Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's finest, is still being restored after the 2016 earthquake, and watching it come back is part of the experience. Mt. Aso's caldera steams nearby. Horse meat sashimi is a local specialty. Kumamoto is tougher than it looks.
What Kumamoto is known for
Top-rated in Kumamoto
Kuma River Rafting
4.7entertainment
Japan's top three rapids on the Kuma River, white-water rafting through a gorge lined with cedar and stone bridges.
Kumamoto Castle
4.5castle
Striking black-facade castle built in early 1600s with commanding city views, being restored after 2016 earthquake.
Katsuretsu Tei Shinshigai
4.5restaurant
Michelin-recognized tonkatsu restaurant serving thick, juicy pork cutlets.
Amano Iwato Shrine
4.6shrine
Mythological cave shrine where the sun goddess hid, with a prayer-stone-filled gathering cave.
Aso Nakadake Crater
4.6landmark
Japan's most active volcano in central Kyushu, 24km caldera surrounded by five peaks called Aso Gogaku.
Kusasenri Grasslands
4.6nature
Volcanic grassland plateau with a crater lake and grazing horses beneath smoking Mount Aso.
Heitate Jingu
4.6shrine
One of the oldest and most mysterious shrines in Japan.
Kuratake Shrine
4.6shrine
'Torii in the Sky' overlooking the Amakusa islands.
