Kumamoto Travel Guide, Japan

The city of Kumamoto is the eponymous capital of Kumamoto Prefecture, located on the Eastern Coast of Kyushu Island. While Kumamoto is not a particularly large city, it has in its possession some of the most interesting historical sites in Japan. Kumamoto Castle alone draws thousands of visitors every year, but there are other interesting places and buildings that should be on the sightseeing list of any tourist that wanders through the area. Tourists looking for exciting nightlife will definitely enjoy their visit in Kumamoto. The city has a large number of nightclubs, cafes and excellent restaurants, in addition to extensive shopping facilities. This Kumamoto Travel Guide will give you detailed information about transport to and in the city, and the accommodation options available to you.

Kumamoto Travel Guide - Transport

The nearest airport to the city is the Asa-Kumamoto Airport, is an international airport, but mostly only by name. The only destination outside of Japan is Seoul. If you are travelling from Europe or America, you should probably find a flight to Tokyo, Nagasaki or Osaka, and find a domestic flight from there to Kumamoto. If you are already in Japan, you can also reach Kumamoto by train or bus. You can take the shinkansen from any of the cities on the Kagoshima Line. If you decide to travel by bus, you can do so from any of the major cities in Kyushu, but you might have to change a few buses if your departure point is further away. Once you’ve arrived in Kumamoto, you can get around by bus, tram or taxi, although the latter option is rather pricey in Japan. The public transport system in Kumamoto is quite extensive, and from the main bus terminal, Kotsu Center, you can find buses going to any of the city’s neighbourhoods, and also to nearby towns or suburbs. Taking the tram is not really worth unless you’re going downtown, since the city’s only two tram lines go from Kumamoto Station and Kami-Kumamoto Station respectively, to downtown Kumamoto.

Kumamoto Travel Guide - Accommodation

The Toyoko Inn hotel chain has several hotels in or close to Kumamoto. Rooms are rather small, but they are clean and comfortable and they have all the necessary amenities, including free internet and delicious breakfast included in the price. The advantage of Toyoko Inn is that you can book a room online on the hotel’s website. If you prefer to find more traditional accommodation, this Kumamoto Travel Guide recommends ryokans, Japanese inns where you can relax in the hot springs, eat traditional dishes and wear yukatas, typical Japanese garments. If you are looking for high-class accommodation, New Sky Hotel is probably the best choice for you. The living conditions are the very best you can find, as befitting a hotel where even the Crown Prince of Japan has lodged.