Kumamoto: nature, culture and culinary delights

In the southwest of Japan, on the third largest island of Kyushu, lies a region that is a treasure trove in many respects: Kumamoto. This prefecture is not only known for its majestic castle, but also for breathtaking natural wonders, an eventful history and a cuisine that warms the heart and soul. Kumamoto is often not the first choice destination on a trip to Japan - at least not if you are traveling to the country for the first time. However, Kumamoto is an insider tip for anyone who wants to experience authentic Japan. Here, scenic beauty, living traditions and warm hospitality combine to create an unforgettable travel experience. Traveling to Kumamoto also means meeting Kumamon. The friendly mascot of the prefecture can really be found everywhere. The cute stuffed bear has been representing the city of Kumamoto since 2010, and if you keep your eyes open you will see him very often.

Kumamoto City and its surroundings

Kumamoto Castle

No visit to Kumamoto would be complete without a trip to Kumamoto-jo, the famous Kumamoto Castle. Built in the 17th century by the legendary warlord Katō Kiyomasa, it impresses with its massive black façade and artfully curved roof lines. Although the castle was severely damaged by the devastating earthquake in 2016, restoration work is in full swing and many areas are now open to the public again.

The castle is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also a symbol of the unwavering spirit of the people of Kumamoto. The adjacent Suizenji Garden - an exquisite landscape garden in the style of the Edo period - invites you to relax after your visit.

Kumamoto's natural treasures: volcanoes, hot springs and green plains

The active volcano: Mount Aso

One of the largest active volcanic systems in the world rises just an hour or so from the city of Kumamoto: Mount Aso. With its huge caldera, which covers an area of around 350 square kilometers, Aso is a wonder of nature. The Nakadake crater is particularly spectacular and its smoking maw can be marveled at depending on the level of activity.

Hot springs in Kurokawa Onsen

Anyone who loves Japan knows them, of course: onsen - the hot springs that revitalize body and soul. Kurokawa Onsen, an idyllic village north of Aso, is one of the most beautiful bathing resorts in Japan. Traditional ryokan, i.e. traditional Japanese inns, are lined up along a babbling brook, and almost every one of them has its own lovingly designed hot spring baths. A special experience is "onsen hopping", where you can try out different baths. In Kurokawa, relaxation, natural beauty and traditional Japanese hospitality take center stage.

Kumamoto's culinary highlights

Basashi - Raw horse meat specialty

Not for everyone - at least from a German perspective: one of Kumamoto's most distinctive dishes is basashi, raw horse meat, often sliced wafer-thin like carpaccio and served with soy sauce, grated ginger and garlic. Many visitors may find the idea unfamiliar at first, but horsemeat is considered a delicacy in Kumamoto and is prized for its delicate flavor and low fat content.

Kumamoto Ramen

Every region of Japan has its own interpretation of ramen, and Kumamoto is no exception. Kumamoto ramen is characterized by a strong, milky pork bone broth, tonkotsu. A special feature is that it is flavored with roasted garlic oil. This is rather unusual for Japan, as most prefectures do not use garlic as an ingredient in ramen at all.

Karashi Renkon

Another culinary specialty of Kumamoto is karashi renkon: lotus root filled with spicy mustard, which is then deep-fried. This hearty and spicy delicacy has an interesting history: it was originally developed in the 17th century as a strengthening food for an ailing prince. Karashi renkon can be found in many izakayas (Japanese pubs) and specialty stores in Kumamoto.

Drinks from Kumamoto: Sake and Kuma Shochu 

Sake from Kumamoto

Sake is also brewed in Kumamoto, although Kyushu is of course better known as the home of shochu. The Zuiyo Shuzo brewery, for example, which is located not far from Kumamoto City, is well worth a visit. Taihachi Yoshimura founded the brewery in Kawashiri in 1867 and was one of the pioneers of sake production in Kumamoto. Previously, only the local specialty Akazake was produced here. Akazake, or "red" sake, is mainly used today as a condiment, but was the only alcoholic beverage produced in Kumamoto at the time. In addition, the Kumamoto Prefectural Sake Institute was founded on its land in 1909 in order to optimize brewing techniques in Kumamoto. This made Zuiyo an important player in Kumamoto's sake history. The brewery is very proud to be the birthplace of Kumamoto sake culture. Every day, the company takes on the challenge of producing authentic, strong sake that is typical of Kumamoto and perfectly complements the region's flavorful dishes. Zuiyo is famous for its Kumamoto Castle Sake, which is an extremely popular souvenir for tourists.

Kuma Shochu - Spirit of Kumamoto

On Kyushu, of course, the main drink is shochu, Japan's most popular spirit. Kumamoto is particularly famous for its "Kuma Shochu", made from rice, which is considered to be particularly mild and aromatic. Hitoyoshi Kuma is the southernmost area of Kumamoto Prefecture. Pure, clean water flows from the beautiful mountains and forms the Kuma River, one of the three fastest flowing rivers in Japan. The harsh climate and terrain of this valley, which experiences drastic temperature fluctuations throughout the year, have resulted in extremely fertile soil. This has made Hitoyoshi Kuma Kumamoto's leading area for rice cultivation.
From this particularly aromatic rice, Kuma Shochu was born. Kuma Shochu has become an iconic brand in Japan, and is one of only four types of Shochu with a geographical indication (GI). Kuma Shochu offers a wide variety of flavors and aromas and is characterized by its smooth aroma and deep and complex taste.

A little insider tip for Kumamoto City: In the "Kumamoto Food Stall Village", relatively centrally located in the city, there are not only 17 great restaurants, but also special "Shochu Vending Machines". Visitors can tap small cups of shochu for 100 yen each. There are a total of 10 different distillates to choose from. There are 27 distilleries in Kumamoto, and the shochus in the vending machines are changed regularly so that visitors never get bored. Cold water and ice cubes are also available free of charge. A great invention!

Kumamoto - a destination worth visiting

Kumamoto is a region full of contrasts and surprises. Here, a volcano smokes majestically over green plains, castle ruins tell of heroic samurai, and time becomes meaningless in hot springs. Anyone who embarks on a journey to Kumamoto discovers a Japan off the beaten track - a region that remains unforgettable in its beauty, hospitality and authenticity.