Published date: December 23, 2024
Recommended as a Base for Enjoying a Kumamoto Trip from Morning to Night!
Room Type Stayed
Some info has been automatically translated by AI.
Experience of the stay
I stayed in November 2024.
This was my second trip to Kumamoto in two years.
There are three recommended points.
① OMO Café Terrace with a view of Kumamoto Castle
② Activities
③ Transportation convenience
① OMO Café Terrace with a view of Kumamoto Castle
On the third floor, there is an OMO Café and terrace.
From the terrace, you can see the main keep of Kumamoto Castle and the large ginkgo tree.
It's great to enjoy the changing views of Kumamoto Castle at different times of the day.
In winter, there are kotatsu seats available for hotel guests only.
The downside is that you can't see Kumamoto Castle from the kotatsu seats (^^;
But for those who want to relax and chat or drink while enjoying the kotatsu, it’s a good option.
*OMO Café is also open to non-staying guests, so it gets crowded at night.
② Activities
There are activities available for hotel guests only and those open to anyone, but the "Jokamachi Saruku" and "Kumamoto Castle Stories" are particularly recommended.
"Jokamachi Saruku" requires a reservation. You can stroll around the castle town of Kumamoto while learning about its history and recommended shops.
While children might get bored, many adults will find it interesting.
They introduce some power spots that are not well known.
"Kumamoto Castle Stories" is open to everyone. It introduces Kumamoto Castle and Kato Kiyomasa in a quiz format.
I realized some interesting facts I wouldn't have noticed without hearing this story about photos I took casually.
Please participate and find out those "actually..." facts.
③ Transportation convenience
The hotel is almost directly in front of the "Tsuromachi-suji" stop when you take the highway limousine bus from Kumamoto Airport. I think it's a convenient location for those with a lot or heavy luggage.
The tram is also right in front of the "Tsuromachi-suji" station.
It's easy to get to "Suizenji Jojuen", "Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens", and "Kumamoto Station".
The bus terminal is also nearby, making it an ideal base for sightseeing routes.
It was a fun two-day trip (^^)
Next time, I plan to stay while visiting the ONE PIECE character statues!
Experiences during the trip
○ Tourist Spots
① Kumamoto Airport
A must-visit spot for ONE PIECE fans!
As part of the Kumamoto recovery support, illustrations and signboards of ONE PIECE are displayed.
Popular characters like Big Mom, Kaido, and Eneru are also present!
② Kumamoto Castle
Restoration work is still ongoing, but the castle has been restored and you can enter the main keep.
During the restoration work, visitors must cross a special bridge to get to the castle. This bridge is almost at the same height as the stone walls, providing a view not easily seen elsewhere.
Once the restoration is completed, you won't be able to see this view from this angle again, so it’s worth checking out.
③ Suizenji Jojuen
I happened to visit during a limited-time illumination event.
The display was stunning, and I was able to take many beautiful photos!
I would love to go again if they hold this event again!
④ Pal-Tama
A monument located in front of the hotel.
At first glance, it might not seem like much, but it floats slightly in water, so pushing it makes the ball spin!
Try it out while waiting at a traffic signal!
○ Restaurants
① OMO Café
This is the café in the hotel.
After having ramen, I enjoyed gelato and coffee for dessert.
It’s warm inside the hotel, so even in winter, the gelato is delicious!
*Non-staying guests can also use the café during café hours.
For breakfast, I had French toast (for a fee).
It’s made to order instead of being pre-made!
It was fluffy and delicious!
② Kumamoto City Tea House Sakuran-zaka
An establishment located in the grounds of the Sakura no Baba Castle Sai-en.
Although it seems like a tea house, they also serve lunch.
I had a red beef hamburger!
It was delicious and reminiscent of classic hamburgers!
③ TENTE
Also located in the Sakura no Baba Castle Sai-en area.
Although they mainly sell fruits, they also offer shakes and soft serve.
I had the Kumamoto strawberry soft serve, and true to its name, it was loaded with strawberries and looked cute!
④ OMOKEN PARK
A stylish café located in the shopping district.
As you walk inside, there is a well where you can actually draw water.
There are seats inside and on the rooftop, making it a great place to take a break while sightseeing.
⑤ Suizenji Gallery Tea Room Shouhaku
Located in front of Suizenji Jojuen.
I had grilled dango as a light snack.
It was fresh and hot, and very tasty!
⑥ Akagumi
An inexpensive and delicious ramen shop.
Due to its popularity, you might have to wait during peak times, but they stay open late and have a high turnover, making it great for lunch or dinner.
○ Activities
① Mushanyoka Night
An activity where you can enjoy live music and singing in the OMO café space.
Since it was all Western music, I didn’t know the song names, but the tunes matched the stylish atmosphere.
*Locals seemed not to have listened much, maybe because they are used to it!
② Kumamoto Castle Stories
An explanation concerning Kumamoto Castle and Kato Kiyomasa is provided.
It was fun to listen, as there were little quizzes and trivia!