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

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.
What is "Kumamon"?

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.
1OMO5 Kumamoto by Hoshino Resorts
Kumamon will be coming to "OMO 5 Kumamoto" every Friday

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.

- OMO5 Kumamoto by Hoshino Resorts
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https://hoshinoresorts.com/ja/hotels/omo5kumamoto
5-1 Tetori Honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
1 minute walk from the tram stop "Torimachi-suji"
Every Friday from 17:30 (30 minutes)
free
050-3134-8095
None (affiliated Parking available)
There is no basic capacity limit, but admission to outpatient facilities may be restricted during peak hours.
2Kumamon Square
The chances of meeting Kumamon are the highest. Kumamon's holy land, the base of operations

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.

- Kumamon Square
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https://www.kumamon-sq.jp
Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Chuo Ward, Tetori Honmachi 8-2, Tetori Kumamoto Building, 1st floorMAP
2 minutes walk from Suidocho tram stop
10:00 - 19:00 *Subject to change
New year holiday season
free
096-327-9066
None
3uppercase letter
The fun of grilling to your liking. Try making Kumamon okonomiyaki

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?

- uppercase letter
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https://daimonji-kumamoto.com
2nd floor, Kato Building, 5-6, Tetori Honmachi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto PrefectureMAP
1 minute walk from the tram stop "Torimachi-suji"
11:00-20:45 (LO 20:00), Friday-Sunday and public holidays - 21:30 (LO 20:45)
Irregular holidays
096-352-5123
None
4Cafe SWITCH
The more you look at it, the more adorable it becomes, your very own Kumamon Latte

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.

- Cafe SWITCH
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https://www.instagram.com/cafe__switch
1-24 Kamitori-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Viare Building 1FMAP
About 2 minutes walk from the tram stop "Torimachi-suji"
10:30-21:00, Mondays and Sundays - 20:00, Fridays and Saturdays - 22:00
January 1st
096-354-7731
None
5Sakuranobaba Josaien (MONARIO, Shunsaikan)
Adorable and delicious Kumamon doll-shaped cakes

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

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.

- Sakuranobaba Josaien (MONARIO, Shunsaikan)
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https://www.sakuranobaba-johsaien.jp
1-1 Ninomaru, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
About 10 minutes walk from the tram stop "Kumamoto Castle/City Hall"
9:00-18:00 *Shunsaikan store sales close at 17:00
Open daily
096-288-5577
Paid
6Toyota Rental Lease Kumamoto Daikobashi Branch
Hop in the "Kumamon Rental Car" and head out into the city of Kumamoto

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.

- Toyota Rental Lease Kumamoto Daikobashi Branch
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https://www.trl-kumamoto.co.jp
1-5-16 Shinyashiki, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
Approximately 6 minutes walk from Suidocho tram stop
8:00-19:00, December 31st-18:00, January 1st 9:00-19:00
Open daily
12 hours from 5,900 yen
096-371-0100
For more information on Kumamon Rental Car, please click here (https://kumamon-land.jp/kumamonrentacar/)
7Tsuruya Department Store (Kumamon goods corner)
Your item will be wrapped in limited edition Tsuruya Department Store x Kumamon wrapping paper

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.

- Tsuruya Department Store (Kumamon goods corner)
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https://www.tsuruya-dept.co.jp
6-1, Tetori Honmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Tsuruya Department Store, 6th floorMAP
1 minute walk from the tram stop "Torimachi-suji"
10:00-19:00, Friday and Saturday - 19:30
Irregular (1-2 days off per month), New Year's holidays
096-356-2111(代表)
Paid
Please check the website in advance for closing days.
MAP