Kumamoto
From the majestic black castle to the steaming caldera of Mt. Aso — Kumamoto’s scale is volcanic, its flavors are fierce, and its famous mascot bear is irresistible.
黒く聳える熊本城、世界最大級の阿蘇カルデラ、そして日本一愛されるゆるキャラ・くまモン。熊本は何もかもがスケールが違う。
Kumamoto Prefecture is anchored by its legendary castle — a masterpiece of feudal architecture nicknamed ‘Crow Castle’ for its black-lacquered ramparts. To the east looms Mt. Aso, home to the world’s largest active caldera, where visitors can peer into the smoking crater from the rim. The Kuma River offers Class IV white-water rafting, and Yufuin-adjacent Kurokawa Onsen draws visitors seeking rustic hot-spring luxury.
黒い城壁が美しい熊本城、世界最大級の阿蘇カルデラ、清流・球磨川の激流ラフティング、そして黒川温泉の秘湯。熊本は九州の中心で、力強い自然と歴史が交差する県です。
Recommended Omiyage
おすすめおみやげ 5選
Ikinari Dango
Sweet potato and red-bean steamed bun — Kumamoto’s beloved everyday sweet
さつまいもと小豆をもちで包んだ蒸し団子。熊本の家庭の味。
Kumamon Cookie
Butter cookie bearing the face of Japan’s most beloved mascot bear
日本一有名なゆるキャラ・くまモンのバタークッキー。
Karashi Renkon
Lotus root stuffed with spicy mustard-miso and deep fried — a bold Kumamoto specialty
からし味噌を詰めた蓮根の揚げ物。辛くてクセになる熊本名産。
Kuma Shochu
Japan’s first GI-certified spirit — smooth rice shochu from the Kuma River valley
日本初のGI認定焼酎。清流・球磨川の恵みで造る米焼酎。
Aso Milk Soft Cookie
Melt-in-mouth cookies made with Aso’s prized jersey-cow milk
阿蘇のジャージー牛乳を使った、口溶けのよいソフトクッキー。
Must-Visit Spots
おすすめスポット 5選
Kumamoto Castle
Japan’s most impressive castle complex, now undergoing post-earthquake restoration
日本三名城のひとつ。2016年の震災から復旧中で、修復の様子も公開中。
Mt. Aso
World’s largest volcanic caldera with an active smoking crater visitors can approach
世界最大級のカルデラを持つ活火山。噴煙上がる火口を間近で見られる。
Kurokawa Onsen
Intimate mountain hot-spring village with 30 ryokan inns and a roaming pass
30軒の旅館が集まる山里の秘湯。入湯手形で複数の湯を楽しめる。
Takachiho Gorge
Dramatic basalt gorge with rowing boats and waterfalls (border area with Miyazaki)
玄武岩の渓谷と滝が美しい神話の地。宮崎県境近くに位置する。
Suizenji Jojuen Garden
400-year-old stroll garden modeled on the 53 stations of the Tokaido road
東海道五十三次をかたどった江戸時代の回遊式庭園。
Frequently Asked Questions
What is horse sashimi (basashi) and where to try it?
Basashi (馬刺し) is raw horse meat, a Kumamoto delicacy — bright red, tender, and served with ginger and soy sauce. Try it at izakayas near Kumamoto Station or in the Shimotori arcade.
馬刺しは熊本の郷土料理。鮮やかな赤身を生姜醤油で。熊本駅周辺の居酒屋や下通りで食べられます。
Is Mt. Aso safe to visit?
The Japan Meteorological Agency updates Aso’s alert level daily. When level 1, crater access is permitted. Always check before visiting and follow posted warnings.
気象庁が毎日警戒レベルを発表。レベル1なら火口付近に近づけます。必ず最新情報を確認してから訪問を。
How is Kumamoto Castle’s restoration progressing?
The main keep (天守閣) reopened in 2021. Outer walls and some towers are still being restored through 2037. A restoration walkway lets visitors observe ongoing work.
天守閣は2021年に再公開。外壁・石垣の修復は2037年頃まで続く予定。工事の様子を見学できる通路も設置されています。
Travel Tip
Purchase the ‘Kurokawa Onsen Nyuto Tegata’ (入湯手形, ¥1,500) — a wooden pass that grants entry to 3 hot spring baths of your choice from 30 participating ryokan. Valid for 6 months and a wonderful keepsake.
