Local Supporter Makiko Morita

Local Supporter

Makiko Morita

A passionate mother of two

A true Kumamoto native who spent their youth in the city, crying with the city, laughing with the city, living with the city, and loving the city more than anyone else.
Their passion and drive to energize the city are second to none.
A mother of two who loves Kumamoto Castle, Tsuruya Department Store, and alcohol.

OMO5 Kumamoto: Kumamoto City is located almost in the center of the Kyushu region and is a city with excellent access from both inside and outside the area, being just 33 minutes from Hakata Station by the Kyushu Shinkansen and about 30 minutes by car from Aso Kumamoto Airport. Starting with the iconic tourist attraction "Kumamoto Castle," the streets of the castle town, which have continued to change their appearance and role over time, are lined with shops overflowing with the dedication of Kumamoto residents. We will be developing services to serve as a base for enjoying the city of Kumamoto.

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Local Supporter FAQ

Please tell me your recommended spots in the Kumamoto area.: It's a classic, but it has to be Kumamoto Castle. Instead of heading straight to the main keep, I recommend starting at Josaien, an area filled with souvenir shops and street food that evokes the atmosphere of a castle town! There is a museum there called "Wakuwaku-za" where you can learn about the reconstruction of Kumamoto Castle and see the process from its appearance 400 years ago to the present day via VR.
If you stop by "Wakuwaku-za" first before heading to the main keep, the appeal of Kumamoto Castle will be doubled! Plus, it's a great deal since the admission fee is only an extra 50 yen.

Please secretly tell us some hidden gems that only a local would know.: Yamazaki Sugawara Shrine. Located near Kumamoto Castle, it is said to be the shrine of the god of learning. It's a small shrine, but I recommend the "Hiroko Ichihara Love Fortune Slip" they have here. The blunt and straightforward words really strike a chord. Don't underestimate it just because it's a love fortune; as someone raising children, I received some words that really hit home... haha.

What is a trip that remains in your memory?: I went to Hawaii for my honeymoon. I was instantly captivated by the "carefree" atmosphere of everything the moment I stepped off the plane at the airport. I thought I was just relaxing and watching the sunset on a sunset cruise, but then Hawaiian dancing started, and we all joined in a circle to dance (or were made to dance, haha).
There are many wonderful hotels, so I also went around trying different breakfasts. I couldn't forget those happy memories, so when my eldest son was two, I even took my mother and visited again.

How do you spend your days off?: A few years ago, my family started camping. Kumamoto is rich in nature with both the sea and mountains, and there are many campsites.
It has become a tradition for our family to go to a hot spring near the campsite, which is one of the things we look forward to.

Is there anything you always bring with you when you travel?: A map.
I'm the type who compiles the places I want to go beforehand to create something like a travel itinerary, and since I like to clarify the spatial relationships, paper maps are easier for me to visualize.