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