On the west coast of the southern island of Kyushu, Kumamoto City contains one of Japan’s most beloved castles—though it’s a reconstruction of the original 17th-century structure. The city has a proud samurai heritage, which you can experience at tourist attractions and during annual festivals. It’s also home to beautiful traditional gardens and is the gateway to Kyushu’s volcanic interior, as Aso-Kuju National Park isn’t far away. So whether you’re visiting for Kumamoto’s culture or its nearby natural attractions, there are plenty of things to do here.
Like much of Japan, Kumamoto experiences four distinct seasons. However, because it’s quite far south on the southern island of Kyushu, it tends to experience hotter summers and milder winters than Tokyo and Osaka. Spring (March-May) and fall (September–November) are great times to visit for pleasant weather and attractive foliage. Summer (June–August) and fall are the most festival-heavy seasons. The Fujisaki Hachimangu Grand Fall Festival in mid-September is a particular highlight: locals parade through the streets dressed as samurai.
Trams (street cars) are the best way of getting around Kumamoto. Two tram systems operate in the city and connect most places of interest, including Kumamoto Castle. They’re easy enough for travelers to use, have flat fares for travel anywhere in the city, and offer day passes. If you’re coming from elsewhere in Japan, you can also pay using IC cards such as Suica, Pasmo, and Icoca.
While Kumamoto’s trams are generally the best way of getting from A to B, biking is a great way to explore the city’s sprawling Suizenji Jojuen Garden and Lake Ezu, just southeast of the city center. You can rent e-bikes and regular bikes for between two hours and a full day from the Kumamoto City International Center. The trail around the lake is about 3.7 miles (6 kilometers), and includes many proper cycle paths, so it’s a safe and comfortable place to ride.
