This time, I joined a special guided tour arranged by the hotel and followed the guide into the Kamitori Shopping Arcade, which is full of local everyday life. Strolling through the streets wasn’t just about shopping; the tour also introduced us to Kumamoto’s history, culture, and daily scenery. The area is lined with all kinds of shops, cafés, and long-established businesses, blending tradition and modernity and showcasing Kumamoto’s unique urban charm.
The most impressive stop was Jobundo Kawashima Bookstore, founded in 1877. This nearly 150-year-old bookstore not only sells books but also houses many old documents, antique maps, prints, and valuable historical materials related to Kyushu and Kumamoto. It’s like a cultural treasure trove preserving local memories. Cultural figures such as Natsume Soseki and Lafcadio Hearn are also said to have visited!
