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Don't miss out on exploring the famous tourist destinations in Kumamoto, Japan if you want to experience new flavors during your journey in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Each land of Japan carries its own unique beauty. While some lands are bustling with shopping centers and lively streets, others captivate with their serene and majestic nature. Kumamoto is one such destination. Travelers come here not to immerse themselves in crowded streets but simply to lose themselves in the beautiful, dreamy nature and discover more about the culture and history of this place.
With its diverse and rich cuisine, Kumamoto is also a fantastic destination for food enthusiasts looking to indulge in local specialties. Some famous delicacies of Kumamoto include horse mackerel, red tuna sushi, and Wagyu beef. If you're planning a trip to Japan, consider visiting the most beloved tourist spots in Kumamoto to experience and explore the unique values of this region with Klook!
1. Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle stands as one of the architectural masterpieces of castles in Japan, known as a historical witness to a glorious period of this nation. The castle commenced its operation in the 17th century, boasting magnificent architecture with multiple towers and sturdy stone walls.
Kumamoto Castle is situated on a riverside and surrounded by a vast garden, creating a luxurious yet enchanting space. It was once the residence of samurai and important officials, and today is considered a significant historical heritage of Japan.
While exploring the castle, visitors can delve into the history and culture of Kumamoto and explore exhibition rooms with local artifacts, documents, and traditional costumes. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful natural landscape from the top of the castle and explore the gardens and surrounding ponds. Don't forget to take plenty of photos in kimonos here #teamKlook!
Kumamoto Castle
- Address: 1-1, Honmaru, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, Japan
- Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
2. Aso Valley
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of life, give yourself the chance to immerse in the beautiful nature wearing traditional kimonos in Aso Valley. This valley is located at the Aso volcano, one of Japan's largest volcanoes. With lush green fields, Aso Valley offers a peaceful and picturesque scenery, attracting many tourists to visit and enjoy the natural landscape.
Travelers can engage in activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, paragliding, or hot spring baths to relax and reduce stress. Additionally, there are many farm areas and resorts here, allowing travelers to enjoy the fresh air and experience the rural life of Japan.
Another special feature of Aso Valley is the Aso-Kuju National Park, where there are many beautiful flowers such as cherry blossoms, daisies, and sunflowers. Travelers can stroll through the national park, visit observation decks, and enjoy the fresh air of nature.
3. Suizenji Jojuen Landscape Garden
Unlike the hustle and bustle of major economic centers, Kumamoto is a place where travelers turn to when they need to immerse themselves in nature. Among the landscapes in this city, Suizenji Jojuen is one of the most transformed destinations with unique architecture and deep historical and cultural values.
Suizenji Jojuen is built in traditional Japanese architectural style with many pavilions, trees, and hills. In particular, the park has a small mountain stone wall, built in the model of Mount Fuji, scaled down and about 100 meters high. Located in the heart of Kumamoto and surrounded by lakes, lush trees, and beautiful landscapes, travelers can enjoy a quiet and spacious space during their days of traveling at Suizenji Jojuen. The documents and artifacts displayed in this park also provide a lot of valuable information about the history and culture of Kumamoto.
Suizenji Jojuen Landscape Garden
- Address: 8-1, Suizenji Koen, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto
- Opening hours: 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
4. Kikuchi Stone Bridge
The 17th Century can be said to be the century with some of the most famous architectural structures in Kumamoto, and Kikuchi Stone Bridge is one of them. This bridge is designed and built in the traditional Japanese architectural style with large stone blocks assembled and interlocked. With this unique technique, Kikuchi Bridge does not require any adhesive but still ensures sturdiness, safety, and especially creates a unique structure for this beautiful city.
Not only does Kikuchi Stone Bridge have unique architecture, but it also boasts stunning natural scenery, with the cool flowing Kikuchi River and the surrounding landscape of lush green hills, endless rice fields, and rich gardens.
Travelers here can enjoy the fresh air, admire the beautiful scenery, and capture stunning photographs. Kikuchi Stone Bridge is also an ideal spot for recreational activities such as long walks, mountain climbing, and fishing.
5. Ōe Church
Ōe Church is a masterpiece of architecture in Kumamoto, blending classical Western architecture with traditional Japanese design elements. In addition to some features of classical European architecture, such as small windows, vaults, and statues of saints, Ōe Church also incorporates Japanese-style design elements such as stone cluster roofs, shoji doors, and decorative paintings inside.
Furthermore, Ōe Church is surrounded by a large garden with ancient trees and colorful flower gardens. This garden is a wonderful relaxation spot for visitors to immerse themselves in the peaceful atmosphere and enjoy the green space.
Ōe Church is also an important destination for Catholicism in Kumamoto, hosting many religious events. Visitors can find beautiful decorated walls and sacred paintings, creating a solemn and sacred space for the church.
Ōe Church
- Address: 2-14-29, Oe, Nishi Ward, Kumamoto, Japan
6. Uto Fortress
Uto Fortress is regarded as an important historical heritage of Kumamoto and has been preserved and developed by the local government. With its distinctive architecture and unique style, Uto Fortress offers a unique space that attracts many visitors. It was once the residence of samurai and important officials, and is now considered an important historical heritage of Kumamoto. Visitors can explore exhibition rooms with many artifacts, documents, and traditional costumes of the region.
In addition to its distinctive architecture, Uto Fortress also offers beautiful scenery with panoramic views of the surrounding area, creating a peaceful space for visitors to admire the landscape here. #teamKlook visiting this fortress can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, relax, and explore the hidden corners of the fortress.
7. Ezu Lake
Located in the center of Kumamoto city, Ezu Lake is considered a distinctive cultural symbol of the region. With an area of about 1000 square meters, Ezu Lake has a large space and beautiful scenery. It is surrounded by rice fields and mythical temples with significant historical and cultural values. Ezu Lake is also a place for tourists to relax in the fresh air and admire the beautiful scenery. Here, you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and relax your soul amidst the busy urban life.
Moreover, Ezu Lake offers some interesting recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and participating in local cultural festivals. One of the events held here is the autumn light festival, when Ezu Lake is adorned with colorful lanterns.
8. Kumamoto Contemporary Art Museum
Kumamoto Museum is a significant cultural heritage of Kumamoto with over 10,000 exhibited items containing many historical and cultural values. Among them, artworks, traditional costumes, ceramics, household items, and traditional toys of Kumamoto are prominent exhibits.
The most interesting aspect of Kumamoto Museum is its architecture. The museum is built in the traditional Japanese architectural style, with wide glass doors, a stone-paved path, and exhibition rooms designed in a classical style. This distinctive architecture creates a unique space that attracts visitors.
In addition, Kumamoto Museum offers entertaining activities and experiences for visitors, such as learning pottery, decorating traditional sponge cakes, and participating in local cultural festivals. These activities allow visitors to directly understand and experience the unique cultural traditions of Kumamoto.
Kumamoto Contemporary Art Museum
- Address: 2-3, Kamitori-cho, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, Japan
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
9. Kitaoka Park
Kitaoka Park is an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy a green, fresh, and tranquil space. Here, you can stroll along tree-lined paths, admire beautiful natural landscapes, and learn more about the culture and history of Kumamoto.
There are also some notable attractions here such as traditional shrines, water rainbows, flower gardens, and children's play areas. If you want to spend time with family and friends, having conversations and sharing, you can head to the picnic area, where visitors can relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the park.
One of the special features of Kitaoka Park is the path leading to the hilltop. The trail is surrounded by ancient trees and lush natural scenery, providing both physical exercise and an opportunity to explore pristine nature.
10. Ushibuka Shrine
Ushibuka Shrine was built in the 6th century and is one of the oldest shrines in Japan. This shrine has a large area with many cultural heritage sites and unique architecture, making it a peaceful destination in the journey to discover the beauty of Kumamoto, especially for spiritual travelers.
Visitors to Ushibuka Shrine can enjoy the tranquil space and explore exhibition rooms with various artifacts, documents, and traditional costumes of the local area. It is also considered an important historical heritage of Kumamoto, preserved and developed by the local government. Ushibuka Shrine has unique and beautiful architecture, especially traditional buildings and stone gates built in the traditional Japanese architectural style.
Ushibuka Shrine
- Address: 1607, Ushibuka, Ushibuka-cho, Amakusa, Kumamoto, Japan.
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
11. Amakusa Coastline
With over 500 islands and hundreds of kilometers of coastline, Amakusa is one of Japan's most beautiful coastal regions, where you can admire the vastness of the sea and enjoy various activities with family and friends. Visitors can relax on the white sandy beaches, swim, or participate in underwater sports such as snorkeling and diving.
Additionally, the Amakusa Coastline boasts many notable attractions such as Sakitsu Church, Shimabara Traditional Village, and Oyano Aqueduct Bridge. These destinations allow visitors to learn about the history, culture, and unique traditions of Kumamoto and the Amakusa region.
The Amakusa Coastline is also famous for its local specialties such as red tuna sushi, trout, and seafood. If you visit this coastline, don't forget to treat yourself and your friends to delicious seafood dishes prepared by skilled chefs.
12. Tsujunkyo Nature Reserve
Tsujunkyo Nature Reserve covers an area of over 54 km2 and is located north of Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto. Established in 1955, Tsujunkyo Nature Reserve is dedicated to conserving and developing local natural resources such as mountains, rivers, flora, and fauna.
One of the most famous attractions in Tsujunkyo is the Manai Waterfall. With a height of about 77 meters, it is one of Japan's highest waterfalls with incredibly majestic scenery. Additionally, Tsujunkyo offers many other attractions such as the Yokobori Cave, Yatai-no-Torii Panoramic Observation Deck, Shokawa Sightseeing Area, and Hitoichinotaki Viewing Area.
Hopefully, with Kumamoto's most exciting tourist spots, you have compiled a list of the most attractive destinations for your Japan trip. Before you 'pack up and go,' don't forget to prepare yourself with essentials like JR Pass tickets for convenient travel in Japan, or JR Kyushu Rail Pass tickets to explore Kumamoto by bullet train! If you prefer more autonomy, you can also rent a car in Kumamoto.
Visit the Klook Vietnam Travel Blog today because there are great articles about traveling in Japan: Near Osaka Travel Destinations Beautiful to Explore by Car, What is JR Pass? Why Do You Need to Buy JR Pass When Traveling to Japan?, Exciting Tokyo Travel Destinations for Independent Travel, 4 Days 3 Nights Okinawa Travel, Ryokan Hotels in Tokyo, Nikko Japan Travel Guide with NIKKO PASS, Reasons to Plan Your Okinawa Travel Today…
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