Wondering where and what to eat in Kumamoto? Our Kumamoto food guide has the best place to try on the must eat local dishes when visiting Kumamoto.
Located in the Kyushu region, Kumamoto is a historical-cultural town, known for its stunning castle. Many visitors are coming all the way to visit the Kumamoto castle. However, do you know Kumamoto is also famous for its food? The city offered many delicious cuisines, from traditional sweet treats to a variety of local dishes and specialties. We listed down the popular restaurant in Kumamoto if you are not sure where to eat in Kumamoto. Don’t miss the chance to try on Kumamoto’s food when visiting here.
Here is Kumamoto Food Guide: Top 5 Best Food To Eat in Kumamoto.
Basashi or horse meat sashimi is a must-try food in Kumamoto. It is a popular local dish that is hard to find in most other prefectures. For foreign visitors, you might be afraid of eating horse meat. It is not so scary as what you think. Horse meat is a culinary tradition of Japan, especially in Kumamoto and Nagano prefecture. It can be served raw as sashimi (basashi) or cooked in various methods such as grill, shabu-shabu, or skewer.
Horse meat has high protein and nutrition with less fat. It is getting popular among locals especially ladies in Japan. It taste like beef but had a different touch of sweetness. A must-try unique culinary in Kumamoto.
Best place to try the horse meat in Kumamoto:
Many restaurants especially izakaya in Kumamoto serve horse meat cuisine. But no one can beat the Suganoya (菅乃屋). It has many branches in Kumamoto even Tokyo. We recommended tasting on the horse meat cuisine in Suganoya Kamidori (菅乃屋 上通店) as it is their flagship store, which started to serve the horse meat cuisine in 1789 during the Kansei period. A full course of horse meat kaiseki is not cheap. Budget lovers consider visiting during lunchtime as they also served the lunch menu at a cheap price.
Address: 2F, 2-12 Jōtōmachi, Chūō-ku, Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture 860-0846, Japan
Getting there: 1-minute walk from Kumamoto City Tram Torichosuji Station (通町筋駅)
Price range: from ¥6,000 to ¥12,000
Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet)
Delicious Tonkatsu from Katsuretsutei Shinshigai Honten
The Tonkatsu (豚カツ) is a Japanese fried pork cutlet, normally fillet or loin. It is coated with Japanese panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried in hot oil. Tonkatsu is often served with rice, shredded cabbage, and miso soup.
Katsuretsutei Shinshigai Honten (勝烈亭) is probably the best restaurant that served the tonkatsu in Kumamoto. Their tonkatsu is so succulent and made to perfection. It is juicy inside yet crispy on the outside. The portion is so big and comes with unlimited refills of shredded cabbage, miso soup, and rice. One of the best food in Kumamoto.
Taipien (Vermicelli Soup)
A bowl of Taipien
Another local food from Kumamoto is the Taipien, a Kumamoto and China fusion dish. Originated from Fuzhou, China, and introduced during the Meiji Era. It is now perfectly transformed into Kumamoto’s local dish. Kumamoto served taipeien with lots of vegetables, sliced pork, squid, and prawns. The transparent noodles (bean starch-based) are perfectly matched with the flavorful pork bone soup.
Many Chinas restaurants in Kamitori and Shimotori shopping arcades are serving the taipien. While Korantei (紅蘭亭) is the most famous restaurant serving the taipien in Kumamoto.
Price: A bowl of taipien normally costs less than ¥1000.
Kumamoto Ramen
Kumamoto Ramen from Kokutei
Next on, Kumamoto Ramen. Kyushu is famous and the origin of tonkatsu ramen. The soup broth is based on pork bones and is rich in flavor. While Kumamoto ramen also consists of pork bone broth but is topped with plenty of roasted garlic which creates an excellent taste. The broth is milky but the garlic-infused creates a mouth-watering smell. Besides, the noodles are straight and thin. But you are opted to adjust the thickness of your noodle.
Best Place for Kumamoto Ramen:
Operating since 1957, Kokutei (黒亭) probably is one of the most popular ramen shops in Kumamoto. The restaurant serves several types of ramen with roasted garlic oil. But their ramen with egg perhaps comes across as their signature style. A satisfying cuisine for noodle lovers especially in strong taste.
Next, Akagumi Ramen serves decent of Kumamoto ramen. It is a simple and traditional ramen shop. Located Kamitori Shopping Street and nearby Kumamoto Castle. Many locals are visiting this shop and can be crowded during meal hours.
Last but not least, Tengaiten (天外天). It is a typical Japanese ramen stall with about 10 counter seats available. Tengaiten ramen serve the classic Kumamoto ramen. It comes with strong rich pork broth and a lot of garlic in its ramen.
Price: A bowl of ramen costs about ¥700 to ¥1000.
Kumamoto Horaku Manju
Horaku Manju
The Horaku Manju (Japanese cake) is one of the local Kumamoto sweets. It is a type of bun that is made filled with red bean or white bean paste. The shop was established and sold Horaju Manju about 50 years ago. Many locals will stop by the shop and get some snacks. You can either take it back or enjoy the Manju on the spot with free tea served.
A Manju is relatively cheap and cost less than 100 yen. Worth giving it a try while passing the shop in Kamitori Arcade. A local sweet that is full of traditional flavor.
Kumamoto Food Guide
Hopefully, the above Kumamoto food guide can give you some idea if you are looking for what to eat in Kumamoto. Most of the best food is located in the downtown area. As per usual, it is best to stay nearby the bus station. We stayed in the Nest Hotel Kumamoto less than 2-mins walking distance from the bus stop. So it is very easy for us to travel around, and of course, have the best food in Kumamoto.
We also recommended the Dormy Inn Kumamoto Natural Hot Spring strategically located just in front of the Kumamoto Bus Terminal. It has an in-house Onsen public bath provided for hotel guests. A popular pick hotel in Kumamoto.
What is the must-eat food in Kumamoto?
The must eat foods in Kumamoto are Kumamoto ramen, basashi, tonkatsu and taipien.
What is the famous Kumamoto food?
The basashi, or “cherry blossom meat” is an unusual specialty that incorporates thin slices of raw horse meat. Kumamoto is rated as the favorite place to try this delicacy in Japan.
Lastly, don’t forget to read our Kumamoto travel blog and food review on those amazing places in Kumamoto. Happy travel and food hunting in Kumamoto.
The tonkatsu from Katsuretsutei Kumamoto is delightful and made perfectly. A must eat food in Kumamoto and highly recommend to anyone visiting here.
There are a few must-eat local specialties that hardly can’t miss in Kumamoto. Among them, Katsuretsutei Shinshigai Honten (勝烈亭) is one of the must-try restaurants in Kumamoto. It served the juicy and tender tonkatsu (Pork cutlet) in town. It awarded with 1 star Michelin, with a high rating in Tabelog and TripAdvisor.
We keep on debating for what to eat during our visit to Kumamoto. So glad that we make the right decision and try on the tonkatsu from Katsuretsutei. It is probably the best tonkatsu we have eaten so far.
Continue reading on our food review in Katsuretsutei Kumamoto.
Katsuretsutei Shinshigai Kumamoto
After complete on our 1-day Kumamoto itinerary, we were looking for Katsuretsutei for our dinner. The popular Katsuretsutei Shinshigai is located on the side street from the Shinshigai shopping arcade. It is within walking distance from my hotel, Nest Hotel Kumamoto.
We arrived at around 6 pm as heard there are always long queues to taste on this famous tonkatsu on Kumamoto. At the time of our visit, there were still not many people and we got our table right away.
Inside Katsuretsutei Kumamoto, it is a large seating area with a table and tatami seating area for guests. We choose to seat at the table.
The service is prompt and excellent. We had our warm towel and hot tea served once seated. The staff asked on our preferred language menu and we had our English menu.
Katsuretsutei Menu
The Katsuretsutei menu came with an image, making it easier to order food. So it is straight forward and easy to understand. The recommended menu is Atsuage Kurobuta Roast-katsu Zen (thick roppaku-kurobuta pork loin cutlet), the premium Berkshire pork from Kagoshima.
Understand there’s a set lunch menu in cheaper price. A money-saving tips if you are want to save some money yet having delicious food in Kumamoto. But we choose having lunch in Suganoya, which also offer a cheaper lunch menu during weekday.
We ordered the cheaper version Atsuage Roast-katsu Zen (thick fresh pork loin cut) 180g and Fillet-katsu Zen (thick fresh tenderloin cutlet) 180g to tried on. The set will served with shredded cabbage, a side of rice, tsukemono (pickles) and hojicha (roasted tea). All can be refilled upon request.
While waiting for our meal, we enjoy our time to make our dipping sauce. There are two sauces to choose from; traditional and spicy. The fresh sesame seed (goma suri) was grinding with a wooden pestles in little grooved ceramic bowls before mixing in tonkatsu sauce.
I prefer for the traditional sauce. The spicy sauce taste like traditional sauce with wasabi.
Juicy and Succulent Pork Loin Cutlet
Without a long wait, our tonkatsu was served. The portion was so big. It was a full meal with shredded cabbage, pickles, miso soup and a bowl of Japanese rice.
Look at the tonkatsu served from Katsuretsutei. The pork cutlet was very succulent and made to perfection. It was crisp on the outside, yet juicy and tender on inside.
We have eaten tonkatsu many times even in Japan. Honestly, this is one of the best we had so far. The meat was so juicy and delicious without feeling fatty or oily. No greasy taste at all. Love it. I always prefer the loin over fillet for the fattiness. Go for the fillet if you prefer less fat and more tender meat.
My favorite side dish was shredded cabbage. Try it with different kinds of dressing and I preferred the sesame one. We refilled the shredded cabbage once as it was so refreshing, perfectly match with the pork cutlet. We would love to have more, but too bad we were so full after finish on what we had.
You can also have a cup of coffee after the filling meal.
Best Tonkatsu From Katsuretsutei Kumamoto
All in all, it was an impressive and surprising meal from Katsuretsutei. We didn’t expect tonkatsu can be made with such perfection. For sure you will also agree that this is the best tonkatsu ever once try on it. The food was so unbelievably delicious, flavor and volume.
I will come back again if we are here. A must eat food in Kumamoto.
Lastly, if you are looking for inspiration on how to plan your trip to Kyushu? Continue reading on our travel stories in Kyushu to Fukuoka, Yufuin, Miyazaki, and more.
Do you ever taste the basashi or horse meat sashimi? Must-try local food in Kumamoto. Suganoya Kumamoto served the best horse meat cuisine in town.
There are a variety of local dishes and specialty food to eat in Kumamoto. For sure you may have try and experience on various Japanese food. But don’t forget to try on horse meat cuisine in Suganoya Kumamoto if visiting here.
The basashi (馬刺し), so-called the horse meat sashimi is one of the unique culinary and popular food in Kumamoto. It is most well-known as the origin of horsemeat cuisine and hard to find in most other prefectures. We were keen and happy to try the basashi during our visit to Kumamoto. Once we have done check in to Nest Hotel, our accommodation stay in Kumamoto. We first headed to Suganoya Kamidori for lunch.
Suganoya Kamidori Kumamoto
Suganoya Kamidori (菅乃屋 上通店) located on the second floor of a car park building. It took us about 15 minutes from the hotel by walking. We arrived early before the lunch peak hour. Surprisingly, the restaurant was almost full even weekday. Most of the customers are Japanese. We didn’t make the reservation but luckily there were still seats available at the counter bar. So it is advisable to make a reservation for dinner and the weekend.
Suganoya (菅乃屋) is one of the best places in town, serving the horse meat cuisine. Suganoya has other branches in Kumamoto as far off as in Tokyo. However, the Kamidori flagship store is where the business started in 1789 during the Kansei period. Their horse meat is raised on the ground of Senkyo farm. Most importantly, Suganoya is the only specialized horse meat processing facility in Japan with international certification. So you won’t go wrong by trying their basashi when visiting Kumamoto.
A friendly Japanese lady welcome us and promptly showed us to our seats by the counter. We had a good view of the kitchen as well as of the space in general. The atmosphere was very lively and casual.
Suganoya Lunch Menu
Ordering was easy. There are menu come in various languages with pictures and well explained on the cuisine. Suganoya is famous on horse meat specialized cuisine. Price is slightly upscale and can be ranging from ¥6,000 for kaiseki meal during dinner. But Suganoya also offered a valuable set menu during weekday lunch. One of the budget way without burning an unnecessarily huge hole in our pockets.
All sets come with basashi to satisfy our curiosity on Japanese horse meat cuisine. We opted for Stone Grilled Lunch Set (石焼コース) at ¥3,670. So that we can try on raw meat and grilled meat in different ways.
Firstly, we started with a refreshing salad while waiting for our first try on horse meat.
Stewed dish with some spring peas simply tossed in creamed dressing. A very typical Japanese way of stewed dish. It was particularly rich in texture and very delightful.
Horse Meat Sashimi (Basashi)
Next, horse meat sashimi with beautiful marble cut in slide was served. The dishes were also beautifully presented. Due to its pink color, horse meat also called sakura (桜) or sakuraniku (桜肉). However, the fat from the neck is white, not pink.
My first taste of horse meat yielded a most pleasant impression of a tender. It did taste a bit like beef but had a touch of sweetness. It changed my impression of basashi.
While horse meat did taste a bit like beef, we still preferred beef. However, given the food quality of this restaurant, we still think it is worthwhile to come here for a good sampling of horse meat cuisine.
Grilled Horse Meat
NNext on, various cut of horse meat was served together with a grilled stone. It served in three different parts of the horse meat together with some vegetables. The lady server teach us to use the fat to geese the pot and dipped the meat to the prepared seasoning sauce.
We can’t wait to start our grilling process. Probably the roasted meat has more seasoning. When grilled, the aroma of the horse meat adding a mouthwatering flavor.
Horse meat with high nutrition and protein with less fat. Some parts may a little bit fat, but taste so good. Each taste differently with its characteristics. We love dipped our meat in the sauce provided. It is the simplest and great match with horse meat. It brings out the inherent flavor of the meat. Delicious.
Last but not least, we had our dessert and coffee served after the meal. Such a satisfied meal in Suganoya. We end our meal with a well-filled belly.
Must Try Food in Kumamoto
All in all, it is worthwhile to visit Suganoya Kumamoto for a good sampling of horse meat cuisine. The service was very courteous and the quality of the horse meat was excellent. Given the food quality and very decent for such a lavish meal.
Horse meat is a must-try delicacy in Kumamoto. It is not so scary as what you think. Highly recommended for this unique culinary when visiting Kumamoto. Truly a distinctive gastronomic experience.
菅乃屋 上通店 Suganoya Kamidori Branch (Reservation is recommended)
Address: 2F, 2-12 Jōtōmachi, Chūō-ku, Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture 860-0846, Japan
Getting there: 1-minute walk from Kumamoto City Tram Torichosuji Station (通町筋駅)
Lastly, if you are looking for inspiration on how to plan your trip to Kyushu? Continue reading on our travel stories in Kyushu to Fukuoka, Yufuin, Miyazaki, and more.
A complete travel guide with things to do in Kumamoto city. My 1-Day Kumamoto itinerary includes what to do and the best food to eat while visiting here.
Situated at the central part on Kyushu island, Kumamoto (熊本) is one of Japan’s city known for its stunning historical castle. Although the Kumamoto was hit by an earthquake in 2016, and many of its famous sightseeing attraction was damaged due to the natural disaster. We still decided to plan for a 1-day trip to Kumamoto and make it our first stop when we first arrived in Kyushu. The city is still undergoing extensive repair work especially the castle area. But it is so lovely and worth planning on your itinerary when visiting Kyushu.
If you are planning for the Kumamoto itinerary, this Kumamoto travel blog will help you. You’ll find all the best things to do, what to eat and all the useful information you need to know. These useful Kumamoto travel guides include a transportation guide, must eat Kumamto food guide, and best places to stay if you are visiting Kumamoto. Read on my Kumamoto travel blog.
Firstly, depending on what type of transport you choose to get there, Kumamoto is easy to access by flight, shinkansen, train, or even by bus. There are two main stations in the city area. If you are getting to Kumamoto by train, Kumamoto station is your destination. While most highway bus will end their service at Kumamoto Kotsu Cente / Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal (熊本桜町バスターミナル) in the city center.
The nearest airport is Kumamoto Airport which located 40 minutes bus ride from the city center. While most of the international travelers are visiting Kumamoto as part of their Kyushu trip from Fukuoka airport. Direct bus service running between Fukuoka airport to Kumamoto. The journey takes about 2 hours at ¥2,280.
Getting to Kumamoto from Fukuoka city (Hakata Station) is the most common traveling route. There are a few ways to get to Kumamoto:
Bullet train Kyushu Shinkansen to Kumamoto Station takes only 47 minutes at ¥4,700
JR train to Kumamoto Station takes about 2 hours at ¥2,800
The highway bus to Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal takes about 2 hours at ¥2,280
If you are planning to travel to Kumamoto and nearby by train, consider getting the Kyushu JR Pass (3-Days/5-Days) which will greatly save on the transportation pass. This money-saving transportation pass is valid for foreign visitors only.
Kumamoto Travel Tips: We recommended to stay nearby Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal for easy getting around if you are planning to travel by bus to attractions nearby such as Mt Aso, Takachiho Gorge. The Dormy Inn Kumamoto Natural Hot Spring is located in the strategy location with walking distance from Kumamoto Bus Station. In-house public bath, complementary ramen for supper, excellent service and great value for money. Popular pick in Kumamoto.
Getting Around in Kumamoto City
There are two tram lines and city buses running in Kumamoto. A single ride on the tram cost at flat ¥170 while one day pass costs 500 yen. If your Kumamoto itinerary use for at least 3 rides, consider purchasing the one day tram pass for easy getting around. Otherwise, it is also very convenient to use the SUICA, ICOCA, and other Japanese transportation IC cards or even cash when getting to the tram.
From Kumamoto station to the city center required about 10 minutes by tram or bus. Once you are in the central area, most of the things to do and must-visit attraction can be access by walking.
1-Day Kumamoto Itinerary
During our 1-Day Kumamoto itinerary, we visited Kumamoto castle and explore it for an entire day in the city area. We spend time exploring the Kumamoto Castle, meet the national character Kumamon, and taste the mouth-watering must eat famous food in Kumamoto.
1-Day Kumamoto itinerary:
Arrive Kumamoto. Taste the Kumamoto local Specialties (1-2 hours)
Visit Kumamoto Castle (1-2 hours)
Wandering around in Sakuranobaba Johsaien (1 hour)
Ride the Kumamoto Shiden
Meet the iconic Kumamon in alive (1 hour)
Aerial view on Kumamoto city at City Hall (30 minutes to 1 hour)
Shopping in Shimotori Shopping Arcade (1-2 hours)
Taste the Kumamoto Local Specialties
We first headed for lunch once check-in to our accommodation in Kumamoto. The Kumamoto Nest Hotel located just beside the Sakuramachi Bus Terminal. The strategic location will greatly save us a lot of time and energy as we will traveling to nearby attractions by bus.
Basashi so-called the horse meat sashimi is one of the local specialties in Kumamoto. We visited the Suganoya, best restaurant in Kumamoto serving the delicious basashi. It is also one of the must-try food in Kumamamoto and highly recommended by locals.
Suganoya (菅乃屋) provides a variety of horse meat dishes such as sashimi, sushi, pot dishes, roasted horse meat, and lunch course meal. They serve different cut of parts in various cooking methods. And the best-processed meat is served in sashimi. We ordered the lunch course meal to taste on the delicious horse meat. Surprisingly, horse meat is juicy and tender. It taste good and delicious. We highly recommended tasting on this local specialties in Kumamoto.
Visit Kumamoto Castle
The Kumamoto Castle (熊本城, Kumamotojō) is one of the three most impressive and extremely well-fortified castle complex in Japan. Build since the early 1600s and took about 7 years to construct the castle building. The Kumamoto castle features a variety of historical buildings with large castle grounds and surroundings.
The castle consists of two towers: a six stories main tower and a smaller four stories tower. One of the unique attractions of Kumamoto Castle is the reconstruction of Honmaru Goten Palace by using original material and methods. Visitors can view on its glamour building and display. The whole castle surrounding also features with impressive stone walls and moats, as well as several turrets and storehouses.
umamoto Castle probably the top attraction in the Kumamoto. Sadly is the castle encounter severely damaged due to earthquakes in 2016. Most of the building are badly impacted. It required many years of repairing work to reconstruct back to its original. During the renovated period, no entrance ticket required to view on the spectacular Kumamoto Castle.
During our visit, we were so lucky to join the Kumamoto Castle’s Grand Unveiling since October 2019. Many areas are still close for repairing and most of the building are close for visit. But the inner ground is now partly open for visitors after partial of repairing work completed. We were able to get closer and take the photographs of this impressive castle building. Don’t miss the chance to view on the re-open Kumamoto Castle if you are visiting here. The whole castle complex is very big. Estimate to spend about 2 hours to visit the castle area.
Wandering Around Sakuranobaba Johsaien
Located just 200 meters from the castle entrance, Sakuranobaba Johsaien (桜の馬場城彩苑) is a street revived of old castle town. It is full of the traditional atmosphere of the old streets of Japan. Visitors can experience the Kumamoto’s history and culture while walking along the street. More than 20 shops, selling local specialties and souvenirs of Kumamon.
There is a place called Wakuwakuza, a little mini-museum where you learn about Kumamoto’s history and try some unique costumes. If you are coming at the right time, there are also Samurai performance show to entertain visitors. Too bad we did not come at the right time.
It’s a very interesting place if you want to take a look at the old Japanese Edo period. Take some rest and snack before or after the castle visit. We just simply wandering around after back from the castle area. Free shuttle bus service provided that goes around the castle ground.
Sakuranobaba Johsaien
Address: 1-1-1 Ninomaru, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto
Opening hours: Weekday from 0900 to 1900 while weekend from 0900 to 2000
Ride The Kumamoto Shiden
One of the most convenient ways to travel from Kumamoto station to the downtown area. The tram stops almost every point of interest in the city area. A good experience for riding on Kumamoto Shiden to see the locals, street scenes and surrounding area.
All the streetcar are in different models, age and color schemes. It costs just ¥ 170 for each ride regardless of distance. And you plan to take more than 3 rides, getting a day pass is more sensible. Simply get on and off anytime that you want. The best way to traveling around the city area.
Meet The Kumamon
One of the popular family activities when visiting Kumamoto is to meet the famous iconic mascot, Kumamon in alive. The real Kumamon will come to appear on the square with dance and performance. For sure kids will thoroughly enjoy the show.
We pay a visit to Kumamon’s office located on the ground floor of the Tsuraya Department store. It consists of a small souvenir store, a mini auditorium and an office. You may spot Kumamon with performance if coming at the right time. So remember to check his schedule online to find out what time will he be in the office. It is a great experience to see Kumamon performing for 30 minutes in person.
We were not fans of Kumamon but went there out of curiosity since Kumamon seems to be popular. We arrived 30 minutes before the show. Surprisingly the Kumamon Square was packed with tourists and kids even at weekday. The entrance was close when the seat was full. So remember to come early if you want to watch the show.
We were sort of fantasized when entered. Lots of Kumamon related merchandise were sold there. The Kumamon is coming for performance on time. He is full of energy with lots of personality. It is a funny scene when Kumamon was performing. Although the show is speaking in Japanese, you still can feel the atmosphere and everyone’s enthusiasm during performance. At the end of the show, we all fall in love with this cute mascot.
Kumamon’s Office
Address: 8-2 Tetorihoncho, Chuo-ku ( 1F of Tsuraya Department Store)
Next, we proceeded to Kumamoto City Hall to get some aerial views. This City Hall is a government building and not a tourist spot. But, it is free to enter and the best place for photo opportunities. We get to the observation deck on the 14th floor. From there, we take a lookout over the castle and downtown area for spectacular views on the city.
We spend about 30 minutes to have a full view of the city before proceed to the next destination.
Opening hours: Weekday from 0830 to 2200 while weekend and holiday from 0900 to 2200
Shopping at Shimotori Shopping Arcade
Next, we spend the rest of our day wandering around in Shimotori shopping street. It is the most lively area in Kumamoto with countless shops and restaurants in the busy shopping street. Here you can find discount pharmacies, cosmetics, souvenirs, electronics and household shops along the street. The popular Japan’s brand such as MUJI, GU, Uniqlo can be also found in the department store. Besides, there are also sushi bars, izakaya, ramen shops and Japanese-styled restaurants for food and drink.
Alternatively, you can also enjoy a cup of coffee and dessert at one of the cafes in Shimotori street.
Kumamoto Food Guide: What To Eat in Kumamoto
Most of the best food in Kumamoto is located at the Shimotori shopping street which nearby the Kumamoto Castle. There are many famous food and local specialties to eat in Kumamoto. If you are looking for what to eat in Kumamoto, here are a few recommendation food to try on.
Kumamoto Ramen
Basashi, or horse meat sashimi
Extra Thick Tonkatsu
Taipiien (Vermicelli Soup)
Local snack food: Horaku manju (Japanese cake)
Besides, we have listed the Kumamoto Food Guide: What To Eat in Kumamoto for all the best food that we try during our visit. Read on if you are looking at what to eat in Kumamoto. We tried the horse meal in Suganoya Kumamoto and had the best tonkatsu ever at Katsuretsutei. Read on our Kumamoto food review here:
Looking for the best hotel and area for where to stay in Kumamoto? Due to its strategic location and transport accessibility, Kumamoto is a great base for visitors to plan for a day trip to Aso, Takachiho Gorge, or Kurokawa Onsen. If you are planning for traveling attractions mentioned, the best place to stay in Kumamoto is nearby the train or bus station. Our major transportation to Kumamoto is by bus. So we decided to stay nearby the Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal. It is also a lively urban area with good food and sightseeing attraction within walking distance.
Dormy Inn Kumamoto Natural Hot Spring strategic located just in front of the Kumamoto Bus Terminal. The Kumamoto castle and shopping street are located nearby within walking distance. The in-hotel onsen with a public bath can be enjoyed for hotel guests. Complimentary ramen and free beer at night which is great. Added, there is a free shuttle service from Kumamoto Station to the hotel with reservation required. One of the best picks for where to stay in Kumamoto.
Next, Nest Hotel is another great choice for the traveler who stays nearby the Sakuramachi Bus Terminal with only 1 minutes walk. So it is a great choice for travelers who plan to travel by bus to nearby attractions. The room is all your need with a comfortable bed with friendly staff supported.
While Mitsui Garden Hotel is another top pick for travelers when visiting Kumamoto. It is is a 5-minute walk from Sakuramachi Bus Terminal and centrally located at the city center. Easy access to top attractions in the city and the best food nearby. A clean and tiny room with all the amenities you need. Free parking also provided for hotel guests.
Besides, for budget travelers, consider taking a look at the Hotel The Gate Kumamoto which located nearby the JR train station. It featured a single room and dormitory bed for a solo traveler, a twin and a double room for a couple, and even a triple room. Everything is well organized with attentive staff ready to help.
Kumamoto Travel Tips
What is Kumamoto known for?
Kumamoto is famous for Kumamoto Castle, the top three premier castles in Japan, and also Suizenji Park, one of the three most famous gardens in Japan.
How do you get around Kumamoto?
The easiest way to get around Kumamoto City is by streetcar which provides convenient access between Kumamoto station and major attractions. Two tram lines running through the city with ¥170 flat rate per ride
What To Do in Kumamoto For 1 Day?
If you only have limited time to plan for a 1-Day Kumamoto itinerary, we recommended visiting the Kumamoto Castle, go for a stroll at Suizenji-jojuen, wandering around Sakuranobaba Johsaien and Shimotori Shopping Arcade.
What To Do in Kumamoto For 2 Day?
If you have more time, it is best to plan to visit the nearby attraction from Kumamoto such as Mt Aso, Kurokawa Onsen and even Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki.
Kumamoto Travel Guide Vlog
For a quick idea on how to plan for your Kumamoto itinerary, take a 7-minutes video tour of how we spend 4-days in Kumamoto prefecture to Kumamoto city, Takachiho Gorge (Miyazaki), Aso, and Kurokawa Onsen.
If you like our video, don’t forget to give us a like and subscribe to us on youtube. Thanks!
Overview: Planning on Kumamoto Itinerary
In short, Kumamoto is an amazing place to visit if you are planning for your Kyushu itinerary. We only spend the entire for 1-Day Kumamoto itinerary and visited the city area. But there are still many wonderful things to do in Kumamoto Prefecture. We spend time and visited Aso, Kurokawa Onsen which located 2 hours of traveling time from Kumamoto. Added, Takachiho George also can be convenient access by highway bus from Kumamoto.
