Things to Do in Kumamoto (Besides the One Piece Statues)

You came for the ten Straw Hat statues — but Kumamoto is worth staying an extra day for. Here's what to add to your trip, all within easy reach of the statue route.

Kumamoto Castle

One of Japan's most famous castles, right in the city centre. It was badly damaged in the 2016 earthquakes and again in July 2026, but it reopened in August 2026 and restoration is part of the visit.

• Hours: 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:00); longer in summer
• Tickets: ¥800 adults, ¥300 children
• Tip: the Wakuwakuza museum next door is temporarily closed. On weekdays, enter by the South Gate.

At the castle's foot, Sakuranobaba Josaien has food stalls and souvenir shops — a good lunch stop before the Luffy statue.

Suizenji Jojuen Garden

A classic Japanese strolling garden with a miniature Mount Fuji, ponds full of koi and a teahouse. It's a short tram ride from the city centre and near the Luffy statue, so it slots neatly into Day 1.

Shimotori & Kamitori arcades

Kumamoto's covered shopping streets: cafés, izakaya, drugstores and late-night ramen. This is also where you'll find Baratei, the steakhouse that gave the Baratie its name.

Mount Aso

Aso has one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world, and five of the statues sit inside it.

• Kusasenri: wide green grasslands with horses, below the volcano — the classic Aso view.
• The crater: viewing is currently closed (volcanic alert level 2 since September 2026). Check the latest alert before you go.
• Getting there: combine with the Zoro, Nami, Robin, Usopp and Franky statues, and the Sunny-Go Train.

Kurokawa Onsen

A tiny hot-spring village in the mountains north of Aso, with wooden inns and outdoor baths along a river. Buy a tegata wooden pass to try several baths. Perfect for night two of a statue trip.

Amakusa

An island chain south-west of the city with seaside views, wild dolphin-watching boats and the UNESCO-listed Hidden Christian sites. Pair it with the Jinbe statue in Uto on the way.

What to eat in Kumamoto

• Kumamoto ramen — pork-bone broth with toasty black garlic oil and crispy garlic chips.
• Basashi — Kumamoto's famous horse-meat sashimi (yes, really — locals love it).
• Karashi renkon — lotus root stuffed with mustard miso, then fried.
• Ikinari dango — steamed sweet potato and red-bean buns, a perfect road-trip snack.
• Steak at Baratei — eat like Sanji's old boss.

Meet Kumamon

Kumamoto's black-bear mascot is everywhere — even posing with Luffy on the colour version of the Luffy statue figure. Kumamon Square in the city centre has shows and goods.

Plan the trip

• How to get to Kumamoto & where to stay
• All 10 statues, figures & cards
• Statue route guide
• Tours vs car vs train

Opening times and access can change, especially while Kumamoto recovers from the July 2026 earthquake — check official sites before you go.