This is one of Japan’s three famous castles and it took Kiyomasa Kato seven years to construct. Currently entry to the inside of the castle is restricted due to earthquake damage, though you can see the castle tower and the watchtower from Ninomaru Park and Kato Shrine.

This strolling garden was built by three successive generations of the Higo Hosokawa Family after it was begun initially by Tadatoshi Hosokawa, the first Hosokawa to become a Lord of Kumamoto. It hosts Izumi Shrine, where Yusai Hosokawa, Tadaoki Hosokawa, Garasha Hosokawa, and Hosokawa lords from throughout history are enshrined.

Located at the foot of Kumamoto Castle, this is a popular tourism facility and sightseeing spot. You can find gourmet foods and speciality products made in Kumamoto sold at the shops collected in “Sakura no komichi,” while “Wakuwakuza” is an area where you can learn about the history and culture of Kumamoto through videos and interactive exhibits.

This is the home of “Kumamon,” the prefecture’s adorable award-winning mascot character who travels around the world promoting Kumamoto. You can shop here for original Kumamon themed goods and there is an area where you can meet Kumamon if you’re lucky. Be sure to check Kumamon’s schedule on the official website.

This shrine has a history of more than 1000 years, constructed during the Heian Period (794–1185) to serve as divine protection for Kumamoto City. It is a branch of Kyoto’s Iwashimizu Hachimangu shrine and enshrines deities such as Emperor Ojin, Sumiyoshi-no-Ookami, and Empress Jingu. The shrine was revered by daimyo Kiyomasa Kato and successors of the Hosokawa family.

This rocky cavern at the foot of Mount Kinpu is home to a Buddhist kannon statue known as “Iwato Kannon.” It is the place where Musashi Miyamoto, who spent his latter years in Kumamoto, penned “Gorinsho,” his book on military strategy. Poet Higaki of the Court of the Heian Period is also known to have visited regularly.

Composed of 120 islands of various sizes dotted amid azure blue sea, Amakusa is a scenic spot where you can enjoy dolphin watching and diving. It also has exhibits that explain the history of Nanban (European) culture and Christianity in Japan.

Aso is a magnificent natural treasure and home to one of the largest calderas in the world. There are many must-see spots here, such as “Tawarayama Mountain Pass,” which offers a brilliant photo op, “Shirakawa Springs,” designated as the one of the best 100 natural water sources in Japan, and “Aso Uchinomaki-onsen-kyo Hot Spring Village,” where you can enjoy bathing while surrounded by mountains.

In addition to the permanent exhibits introducing around 90 different traditional crafts from Kumamoto Prefecture, there are special exhibitions and other events organized by individuals and groups from both inside and outside the prefecture. “Takumi” is a shop directly managed by the facility that offers many local craft items. Products also can be purchased via their online shop.