A day trip to find Kumamon, absolutely adorable! 🍞

Kumamoto, a city made famous by "Kumamon," is the destination for a trip straight from Fukuoka to Kumamoto! Find bread with Kumamon's face and experience a one-day pop-up with Kumamon himself! Whether you're a Kumamon fan or not, the adorable atmosphere and abundant merchandise will guarantee you take tons of photos and spend a fortune! 🤣

A must-see highlight is Kumamon Square, which is practically Kumamon's own office and mini-theme park. Even just passing by will draw you in with the real Kumamon. Seeing him perform and taking photos is definitely the biggest surprise of your Kumamoto trip!

Recommended Attractions

First Stop: Kumamon Plaza
Address: 1F, 8−2, Tetorihoncho, Chuo Ward, Tetorihoncho, 860-0808, Japan
Opening Hours: 10:00-19:00 (Open year-round)

Upon entering, you're greeted by a giant Kumamon balloon. Inside the plaza, you'll find a Kumamon desk (Kumamon himself occasionally makes appearances to dance and sign autographs), as well as various Kumamon-themed breads and snacks. This time, I took a selfie with a bear-shaped bread against the backdrop of the plaza's shops, looking incredibly happy—a must-buy and must-eat spot on any trip! The plaza's convenience stores are a paradise for souvenirs: from snacks and stationery to clothing, everything is available in unique and stylish designs. There are also various Kumamon ice creams and limited-edition desserts. The outdoor seating area, with its modern architectural ambiance, is perfect for a picnic or a short break with an ice cream on a sunny day.

Useful Tips: Want to meet Kumamon in person? Check the weekly performance and meet-and-greets schedule. It's recommended to queue before opening, as it gets very crowded during peak hours.

Kumamon Plaza has an excellent location in the bustling city center, near major shopping streets and great places to eat and play. After your visit, you can stroll to Kumamoto Castle or the Shimodori Shopping Street for more shopping.

Kumamon Plaza offers takeaway food. Consider buying a bear-shaped bread or ice cream to enjoy on the outdoor seating area for a more stylish photo opportunity.

All merchandise is of high quality; don't worry about souvenirs being just "cute on the outside"—they're actually very practical!

Transportation Guide: From Fukuoka, take the Shinkansen for about 40 minutes to Kumamoto Station. There are signs at the station exit directing you to "Kumamon Plaza." It's about a 5-10 minute walk to the city center. Kumamoto City also has trams, making transportation very convenient.

Food Recommendations

Besides the plaza bread and Kumamon-themed ice cream, be sure to find a ramen shop nearby to try Kumamon ramen. The milky white broth is rich and flavorful, definitely authentic and delicious. Not far away, you can also try the must-try horse meat sashimi (raw horse meat), another Kumamoto specialty.

Itinerary Tips

The biggest surprise of the trip is undoubtedly seeing Kumamon in person! The atmosphere is warm, the staff are incredibly friendly, and there's a wide variety of merchandise—you won't be disappointed with the souvenirs. Remember to allow time to leisurely browse and try all the Kumamon-themed breads; you're sure to find something you like!

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