Recommended Itinerary to Experience Kumamoto in Just One Day (with ONE PIECE Statue Tour)
History, nature, and even statues of the popular anime “ONE PIECE.” This plan lets you efficiently explore Kumamoto City’s highlights in a single day.
📌 Overview
A packed route combining classic spots like Kumamoto Castle and Suizenji Jojuen Garden with the statues of “Luffy,” “Zoro,” and “Sanji.” For lunch, recharge with local specialties such as horse sashimi, Kumamoto ramen, and Taipien (vermicelli soup).
🌸 Morning Sightseeing
🍜 Lunch (12:00～)
Savor local specialties such as fresh horse sashimi, rich-flavored Kumamoto ramen, and Taipien (vermicelli soup with vegetables). A must-try lineup of Kumamoto’s unique cuisine.
☀️ Afternoon Sightseeing
🌙 Evening & Night Recommendations
- Shimotori & Kamitori Arcades: Great for street food and shopping, comfortable even on rainy days.
- SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto: A lively complex with a rooftop garden and food hall, perfect at night too.
- Kumamoto Castle Night Illumination: Seasonal and event-based. Please check the latest information.
➕ Optional Extra Spots (Other ONE PIECE Statues in Kumamoto Prefecture)
- Usopp Statue (Aso City, in front of Aso Station): Set against the grand nature of Aso, perfect during train trips.
- Chopper Statue (Kumamoto City, near the Zoo & Botanical Gardens): Family favorite, ideal to pair with a zoo visit.
- Nami Statue (Nishihara Village, near Tawarayama Exchange Center): Located in a rich natural setting, great for a scenic drive stop.
- Franky Statue (Takamori Town, in front of Takamori Station): Towering mechanical presence at the entrance to the Minamiaso Railway.
- Brook Statue (Mifune Town, Fureai Square): Playful pose makes for fun photos, with a relaxing area for strolling nearby.
Adding these makes your “ONE PIECE Pilgrimage” in Kumamoto even more fulfilling. Adjust based on your time and transportation options.
*The ONE PIECE statues introduced here were installed as part of Kumamoto’s Earthquake Recovery Project.
⚠️ Travel Tips & Notes
- Kumamoto Castle, Josaien, and Hanabata Square are all within walking distance of each other.
- For the Prefectural Office and Suizenji Garden, trams and local buses are convenient. Allow for transfer times.
- Note: Nationwide IC cards (Suica/ICOCA, etc.) may not always be usable on buses or private railways in Kumamoto.
- Weekends and holidays can be crowded, so plan with an extra 10–15 minutes for transfers.
- Depending on the weather, garden paths may become slippery, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
✅ Summary
A one-day course where you can enjoy historic landmarks, local cuisine, and beloved character statues all in one. Recommended for both first-time visitors and repeat travelers.
