KUMAMOTO – Uncovering the Charm of Japan’s Iconic Tram City

KUMAMOTO – Uncovering the Charm of Japan’s Iconic Tram City

There are 18 cities in Japan
where trams still run. And in Kumamoto, trams are part of
the city’s charm for tourists. Let’s explore Kumamoto by trams. Just a short tram ride from downtown Kumamoto, you’ll find Kawaramachi Wholesale District — a nostalgic alleyway once lined with wholesalers. Today, it’s been transformed into
a creative hub filled with independent galleries,
vintage shops, cafés, and artist studios. There are many good photo spots as well. With few shops open during the day, it feels like a quiet little adventure. In Kawaramachi Wholesale District, you’ll find Mutenkaya 414, a cozy café run by a young couple. It was around lunch time, so I decided to have a meal here. The interior is filled with
vintage furniture and antique items they’ve carefully collected over time, creating a warm and nostalgic atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy a wholesome lunch featuring handmade focaccia open sandwiches and comforting vegetable soup all gentle on the body. It was 34°C outside. Kumamoto, being a basin,
it felt even hotter. In summer, it’s important to
stay well hydrated especially when traveling. Vegetables were fresh and crispy
tossed with vinegar dressing. A piece of trivia； Kumamoto is famous for
Japan’s top producers of tomatoes and eggplants. The soup was very comforting. The focaccia is very fluffy. Delicious! Avocado and tuna are a classic combo
that never gets old. Just a short tram ride from downtown Kumamoto you’ll find this retro café. Originally built in 1874, the building was once home to
Nagasaki Jiro Bookstore. The café is housed in a beautifully renovated Western-style building from the early Showa era. Stepping inside feels like walking into the pages of a novel. What makes this café special is the view. Trams passing through the streets, people coming and going… Pudding originated in the UK, but it’s beloved in Japan as a classic dessert. It’s a place where you can experience
Kumamoto’s culture and history. Just a few tram stops from the city center – On the second floor of the select shop ‘attic.’ is a hidden café called cry baby. Here, you can enjoy coffee and cheesecake while watching trams pass through Kumamoto. A perfect place to take photos as well. As if stepping into someone’s secret room – a little mysterious,
yet cozy. This is the downtown Kumamoto. Here, you get a glimpse of
Kumamoto’s iconic landmark, Kumamoto Castle. Once the pedestrian lights turns green, this is the shot you can get
while walking across. Just one minute away from Torichosuji tram stop – is this Hoshino Resorts’ hotel, OMO5. This place has a cafe bar that
overlooks Kumamoto Castle. It’s a view worth seeing. This place might be the perfect way to end your journey in Kumamoto. From Hakata, a gateway to Kyushu, I took a Shinkansen to Kumamoto. It’s the fastest way to get to Kumamoto with a 32 min. ride. The moment you arrive in Kumamoto, you’re greeted by a train station designed by world-renowned architect – Tadao Ando. It’s an architectural spot to see. Returning to Fukuoka,
I took a local train. It takes 2.5 hours. But the good thing is that you can make a stop at other cities. You have one transfer
at Omuta. It was an easy and fun ride.

Located in the center of Kyushu, Kumamoto is a city blessed with magnificent natural scenery
such as Mount Aso.
From Fukuoka, it takes only 32 minutes by Shinkansen. You can spend a day there, or get off at Kumamoto on your way to Kagoshima.
It is the perfect travel destination for customizing your trip to suit your style.
Kumamoto is also one of just 18 cities in Japan where trams are still in operation.
The trams that run through the city are an iconic symbol of Kumamoto and a must-see attraction.
In this video, we will introduce some retro-inspired spots and photogenic locations that are perfect for capturing the city’s charm through photos and videos.

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🚋 Kawaramachi Wholesale District
Just a short tram ride from downtown Kumamoto, you’ll find Kawaramachi Wholesale District — a nostalgic alleyway once lined with wholesalers.
Today, it’s been transformed into a creative hub filled with independent galleries, vintage shops, cafés, and artist studios.
With its retro buildings and quiet charm, it feels like time has gently slowed down here.

🚋　Mutenkaya414
On a quiet street in Kawaramachi Wholesale District, you’ll find Mutenkaya 414, a cozy café run by a young couple.
The interior is filled with vintage furniture and antique items they’ve carefully collected over time, creating a warm and nostalgic atmosphere.
Here, you can enjoy a wholesome lunch featuring fluffy, handmade focaccia open sandwiches and comforting vegetable soup — all gentle on the body.
Open 11:12-18:00 Dinner 18:00~
Closed on Mondays
https://www.instagram.com/mutenkaya414?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=eTdlZnozbnkyYzNy

🚋 Nagasaki Jiro Kissashitsu
A short tram ride from the heart of Kumamoto City takes you to a charming retro café that looks like it belongs on the set of a classic film — Nagasaki Jiro Kissashitsu.
The café is housed in a beautifully renovated Western-style building from the early Showa era. Stepping inside feels like walking into the pages of a novel.
Originally built in 1874, the building was once home to Nagasaki Jiro Bookstore, a long-standing bookstore with deep roots in the community. Today, it has been transformed into a peaceful café where you can enjoy coffee, tea, and classic Japanese sweets — all while preserving the nostalgic atmosphere of the past.
If you sit by the window, you can watch the trams pass through the city streets. It’s a view and a rhythm of life you won’t find in big cities — a quiet moment that connects you with the everyday charm of Kumamoto.
Open every day 　11:26-18:00
https://www.instagram.com/nagasakijiro_kissashitsu/

🚋　Attic. (cry baby cafe)
Just a few tram stops from central Kumamoto,
you’ll find a hidden café called cry baby on the second floor of the select shop attic.
The café is inside an old building that feels like a traditional Japanese house, giving you the sense of stepping into someone’s secret room.
Here, you can enjoy coffee and cheesecake while watching the trams go by through the streets of Kumamoto.
It’s a spot I’d definitely recommend to photographers too.
Open everyday 13:00-19:00
https://www.instagram.com/attic_kumamoto?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MTBrOGpmbXBpNG9jZw==

🚋　OMO5 Kumamoto by Hoshino Resorts
This Hoshino Resorts hotel is located right in the heart of downtown Kumamoto.
From the terrace, you get an amazing view of Kumamoto Castle, the city’s iconic symbol.
It’s the perfect spot to slow down and relax during your trip.

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