Hullo, everyone! I am so gratified that my previous travel blog "5 Places You Should Visit In Tokyo, Japan" gathered some reads and likes. I was expecting it to be lurking half-forgotten in the dusty cobwebs of some forsaken corner of Publish0x. So I am much encouraged to tell you more about Kumamoto City, because that's the place I lived in for two years of my life (and met my future wife, though that's another story for another time). Let's get on with it, shall we?
Kumamoto City is the capital city of Kumamoto Prefecture. Kumamoto Prefecture is located in the middle of Kyushu, which is one of four main islands in Japan. Kumamoto City is home to Japan's arguably best-loved mascot, Kumamon.
1) Visit Kumamoto Castle
When we talk about Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Castle will emerge as one of the top 3 landmarks you must patronize. There are many castles in Japan, but Kumamoto Castle ranks as one of the top 3 Japanese castles, so you can imagine how dignified and visually stunning it must be. It strikes an impressive sight because it towers over Kumamoto City and comprises strong musha-gaeshi (steep stone walls) that were built to deter intruders. In recent years, it also showcases the resilience of Kumamoto people. You see, there was an impactful earthquake that occurred in April 2016, so Kumamoto Castle was partially damaged. Undeterred, the determined locals are now reconstructing the castle, hoping to restore it to its former glory.
2) Visit Sakura-no-baba Josaien
A stone's throw away from Kumamoto Castle, Sakura-no-baba Josaien is an interesting place where locals hang out to spend a leisurely afternoon or evening with their beloved family and friends. If you are a history buff, you must not miss out on the Wakuwaku-Za, an interactive display that will arm you with tons of interesting facts and trivia about life in a castle town during the Edo era. After visiting the Wakuwaku-Za, indulge yourself in local delicacies served by passionate restaurateurs beckoning for your attention at the eateries. For instance, you can tuck into Kumamoto tonkotsu (pork-based broth) ramen that yields a unique flavor due to garlic oil being blended with the soup!
3) Visit Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto
Maybe visiting art museums isn't your thing, but Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto is strategically located at the entrance of one of its most happening shopping streets, Kamitori. So it's a great place to take a breather and have a respite from the hustle of the city. What's more, it's located in a building which houses a Starbucks outlet, so you can pop in into the museum before/after your caffeine mix. I loved the Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto because it offered me fresh insights into the creative minds of Japanese artists. They seemed to have a knack for taking something perfectly ordinary and elevating it into funky masterpieces that intrigue your mind through their unique perspectives. I highly recommend you spend an hour or two there to absorb new ways of thinking!
Have you visited Kumamoto before? Or have you visited another place in Japan that reminds you of Kumamoto? Please let me know in the comments below.
All photos are passionately taken by yours truly. :)
