Local Guide
Meet Kumamon! Buy stuff! 7 spots that will make any Kumamon fan drool!

©2010 Kumamon, Kumamoto Prefecture

Kumamon, the PR mascot for Kumamoto Prefecture, is now popular not only in Kumamoto Prefecture, but has a fan base throughout Japan and the world. His adorable appearance and friendly character have captured the hearts of many people. In Kumamoto Prefecture, the birthplace of Kumamon, there are many must-visit spots where you can actually meet Kumamon, enjoy a wide variety of Kumamon goods and Kumamon gourmet food, and more. Learning about the charms of the city through Kumamon will surely make your trip to Kumamoto even more enjoyable.

©2010 Kumamon, Kumamoto Prefecture
©2010 Kumamon, Kumamoto Prefecture

Kumamon, the PR mascot for Kumamoto Prefecture, was born when the Kyushu Shinkansen line opened in March 2011. Since winning the grand prize at the 1st Yuru-chara® Grand Prix held in 2011, he has quickly become famous nationwide. He is a civil servant, and as the sales manager and happiness manager for Kumamoto Prefecture, he travels all over Japan and even the world to promote the charms of Kumamoto Prefecture. His fame and loveability have gone beyond that of a local mascot, and he has become a national character that brings smiles to many people's faces. He has a mischievous and curious personality.

Kumamon will be coming to "OMO 5 Kumamoto" every Friday

You can meet Kumamon in front of Go-KINJO Map (Local guide map) at OMO Base (Travelers' Fun Lounge) on the 3rd floor. No prior reservation is required.
You can meet Kumamon in front of Go-KINJO Map (Local guide map) at OMO Base (Travelers' Fun Lounge) on the 3rd floor. No prior reservation is required.

Activity "What's Kumamon?!" will be held at Hoshino Resorts' city hotel "OMO5 Kumamoto by Hoshino Resorts". It will introduce Kumamon, who always works hard for Kumamoto behind the scenes, in a fun and in-depth way, with quizzes. We will dig deeper into interesting topics such as Kumamon's job and his connection to the city. Participation is free, and anyone can watch, even if they are not staying at the hotel. This is the only place where you can meet Kumamon wearing a matching happi coat with the hotel Staff/staff member "OMO Rangers". It's a chance to interact with Kumamon up close.

Comments Local Guide
We are introducing Kumamon in depth. Please also take a look at the original Go-KINJO Map (Local guide map) created by the OMO Rangers and Kumamon.
OMO5 Kumamoto by Hoshino Resorts
  • URLhttps://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/omo5kumamoto
  • 住所5-1 Tetori Honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  • アクセス1 minute walk from the tram stop "Torimachi-suji"
  • 営業時間Every Friday from 17:30 (30 minutes)
  • 入場料free
  • TEL050-3134-8095
  • 駐車場None (affiliated Parking available)
  • メモThere is no basic capacity limit, but admission to outpatient facilities may be restricted during peak hours.

The chances of meeting Kumamon are the highest. Kumamon's holy land, the base of operations

At the FAN'S HOUSE booth, Kumamon displayed treasures he received from friends and products he collaborated with companies.
At the FAN'S HOUSE booth, Kumamon displayed treasures he received from friends and products he collaborated with companies.

Kumamon's base of operations was reopened in July 2023. In addition to a wide selection of Kumamon goods that can only be purchased here, you can experience the world of Kumamon through the circular stage in the center of Property and AR-compatible equipment using a large screen. If you time your visit right, you can meet Kumamon almost every day, making it a must-see spot for fans. Kumamon's schedule is published on the website, so we recommend checking it in advance. In addition, there are photo spots and a food corner, and photos of Kumamon's travels around the world are on display, so just looking at it will make you excited.

Comments Local Guide
This is the base of operations for Kumamon, the sales manager for Kumamoto. In addition to information about Kumamon, the shop also provides information about tourism and local products in Kumamoto Prefecture. Once inside, you'll find many "hidden Kumamons," so try and find them!
Kumamon Square
  • URLhttps://www.kumamon-sq.jp
  • 住所Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Chuo Ward, Tetori Honmachi 8-2, Tetori Kumamoto Building, 1st floorMAP
  • アクセス2 minutes walk from Suidocho tram stop
  • 営業時間10:00 - 19:00 *Subject to change
  • 定休日New year holiday season
  • 入場料free
  • TEL096-327-9066
  • 駐車場None

The fun of grilling to your liking. Try making Kumamon okonomiyaki

I ordered an okonomiyaki from the regular menu and requested that it be "shaped like Kumamon."
I ordered an okonomiyaki from the regular menu and requested that it be "shaped like Kumamon."

Founded in 1957 (Showa 32), this long-established okonomiyaki restaurant is beloved by the people of Kumamoto. A hot topic among Kumamon fans is the Kumamon okonomiyaki that you can cook yourself. Pour the batter into a custom-made Kumamon mold, and once it's cooked, decorate it with sauce, ketchup, and more. Cooking it yourself makes it even more adorable and delicious. Removing the batter from the mold can be a challenge, but experienced Staff/staff member will teach you the tricks to cooking it, so don't worry. Why not try making Kumamon okonomiyaki as a memory of your trip?

Comments Local Guide
You will draw Kumamon using sauce and mayonnaise, but this is surprisingly difficult. Please give it a try.
uppercase letter
  • URLhttps://daimonji-kumamoto.com
  • 住所2nd floor, Kato Building, 5-6, Tetori Honmachi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto PrefectureMAP
  • アクセス1 minute walk from the tram stop "Torimachi-suji"
  • 営業時間11:00-20:45 (LO 20:00), Friday-Sunday and public holidays - 21:30 (LO 20:45)
  • 定休日Irregular holidays
  • TEL096-352-5123
  • 駐車場None

The more you look at it, the more adorable it becomes, your very own Kumamon Latte

"Cafe latte" is 500 yen. You can also get "Caramel latte" and "Honey latte" for 600 yen each with Kumamon latte art.
"Cafe latte" is 500 yen. You can also get "Caramel latte" and "Honey latte" for 600 yen each with Kumamon latte art.

This hidden cafe is located at the end of an alleyway between buildings in Kamitori, an arcade shopping street in the center of Kumamoto City. The quality of their latte art is high, and they are especially known for the cute Kumamon design on their secret menu. Each cup is carefully brewed, so each Kumamon has a different expression and atmosphere. It's such a special cup that it feels a shame to drink it. They do latte art for the price of the regular menu, with no extra charge, which is a great service. If you would like latte art, just say "Kumamon latte art please" when ordering.

Comments Local Guide
Although it's located in a busy area, it has a relaxed atmosphere, so it's recommended for those who want to relax with a cup of coffee. They also serve sandwiches and other light meals, so it's a good place for a light lunch.
Cafe SWITCH
  • URLhttps://www.instagram.com/cafe__switch
  • 住所1-24 Kamitori-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Viare Building 1FMAP
  • アクセスAbout 2 minutes walk from the tram stop "Torimachi-suji"
  • 営業時間10:30-21:00, Mondays and Sundays - 20:00, Fridays and Saturdays - 22:00
  • 定休日January 1st
  • TEL096-354-7731
  • 駐車場None

Adorable and delicious Kumamon doll-shaped cakes

Cute palm-sized "Kumamon Ningyoyaki" 300 yen
Cute palm-sized "Kumamon Ningyoyaki" 300 yen

You can encounter adorable Kumamon gourmet food at Sakura no Komichi, a collection of restaurants and souvenir shops located inside the tourist exchange Property Josaien.
We recommend the Kumamon ningyo-yaki sold at MONARIO, a popular soy milk fruit pudding store. The dough, made with wheat flour and rice flour from Kumamoto Prefecture, is crispy on the outside and moist inside. There are five standard flavors: bean paste, chocolate, cream, potato, and cheese. Seasonal limited flavors are also available.

"Kumamon meat bun" with the same color and shape

"Kumamon Meat Bun" made with Kumamoto Prefecture's Akagyu beef, 600 yen
"Kumamon Meat Bun" made with Kumamoto Prefecture's Akagyu beef, 600 yen

Another recommendation is the freshly steamed "Kumamon Meat Bun" served at the souvenir shop "Shunsaikan," also located inside Sakura-no-koji. Each meat bun is handmade by a craftsman and has an adorable expression that makes it almost a shame to eat it. The special bean paste made with Kumamoto's red beef and the sweet, chewy dough are a perfect match. When you bite into the chewy skin, the flavor of red beef fills your mouth, leaving you feeling warm and fuzzy. They are sold out every day as they are available in limited quantities, so we recommend going in the morning.

Comments Local Guide
The cute and plump Kumamon ningyo-yaki are filling and filling. Enjoy a leisurely snacking stroll while taking in the view of the Sakura-no-koji streetscape, which is a reproduction of a castle town from the Edo period.
Sakuranobaba Josaien (MONARIO, Shunsaikan)
  • URLhttps://www.sakuranobaba-johsaien.jp
  • 住所1-1 Ninomaru, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスAbout 10 minutes walk from the tram stop "Kumamoto Castle/City Hall"
  • 営業時間9:00-18:00 *Shunsaikan store sales close at 17:00
  • 定休日Open daily
  • TEL096-288-5577
  • 駐車場Paid

Hop in the "Kumamon Rental Car" and head out into the city of Kumamoto

Kumamon rental cars run along the train street (Prefectural Route 28) in downtown Kumamoto. Half of the users are foreign tourists.
Kumamon rental cars run along the train street (Prefectural Route 28) in downtown Kumamoto. Half of the users are foreign tourists.

Rental cars are an essential part of any trip. Did you know that Kumamoto has special rental cars wrapped in Kumamon?
There are six different classes of vehicles available, from compact cars to SUVs, so you can choose the right one for you based on the number of people in your group and your purpose. They can be rented at all Toyota Rental Lease Kumamoto locations. What's more, they come equipped with the driving partner "NP1," which can be operated by voice alone, making them comfortable and safe even on unfamiliar roads. What's more, as you drive, Kumamon will give you information about Kumamoto in "Mon language," so you'll feel like you're traveling with Kumamon. It's sure to be a memorable drive.

Comments Local Guide
In addition to local information such as recommended spots and gourmet food, they will also introduce trivia about Kumamoto such as culture and customs in Mon language.
Toyota Rental Lease Kumamoto Daikobashi Branch

Your item will be wrapped in limited edition Tsuruya Department Store x Kumamon wrapping paper

The wide selection of products is something you can only find at a specialty store. Colorful Kumamon goods make your heart flutter.
The wide selection of products is something you can only find at a specialty store. Colorful Kumamon goods make your heart flutter.

The Kumamon goods corner is located in a corner of the toy section on the 6th floor of the main building of Tsuruya Department Store. There is a wide variety of Kumamon goods on offer, including stuffed toys, stationery, towels, and socks. Some of the unique items include a flower box with a Kumamon design, a folk craft from Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, and a Kumamon face mask that allows you to take care of your skin while transforming into Kumamon. Another secret favorite among fans is the Kumamon-patterned wrapping paper that is only available at Tsuruya Department Store. Gift wrapping is free, making it the perfect gift.

Comments Local Guide
At the Kumamon goods corner, you will be greeted by a large Kumamon stuffed animal. It looks adorable sitting on a chair, and just looking at it is soothing.
Tsuruya Department Store (Kumamon goods corner)
  • URLhttps://www.tsuruya-dept.co.jp
  • 住所6-1, Tetori Honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Tsuruya Department Store, 6th floorMAP
  • アクセス1 minute walk from the tram stop "Torimachi-suji"
  • 営業時間10:00-19:00, Friday and Saturday - 19:30
  • 定休日Irregular (1-2 days off per month), New Year's holidays
  • TEL096-356-2111(代表)
  • 駐車場Paid
  • メモPlease check the website in advance for closing days.
*The contents listed are current as of the date of article update. They may be subject to change, so please check before using.