Local Guide
 You can meet Kumamon! You can even buy one! 7 spots for fans of Kumamon

©2010 Kumamon Kumamoto Prefecture

Kumamon, the PR character of Kumamoto Prefecture, is now popular not only in Kumamoto Prefecture, but also throughout Japan and the world. His adorable appearance and friendly character may have captured the hearts of many people. In Kumamoto Prefecture, the birthplace of Kumamon, there are many places where you can actually meet Kumamon, enjoy a wide variety of Kumamon goods and Kumamon gourmet food, and visit places that are not only for fans but also for visitors. If you learn about the charm of Kumamoto through Kumamon, your trip to Kumamoto will be even more enjoyable.

 ©2010 Kumamon Kumamoto Prefecture
©2010 Kumamon Kumamoto Prefecture

Kumamon" is a Kumamoto Prefecture PR character created on the occasion of the opening of the Kyushu Shinkansen bullet train line in March 2011. Since winning the Grand Prix at the 1st Yuru-chara® Grand Prix held in 2011, Kumamon has become a national celebrity. His title is a civil servant, and he travels around Japan and even the world as Kumamoto Prefecture's sales manager and happiness manager, spreading the charms of Kumamoto Prefecture. His name recognition and popularity has gone beyond the realm of a local character, and he is now a national character that brings smiles to many people's faces. His personality is mischievous and full of curiosity.

Kumamon comes to "OMO 5 Kumamoto" every Friday.

 You can meet Kumamon in front of OMO Base (Travelers' Fun Lounge) Go-KINJO Map (Local guide map) on the 3rd floor. No advance reservation required.
You can meet Kumamon in front of OMO Base (Travelers' Fun Lounge) Go-KINJO Map (Local guide map) on the 3rd floor. No advance reservation required.

Activities at Hoshino Resorts' town hotel "OMO5 Kumamoto by Hoshino Resorts", "What's Kumamon? introduces Kumamon, who is always working hard for Kumamoto in the shadows, in a fun and deep way with quizzes. The activity will delve deeper into the things that interest you, such as Kumamon's work and his connection with the city. Admission is free, and the event is open to visitors not staying at the hotel. This is the only place where you can meet Kumamon, who wears a matching happi with the hotel Staff/staff member "OMO Ranger". This is your chance to get up close and personal with Kumamon.

Local Guide Comment
Please take a look at the original Go-KINJO Map (Local guide map) created by the OMO Rangers and Kumamon.
OMO5 Kumamoto by Hoshino Resorts
  • Address 5-1 Tetori-Honcho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  •  Direction 1 minute walk from "Tsurimachi-suji" streetcar stop.
  •  Business Hours Every Friday from 17:30 (for 30 minutes)
  •  Admission Fee Free of charge
  •  TEL 050-3134-8095
  •  Parking No parking (affiliated parking available)
  •  Memo No capacity, but admission may be restricted for outpatient use during busy times.

The number one chance to meet Kumamon, the base of his activities in Kumamoto.

 At the booth called FAN'S HOUSE, Kumamon displays treasures given to him by his friends and products made in collaboration with companies.
At the booth called FAN'S HOUSE, Kumamon displays treasures given to him by his friends and products made in collaboration with companies.

The Kumamon activity base reopened in July 2023. In addition to a wide variety of Kumamon goods that can only be purchased here, visitors can experience the world of Kumamon through the circular stage in the center of the Property and AR-compatible equipment using a large screen. This is a must-see attraction for fans, who can see Kumamon almost every day if they time their visit right. The schedule of Kumamon's presence is posted on the website, so it is recommended to check the schedule in advance. In addition, there are photo spots, a food corner, and photos of Kumamon's travels around the world on display.

Local Guide Comment
This is the activity base of Kumamon, Kumamoto's sales manager. It provides not only information about Kumamon, but also about sightseeing and products of Kumamoto Prefecture. Please look for the many "hidden Kumamon" when you enter.
Kumamon Square
  • Address Tetoria Kumamoto Bldg. 1F, 8-2 Tetorihonmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  •  Direction 2 min. walk from "Suido-cho" streetcar stop.
  •  Hours of Operation 10:00-19:00 *Subject to change
  •  Closed Year-end and New Year's holidays
  •  Admission Fee Free of charge
  •  TEL 096-327-9066
  •  Parking None

The fun of making your own okonomiyaki. Try your hand at making your own Kumamon okonomiyaki!

 Order okonomiyaki from the regular menu and ask for a Kumamon mold.
Order okonomiyaki from the regular menu and ask for a Kumamon mold.

Established in 1957, this long-established okonomiyaki restaurant is loved by Kumamoto citizens. One of the hottest items among Kumamon fans is the Kumamon okonomiyaki, which you can cook yourself. You pour the batter into a custom-made Kumamon mold, and when the batter is cooked, you can decorate it with sauce, ketchup, or whatever you like. If you cook it yourself, you will love it even more and it will taste even better. The difficult part is to remove the dough from the mold, but the experienced Staff/staff members will teach you how to do that. Why don't you try making Kumamon okonomiyaki as a memory of your trip?

Local Guide Comment
You can draw Kumamon using sauce and mayonnaise, which is surprisingly difficult. Please give it a try.
Daimonji
  • Address 2F Kato Building, 5-6 Tetori-Honcho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  •  Direction 1 minute walk from "Tsurimachi-suji" streetcar stop.
  •  Business Hours 11:00 - 20:45 (L.O.20:00), Friday - Sunday, Holidays - 21:30 (L.O.20:45)
  •  Closed Closed on weekends and holidays
  •  TEL 096-352-5123
  •  Parking None

Your own personalized Kumamon latte that is as adorable as it is fun to look at!

 Cafe Latte
Cafe Latte" for 500 yen. The "Caramel Latte" and "Honey Latte" are also available at 600 yen each, with latte artwork of Kumamon.

This hideaway cafe is located at the end of an alley in a building on Kamidori, an arcade shopping street in the center of Kumamoto City. The quality of the latte artwork is high, and the Kumamon on the back menu is particularly popular for being extremely cute. Since each cup is brewed carefully, the expression and atmosphere of each Kumamon is unique. You will feel like you are missing out on your own special cup of coffee. There is no extra charge for the latte art, and the price of the regular menu is the same as the price of the latte. If you wish to have your latte art done, just add the words "Please make it a Kumamon latte art" to your order.

Local Guide Comment
Although it is located downtown, the atmosphere is relaxed, so it is recommended when you want to spend a relaxing time with a cup of coffee in your hand. The shop also serves sandwiches and other light meals, so it is a good place for a light lunch.
Cafe SWITCH
  • Address 1-24 Kamidori-machi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  •  Direction 2 min. walk from "Tsurimachi-suji" streetcar station.
  •  Business Hours 10:30 - 21:00, Monday and Sunday - 20:00, Friday and Saturday - 22:00
  •  Closed January 1
  •  TEL 096-354-7731
  •  Parking None

Adorable and Delicious Kumamon Ningyoyaki

 Cute, palm-sized
Cute, palm-sized "Kumamon Doll Yaki" 300 yen

You can find adorable Kumamon gourmet foods at "Sakura-no Koji," a collection of restaurants and souvenir stores in Josaien, a sightseeing Exchange Property.
Recommended is the Kumamon doll yaki sold at "MONARIO," a popular soy milk fruit pudding store. The dough made from Kumamoto flour and rice flour is crispy around the edges and moist inside. There are five standard flavors: red bean paste, chocolate, cream, sweet potato, and cheese. Seasonal limited flavors are also available.

Kumamon steamed buns in the same color and shape

 Kumamon steamed buns made with Kumamoto Prefecture red beef: 600 yen
Kumamon steamed buns made with Kumamoto Prefecture red beef: 600 yen

Another recommendation is the freshly steamed "Kumamon steamed buns" offered at the Shunsaikan souvenir store, also located in Sakura-no Koji. Each bun is handmade by craftsmen, and their adorable expressions are so cute that it is a shame to eat them. The special red beef from Kumamoto is used to make the sweet bean paste, and the sweet and chewy dough is a perfect match. When you bite into a piece of the glutinous skin, the flavor of red beef fills your mouth and makes you feel relaxed. We recommend that you go in the morning, as quantities are limited and they sell out every day.

Local Guide Comment
The doll-shaped doll yaki with a cute and plump Kumamon doll has a large portion and is very satisfying. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Sakura-no Koji Street, a recreation of an Edo period castle town, while taking in the sights.
Sakura no Baba Josaien (MONARIO, Shunsaikan)
  • Address 1-1 Ninomaru, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  •  Direction 10 minutes walk from "Kumamoto Castle/Shiyakusho-mae" streetcar station.
  •  Business Hours 9:00-18:00 *Sales at "Shunsaikan" are from 17:00
  •  Closed No holidays
  •  TEL 096-288-5577
  •  Parking Charged

Let's get on the "Kumamon Rent-a-Car" and go out to the city of Kumamoto!

 Kumamon Rent-a-Car runs along Train Street (Prefectural Road 28) in downtown Kumamoto. It is said that half of the customers are foreign tourists.
Kumamon Rent-a-Car runs along Train Street (Prefectural Road 28) in downtown Kumamoto. It is said that half of the customers are foreign tourists.

Rental cars are indispensable for travel. Did you know that Kumamoto has special rental cars wrapped with Kumamon?
There are a total of six different classes of cars, ranging from mini cars to SUV types, so you can choose a car model according to the number of people and purpose of your trip. You can rent a car at all Toyota Rent-A-Car Kumamoto stores. Moreover, the car is equipped with the "NP1" driving partner, which can be operated only by voice, making it comfortable and safe even on the road for the first time. Moreover, as you drive the car, Kumamon will guide you with information about Kumamoto in "Mon" language, making you feel like you are traveling with Kumamon. It is sure to be a memorable drive.

Local Guide Comment
In addition to local information such as recommended spots and gourmet foods, they will also introduce Kumamoto trivia such as culture and customs in the Mon language.
Toyota Rent-A-Clease Kumamoto Daikobashi
  • Address 1-5-16 Shinyashiki, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  •  Direction 6 min. walk from "Suido-cho" streetcar stop.
  •  Business Hours 8:00-19:00, Dec. 31-18:00, Jan. 1 9:00-19:00
  •  Closed No holidays
  •  Admission Fee 12 hours 5,900 yen and up
  •  TEL 096-371-0100
  •  Memo For more information about Kumamon Rent-a-Car ( https://kumamon-land.jp/kumamonrentacar/ )

Get wrapped in limited edition Tsuruya Department Store x Kumamon wrapping paper

 Only a specialty store can offer such a wide selection of goods. The colorful Kumamon goods are sure to make your heart skip a beat!
Only a specialty store can offer such a wide selection of goods. The colorful Kumamon goods are sure to make your heart skip a beat!

The Kumamon goods corner is located in the toy section on the 6th floor of the Tsuruya Department Store's main building. A wide variety of Kumamon goods are available, including plush toys, stationery, towels, and socks. Among them are unique items such as Hanatebako, a folk craft from Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, with a Kumamon design on it, and a Kumamon face mask that allows you to care for your skin while transforming into Kumamon. In addition, secretly popular among fans is the Kumamon-patterned wrapping paper available only at Tsuruya Department Store. The free wrapping makes it a perfect gift.

Local Guide Comment
At the Kumamon Goods Corner, a large stuffed Kumamon welcomes you. The adorable figure sitting on a chair will make you feel relaxed just by looking at it.
Tsuruya Department Store (Kumamon Goods Corner)
  • Address Tsuruya Department Store 6F, 6-1 Tetorihonmachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  •  Direction 1 minute walk from "Tsurimachi-suji" streetcar stop.
  •  Hours of Operation 10:00-19:00, Friday and Saturday-19:30
  •  Regular holiday Unscheduled (closed 1 or 2 days a month), year-end and New Year's holidays
  •  TEL 096-356-2111 (main phone number)
  •  Parking Charged
  •  Memo Please check the website in advance for holidays.
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.