Local Supporter Momoka Yamada

Local Supporter

Momoka Yamada

Kumamoto Native Charm Discovery Team!

A young staff member from Kumamoto who is burning with the desire to share the local charm.
They discover and capture the charm of Kumamoto with their partner, a single-lens reflex camera.
They have an exceptional spirit of hospitality and think daily about what is needed to move guests.
Although they always have a smiling and calm impression, they are actually competitive and the type to get fired up in the face of adversity.

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 Namikizaka. It's located just past the large arcade called Kamitori.
It's a stylish street lined with trees and cobblestones, featuring rows of used bookstores, cafes, and hair salons. Just walking through it is satisfying enough, but since I love reading, I'm very happy that there are so many used bookstores within walking distance.
Every time, I have wonderful encounters with books, whether by chance or fate.

Please secretly tell us some hidden gems that only a local would know.: It's the Kogai Shopping Street. The first night I went for a walk in Kumamoto, I happened to have my camera with me, and I felt a sense of romance in its decadent scenery.
When I went back during the day later, I found many new shops and was able to enjoy the lively atmosphere. (There's a ramen shop that's movingly delicious, and a stylish cafe & bar that kept the 'Jaga-Tama Seika' sign, among others...) I feel the charm and the essence of Kumamoto in the way this nostalgic, retro shopping street continues to evolve as a place of expression for students, creators, and business owners.

What is a trip that remains in your memory?: It's the UK, where I went with my English conversation teacher and classmates when I was in my first year of junior high school.
Although it was a short-term study abroad program, it felt more like a vacation. I remember everything being so stimulating, as I had never left Kyushu before. Our British teacher went back to their family home, and even though we could barely speak any English, we were left behind at a camp where children from all over the world had gathered. It was a wonderful experience where I tried my best to enjoy a 'foreign country' where everything was different, and in a good way, I felt how small I was.

How do you spend your days off?: Reading. Although I'm relatively introverted, when my eyes get tired, I go for a walk in the cool night air. I might dash out with just my camera, or suddenly get a craving for a donut that the protagonist of a book I like was eating.

Is there anything you always bring with you when you travel?: I bought this DSLR camera for my high school field trip.
Whether I'm going on a long trip or just out for a walk, I believe that taking the time to bring my camera and snap photos makes the time even more wonderful. Retouching the photos after I get home is also one of the things I look forward to.