6 spots where you can meet and buy Kumamon! A must-visit for fans
Kumamon, the PR character for Kumamoto Prefecture, has seen his fan base grow not only within the prefecture but across the country and the world. Many have likely had their hearts captured by his adorable appearance and friendly personality. In his birthplace of Kumamoto Prefecture, there are many spots that even non-fans will want to visit, where you can actually meet Kumamon and enjoy a wide variety of Kumamon goods and gourmet food. Learning about the charm of the city through Kumamon is sure to make your trip to Kumamoto even more enjoyable.
What is "Kumamon"?
Kumamon is the PR character for Kumamoto Prefecture, created to mark the full opening of the Kyushu Shinkansen in March 2011. After winning the first-ever Yuru-chara Grand Prix in 2011, he became a household name nationwide. His official title is a civil servant, serving as the Sales Manager and Happiness Manager of Kumamoto Prefecture, traveling all over Japan and the world to promote the prefecture's charms. His fame and popularity have transcended the realm of local mascots, and he is now a national character who brings smiles to many people. He has a mischievous and curious personality.
1Kumamon Square
The place with the highest chance of meeting him. The sacred ground of Kumamon, which serves as his base of operations.
This is Kumamon's base of operations, which reopened in July 2023. In addition to a wide selection of Kumamon goods that can only be bought here, you can experience Kumamon's world through facilities such as the circular stage in the center of the facility and AR-compatible equipment using a large screen. It is a must-visit spot for fans, as you can meet him almost every day if you time your visit right. We recommend checking his office schedule on the website in advance. Furthermore, there are photo spots, a food corner, and exhibits of photos from Kumamon's travels around the world, so you will be excited just by looking around.
Exclusive merchandise featuring real-life photos of Kumamon, available only at his sacred ground.
It is a treasure trove of limited-edition Kumamon merchandise, and all items featuring real-life photos of Kumamon are exclusive products that can only be found here. Because they use real photos, they perfectly capture Kumamon's authentic cuteness, making them irresistible designs for fans. Furthermore, there is a wide variety of items, and new products are added irregularly throughout the year, including seasonal items for Christmas and Halloween. Many items feature designs that reflect the spirit of Kumamoto, making them must-have souvenirs for travelers, even if you aren't a die-hard Kumamon fan.
Local
Supporter
The base of operations for Kumamon, the Sales Manager of Kumamoto. In addition to information about Kumamon, they also share information on tourism and local products in Kumamoto Prefecture. Once you go inside, try looking for the many "hidden Kumamons" scattered around.
- Kumamon Square
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1F Tetoria Kumamoto Bldg., 8-2 Tetori-honcho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
Approx. 2-minute walk from Suidocho tram stop
10:00–19:00 *Subject to change
Year-end and New Year holidays
Free
096-327-9066
None
2Daimonji
The fun of grilling it just the way you like. Try making a Kumamon okonomiyaki.
Founded in 1957, this long-established okonomiyaki restaurant is beloved by the citizens of Kumamoto. A hot topic among Kumamon fans is the Kumamon-shaped okonomiyaki that you can grill yourself. Pour the batter into a custom-made Kumamon mold, and once it's cooked, decorate it however you like with sauce, ketchup, and more. Grilling it yourself doubles the fun and the deliciousness. Removing the batter from the mold can be tricky, but don't worry—the experienced staff will teach you the tricks to grilling it perfectly. Why not try your hand at making a Kumamon okonomiyaki as a memory of your trip?
Local
Supporter
You draw Kumamon using sauce and mayonnaise, but it is surprisingly difficult. Please give it a try.
3Cafe SWITCH
Your very own Kumamon latte, adorable to look at.
Tucked away down an alley in a building in Kamitori, an arcade shopping street in the heart of Kumamoto City, lies this hidden-gem cafe. They are known for their high-quality latte art, and their off-menu Kumamon latte is particularly famous for being incredibly cute. Since each cup is carefully brewed, every Kumamon has a slightly different expression and vibe. It feels almost too precious to drink your own special cup. It is a fantastic deal, as there is no extra charge for the latte art—it is included at the regular menu price. If you would like one, just be sure to say, "Please make it Kumamon latte art," when you place your order.
Local
Supporter
Despite being in the downtown area, it has a calm atmosphere, so it is recommended for when you want to spend some time relaxing with a cup of coffee in hand. They also have light meals like sandwiches, so it is also good for a light lunch.
- Cafe SWITCH
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1F Beer-re Bldg., 1-24 Kamitori-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
Approx. 2-minute walk from Torichosuji tram stop
10:30–21:00, Mon/Sun until 20:00, Fri/Sat until 22:00
January 1st
096-354-7731
None
4Sakuranobaba Johsaien (MONARIO, Shunsai-kan)
Adorable and delicious Kumamon Ningyo-yaki.
At "Sakura-no-Koji," a collection of restaurants and souvenir shops within the "Josaien" tourism and exchange facility, you can encounter adorable Kumamon-themed gourmet treats.
A top recommendation is the Kumamon-shaped ningyo-yaki sold at "MONARIO," a shop popular for its soy milk fruit pudding. The batter, made with wheat and rice flour from Kumamoto Prefecture, is crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. There are five standard flavors: red bean paste, chocolate, custard, sweet potato, and cheese. Limited-edition seasonal flavors are also available.
The "Kumamon Steamed Bun" that keeps its color and shape just as it is
Another recommendation is the freshly steamed "Kumamon Meat Bun" offered at "Shunsaikan," a souvenir shop also located within Sakura-no-Koji. Each bun is handmade by artisans, and their expressions are so adorable that you might feel bad eating them. The special filling made with Kumamoto Akaushi beef pairs perfectly with the sweet, chewy dough. When you take a bite of the chewy skin, the flavor of the Akaushi beef fills your mouth, making you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Since they are available in limited quantities and sell out every day, we recommend going in the morning.
Local
Supporter
The plump and cute Kumamon ningyo-yaki (doll-shaped cake) is quite filling and satisfying. Enjoy a leisurely stroll while eating it as you gaze at the townscape of Sakura-no-koji, which recreates a castle town from the Edo period.
- Sakura-no-baba Josaien (MONARIO, Shunsai-kan)
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1-1 Ninomaru, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
Approx. 10-minute walk from Kumamoto City Tram "Kumamoto-jo/Shiyakusho-mae" stop
9:00–18:00 *Storefront sales at "Shunsaikan" until 17:00
Open every day
096-288-5577
Paid
5Toyota Rent-a-Lease Kumamoto Daikyo-bashi Branch
Hop in a "Kumamon Rental Car" and head out into the streets of Kumamoto
Rental cars are essential for travel. Did you know that in Kumamoto, there are special rental cars wrapped in Kumamon designs?
They are available in six different classes, ranging from light cars to SUVs, so you can choose the vehicle type according to the number of people and your purpose. You can rent them at all "Toyota Rent-a-Lease Kumamoto" locations. Furthermore, they are equipped with "NP1," a driving partner that can be operated by voice, making your journey comfortable and safe even on unfamiliar roads. Plus, as you drive, Kumamon will guide you with information about Kumamoto in "Mon-go" (Kumamon language), making you feel like you are traveling with Kumamon himself. It is sure to be a memorable drive.
Local
Supporter
It is said that they introduce local information such as recommended spots and gourmet food, as well as trivia about Kumamoto such as its culture and customs, in "Mon-go" (Kumamon language).
- Toyota Rent-a-Lease Kumamoto O-koh-bashi Branch
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1-5-16 Shinyashiki, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
Approx. 6-minute walk from Kumamoto City Tram "Suidocho" stop
8:00–19:00, Dec 31 until 18:00, Jan 1 9:00–19:00
Open every day
12 hours from 5,900 yen
096-371-0100
Click here for details on the Kumamon Rental Car (https://kumamon-land.jp/kumamonrentacar/)
6Tsuruya Department Store (Kumamon Goods Corner)
You can get your items wrapped in exclusive Tsuruya Department Store x Kumamon wrapping paper
The Kumamon goods corner is located in a section of the toy department on the 6th floor of the Tsuruya Department Store main building. It offers a wide variety of Kumamon merchandise, including stuffed animals, stationery, towels, and socks. There are also unique items such as Hanatebako, a traditional folk craft from Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, featuring Kumamon designs, and Kumamon face masks that let you transform into Kumamon while taking care of your skin. Furthermore, the Tsuruya Department Store-exclusive Kumamon-patterned wrapping paper is secretly popular among fans. Since they offer free gift wrapping, it is perfect for presents.
Local
Supporter
In the Kumamon goods corner, a large Kumamon stuffed toy will welcome you. Its figure sitting in a chair is adorable, and just looking at it is soothing.
- Tsuruya Department Store (Kumamon Goods Corner)
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6F Tsuruya Department Store, 6-1 Tetori-honcho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
Approx. 1-minute walk from Torichosuji tram stop
10:00–19:00, until 19:30 on Fridays and Saturdays
Irregular (closed 1-2 days per month), year-end and New Year holidays
096-356-2111 (Main)
Paid
Please check the website in advance for closed days





