Best Things to do in Kumamoto | Must-see attractions 2025

Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto

10:00 AM–5:50 PM

Museum

中央区上通町2-3 (びぷれす熊日会館 3F)

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Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto in Japan features a diverse collection of local and global modern art, hosting various cultural events throughout the year.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

5 Chome-14-２ Kengun

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Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens features over a thousand animals and diverse plant species in serene surroundings, serving as a peaceful retreat in Kumamoto, Japan.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Tatsuta Natural Park

8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Park

4 Chome-610 Kurokami

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Tatsuta Natural Park in Kumamoto, Japan offers beautifully colored autumn leaves and a rich natural environment for visitors seeking tranquility and outdoor activities.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free entry. Special events may require a fee.

Tabaruzaka Park

Open 24 hours

Park

862 Uekimachi Toyooka

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Tabaruzaka Park in Kumamoto, Japan, is a historical landmark featuring lush greenery and memorials commemorating significant events in Japanese history.

More than 1 hour.

Free. Special events may have additional fees.

Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Center

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

3-35 Chibajomachi

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Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Center exhibits Higo inlay, Yamaga lanterns, and more. Free entry, with crafts and food available for purchase.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Musashizuka Park

Open 24 hours

Park

1232 Tsukanomoto Yuge Tatsudamachi

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Musashizuka Park in Kumamoto, Japan, features a historical tomb and lush greenery, offering a serene space for reflection and leisure activities.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art

10:00 AM–5:50 PM

Museum

2-18 Chibajomachi

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Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art features regional and classical artwork within Ninomaru Park, showcasing Buddhist sculptures and modern paintings.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Ishigamiyama Park

Open 24 hours

Park

3-56 Shimasaki

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Ishigamiyama Park in Kumamoto features beautiful landscapes, walking trails, and a diverse range of flora and fauna, ideal for nature lovers and travelers alike.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

Kumamoto City Hall

8:30 AM–5:00 PM

Public Building

1-1 Tetorihoncho 14th Floor

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Kumamoto City Hall serves as the administrative center of Kumamoto, Japan, featuring modern architecture and a public park ideal for community events and local engagement.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Special events may charge an entry fee.

Aso Volcano Museum

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

1930-1 Akamizu

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The Aso Volcano Museum in Kumamoto, Japan, offers educational exhibits about volcanoes and a cafe, showcasing the region’s unique geological features.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Takashima Park

8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Park

Takashimacho

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Takashima Park in Kumamoto, Japan, features scenic landscapes, historical sites, and recreational areas, making it an ideal spot for families and nature lovers.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a paid ticket.

Hkuryuhi & Hakuryuo Bridge

Open 24 hours

Bridge

1485-4 Eshiro

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Hkuryuhi & Hakuryuo Bridge in Kumamoto, Japan, offers picturesque views and rich history. Ideal for photography and exploration.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. There are no charges for visiting the bridges.

Kamitori Shopping Street

9:00 AM–8:00 PM

Mall

Kamitoricho chuo-ku

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Kamitori Shopping Street in Kumamoto, Japan features a vibrant atmosphere with diverse shops, eateries, and local craftsmanship. A central hub for culture and commerce.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Free. No admission fee is required to explore Kamitori Shopping Street.

Fujisaki Hachimangu Shrine

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Mosque

3-1 Igawabuchimachi

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Fujisaki Hachimangu Shrine in Kumamoto, Japan, honors Emperor Ōjin, Empress Jingū, and Sumiyoshi Sanjin, featuring traditional Shinto architecture and serene nature.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special ceremonies may require a donation.

Suizenji Ezuko park

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Park

935-1 Hirogimachi

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Suizenji Ezuko Park in Kumamoto offers serene surroundings with a picturesque lake, designed for relaxation and nature appreciation, showcasing traditional Japanese landscaping.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. No admission fee required for entry.

Futamata Kyo Stone Bridge

Open all day

Bridge

Komushiro

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Futamata Kyo Stone Bridge in Kumamoto, Japan, is a historic structure known for its beautiful natural setting and cultural significance.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free to visit. Special tours and events may incur a fee.

Kitaoka Nature Park

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

2-5-1 Yokote

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Kitaoka Nature Park in Kumamoto, Japan, features lush greenery, walking trails, and diverse wildlife, ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Free. Special events may have additional fees.

Takahashi Park

6:00 AM–9:00 PM

Park

Chibajomachi

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Takahashi Park in Kumamoto, Japan, features scenic landscapes, historical significance, and recreational spaces, making it a valuable spot for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free.

Mount Hanaoka

Open all day

Park

4-1581-1 Kasuga

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Mount Hanaoka, located in Kumamoto, Japan, is a prominent natural landmark with rich history and scenic hiking trails perfect for nature enthusiasts.

Duration: Approximately 2 to 4 hours.

Free. Hiking trails are open to the public without charge.

Komushiro Bridge

Open all day

Bridge

Komushiro

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Komushiro Bridge in Kumamoto, Japan, is a historic wooden bridge completed in 1841, known for its unique architectural style and scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free.

Ichifusa Dam Lake Giant Fountain

Open 24 Hours

Fountain

47-8 Yuyama

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Ichifusa Dam Lake Giant Fountain in Kumamoto, Japan, features a 100-meter-high fountain, surrounded by scenic views and recreational activities.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. No fees for accessing the fountain area.

Monzen River Megane Bridge

Open all day

Bridge

Kinokura

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Monzen River Megane Bridge in Kumamoto, Japan, is a historical stone bridge known for its unique architecture and scenic views along the river.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free to visit. Special events may have additional charges.

Higo Yokamon Ichiba

10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Mall

西区春日3-15-30 (JR熊本駅構内)

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Higo Yokamon Ichiba is a shopping mall at JR Kumamoto Station, offering local souvenirs, food, and dining options including Kumamoto ramen and sushi.

Duration: 1-2 hours to explore shops and sample food.

Free. Restaurants and shops offer individual pricing for food and goods.

Kumamoto Prefectural Theater

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Theater

2-7-1 Oe

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Kumamoto Prefectural Theater is an essential cultural venue in Kumamoto, Japan, hosting various performing arts events that engage both locals and tourists.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the performance.

Prices vary by event. Standard adult tickets range from 1,500 to 5,000 JPY.

Suizenji Jojuen Garden

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

8-1 Suizenji Koen

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Suizenji Jojuen Garden in Kumamoto, Japan, is a serene 17th-century garden featuring 73,000 square meters of landscapes inspired by Japan's natural beauty.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free to enter. No special exhibitions or events requiring a paid ticket.

Utoshiroyama Park

5:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

Kojomachi

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Utoshiroyama Park in Uto, Japan offers scenic views and historical significance, making it a notable destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may have separate charges.

Shimada Museum of Arts

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

4 Chome-5-28 Shimasaki

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Shimada Museum of Arts in Kumamoto, Japan, features Miyamoto Musashi's calligraphy, contemporary artists, and a serene café.

Duration: Around 2 hours.

Reasonable price. Specific exhibitions or events may vary in cost.

Kumamoto Castle

8:30 AM–5:30 PM

Park

1 Chome-1

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Kumamoto Castle is a reconstructed castle in Kumamoto, Japan, featuring a museum that highlights its historical and architectural significance.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Paid. Adults: ¥500; Children (6-15 years): ¥200.

Aeon Mall Kumamoto

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Mall

2232 Nagaike

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Aeon Mall Kumamoto is a large shopping complex featuring over 200 stores, diverse dining options, and entertainment, located in Kumamoto, Japan.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free entry. Some events or special attractions may require tickets.

Kumamoto Shintoshin Plaza

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Event hall

1-14-1 Kasuga

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Kumamoto Shintoshin Plaza is a modern urban development in Kumamoto, Japan, featuring shopping, dining, and green spaces, designed to enhance community engagement.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Free. Some events may require paid tickets.

Kumamon Square

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Event hall

中央区手取本町8-2 (テトリアくまもとビル 1F)

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Kumamon Square is a vibrant public space in Kumamoto, Japan, dedicated to the popular mascot Kumamon, featuring various events, shops, and a lively atmosphere.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free.

Kumamoto University

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

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Kumamoto University, a prestigious institution in Kumamoto, Japan, offers a diverse range of programs and rich campus life amid historic architecture and gardens.

Duration: 2 hours.

Free. Some special lectures and events may require registration or fees.

Cocosa

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Mall

中央区下通1-3-8 (下通NSビル)

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Cocosa in Kumamoto, Japan, is a multistorey shopping complex with fashion and lifestyle boutiques, featuring an outlet of Muji on the 4th floor.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Free. Charges may apply for special events.

Kumamoto Prefectural Government

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Public Building

中央区水前寺6-18-6

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Kumamoto Prefectural Government oversees local administration in Kumamoto, Japan. The office features modern architecture and rich historical significance.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Specific events may require tickets.