Travel Date: 2025/08/13-18
For our last day in Kumamoto, I hadn’t planned anything specific. There was an option to take the tram to explore other places around the city, but the weather was rainy - sometimes light, sometimes heavier, so we decided to spend the day shopping and exploring nearby arcades. Kumamoto city is fantastic for this, everything is conveniently located, and there are so many different stores to visit.
Since we didn’t have time the previous day to buy breakfast, we started with a food hunt. I really wanted to try ramen in Japan, and luckily we found Keika Honten Ramen in Tsuruya Department Store. Both the original and spicy flavors were delicious, though I must admit the “spicy” version wasn’t really spicy by my standards. One thing I loved was that you could choose how long the noodles were cooked, perfect for those who don’t like overly chewy noodles.
After breakfast, we explored the shopping arcades and tried some dango - a chewy, mochi-like treat. The ones we tried were filled with sweet potato and red bean paste, which I enjoyed, though I personally prefer mochi as they are softer. Some dango had even more elaborate fillings, like red bean paste with fruits such as strawberries or kiwis - looked delicious!
Next, we visited 3COINS, a shop recommended by many YouTubers. I was mainly looking for earrings, and the store didn’t disappoint - prices were about a third of what you’d pay in Taiwan for similar styles in Poya. The store wasn’t very large, but I still managed to buy a small frying pan and a bowl. Everything felt like good quality, and since most items are made in China anyway, there’s not much difference in purchasing here versus elsewhere.
After a quick rest back at the hotel, the skies opened up with a heavy rain, so it was perfect timing to relax. My husband took a nap, as he isn’t used to walking long distances for work, unlike us, who are more active. Later in the afternoon, we went back out for more shopping at Sakuramachi Shopping Center. We shopped for shoes for our son, and I got a pair for myself. My husband even found a wallet at 50% off, and with the tax refund, it felt like an amazing deal. Japan is really generous with discounts - 30-50%, sometimes even 70% for seasonal items, unlike Taiwan, where discounts are usually much smaller.
After dropping our shopping bags at the hotel, we headed out again - my husband was hoping to have sushi once more. While shopping near Tsuruya Department Store, we spotted Kura Sushi, but unfortunately it wasn’t open yet - it was scheduled to open at the end of August.
So, we walked back to Sakuramachi Shopping Mall... yes, once again... and decided to dine at Amakusa Ushibukamaru SAKURA MACHI, the same sushi restaurant we visited on our first day. The quality was excellent, and it was a perfect way to enjoy fresh sushi before ending the day.
Back at the hotel around 9 PM, I spent the evening packing our luggage. What started as half-empty bags soon became fully packed with gifts and souvenirs from our trip.
The next morning, we woke up at 7 AM, tidied up, and checked out. Taking the bus from Sakuramachi to the airport was extremely convenient - the stop is on the first floor, and tickets can easily be purchased at the vending machine. Everything is in English and simple to use. Despite arriving two hours early, the airport was busy, and we barely had enough time after check-in and security before boarding.
Our flight back to Taiwan was smooth, and when we landed in the afternoon, the weather was hot and sunny - typhoon Podul was long gone, making our timing perfect.
One thing I have to mention is the amazing buns and breads in Japan. Whether from supermarkets or convenience stores, they are always packed with filling - over 50% in some cases! This is so different from Taiwan, where buns often have very little filling compared to the bread. During our stay, we tried over 10 different buns and several donuts, and I loved them all - especially honeydew-flavored buns. If you’re a dessert or snack lover, Japan is definitely a paradise for buns and pastries.
Summary
Our six-day adventure in Kumamoto, Japan was a mix of cultural exploration, natural beauty, and shopping delights. A little summary of our trip:
Day 1 – Arrival: Despite flying on the day of Typhoon Podul, our flight went smoothly. We stayed at Daiwa Roynet Hotel, conveniently located near Kumamoto Castle and shopping areas.
Day 2 – Kumamoto Castle & Jojuen Garden: We explored Kumamoto Castle, including exhibitions on its six floors, and visited Katō Shrine and Inari Shrine nearby. In the afternoon, we took a tram to Suizenji Jojuen Garden, a peaceful, well-maintained traditional Japanese garden with beautiful ponds and shrines.
Day 3 – Aso Volcano & Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine: We drove to Aso Volcano, enjoyed the crater views, and learned about its unique geology. Later, we visited Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, a hidden gem nestled in the forest with moss-covered lanterns and a long stairway, offering a magical, serene atmosphere.
Day 4 – Yamaga Lantern Festival: We drove to Yamaga, explored the Lantern Museum and historic streets, visited Kongōjō-ji and Omiya Shrine, and experienced the Thousand Lantern Dance (unfortunately interrupted by rain).
Day 5 – Shopping & Free Day: Rainy weather kept us indoors for a shopping spree. Highlights included trying Keika Honten Ramen, tasting dango, and visiting 3COINS for cute and affordable items. Discounts and tax-free shopping made this day a treat for all.
Day 6 – Return Home: We packed up and took the bus from Sakuramachi to the airport. The flight back to Taiwan was smooth, and the typhoon had passed, making for a perfect ending.
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