Must-see attractions in Kumamoto

  • Japan, Kumamoto Prefecture, Kumamoto Castle, low angle view

    Kumamoto-jō

    Kumamoto

    Dominating the skyline, Kumamoto's robust castle is one of Japan's best, built in 1601–07 by daimyō Katō Kiyomasa, whose likeness is inescapable around…

  • Suizenji-jōjuen

    Kumamoto

    Southeast of the city centre, this photogenic lakeside garden was built between 1636 and 1716 for the ruling Hosokawa clan. The main path represents the…

  • Honmyō-ji

    Kumamoto

    On the grounds of this sprawling hillside temple complex northwest of the castle, 176 steps lined with hundreds of lanterns lead to the mausoleum of Katō…

  • Wakuwaku-za

    Kumamoto

    This family-friendly museum presents the history of Kumamoto and the castle from many angles, from the 10-minute video with English subtitles explaining…

  • Sōseki Memorial Hall

    Kumamoto

    Meiji-era novelist Natsume Sōseki (1867–1916) is honoured at the pretty 1870s home where he lived during his four years teaching English in Kumamoto. The…

  • Shimada Museum of Arts

    Kumamoto

    Through the winding backstreets south of Honmyō-ji (about 20 minutes on foot), this quiet museum displays the calligraphy and scrolls of Miyamoto Musashi …

  • Former Hosokawa Gyōbutei

    Kumamoto

    Northwest of the castle, down paths of immaculately raked gravel, are the large villa and garden built for the Hosokawa clan. Inside the villa are…

  • Lafcadio Hearn's House

    Kumamoto

    Irish-Greek immigrant Lafcadio Hearn (aka Koizumi Yakumo; 1850–1904) became one of the foremost interpreters of Japanese culture for the outside world. He…

  • Honmaru Palace

    Kumamoto

    The 2008 reconstruction of the Honmaru Palace fairly gleams with fresh wood and gold-leaf paintings, particularly in the Sho-kun-no-ma receiving room…

  • Sakuranobaba Johsaien

    Kumamoto

    This tourist complex at the foot of the castle grounds offers a one-stop opportunity to sample (and purchase) local foods, from fish cakes to tea to…

  • Tenshūkaku

    Kumamoto

    The castle's soaring black Tenshūkaku (main building, 29.5m tall) is today a historical museum with 6th-storey lookouts. The tower was closed at the time…

  • Treasure House

    Kumamoto

    Exhibits in this museum include the crown and other personal items of daimyō Katō Kiyomasa. The museum was closed at the time of writing due to earthquake…

  • Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art

    Kumamoto

    On the grounds of Ninomaru park, this art museum has ancient Buddhist sculptures, modern paintings and a recreation of an ancient burial mound.

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