Kumamoto Hidden Gems
Built around Mt. Aso, one of the world's largest active calderas, with a formidable castle and the underground springs that feed the city.
5 spots
Climate & Best Season
Hot, humid summers and cool winters inland; the Aso highlands are noticeably cooler. Spring and autumn are best for the caldera.
Famous For (Food)
- Basashi (horse sashimi)
- Karashi renkon
- Kumamoto ramen
- Ikinari dango
Signature Sights
- Kumamoto Castle
- Mt. Aso caldera
- Kurokawa Onsen
- Amakusa islands
Basashi (Horse Sashimi) — Kumamoto's Signature Dish
Kumamoto is Japan's capital of basashi (馬刺し) — raw horse meat sliced thin and served with garlic, ginger, and sweet soy…
Shimotori & Kamitori Arcades — Kumamoto's Shopping Heart
Shimotori and Kamitori are parallel covered shopping arcades running for 1.2km through central Kumamoto — the longest ar…
Aso Aka-Ushi (Red Cattle) BBQ
Aso Aka-ushi (阿蘇赤牛) is a regional cattle breed raised on the volcanic grasslands of Mt. Aso. Unlike heavily marbled wagy…
Karashi Renkon — Kumamoto's Spicy Lotus Root
Karashi renkon (辛子蓮根) is Kumamoto's signature food — lotus root stuffed with spicy mustard-miso paste, coated in batter,…
Kumamoto Ramen — Garlic Chip Tonkotsu
Kumamoto ramen is a regional variation of Hakata-style tonkotsu — thicker noodles, richer pork-bone broth, and the defin…