Local Guide
6 recommended sightseeing spots in Kumamoto City that you can enjoy even on a rainy day

Kumamoto's downtown area is centered around Kyushu's largest arcade street. You may be able to rediscover the charm of this town on a rainy day. There are plenty of spots where you can enjoy the town's charm regardless of the weather, such as tourist Property, art museums, and places where you can Experience traditional crafts. There are trams running throughout the town, so travelling is stress-free even in the rain. Here are some recommended tourist spots where you can plan your trip taking the weather into consideration.

A casual art Experience. An open art museum in the heart of the city

空間そのものが美術作品であるホームギャラリー。美術書から漫画まで閲覧できる <br> マリーナ・アブラモヴィッチ《Library for Human Use》2002年 ©Marina Abramović、熊本市現代美術館 ジェームズ・タレル《MILK RUN SKY》2002年、熊本市現代美術館
A home gallery where the space itself is a work of art. You can browse everything from art books to manga.
Marina Abramović, Library for Human Use, 2002 ©Marina Abramović, Contemporary Art Museum, Kumamoto James Turrell, MILK RUN SKY, 2002, Contemporary Art Museum, Kumamoto

This museum is easily Direction at the entrance to Kamitori Arcade in the center of the city. It opened in 2002 as Kyushu's first museum bearing the name of contemporary art. It is friendly to local residents and always hosts exciting special exhibitions, from exhibitions introducing contemporary art from around the world to exhibitions focusing on artists from Kumamoto.
One of the most notable attractions is that functions other than the special exhibition room, such as the Home Gallery (art library) and the Town Center Childcare Plaza, can be used free of charge. Works by world-famous artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Tatsuo Miyajima, and James Turrell blend into the space as artwork within the building and can be viewed at any time.

Workshops will be held mainly on weekends at Art Lab Market.

To check Art Lab Market workshops and make reservations, please visit their website or call
To check Art Lab Market workshops and make reservations, please visit their website or call

The communication space and shop "Art Lab Market" hosts many events that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to adults, as a place to generate communication. There are also workshops where you can try your hand at making art with Kumamoto artists. Events range from free to paid, so we recommend checking the schedule in advance and incorporating them into your itinerary.
There are also plenty of cozy spaces where you can relax and read a book or take a break to shelter from the rain.

Comments Local Guide
Located right in front of the hotel "OMO5 Kumamoto by Hoshino Resorts", this art museum is a place where you can casually enjoy contemporary art. Free film screenings are held every Monday, and live piano performances are held every day (irregular holidays) from 7pm.
Contemporary Art Museum, Kumamoto
  • URLhttps://www.camk.jp
  • 住所2-3 Kamitori-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan Biplus Kumamoto Nihon Kaikan 3rd floorMAP
  • アクセス1 minute walk from the tram stop "Torimachi-suji"
  • 営業時間10:00-20:00 (final exhibition entrance 19:30)
  • 定休日Tuesdays, December 29th - January 3rd
  • 入場料Free *Admission fee required only for special exhibition room
  • TEL096-278-7500
  • 駐車場None

A long-established store that continues to pass on Kumamoto's proud craft, "Higo inlay," to the present day

The pure gold decoration is delicate and beautiful, and the belt buckle (custom-made) is modeled after a sword tsuba. Brooches and pendants are available from the 7,000 yen range.
The pure gold decoration is delicate and beautiful, and the belt buckle (custom-made) is modeled after a sword tsuba. Brooches and pendants are available from the 7,000 yen range.

"Higo Zogan" is a traditional craft that represents Kumamoto. Its history began about 400 years ago when a gunsmith who served the lord of Kumamoto decorated the barrels of guns and the tsuba (guards) of swords, and it developed along with the prosperity of samurai culture. Zogan is a craft technique in which a different material is inlaid into one material. In Higo Zogan, pure gold and pure silver are hammered into iron.
Founded in 1874 (Meiji 7), Higo Zogan Kosuke produces and sells mainly decorative items such as pendants, earrings, and tie pins while carrying on traditional techniques.

Try your hand at making your own unique accessories with inlaying Experience

The Kumamon inlay Experience costs 4,000 yen per person. It starts with placing Kumamon's cheek on the hot plate.
The Kumamon inlay Experience costs 4,000 yen per person. It starts with placing Kumamon's cheek on the hot plate.

It's great to buy Higo Zogan as a souvenir or gift, but the perfect memento of your trip is the Zogan Experience (reservations required). Choose your favorite design, such as Kumamon or Kumamoto Castle, and complete Experience in about an hour. The current fourth-generation head of the family will teach you carefully from the very beginning. After that, a craftsman will finish the work, and it will be delivered to your home in 2 to 3 weeks.
By experiencing traditional crafts and actually making them yourself, you will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the culture. The more engrossed you are, the more you will look forward to receiving your finished product.

Comments Local Guide
The inlay Experience of making accessories and straps will be accompanied by a craftsman's guidance on how to adjust the work, so even beginners can feel at ease. The excitement of holding the thing you made yourself is all the more special.
Higo inlay Mitsusuke
  • URLhttps://mitsusuke.com
  • 住所3-2-1 Shinmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスAbout 3 minutes walk from the tram stop "Ulsancho"
  • 営業時間9:00-17:00, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays 10:00-16:00
  • 定休日New year holiday season
  • 入場料Higo Zogan Experience 4,000 yen per person (plus 770 yen shipping) *Reservation required by the day before
  • TEL096-324-4488
  • 駐車場Free (paid parking, fees paid by the store)

Make your Kumamoto sightseeing even more enjoyable with a real historical Experience

Experience riding in a life-size palanquin and feel like a feudal lord
Experience riding in a life-size palanquin and feel like a feudal lord

This is an entertainment spot located inside Kumamoto's tourist exchange Property Sakuranobaba Josaien. It is a fun Property to learn about Kumamoto Castle, with various sights scattered across two floors, and you can fully experience the charm of Kumamoto even just indoors.
On the first floor, there is a space where you can learn about the history of Kumamoto, and a projection mapping of the damage and restoration work is done to introduce the current state of Kumamoto Castle. There is also a fixed-point live camera at Kumamoto Castle, so you can enjoy the castle from inside. Don't miss the corners where you can experience life from the Warring States period to the Edo period, such as horse Experience and palanquin Experience.

Enjoy the history of Kumamoto Castle in a dramatic setting

The skits include "The Righteous Kiyomasa" and "The Tale of the Great Men of Higo."
The skits include "The Righteous Kiyomasa" and "The Tale of the Great Men of Higo."

At the Story Palace on the second floor, the history of Kumamoto Castle is introduced through powerful images and plays. Various historical stories related to Kumamoto, such as Kato Kiyomasa, who built the castle, the alternate attendance system, and the Seinan War, are explained in easy-to-understand skits.
The VR footage of Kumamoto Castle shows the castle in a realistic way from the Edo period to before the Kumamoto earthquake. There is also live commentary by Staff/staff member including the latest information on Kumamoto Castle, covering all kinds of information about the castle.
This is a great place to visit when you have some free time, such as to prepare before going to Kumamoto Castle, or when rain suddenly frees up your schedule.

Comments Local Guide
In the role-playing Experience corner, you can take photos wearing period costumes such as samurai, princess, ninja, etc. Costumes are available in sizes from adults to babies, making it perfect for creating memories for the whole family.
Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwakuza
  • URLhttps://www.sakuranobaba-johsaien.jp/waku-index
  • 住所1-1-1 Ninomaru, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスAbout 9 minutes walk from the tram stop "Kumamoto Castle/City Hall"
  • バスアクセスTake the Kumamoto Castle sightseeing bus "Shiromeguri" from Kumamoto Station and get off at "Sakura-no-baba Josaien"
  • 営業時間9:00〜17:30（最終入館17:00）
  • 定休日End of the year (please check the website for details)
  • 入場料Admission fee: Adults (high school students and above) 300 yen, elementary and junior high school students 100 yen
  • TEL096-288-5600
  • 駐車場Paid

Experience making "karashi renkon" (mustard lotus root), a dish beloved by the feudal lord of Kumamoto

Mustard lotus root making Experience costs 2,000 yen per person. You can Experience everything from stuffing the lotus root with mustard to coating it in batter and deep frying.
Mustard lotus root making Experience costs 2,000 yen per person. You can Experience everything from stuffing the lotus root with mustard to coating it in batter and deep frying.

"Karashi renkon" is a local dish of Kumamoto Prefecture. In Kumamoto, it is loved as a dish to mark important occasions, such as a New Year's dish. Its history dates back to 1612 (Kan'ei 9). It began when it was presented to the sickly feudal lord, Hosokawa Tadatoshi.
At Murakami Mustard Lotus Root Shop, which has been making this historic local dish since 1957 (Showa 32), you can Experience making mustard lotus root. The holes in the lotus root are quickly stuffed with mustard miso, which has been mixed with barley miso, and then the root is coated with batter and deep-fried in rapeseed oil until crispy. Children can participate together with adults, and it is sure to be a food education Experience that will also teach you about history.

The pungent, refreshing smell of mustard is a sign of freshness

"Karashi Lotus Root" 1,080 yen/piece. Popular among locals as a dish to go with alcohol.
"Karashi Lotus Root" 1,080 yen/piece. Popular among locals as a dish to go with alcohol.

The rich flavor of mustard lotus root depends on its freshness. At Murakami Mustard Lotus Root, we carefully pack the lotus root in mustard miso in a short time so as not to spoil the flavor, and serve it freshly fried.
In order to preserve the traditional food culture of mustard lotus root for the next generation, they have also created original menu items such as stick-type products that are convenient to eat on the go and mustard lotus root croquettes. In addition to cutting it up and eating it as is, they also suggest new ways to eat it, such as adding it to ochazuke or as an ingredient in salads. Be sure to ask about the various ways to enjoy it.

Comments Local Guide
You can eat the mustard lotus root you make on the spot or take it home with you. The aroma of mustard, the refreshing spiciness, and the crunchy texture of the lotus root make it taste even better when it's Experience made.
Murakami Mustard Lotus Root Shop
  • URLhttps://murakami-karashirenkon.jp
  • 住所3-5-1 Shinmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 4 minutes walk from the tram stop "Ulsancho"
  • 営業時間8:30〜17:00
  • 定休日Saturday
  • 入場料Mustard lotus root making Experience 2,000 yen per person * Experience are accepted from 10:00 to 14:00 for groups of 5 or more.
    Experience takes 40 to 60 minutes
  • TEL096-353-6795
  • 駐車場None

Traditional crafts closely linked to life in Kumamoto all in one place

Items on display include "Shojoyaki" ware, "Hanatebako" boxes with beautiful camellia designs, and "Konohazaru" dolls, which are said to bring happiness.
Items on display include "Shojoyaki" ware, "Hanatebako" boxes with beautiful camellia designs, and "Konohazaru" dolls, which are said to bring happiness.

The museum mainly exhibits traditional crafts from Kumamoto Prefecture, and also regularly holds special exhibitions introducing attractive crafts from within and outside the prefecture. The museum shop on the first floor, "Craft Shop Takumi," displays and sells traditional crafts from Kumamoto Prefecture that are closely linked to daily life.
In addition to "Higo Zogan," there will be works by about 180 artists, including ceramics such as "Shodai-yaki" and "Amakusa ceramics," as well as local toys and woodwork from various regions. By actually seeing and touching the traditional crafts, you will be able to get a deeper understanding of their appeal.

A neat building designed by a famous architect highlights the artefacts

The Craft Shop Takumi is packed with crafts. In addition to selling them, they also accept orders for custom-made crafts and modifications.
The Craft Shop Takumi is packed with crafts. In addition to selling them, they also accept orders for custom-made crafts and modifications.

The building, constructed in 1982 (Showa 57), was designed by Kikutake Kiyonori, one of Japan's leading architects. Kikutake is known for his dynamic designs, but here he deliberately kept his "characteristics" to a minimum, and designed the building itself to be simple and blend in with the surrounding environment in order to highlight the crafts. "You can't start working on the architecture that will serve as a vessel for the exhibits without a good understanding of the contents and functions of the exhibits," he said, having personally traveled around the prefecture to see craft production areas. It is also enjoyable to appreciate Kikutake's high level of creativity and attention to detail.

Comments Local Guide
The exhibition room on the second floor, which is free to enter, is a hidden gem known only to those in the know, offering a panoramic view of Kumamoto Castle. It can be enjoyed regardless of the weather, and is secretly popular as it allows you to view the castle from a different angle than usual.
Kumamoto Traditional Crafts Museum
  • URLhttps://kumamoto-kougeikan.jp
  • 住所3-35 Chibajomachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 7 minutes on foot from the tram stop "Kumamoto Castle/City Hall"
  • 営業時間9:30〜17:30
  • 定休日Mondays, December 28th - January 4th
  • 入場料Admission fee for the special exhibition and permanent exhibition on the second floor: 210 yen for adults, 130 yen for university, junior college and vocational school students, free for high school students and younger. *Admission to other Property such as "Craft Shop Takumi" is free.
  • TEL096-324-4930
  • 駐車場free

No need to worry even on rainy days. A huge arcade located in the center of Kumamoto

The entrance to Shimo-dori. Shimo-dori has many drinking establishments, so it gets livelier in the evening.
The entrance to Shimo-dori. Shimo-dori has many drinking establishments, so it gets livelier in the evening.

The three arcade streets in the center of Kumamoto City, Kamitori, Shimotori, and Sunroad Shinshigai, are the busiest shopping districts in Kumamoto. Extending north from Train Street (Prefectural Route 28) is Kamitori, which is 360m long and 11m wide, while Shimotori extends south, with a total length of 511m and a width of 15m. If you go further south from Shimotori, you will come to Sunroad Shinshigai, which is 235m long and 18m wide.
Each arcade street is lined with a variety of shops, including select shops, cafes, and Restaurant. What's more, there are many hidden gems scattered not only on the first floor, but also on the second and third floors.

The streets leading from the arcade are dotted with unique shops

Namikizaka is lined with restaurants frequented by gourmets, wine shops and other trendy shops that are popular among locals.
Namikizaka is lined with restaurants frequented by gourmets, wine shops and other trendy shops that are popular among locals.

There are also commercial Property such as Tsuruya Department Store New-S in Kamitori and the fashion building COCOSA in Shimodori. There is so much to see that it's impossible to see everything in one day.
Furthermore, if it is only a light rain, we recommend exploring the streets that lead to the arcade, such as Namikizaka, which runs north from the end of Kamitori, and Shower Street, which runs south from the end of Shimodori. Shower Street is also home to long-established select shops with fans all over the country, giving it a "fashion town" feel. If you visit the shops on the street, you may unexpectedly come across a store or item that suits your taste.

Comments Local Guide
Kamitori and Shimodori stretch to the north and south, separated by a train street, but Sunroad Shinshigai is directly connected to Shimodori and has an arcade that continues through it, making it easy to get around even in bad weather.
Kamitori, Shimotori, Sunroad Shinshigai

MAP

Nearby Hoshino Resorts Property
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