SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto | Review by WANG

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SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto

A large multi-complex facility with an integrated bus terminal, serving as a central hub for Kumamoto tourism.

4 Sep 2026 See More

While traveling in Kumamoto, Kyushu, I discovered a huge complex that combines shopping, dining, and a transportation hub—SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto! This stylish mall, newly completed in recent years, feels modern and convenient from the moment you walk in.

The interior is spacious and bright, with more than 100 fashion brands, lifestyle goods stores, large drugstores, and stylish boutiques spread from the first floor to the top floor, making it a great place to browse and shop. Best of all, there is a lush rooftop garden where you can take a walk outside when you get tired of shopping and enjoy a wide, relaxing view of Kumamoto Castle in the distance.

Besides shopping, the food court and restaurants offer so many choices that it's hard to decide. Whether you want authentic local Kumamoto cuisine, popular ramen, or elegant desserts and afternoon tea, you can find it all here. It is also a large bus terminal, Sakura Machi Bus Terminal, so whether you're taking a bus to Mount Aso or traveling to and from other prefectures, the transportation convenience is unbeatable.

I highly recommend adding SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto to your itinerary when visiting Kumamoto. Whether you're dining, shopping, or transferring between transportation, this is definitely a comfortable and efficient new landmark worth visiting!

Other Reviews by WANG

Kumamoto Ramen Kurotei Main Store

Kurotei, founded in 1957 in Kumamoto City, offers a continually evolving Kumamoto ramen experience. Their creamy, cloudy pork bone soup is paired with fragrant, charred garlic oil, maintaining the tradition of Kumamoto ramen while offering a one-of-a-kind taste. The pride of their soup is the use of low-fat pig's head bones, giving it a rich yet refreshing aftertaste.
- Kumamoto
- Ramen
4 Sep 2026 See More

I sat down in the retro, nostalgic seating area and ordered their signature ramen with two egg yolks and chashu without hesitation. When the steaming bowl arrived, the first thing that caught my eye was the two raw egg yolks, paired with generous slices of thick-cut chashu and bright green scallions.

The soul of this bowl is the rich tonkotsu broth simmered by hand by the chef, along with Kurotei's signature black garlic oil. With the first big sip, the richness of the pork bone broth and the uniquely roasted garlic flavor of the black garlic oil blended perfectly in my mouth. It had incredible depth but was surprisingly easy to drink. After breaking the raw egg yolks and mixing them into the noodles, the thick, straight noodles soaked up the egg and rich broth, making them smooth and springy. Every bite was deeply satisfying!

I highly recommend adding Kurotei Main Store to your food list when visiting Kumamoto and trying this authentic, iconic Kumamoto ramen that has been fragrant for decades. I guarantee you'll keep thinking about it after just one taste!
Shimotori Shopping Arcade

Located in the heart of Kumamoto City and stretching from Toricho-suji in a north-south direction, Shimotori Shopping Arcade is bustling with local customers and tourists both day and night. Easily accessible by tram and bus, and in close proximity to JR Kumamoto Station, the arcade is also within walking distance to Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's three most famous castles and a symbol of Kumamoto.
- Kumamoto
- Shopping Streets
4 Sep 2026 See More

This huge covered shopping arcade stretches for more than 500 meters and connects all the way through to Kamitori and Shinshigai, creating an all-weather shopping paradise where you don't have to worry about wind or rain. As soon as you enter Shimotori, both sides are lined with large department stores, drugstores, fashion shops, bookstores, chain electronics stores, and countless authentic izakayas and ramen shops. The colorful signs and lively crowds showcase the vibrant urban appeal of downtown Kumamoto.

During the day, you can leisurely shop and stock up on all kinds of Japanese drugstore products and household goods. At night, the area becomes even more beautiful and lively. The tempting aromas of charcoal-grilled skewers and local food fill the entire street. Just pick a local izakaya, walk in, order a cold drink, and enjoy some delicious Kumamoto horse sashimi or Japanese gyoza. It's incredibly relaxing.

I highly recommend adding Shimotori Shopping Arcade to your evening walking and dining list when visiting Kumamoto. Whether you're shopping or enjoying the authentic nightlife, you'll have such a good time that you won't want to return to your hotel!
Sakuranobaba Josaien

This multipurpose culture and tourism facility serves as an outdoor recreation of a Kumamoto Castle hill at the foot the mountain. Here you’ll find Kumamoto’s local gourmet, plenty of shopping and a chance to dive into the history of Kumamoto’s history.
- Kumamoto
- Shopping Streets
4 Sep 2026 See More

As soon as you enter Josaien, the traditional Edo-style buildings make you feel as if you've instantly traveled back in time. The site is mainly divided into two areas. The livelier Wakuwakuza offers immersive historical experiences that provide a deeper understanding of Kumamoto Castle's past and local culture, while Sakuranokoji on the other side brings together nearly 20 long-established shops representing Kumamoto's local cuisine and specialty souvenirs.

As soon as you reach Sakuranokoji, the tempting aromas of local snacks fill the air. Whether it's freshly grilled Akaushi beef rice bowls, fragrant horse meat dishes, rich local Kumamoto ramen, or a variety of elegant wagashi and frozen treats, every shop makes you want to go in and try something. There is also a comprehensive selection of souvenirs, from popular sweets to limited-edition keepsakes, making it an easy and comfortable place to browse.

I highly recommend adding Sakuranobaba Josaien to your itinerary before or after visiting Kumamoto Castle. Not only can you enjoy authentic Kumamoto cuisine, but you can also buy plenty of distinctive souvenirs. It's definitely a must-visit place for great food, shopping, and photos!