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. Describing Kumamoto is impossible without unpacking its multitudes. So let’s break it down and look at many regions of Kumamoto Prefecture!

Kumamoto Prefecture is commonly divided into five regions: North Kumamoto, Central Kumamoto, South Kumamoto, Amakusa, and Aso.

This map is divided along municipal lines, but actually it’s easy to tell them apart by the landscape. North Kumamoto is a collection of several traditional towns separated by mountains. Central Kumamoto is dominated by the busy Kumamoto City urban landscape. Aso is literally inside an ancient super-volcano with an active volcano at it’s center (yes, people do live there). South Kumamoto is best known for the Kuma River, but also has nice beaches as you approach Minamata. Finally, Amakusa is your classic island paradise complete with jumping dolphins and delicious seafood. Below is a brief overview of each region.

Central Kumamoto & Aso

Central Kumamoto generally refers to the ever-expanding Kumamoto City and the surrounding minor cities and towns. If you like Japanese history, tradition, architecture, and all the other finer things in life, you have cultural gems like Kumamoto Castle and Suizenji Jojuen Garden. Whether you prefer city center shopping or hipster lowkey urban hangouts, the Shimotoi & Kamitori Arcades and historic Furumachi & Shinmachi neighborhoods have you covered. And if you need a breath a fresh air, Mt. Kinbo is right there for a nice hike and even a meditation session fit for a legendary samurai at Reigando Cave. Did I mention that all of these are on the train line that runs down the center of the city? It really is the best.

Outside of Kumamoto City, popular spots include the Tsujunkyo Aqueduct, the 3,333 Stone Steps in Yamato, and the picturesque Ariake Sea shoreline in Uto.

I decided to group the city with Aso because the easiest way to get to Mt. Aso is to take a train or bus from Kumamoto City. Despite its name, Mt. Aso is not actually a single mountain! Rather, it is a series of volcanic peaks within an enormous caldera basin left behind after a massive eruption thousands of years ago (commonly known as “volcano-ception”). The Aso area boasts stunning views from almost anywhere and is a paradise for lovers of the outdoors.

North Kumamoto

North Kumamoto includes the cities of Arao, Tamana, Yamaga and Kikuchi and a number of smaller towns. Visitors with an interest in traditional culture should definitely visit Yamaga for Yachiyo-za Theater and, if it is matsuri season, the famed Yamaga Lantern Festival. History buffs, however, may prefer a trip to Arao for the Manda Coal Pit, a part of the Meiji Industrial Revolution World Heritage Site. On the other hand, for a more nature-oriented outing, I recommend Kikuchi for its soothing hot springs and picturesque Kikuchi Gorge (which is especially beautiful in fall as the leaves change).

South Kumamoto

South Kumamoto Prefecture encompasses a large area that can be divided into the inland Hitoyoshi-Kuma region and the seaside areas of Ashikita, Yatsushiro, and Minamata.

Along the coast, popular places include Hinagu Onsen in Yatsushiro, the roller luge-zorb-skatepark-beach at Ashikita Beach Park, and sobering story of the Minamata Disease tragedy at the Minamata Disease Municipal Museum.

Isolated by mountains on all sides, the Hitoyoshi-Kuma region developed into a unique, self-contained community over the centuries and is a great spot to see authentic, historic Japan. Top spots here include Aoi Aso Shrine in Hitoyoshi City, Kuma River rafting, bunjee jumping in Itsuki, the Nishiki Secret Base Museum, the many Kuma Shochu distilleries, and Kyusendo Cave in Kuma.

Amakusa

Amakusa is the name of the series of islands that extends to the west of Kumamoto Prefecture into the East China Sea. Although traffic tends to bottleneck on the road into Amakusa on the weekends, this can be partially bypassed if you take the train and Sea Cruise to Matsushima. The really interesting parts lie deeper in Amakusa, however, so a car is needed if you’re going to visit places like the scenic harbors of Ushibuka or the Sakitsu Catholic Church. On the way there, we definitely recommend stopping at the historical Misumi West Port in Uki, dolphin watching along the coast in Amakusa City, and checking out Amakusa ceramics at one of the local galleries.

In Conclusion

Kumamoto Prefecture is an expansive region rich in diverse natural landscapes and vibrant local cultures. If you want to learn more, be sure to explore our other pages where we highlight more destinations and features that make our home so special (we are the gurus, after all). While it’s nearly impossible to experience everything in one visit, we hope you enjoy the unforgettable mix of culture, scenery, and spirit that Kumamoto has to offer.