Spending time in Kumamoto・Sightseeing
Enjoying your Kumamoto sightseeing
STAY
A trip that touches on the history of Kumamoto with Kumamoto Castle at it’s center
This city is where Kumamoto Castle, built by Kiyomasa Kato, the former daimyo of the Kumamoto domain and one of the experts behind the construction of The Three Famous Castles of Japan in the Warring States period, once flourished at its center. You are able to come into contact with that history anywhere you go inside the city. For sightseeing downtown, the arcade streets at the base of Kumamoto Castle, “Kami-Dori”, “Shimo-Dori”, and “Shinshi-gai” are highly recommended. There are also the street cars (City Trams) running inside the city which provide access to the central district, are extremely convenient, and can be ridden at a lost-cost flat-fee.
How to spend your first day
DAY.1
AM10:00
Arriving at Kumamoto Station!
Store your luggage at the hotel immediately and start your Kumamoto trip!
To get to Hokke Club Kumamoto from JR Kumamoto Station, transfer to the charming city tram and once you get off at the 4th station, Keitokukomae, it is just one minute’s walk away. Store your luggage first thing for a carefree start your trip.
AM11:00
Kumamoto Castle Inari Shrine
Wishing for an ample harvest, safe home, and prosperous business
In 1588, this shrine was recommended by Kiyomasa Kato to enter the country and continues to affectionately by called “Shirohige-san”. There is also the event called “fukumairi”, where visitors come to pray on day of the Hatsuuma Grand Festival every February, and it is crowded with many parishioners every year.
Information
- Address
- 3-13, Honmaru, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto-ken
- Phone number
- 096-355-3521
- Distance from hotel
- Approximately 17 minute walk / 8 minutes by car
PM11:30
Kato Shrine
For first shrine visits, 100th day celebrations, rites-of-passage, unlucky years, and 60th birthdays / For all of life’s occasions
Enshrining Kiyomasa Kato, this shrine was established as Nishikiyama Shrine in 1871 between inner Kumamoto Castle and the Uto turret, and was moved to the Kyomachi neighborhood within Kumamoto city in 1874 and to its current location in 1962. Every July there is the Lord Kiyomasa Festival that harkens back to Kumamoto summers of old.
Information
- Address
- 2-1, Honmaru, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto-ken
- Phone number
- 096-352-7316
- Distance from hotel
- Approximately 10 minutes by car / 12 minutes by train
PM12:00
Kumamoto Castle
One of the Three Famous Castles of Japan designed by Kiyomasa Kato
And there are many great spots for photos!
After the Battle of Sekigahara, it took around 7 years for the castle to be completed by Kiyomasa Kato, and it is known for its complex, solid structure that uses moats and stone walls. In the Edo period, it was the castle of the Kumamoto domain’s Hosokawa clan, and was also the battlefield of the Satsuma Rebellion. It is sometimes called the “Gingko Castle”. ※At the moment, entry to the castle tower is not permitted due to earthquake damage. Feel free to visit Kato Shrine, the art museum, and see the precious areas of Kumamoto Castle near the castle tower under restoration.
Information
- Address
- 1-1, Honmaru, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto-ken
- Phone number
- 096-352-5900
- Distance from hotel
- Approximately 19 minute walk / 9 minutes by car
PM12:30
Sakura no Baba Josaien
A sightseeing hot spot of fun & food at the base of Kumamoto Castle
You can watch a play or experience some other fun at one of the establishments that provided for sightseeing activites such as Wakuwaku-za that is filled with excitement or Sakura no Komichi where exquisite food and souvenirs from across the prefecture are gathered. A General Tourism Desk is also available.
Information
- Address
- 1-1-1, Ninomaru, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto-ken
- Phone number
- 096-288-5600 (Wakuwaku-za)
- Distance from hotel
- Approximately 13 minute walk / 5 minutes by car
- ※ Wakuwaku-za Entrance Fee
- Adults 300 yen / Children (elementary school students) 100 yen
PM3:00
Kumamoto Prefectural Art Musuem
The connection between Western art and works from Kumamoto
A “comprehensive art museum” that covers western & eastern art from the past and present. Visit the Eisei Bunko Museum Collection which is on permanent display and was inherited from the collection of Hosokawa clan, the former head of the Kumamoto domain. There is also the Kumamoto Castle Ninomaru Park, and a lobby and cafe where you can view Kumamoto Castle.
Information
- Address
- 2, Ninomaru, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto-ken
- Phone number
- 096-352-2111
- Distance from hotel
- Approximately 22 minute walk / 6 minutes by car
PM5:00
Hotel check-in
Welcome to Hokke Club Kumamoto!
PM6:00
Umazakura Kumamoto Ginza Dori Store
A specialty shop concentrating on fresh horse meat
This shop specializes in Kumamoto’s famous local product, horse meat dishes. Savor the taste of creative dishes including horse sashimi shabu-shabu, sukiyaki, and also rare cuts using exceptionally fresh, domestic meat. The store also has window-side seating at the counter so it is easy for even just one person to dine-in.
Information
- Address
- 1-10-3, Shimo-dori, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto-ken
- Phone number
- 096-354-5800
- Distance from hotel
- Approximately 12 minute walk / 7 minutes by car
Relaxation time at the hotel
AT HOTEL
PM8:30
Baths
Man-made hot spring “Quasi-Natural” relax with Komeiseki Onsen®
Unwind and stretch your legs in a large bath and be healed from the sightseeing and fatigue of the day.
There is no higher luxury than the relaxing personal time of soaking your entire body in the calming, warm waters!
Information
- Operating hours
- Men & Women
Evening: 16：00～25：00 / Morning: 06：00～9：00
SLEEP TIME
Back in your room
Going to bed after a satisfying first day of your trip. Rest and look forward to enjoying tomorrow!
How to spend your second day
DAY.2
AM7:30
Shirakawa Riverbed
Enjoy a refreshing morning walk or jog
Designated as a famous body of water, the riverbed of the Shirakawa river is popular as a walking and jogging course. On a sunny morning with the clear sky, you can feel the magnificience of Shirakawa river while walking.
Information
- Distance from the hotel
- Approximately 5 minute walk
AM8:30
Breakfast
After returning to the hotel, time for breakfast!
On the top floor of Hokke Club Kumamoto at “Lord Kiyomasa”, you can leisurely pass the time while watching the city in the morning. The “Hokke Club Group” also specializes in breakfast so please indulge yourself with regional dishes from each location within Kyuushuu. Along with table seating there is also traditional Japanese-seating available so even those coming with small children can enjoy breakfast without worry.
Information
- Place
- “Lord Kiyomasa” Restaurant
- Charge
- 1,320 yen (tax included)
elementary school children 880 yen (tax included) - Operating hours
- 6：30～10：00
(please arrive before 9:30)
AM10:00
Check-out
Leaving the hotel and enjoying kumamoto again!
AM10:30
Ganso Mori Karashirenkon
A beloved Kumamoto local delicacy
This is the long-standing shop that serves the taste of Kumamoto, karashirenkon. Handmade using traditional methods passed down since the Edo period, the karashirenkon has just the right amount of spice and a crisp texture that sublime. Enjoy as is or together with condiments like soy sauce or mayonaise.
Information
- Address
- 2-12-32, Shinmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto-ken
- Phone number
- 096-351-0001
- Distance from hotel
- Approximately 10 minute walk / 5 minutes by car
AM11:30
Korantei Kami-Dori Pavilion Store
Chinese cuisine made with vermicelli noodles (Taipien)
A dish local to Kumamoto, this shop is well-established and known as the birthplace of Taipien. The vermicelli, made 100% from mung beans, has a simple while yet deep flavor, and blends well together with the other pork and chicken bone soup, vegetables, seafood, and pork ingredients to produce a delicious taste.
Information
- Address
- 1-15, Kami-dorimachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto-ken
- Phone number
- 096-352-3812
- Distance from hotel
- Approximately 17 minute walk / 9 minutes by car
- Operating hours
- 11:00～21:30(21:00 last order)
- Taipien 860 yen (tax included)
Round Table Course 1750 yen (tax included) For two people
PM2:00
Suizenji Ezuko Park
An elegant migrant garden plentiful in the Spring style of Momoyama
This migrant garden is influenced by Momoyama and stretches to around 73,000m. You can enjoy a walk and see Tsukiyama, the miniature Mt. Fuji at the center of the pond created by water from Mt. Aso bursting up from underground, the partially submerged stones, pines, and other scenery that is said to be modeled after the wood-block print of the fifty-three stations on the Tōkaidō highway.
Information
- Address
- 8-1, Suizenji Park, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto-ken
- Phone number
- 096-383-0074
- Distance from hotel
- Approximately 20 minutes by car / 28 minutes by train
※Park Entrance fee: High school and above 400 yen / elementary & middle school 200 yen
Tourist Attractions
SIGHTSEEING
Kumamoto Castle
After the Battle of Sekigahara, it took around 7 years for the castle to be completed by Kiyomasa Kato, and it is known for its complex, solid structure that uses moats and stone walls. In the Edo period, it was the castle of the Kumamoto domain’s Hosokawa clan, and was also the battlefield of the Satsuma Rebellion. It is sometimes called the “Gingko Castle”.
■Approximately 19 minute walk / 9 minutes by car from the hotel
Sakura no Baba Josaien
You can watch a play or experience some other fun at one of the establishments that provided for sightseeing activites such as Wakuwaku-za that is filled with excitement or Sakura no Komichi where exquisite food and souvenirs from across the prefecture are gathered. A General Tourism Desk is also available.
■ Approximately 13 minute walk / 5 minutes by car from the hotel
Kumamoto Prefectural Art Musuem
A “comprehensive art museum” that covers western & eastern art from the past and present. Visit the Eisei Bunko Museum Collection which is on permanent display and was inherited from the collection of Hosokawa clan, the former head of the Kumamoto domain. There is also the Kumamoto Castle Ninomaru Park, and a lobby and cafe where you can view Kumamoto Castle.
■ Approximately 22 minute walk / 6 minutes by car from the hotel
Kumamoto Castle Inari Shrine
In 1588, this shrine was recommended by Kiyomasa Kato to enter the country and continues to affectionately by called “Shirohige-san”. There is also the event called “fukumairi”, where visitors come to pray on day of the Hatsuuma Grand Festival every February, and it is crowded with many parishioners every year.
■ Approximately 17 minute walk / 8 minutes by car from the hotel
Suizenji Ezuko Park
This migrant garden is influenced by Momoyama and stretches to around 73,000m. You can enjoy a walk and see Tsukiyama, the miniature Mt. Fuji at the center of the pond created by water from Mt. Aso bursting up from underground, the partially submerged stones, pines, and other scenery that is said to be modeled after the wood-block print of the fifty-three stations on the Tōkaidō highway.
■ Approximately 20 minutes by car / 28 minutes by train from the hotel
Kato Shrine
Enshrining Kiyomasa Kato, this shrine was established as Nishikiyama Shrine in 1871 between inner Kumamoto Castle and the Uto turret, and was moved to the Kyomachi neighborhood within Kumamoto city in 1874 and to its current location in 1962. Every July there is the Lord Kiyomasa Festival that harkens back to Kumamoto summers of old.
■ Approximately 10 minutes by car / 12 minutes by train from the hotel
Korantei Kami-Dori Pavilion Store
A dish local to Kumamoto, this shop is well-established and known as the birthplace of Taipien. The vermicelli, made 100% from mung beans, has a simple while yet deep flavor, and blends well together with the other pork and chicken bone soup, vegetables, seafood, and pork ingredients to produce a delicious taste.
■ Approximately 17 minute walk / 9 minutes by car from the hotel
Umazakura Kumamoto Ginza Dori Store
This shop specializes in Kumamoto’s famous local product, horse meat dishes. Savor the taste of creative dishes including horse sashimi shabu-shabu, sukiyaki, and also rare cuts using exceptionally fresh, domestic meat. The store also has window-side seating at the counter so it is easy for even just one person to dine-in.
■ Approximately 12 minute walk / 7 minutes by car from the hotel
Ganso Mori Karashirenkon
This is the long-standing shop that serves the taste of Kumamoto, karashirenkon. Handmade using traditional methods passed down since the Edo period, the karashirenkon has just the right amount of spice and a crisp texture that sublime. Enjoy as is or together with condiments like soy sauce or mayonaise.
■ Approximately 10 minute walk / 5 minutes by car from the hotel