Food and Sightseeing in Kumamoto: Ramen Isn't All That Kumamoto Is Famous For! Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Aug 27 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Food and Sightseeing in Kumamoto: Ramen Isn't All That Kumamoto Is Famous For!

Kumamoto is a popular tourist destination even within Kyushu. While it's well-known for its famous Kumamoto ramen, that's not the only thing this prefecture has to offer. There are so many other delicious foods, as well as a plethora of sightseeing spots to experience Japanese culture and nature. There's more to Kumamoto than just Kumamoto ramen - read more to learn about its food and sightseeing spots!

See full listings of Ramen restaurants found in and around Kumamoto.

Visit Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle is famous for being one of Japan's three greatest castles. It placed 1st three years in a row on Trip Advisor's "I'm Glad I Went! Japan's Castle Rankings" list. The Honmaru Goten Palace, which was restored in 2008 to commemorate 400 years since its construction, depicts the refined and brilliant atmosphere of the period in which it was built. There are also many other highlights to see, such as the unique stone walls, known as "musha-gaeshi," and the architectural style of that time, which stretches over the vast premises of the castle. Currently, entry to the castle is restricted as it is undergoing reconstruction from the damage it took from an earthquake, but you can see the whole castle if you go up to the observation deck on the 14th floor of Kumamoto City Hall.

Eat and Walk Around Sakura no Baba Jousaien

In Sakura no Baba Jousaien, there is the Kumamoto Museum Wakuwakuza, where you can learn about Kumamoto's history and culture, and Sakuranokoji, a shopping street lined with 23 small shops selling Kumamoto goods and restaurants. This area is brimming with shops perfect for walking around while eating various treats, like Amakusa Kaishoku Maruken's [Sea Urchin Croquette], a crispy deep-fried croquette stuffed with uni (sea urchin), and Ikinariya Watanabe's [Ikinari Dango], sweet rice cakes made with sweet potatoes from Kumamoto and azuki beans from Hokkaido.

Gaze at the Majestic Mt. Aso

Mt. Aso, the symbol of the "fire country of Kumamoto," is often the name used to refer to the Aso Gogaku mountain range's many mountains, but it also includes the outer rim of the crater and the crater basin, making it the world's largest volcano. Viewing the caldera of Mt. Nakadake, one of the mountains of Aso Gogaku, is a widely recognized tourism activity, and those who see the smoke boiling up with the rumbling will feel a great natural energy. Anyone can get to the caldera as it is accessible by car, and there is even a saying that "you can see the caldera in your high heels."

Refresh Yourself at Kusasenri

Kusasenri Plateau is a scenic spot to view Mt. Nakadake. Stretching widely across the land, it heals the soul with its scenery of rainwater accumulated in the basin, and cows and horses are grazing in the field. The vast grasslands extend to a diameter of 1 km. In winter, you have a view of the mysterious frost-covered trees. You'll be able to enjoy a wide variety of views depending on the season. It's highly recommended to drive on the road running alongside Kusasenri to get a panoramic view. There's also a horse riding facility, so it's a great spot to relax in nature with family and friends!

Dolphin Watching in Amakusa

Off the coast of the town of Itsuwa in Amakusa, there live over 200 rare, wild bottlenose dolphins. In this warmer climate, there's an abundance of the dolphins' favorite treats like horse mackerel and squid, so you'll be able to see large groups of dolphins in the area all throughout the year. There's no doubt that your encounter with these dolphins, who rush over as if the sound of the boat engine calls to them, will be an amazing and unforgettable experience. Even without a reservation, you'll be able to see dolphins at 2,500 JPY for adults, 1,500 JPY for elementary school students, and 500 JPY for children (over 2 years old).

Akaushi Beef

The local Kumamoto wagyu (a type of high-quality beef) is called "Akaushi." There is a high amount of lean meat condensed with umami (Japanese savory taste), as well as the right amount of fat, making it a very sweet and easy-to-eat type of meat. Compared to your average cut of beef, Akaushi has many components that can improve liver damage from alcohol and lower blood pressure too, so it's popular for being an extremely healthy type of beef.

antica locanda MIYAMOTO

Antica locanda MIYAMOTO, helmed by Chef Miyamoto, specializes in slow-cooked Akaushi beef steaks and aged meat. Using the freshest ingredients from Kumamoto, including Akaushi, a precious Wagyu beef from Aso, the dishes highlight the region's charm. The "wood-fired steak" allows for fully tasting the lean meat. Despite its location in a lush, historic area, the restaurant is easily accessible from the city center. Diners can enjoy unique Kumamoto courses in a relaxing atmosphere adorned with wood and stone.

antica locanda MIYAMOTO

Open: [Wednesday - Sunday] Lunch all seats start at 11:30 am [Tuesday - Sunday, National Holiday, Day before National Holiday] Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm) *Children are allowed only on Sundays. Please call 096-342-4469 to make a reservation.
Closed: Monday. Please note that the restaurant is closed even if Monday is a holiday.
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY
Access: 6-minute walk from Kuhonji Kousaten Station on Kumamoto City Tram
Address: 102, 1-9-15, Shin-Yashiki, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto Map
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Akaushi Dining yoka-yoka Teppan & Grill

Situated on the 2nd floor of Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kumamoto, Akaushi Dining yoka-yoka Teppan & Grill serves a range of local and Akaushi dishes. The Akaushi beef, sourced from the restaurant's own ranch in Aso, Kumamoto, is prepared to highlight the robust, lean meat and sweet fat. The spacious, brown-toned interior provides a bright, relaxed atmosphere. With counter seats, table seats, and private rooms, it's suitable for budget-friendly lunches to grand dinners, wedding after-parties, and golf competition launches.

Akaushi Dining yoka-yoka Teppan & Grill

Open: Lunch 11:00 am - 4:00 pm (L.O. 3:00 pm) / Dinner 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,500 JPY
Access: Located in front of Hanabatacho Station on Kumamoto City Tram, a location with excellent accessibility. Coin-operated parking space available nearby.
Address: 2F, Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kumamoto, 10-22, Hanabata-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto Map
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Other Kumamoto Must-try Restaurants

Unagi No Tokunaga Hokubu

Established in 1922 and relaunched in 2020 as "Unagi No Tokunaga Hokubu," this historic restaurant specializes in traditional eel dishes. Constantly evolving to meet contemporary tastes, the restaurant sources its eels directly from producers, ensuring they're processed and grilled on the same day. The sauce, a secret recipe since the restaurant's inception, adds a unique flavor. The menu, featuring traditional unagi, seasonal Japanese cuisine, set meals, and kaiseki (multi-course meal), caters to various occasions, from casual gatherings to special family events and business dinners. It’s a must-visit for any occasion.

Unagi No Tokunaga Hokubu

Open: [Monday-Friday, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm), [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 11:30 am - 8:30 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: From Sakuramachi Bus Terminal, take a bus to Kanokogi bus stop. It's a 3-minute walk to Tokunaga Kita, located between Sushiro and Book Off.
Address: 187, Kanokogi-machi, Kita-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto Map
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FUJIWARA STEAK HOUSE

UJIWARA STEAK HOUSE, nestled in the verdant Kyushu, serves Takachiho beef and luxurious courses featuring teppanyaki steaks and sukiyaki made with prime Wagyu beef and seafood like abalone and tiger prawns. The restaurant exudes a mature atmosphere with its black tones and counter seating, allowing diners to savor their meal while watching the cooking unfold. With multilingual services, it's ideal for business meetings, dates, and sightseeing. Complement your meal with an extensive selection of Japanese whiskey, sake, and wine, ensuring a blissful dining experience.

FUJIWARA STEAK HOUSE

Open: [Monday, Wednesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm) *Reservations are required. (Reservations can be made on the day.) *Please contact the restaurant at least one day in advance for information on lunch hours.
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY
Access: 4-minute walk from the exit of Torichosuji Station on Kumamoto City Tram Line A or B
Address: 3F, Diverstiy, 6-2, Ansei-machi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto Map
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Nihonryori Tomita

Tomita, established in 2008 near Kumamoto City's Shirakawa Park, is loved locally. Chef-owner Mr. Tomita prepares dishes with Kyushu's seafood and Japan's seasonal ingredients, serving unique kaiseki (course-style meals). The restaurant offers reservation-only lunch and dinner courses, with special weekday lunches. Each dish, blending tradition and innovation, stimulates the senses. Renovated in 2020, Tomita exudes Japanese tradition, offering private counter and tatami rooms. The experience concludes with a satisfying cup of owner-prepared matcha tea.

Nihonryori Tomita

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm *Reservation required / Dinner 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm *Reservation required
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 6,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Suidocho Station or 6-minute walk from Kumamoto Castle/City Hall Station on Kumamoto City Tram. 4-minute walk from Fujisakigu-mae Station on Kumamoto Electric Railway. 2-minute walk from Shirakawa Koen-mae bus stop.
Address: 4-5, Minami-tsuboi-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto Map
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Besides ramen, Kumamoto has an abundance of local foods, as well as sightseeing spots to enjoy nature, like Mt. Aso and dolphin watching! Go explore this part of Kumamoto for yourself!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.