitors to observe the animals' daily lives up close. At the same time, the park also helps visitors learn about wildlife conservation and ecological knowledge through animal talks, interactive activities, and more.Kumamoto City · 4.9 km from downtown
Katō Shrine

Katō Shrine

3.2
4.0/5
2 reviews
Kumamoto City · 508m from downtown
Monkey D. Luffy statue

Monkey D. Luffy statue

3.2
4.7/5
3 reviews
After theApril 2016Kumamoto earthquake, as the"driving force", the manga"One Piece"and Kumamoto Prefecture jointly launched"the One Piece Kumamoto Revival Project", one part of which was installing bronze statues of the One Piece protagonists across Kumamoto Prefecture. Starting with the Luffy statue in front of the Kumamoto Prefectural Office, bronze statues of the nine Straw Hat crew members will be installed across Kumamoto Prefecture one after another, and they will use their"strengths"to contribute to the recovery activities. Currently,8have been installed, and the final Zoro statue will be unveiled onJanuary 22, 2022.Kumamoto City · 3.5 km from downtown
Grandmesse Kumamoto

Grandmesse Kumamoto

3.1
Grandmesse Kumamoto is located in Mashiki, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. The venue features a well-organized interior and hosts a diverse range of events. It hosts year-round events such as Kumamoto local product exhibitions, handmade craft markets, mineral shows, and industrial revitalization expos, while also attracting numerous musicians for touring concerts. These events promote Kumamoto's local agricultural and industrial specialties and provide a platform for business networking. They also offer fun, public-facing experiences that balance commercial value with leisure needs for residents. Many specialty markets also feature food trucks, bringing together local snacks from across Kyushu to create a relaxed and lively atmosphere. For travelers visiting Kumamoto, Grandmesse Kumamoto is more than just an exhibition venue; it is a window into the vitality of Kumamoto's local industries and popular cultural life. Whether attending a trade show, enjoying a live performance, or browsing a specialty market, you can experience the vibrant atmosphere of Kumamoto and enjoy a unique travel experience here.Mashiki · 7.8 km from Kumamoto City

Experiences you can't miss in Kumamoto City

Featured Day tours in Kumamoto City

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1-day tour to Fukuoka's hidden shrine, Aso Volcano, Kusasenri, and Kurokawa Onsen|Kumamoto round-trip
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4.9/5
· 190 reviews· 1.8k booked
Duration: 9.1 hrs
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96 consecutive positive reviews
From€41.94
1-day tour to Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki and Kumamoto with optional cruise, sky train and Mount Aso Kusasenri
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4.8/5
· 92 reviews· 538 booked
Duration: 6.9 hrs
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50 consecutive positive reviews
From€41.94
Kyushu Hidden Gems 1-day Tour: Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine + Mount Aso + Kusasenri + Kurokawa Onsen
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5.0/5
· 74 reviews· 389 booked
Duration: 9.4 hrs
English
Free cancellation
74 consecutive positive reviews
From€39.84
A day trip to Kumamoto Castle, Mount Aso, Kusasenri, and the Minami-Aso Railway in Kyushu, Japan.
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4.7/5
· 106 reviews· 1.2k booked
Duration: 9.6 hrs
English
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92.5% of travelers recommend
10% off
Limited-time sale
From€39.83€44.26
Kumamoto Historic Sites Pilgrimage, Kusasenri One-Day Tour in Kyushu Distant view of Mount Aso + South Aso Railway Train, Featured One-Day Excursion
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4.8/5
· 583 reviews· 2k booked
Duration: 10 hrs
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96.6% of travelers recommend
15% off
Limited-time sale
From€39.55€46.53
Japan Customized Day Tour (Mount Aso - Kamishikimi Kumano - Takachiho Gorge), Tickets Not Included
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From€73.63

Featured Cultural experiences in Kumamoto City

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Kumamoto Highlights Audio Tour: Historic Treasures and Cultural Gems
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Duration: 2 hrs
English
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20% off
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From€5.19€6.49
Kyushu Kumamoto Suizenji Kimono Rental Private Experience
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Duration: 2 hrs
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From€32.06
Kyushu Tour: Scenic train, Kumamoto Castle, And Volcano
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Duration: 10 hrs
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5% off
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Fukuoka: Yufuin + Beppu Kamado Jigoku + Sapporo Brewery with Attack on Titan Museum One Day Tour [English Guide • Guaranteed Departure]
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4.8/5
· 101 reviews· 1k booked
Duration: 9.6 hrs
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Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
28 consecutive positive reviews
30% off
Limited-time sale
From€39.83€56.91
Kyushu Miyazaki · Takachiho, Amaterasu Railway · Amanoiwato Shrine One Day Tour
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5.0/5
· 4 reviews· 49 booked
Duration: 9.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
From€58.11
[Guaranteed Departure] Attack on Titan in Hita, Mamedamachi & Oyama Dam from Fukuoka
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 8.2 hrs
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From€47.42
1-day tour to Kyushu Japan | Yufuin & Attack on Titan & beer factory & Mamedamachi
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Duration: 8.6 hrs
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Fukuoka Highlights Audio Tour: The Cultural Heritage of Hakata
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Duration: 2 hrs
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20% off
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From€5.19€6.49

Featured Food & drink in Kumamoto City

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Kumamoto: SPACE KUMAMOTO nightclub admission ticket + drink (exclusive for foreign visitors)
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3.0/5
· 1 review· 60 booked
Duration: 4 hrs
Japanese
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
From€5.70
Moff Animal Cafe LaLaport Fukuoka Admission Ticket (All-You-Can-Drink Beverages)
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From€10.42
YokaBus Heritage in a Cup Yame Tea and Sake Tasting Expedition
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4.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 6.5 hrs
English
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From€71.13

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Private Tours in Kumamoto City

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Free things to do in Kumamoto City

What travelers say about Kumamoto City

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msmsAugust 1, 2025
5.0
Kumamoto Castle is full of ingenuity. In my mind, the castle ruins are truly magnificent. Most astonishing are the piles of stones beneath the walls. They were rolled down during the Kumamoto earthquake. While progress is slow, they will one day be rebuilt.

Kumamoto Castle

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PopoeyDecember 14, 2024
5.0
One of my favorite areas and attractions in Kitakyushu. The whole Aso area is beautiful. We were lucky enough to see horses in Kusasenri and go to the crater. It might be the off-season, but there were not many people in the view restaurant. You can sit as you like. It's so friendly. I want to bring my kids back in the summer to see the green scenery. I highly recommend Aso! You can also go to Kurokawa Onsen, which is great.

Mount Aso

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_TI***ioAugust 27, 2025
5.0
This time, I bought the Kyushu FunPASS Kumamoto 2-day ticket, which is perfect for exploring Kumamoto. It gives you direct entry to Kumamoto Castle and the Wakyu-za Theater, which are truly beautiful. I highly recommend it. You can also exchange it for an extra 1,100 yen worth of shopping street tickets, which is a great deal. We also went to the Yatai Village in the evening, where we could exchange it for alcohol and drinks.

Sakuranobaba Josaien

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Jay_so_goodMay 8, 2025
5.0
Aso Boy Train is a special sightseeing train in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, famous for its unique appearance and design. This train is operated by JR Kyushu Railway Company and usually runs on the lines in the Aso area, providing visitors with a special train experience. The Aso Boy Train has a distinctive appearance, with bright blue and orange as the main colors, and is decorated with cute cartoon patterns and shapes. The interior of the carriage is beautifully decorated, equipped with comfortable seats and various facilities, providing passengers with a comfortable riding environment. The train also features special themed cars, such as the observation car or the specialty dining car, where passengers can enjoy delicious food while admiring the scenery. The Aso Boy Train's routes usually travel along the scenic routes of the Aso area, offering stunning views of Mount Aso, lush green countryside, and charming rural landscapes along the way. Riding this train allows visitors to experience the Japanese countryside and the beauty of nature, making it a pleasant sightseeing option. Overall, the Aso Boy Train is a unique sightseeing train that attracts tourists and provides a comfortable, fun and memorable travel experience. Taking this train, you can not only enjoy the beautiful scenery, but also feel Japan's unique train culture and service.

Aso Boy

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Tak ReviewOctober 29, 2022
5.0
It is a very beautiful park in Kumamoto city. There are yukata to wear. You can rent them to wear and take pictures. The price is okay. Japanese shoes are included. The atmosphere is cold and windy. When I went, there was a little snow. There are food for sale. Japanese purple sweet potatoes are very delicious. 10/10

Suizenji Jojuen Garden

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jkidd28August 15, 2022
5.0
The mascot of Kumamoto City, the last person to speak, is always crowded wherever he goes, all wanting to see him! That is Kumamon, known as the Minister of Bear! The office is always empty, because he is on patrol!

Kumamon Square

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_TX***umAugust 28, 2023
4.0
Educational and entertaining, Kumamoto Zoo and Botanical Gardens offer a blend of nature and discovery

Kumamoto City Zoo and Botanical Garden

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翱翔的大鲨鱼January 5, 2021
4.0
The Kumamoto Revitalization Plan is an activity that aims to become the driving force for the revitalization of Kumamoto under such circumstances. For example, bronze statues of characters from the popular manga "One Piece" by local manga artist Eiichiro Oda have been set up in various places in Kumamoto Prefecture. Currently, there are three statues, including Luffy, Sanji, and Trickster. Anime fans will surely enjoy visiting the statue sites. Be sure to stop by when you come to Kumamoto for sightseeing.

Monkey D. Luffy statue

Popular cities near Kumamoto City

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Kumamoto City?

Don't miss these attractions in Kumamoto City: Kumamoto Castle, Mount Aso, and Sakuranobaba Josaien. If you like Day tours, try 1-day tour to Fukuoka's hidden shrine, Aso Volcano, Kusasenri, and Kurokawa Onsen|Kumamoto round-trip. If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try Kumamoto Highlights Audio Tour: Historic Treasures and Cultural Gems.

You can give [Teppanyaki Kaiseki Rindou] Enjoy a choice of five teppanyaki packages featuring Kumamoto's renowned black-haired Wagyu beef brand "Wagyu-Ou" and Kumamoto: SPACE KUMAMOTO nightclub admission ticket + drink (exclusive for foreign visitors) a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include 1-day tour to Fukuoka's hidden shrine, Aso Volcano, Kusasenri, and Kurokawa Onsen|Kumamoto round-trip, 1-day tour to Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki and Kumamoto with optional cruise, sky train and Mount Aso Kusasenri, and Kyushu Hidden Gems 1-day Tour: Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine + Mount Aso + Kusasenri + Kurokawa Onsen. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 24, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Kumamoto City is around EUR 39.55 – EUR 503.32. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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