DAY 5 of 12 – For the fifth day of our epic 12-day road trip around the Japanese island of Kyushu, we drove from Nagaskaki to Kumamoto.
Kumamoto prefecture is well known throughout Japan, often because of its black bear mascot named Kumamon. Paddington might be the best known bear in England, but in Japan, it’s Kumamon.
I explored Kumamoto Castle, which I think is one of the most beautiful castles in Japan. It was badly damaged by an earthquake in 2016 and you can still see some of the broken walls. I learned that repairs are expected to continue until 2036. I ended my day with a visit to a horse meat restaurant to try some of Kumamoto’s local delicacies.
ANA Crowne Plaza Kumamoto New Sky:
► Website: https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/kumamoto/kmjja/hoteldetail
► Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/bYKgX5RCGxBwryac8
Kumamoto Castle:
► Website: https://castle.kumamoto-guide.jp/en/
► Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/y6Q6FFxnq4DdgPiE8
Shimotori Shopping Street:
► Website: http://shimotoori.com/
► Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/ZJADh4hk2xtm6dbt6
Suganoya Shinshigaiten:
► Website: https://service.suganoya.com/shinshigai/
► Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/LSYa4pHk9M7ozWXQ9