Kumamoto
VISIT Kumamoto Castle and the Suizenji Jojuen Garden
DO Try the local delicacy of Karashi Renkon (Lotus Root with Japanese Mustard)
EXPLORE Shinshigai Shotengai Shopping arcade
We took the phenomenal shinkansen or bullet train from Kagoshima to Kumamoto and it just always blows my mind. All of Japan's rail and transportation is impressive but the Shinkansen is just another level of Japanese efficiency, accomplishment and just plain cool. The Shinkansen travels at speeds of 150–200 mph and is the most influential high speed rail system on the planet and a symbol of the Japanese standard. Our 200 kilometer (125 mile trip) took a little less then an hour and was enjoyed in high style, spacious seats and comfort.
Although it was scorching when we arrived, as Japan is experiencing the hottest summer on record since we have been here, the city was charming upon arrival and we rolled our bags over to the hotel in the center of city from the train station. We have been staying in a chain of hotels called the Dormy Inn which all feature natural volcanic hot springs, free nightly ramen and a host of amenities all for a very reasonable price. They also (like most Japanese hotels) give you a set of comfy pajamas to use and you are encouraged to wear them around the hotel. It may be sign of our age but we really enjoyed cruising around in our pajamas eating Ramen at midnight and enjoying the hot springs. Although I am not allowed into the public baths due to my large and colorful tattoos due to the stigma of tattoos in Japan. Which is fine. They make people feel uncomfortable, scared and intimidated and I get it. If you do visit Japan and want to use the onsens or public baths there are many which are tattoo friendly and offer private tubs.
Kumamoto is a historical city with its famous landmark Kumamoto Castle dating back to 17th century.
We finished out the night with a rousing and ceremonial Karaoke session at Big Echo Karaoke parlor which was a blast.
This is Kumamon, the cute black bear mascot of the Kumamoto prefecture.
the Shinshigai Shotengai shopping area
Our Karaoke spot.
Kumamoto’s City mascot is the much adored black bear Kumamon who you see all over the city and on products from the region.
Kumamoto Hinokuni Festival (Matsuri) 2018
Continuing our impromptu summer festival tour of Japan when we arrived we saw lots of infrastructure being set up for the Kumamoto Hinokuni Matsuri Festival where locals dance in the streets to the Otemoyan. Otemoyan is a famous Kumamoto folk song made roughly 80 years ago, and is still loved and remixed to this day (even the song heard when approaching the Kumamoto station on Kyushu’s Shinkansen line is the Otemoyan). Funny enough but the song has been remixed into a Samba version and plays on loudspeakers as many groups parade through the streets doing choreographed dances to the Samba Otemoyan. It was fun to watch and one of those only in Japan experiences. Towards the end of the parade it started pouring rain and everyone got soaked.
Suizenji Jojuen Garden
Suizenji Garden, a Japanese landscape garden with a central pond, created in the 1630s.
The infinity room by Yayoi Kusama at the Kumamoto's Contemporary Art Museum
Bento Dinner at the Dormy
Late night Ramen at the Dormy Inn
Japanese Pajama Fashion Show.
We have been staying in a Japanese chain of hotels called the Dormy Inn which all feature natural volcanic hot springs, free nightly ramen and a host of amenities all for a very reasonable price. They also (like most Japanese hotels) give you a set of comfy pajamas to use and you are encouraged to wear them around the hotel. It may be sign of our age but we really enjoyed cruising around in our pajamas eating Ramen at midnight and enjoying the hot springs.
