Kumamoto.guru

17/04/2026

Volcanoes, Rivers, and Bears: How Did We Get the Name Kumamoto?

In Japanese, the kanji, or Chinese characters, for our city and prefecture is 熊本, a combination of 熊 (kuma) or "bear" and 本 (moto) meaning "origin." Based on this, you might assume the area was named for a high population of bears—after all, the mascot of the city is Kumamon, a lovable bear, right? While it is true that the kanji inspired our prefectural mascot, archaeological research going back to the emergence of mammals shows there have never been bears in Kumamoto! ...

31/10/2025

If you visit Kumamoto, you will likely encounter the name Miyamoto Musashi or his most famous work, 五輪書 (The Book of Five Rings). Although Musashi is well recognized in Japan as a historical figure and even received the title of 剣聖 "sword saint," the highest title a warrior can be given, his accomplishments and works are not as well recognized outside of Japan....

Come explore the meaning and history of The Book of Five Rings by revered samurai Miyamoto Musashi, considered "the Japanese Art of War"

02/10/2025

Many visitors to Japan have probably heard the term "tea ceremony" at some point, but have you ever heard of the Japanese art of 盆石, bonseki? Despite their differences, these two cultural practices have been around since the earliest formation of Japan, have strong ties to Zen Buddhism, and were revolutionized by Sen-no-Rikyu. Today, let's learn about what bonseki is, why it is a valuable window into Japanese artistic culture, and how it's connected to Kumamoto!...

11/09/2025

About Kumamoto Prefecture Kumamoto Prefecture lies in the middle of Kyushu, Japan's southernmost main island. With a population of 1.6 million, it is the 23rd most populous prefecture in Japan. Despite these numbers, Kumamoto Prefecture is far from average. Kumamoto is Japan's largest producer of fresh fruits, produce, and livestock as well as a hotbed of semiconductor manufacturing. The prefecture's scenery include beautiful beaches, mountain paths winding past waterfalls, a castle silhouette above an urban cityscape, yellow rafts riding a frothing river, and smoke winding above a volcanic mountain range....

Planning your visit to Kumamoto Prefecture? We've got all the information you need on places to see, food to eat, and how to get around!

21/08/2025

Kumamoto is a city of balance. As both a regional city and a 400-year-old castle town, Kumamoto is home to a variety of events that showcase both its modernity and its ancient traditions. Unlike the concrete jungles we associate most urban areas with, Kumamoto's natural environment pervades its cityscape, making the seasons as integral to city life as the traffic and train tracks that serve as its heartbeat....

Make the most of your time in Kumamoto by celebrating with the locals! Check out the events that celebrate the local culture of Kumamoto!

12/08/2025

If you have been waiting to make your pilgrimage through Kumamoto to all the One Piece statues or considering a repeat visit, there has never been a better time than now! The 2nd wave of golden statue figures just went on sale on July 22nd, 2025 at select stores. About This time, the Luffy statue figures are priced at ￥3,850 (including tax) each while those of the crew are ￥2,640 (including tax), so collecting all ten would come out to around ￥27,610....

Limited edition One Piece statue figurines are back! Everything you need to know about where to find these rare golden figures of the Straw Hat Pirates.

28/09/2022

Kumamoto recently released a video (with English subtitles) on the making of the One Piece bronze statues. Check out the post on kumamoto.guru for more info!

28/08/2022

Nishiki Secret Base Museum in Nishiki in southern Kumamoto Prefecture

I had the chance to visit this secret naval base in the town of Nishiki a couple days ago. After doing a number of translations about it without actually having visited, I was glad to be able to see the exhibits and tunnels first-hand and learn about life in Kyushu during WWII.

Check out my in-depth article on our website (https://kumamoto.guru) to learn more about what you can see at the museum and to learn why the Japanese Navy built a secret base so far from the sea smack dab in the middle of Kyushu.

28/08/2022

Finally! New York-style pizza in downtown Kumamoto!

Pizza Yankee is scheduled to open in October on the corner where the Natas donut shop used to be (along Kagomachi-dori Street just past Tsutaya).

26/08/2022

Kyushu's only bungee jump location: Bungy Japan Itsuki Bungy!

Located in the quiet valley village of Itsuki in the Hitoyoshi-Kuma region in southern Kumamoto Prefecture, Itsuki Bungy lets jumpers leap from a bridge 66 meters above the beautiful Kawabe River.

Covid has affected the operating hours, so be sure to make a reservation ahead of time. One jump costs 15,000 yen, with discounts for additional jumps. You can also reserve the jump for an hour for 50,000 yen and jump as many times as you'd like!

Itsuki doesn't have a train station, so driving is the only option. It takes about 1.5 hours from Kumamoto City and about 40 minutes from Hitoyoshi.

While you're in the area, check out Keiryu Villa Itsuki, a beautiful new set of bungalows offering overnight stays and afternoon barbecues. You can also rent a kayak to explore the Kawabe River. You can also just bring your bathing suit and hop in the perennially cold river for some quick respite from the summer heat!

#渓流ヴィラ五木

15/08/2022

I checked out the new Jinbe statue in Uto the other day, it's huge!

The statue is located at the Sumiyoshi Kaigan Park along the coast of the Ariake Sea. It takes about 45 minutes by car from downtown Kumamoto City and is quite a pleasant drive through farmland if you avoid Route 3.

The park is also where you'll find the Nagabeta Sea Road, a length of road that stretches directly out into the Ariake Sea and is only accessible at low tide. The park was quite busy when I visited, and there was a line about 10 people deep to take pictures of the statue.

Be sure to stop by if you're on your way to Amakusa! The view over the sea is great, and if the weather cooperates, you can get great views of Mt. Unzen in Nagasaki Prefecture on the opposite side of the sea!