Name: Kumamoto, Japan
Address: XX

Kumamoto is a dynamic city on Kyushu island renowned for its magnificent feudal castle, vibrant food culture centered on horse sashimi and mustard lotus root, and proximity to Mt. Aso — one of the world's largest active calderas. Rebuilt with resilience after the 2016 earthquakes, Kumamoto blends historic samurai heritage with modern vitality.

Cultural orientation

Essential context for travellers.

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Do's and don'ts

Quick guide to local norms.

Do

Remove shoes when entering traditional spaces — look for a genkan (entrance foyer) and raised floor as the signal
Bow when greeting — a slight forward nod is sufficient for casual interactions
Use both hands when presenting or receiving business cards, gifts, or money
Carry cash — many local restaurants, shrines, and small shops are cash-only
Eat noodles with audible slurping — this signals enjoyment and is culturally acceptable
Purchase a small souvenir (omiyage) from Kumamoto to give colleagues or hosts back home — this custom is important in Japanese culture

Don't

Do not tip — tipping is not practiced in Japan and may cause discomfort
Do not walk and eat in public — consume food from stalls while standing still or seated
Do not speak on mobile phones on trains or buses — use silent mode and text instead
Do not enter a tatami room with socks if shoes-off etiquette has been observed (remove before reaching the tatami)
Do not pour your own drink first at group meals — pour for others first
Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice — this resembles funeral rites and is considered inauspicious
Do not cross a red traffic light as a pedestrian, even if no cars are present — this behavior surprises locals

Etiquette by setting

How to navigate everyday situations.

Useful phrases

A few words go a long way.

Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます)

Thank you (polite)

Sumimasen (すみません)

Excuse me / I'm sorry

Ikura desu ka (いくらですか)

How much is it?

Eigo wo hanasemasu ka (英語を話せますか)

Do you speak English?

Basashi wo kudasai (馬刺しをください)

Horse sashimi please

Oishii! (おいしい！)

Delicious!

Doko desu ka (どこですか)

Where is it?

Tasukete kudasai (助けてください)

Please help me

Religion & spirituality

Understanding faith in Kumamoto.

Context

Items:

Name
Shinto
Description
Japan's indigenous religion centered on kami (spirits). Kato Shrine beside Kumamoto Castle is dedicated to Kato Kiyomasa, the castle's legendary builder. Aso Shrine (Aso City) is one of Japan's oldest shrines, predating historical records.
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Buddhism
Description
Buddhism arrived in Japan in the 6th century. Most Japanese families practice a blend of Shinto and Buddhist traditions. Gankaiji Temple houses the Reigando Cave where Miyamoto Musashi meditated and wrote 'The Book of Five Rings.'
Name
Hidden Christian Sites (Amakusa)
Description
Amakusa Islands, part of Kumamoto Prefecture, were a center of the Shimabara Rebellion (1637–38), Japan's largest Christian-led uprising. The Amakusa Christian Museum (Amakusa Kirishitan-kan) in Hondo (Amakusa City) documents this history. The sites form part of the Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region UNESCO World Heritage listing.

Cultural orientation

Do's and don'ts

Do

Don't

Etiquette by setting

Useful phrases

Religion & spirituality

Related topics