Events in Kumamoto
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Kumamoto Prefecture, located in the heart of Kyushu, is a region where nature and history blend beautifully.
One of the highlights is Kumamoto Castle, known as one of Japan’s three famous castles. The restored main keep is a must-see! Unfortunately, the castle suffered severe damage in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake. While the restoration of the main keep has been completed, it will take a while for the entire castle complex to be fully restored.
Another must-visit spot is Mount Aso, an active volcano with one of the world’s largest volcanic craters. The breathtaking views are worth the trip, and you can experience the grandeur of nature through hiking and trekking. Be sure to stay updated on volcanic activity to ensure a safe journey.
For a more relaxed experience, spend some time unwinding at Kurokawa Onsen, a charming hot spring town. You can also enjoy the beautiful coastline of Amakusa, a perfect spot to relax by the sea. Don’t miss out on Kumamoto’s unique local dishes, like basashi (horse sashimi) and karashi renkon (lotus root with mustard), which are absolutely delicious and perfect for a food-focused trip.
Why not have a special experience in Kumamoto, where you can enjoy nature, culture, and gourmet delights all in one place?
PickUp Kumamoto Events
Yamaga Lantern Festival
The “Yamaga Lantern Festival” is a magical summer event held every year on August 15th and 16th at Omiyama Shrine in Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture. With a history of over 600 years, the highlight of the festival is the “Sen’nin Toro Odori” (Thousand Lantern Dance), where women elegantly dance while wearing golden lanterns made of washi paper on their heads. As night falls, dancers in yukata move to the rhythm of the “Yoheho Bushi” song, and the city is bathed in a mystical glow. The traditional craft of lantern-making is still passed down today, and it has become a symbol of the culture of Yamaga City.
🔍Image search for「山鹿灯籠祭り」
A musical tour exploring Kumamoto through songs.
Discover and Enjoy Kumamoto! A Guide to Must-Visit Spots & Topics.
Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle is one of Japan’s three famous castles, also known as ‘Ginnan Castle’ (Ginkgo Castle). The castle was built by the famous general Kato Kiyomasa, who spent about seven years starting in 1601 to complete it. The castle grounds cover an expansive area of 98 hectares, with a perimeter of 5.3 km. Due to its strong and fortified structure, it has been called ‘the impregnable castle,’ and one of its standout features is the ‘musha-gaeshi’ (warrior’s return) stone walls, which have a distinctive curve. The castle was damaged in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, but restoration efforts are still underway.
Mount Aso
Aso Mountain is an active volcano with one of the world’s largest calderas, centered around the Aso Five Mountains (Mount Takadake, Mount Nakadake, Mount Eboshidake, Mount Kineshima, and Mount Nekodake). The Nakadake crater is still active, and visitors can take a tour of the crater. The area is also home to breathtaking spots like the vast grasslands of Kusasenrigahama and Daikanbo, which offer panoramic views of the Aso Five Mountains and the caldera.
Kikuchi Gorge
Kikuchi Gorge is a beautiful natural area located in Kikuchi City, stretching across the northwestern part of the Aso outer rim mountains at an elevation of 500 to 800 meters. Covered by lush, untouched forests, it features clear spring waters that create a variety of rapids and waterfalls. The stunning scenery has earned it the title of ‘The Pinnacle of Gorge Beauty.’ In particular, it’s known for its coolness in the summer, often referred to as a natural air conditioner. The autumn foliage and winter frost-covered trees are also highlights worth seeing.
Amakusa Islands
The Amakusa Islands, made up of around 120 islands, are a beautiful destination known for their stunning natural scenery and rich history. The Amakusa Five Bridges is a breathtaking 20km drive that connects Kyushu with Amakusa, offering incredible views of the rias coastline and numerous islands. For a unique experience, you can go dolphin watching and encounter wild dolphins in their natural habitat. In addition, there are several Christian cultural heritage sites, including the World Heritage-listed Sakitsu Church. With its abundance of fresh seafood, this area offers both sightseeing and gourmet delights.
Suizenji Jojuen Garden
Suizenji Jojuen is a Japanese stroll garden located in Kumamoto City, created by the Hosokawa clan of the Kumamoto domain. The garden features a beautiful landscape centered around a pond fed by spring water from Mount Aso, offering a peaceful atmosphere throughout the seasons. The “Kokin-denju-no-ma” is a notable spot within the garden, known as the place where Hosokawa Yusai shared the profound teachings of the Kokin Wakashu anthology.
Tsujun Bridge
Tsujun Bridge is a stone arch water bridge located in Yatsushiro Town, built in 1854 by Hosonosuke Fuda. It measures about 78 meters in length and stands around 21 meters tall, and has been designated a National Treasure. Still functioning as an active waterway, the regular water releases have become a popular tourist attraction.
Hitoyoshi Onsen & Kuma River
Hitoyoshi Onsen is a historic hot spring area located in Hitoyoshi City, with over 50 hot spring sources. Known for its bicarbonate spring, it’s often referred to as the ‘Beauty Hot Spring.’ Nearby, you can enjoy river cruises and rafting on the Kuma River, one of Japan’s three major rapids, offering an exciting way to experience the powerful natural scenery.
Misumi West Port
Sankaku Seaport, located in Uki City, is Japan’s only port where Meiji-era harbor facilities remain largely intact. Opened in 1887 based on a design by Dutch engineer Mudler, the port features a 756-meter-long stone pier and waterways. Recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site, it preserves the historical ambiance of its time.
Yatsushiro City & Yatsushiro Myoken Festival
The Yatsushiro Myoken Festival is an annual event held every November at Yatsushiro Shrine (Myoken-gu) in Yatsushiro City. With a history spanning over 500 years, the festival’s highlight, the “Shinkō Gyōretsu” (Procession of the Deities), features a vibrant parade of floats such as lions, kasa-hoko (decorated poles), and kamehebi (turtle-shaped floats), recreating a magnificent tapestry of traditional ceremonies. This festival has also been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Reigando Cave
“Reigan-do” is known as the cave where Miyamoto Musashi wrote his famous work, “The Book of Five Rings.” Surrounded by tranquility, it served as a place of deep contemplation and training. At the back of the cave, you’ll find the statue of Iwatokan’non. The narrow path leading from Unzen Zenji Temple to Reigan-do is lined with 500 statues of Arhats, creating a mysterious atmosphere that fills this sacred site.
List of Inbound-Friendly Taxi Companies in Kumamoto
Daiichi Kotsu Kumamoto & Higo Area
As a member of the Daiichi Kotsu Sangyo Group, this taxi company offers a multilingual interpretation service. Using a dedicated interpretation center, drivers can assist passengers with communication directly from the taxi.
For more details, please visit: Multilingual Interpretation Service | Taxi | Daiichi Kotsu Sangyo.
- Multilingual Support for the Official Website・・・◯
- Dispatching Standard Taxis via the GO App・・・◯
Kumamoto Taxi Co., Ltd.
The website of Kumamoto Taxi Co., Ltd. is available in English and Traditional Chinese.
- Multilingual Support for the Official Website・・・◯
- Dispatching Standard Taxis via the GO App・・・◯
Kumamoto Station In-House Taxi
Kumamoto Station In-House Taxi has participated in the “Hospitality Improvement Project Seminar for Foreign Tourists,” organized by Kumamoto Prefecture. It has been officially recognized as a “Hospitality Business” by the Kumamoto Tourism Federation. Additionally, its website is available in English.
- Multilingual Support for the Official Website・・・◯
- Dispatching Standard Taxis via the GO App・・・◯
- This content introduces taxi companies based on inbound-friendly information available online. However, the availability and details of services may vary depending on when the information was released.
- The GO app’s dispatch service may not support special services such as sightseeing taxis. If you are planning to use a taxi for tourism purposes, please contact the respective taxi company in advance.
- This website does not handle taxi reservations or arrangements. For detailed service information and the latest availability, please contact each taxi company directly.