8 Popular Tourist Spots in Kumamoto for a Satisfying Rainy Day Visit

When you think of Kumamoto, many people imagine the vast grasslands of Aso, Mount Aso, and its beautiful scenery. Kumamoto, located in the center of Kyushu, is a wonderful place where nature, culture, and history intertwine. There are many tourist attractions, but some may wonder what to do on a rainy day.

In fact, there are various tourist spots in Kumamoto that you can enjoy even when it rains. Even if you’re not fond of going out on a rainy day, there are places you can discover precisely because of the rain.Some tourist spots that are usually crowded on sunny days can be more relaxing when it rains, and even places you've visited before may look entirely different under the rain. Now, let’s introduce eight hidden must-visit tourist spots in Kumamoto for rainy days, including places

1.Learn About Water with Kids on a Rainy Day at "Kumamoto City Water Science Museum"

Kumamoto City is the only government-designated city in Japan that supplies all of its tap water from groundwater, making it a true "City of Water." The Kumamoto City Water Science Museum is one of Japan's top science museums focused on water, attracting many visitors each year. Here, you can learn in detail about how rainwater is utilized and delivered to homes as tap water.

Inside the museum, there is an artificial spring pond where visitors can play with monuments, water cannons, and water wheels. Around the pond, you can also learn about how Kumamoto’s delicious water is formed, experience a virtual tour of the water supply system, and explore the history of tap water. It is not only an educational place for children but also provides adults with a deeper understanding of the water they use daily.

Additionally, there are many water-related facilities nearby, such as the statue of Kiyomasa Kato, who played a significant role in Kumamoto’s water management, Hakken Suigen Waterworks, the Waterworks Memorial Hall, and the Monument of the Birthplace of the Waterworks. Since it is a science museum, it is a great place to enjoy even on rainy days.

2.Experience Food and Events at "Food Pal Kumamoto"

Food Pal Kumamoto was established as a food exchange facility where visitors can learn how local Kumamoto specialties are made. In addition to factory tours, there are cooking classes, flea markets, and various events, making it a lively place on both weekdays and weekends.

The main attraction, the Food Exchange Hall, features an event hall, a multipurpose plaza, and a party room, where daily events take place. The "Toretate Workshop" produces and sells Kumamoto’s local food and goods, and visitors can also participate in hands-on manufacturing experiences.

Popular activities include making bread, sausages, beeswax candles, glass dragonfly beads, stained glass, and accessories. If you get hungry, there are restaurants offering dishes made with fresh local ingredients. Food Pal Kumamoto is a place where you can enjoy various activities all day long, regardless of the weather. You might even find rare items at the flea market, so be sure to check event schedules before visiting.

3.Feel the Beauty of Kumamoto’s Water at "Takamori Spring Water Tunnel Park"

If you’re heading towards Aso on a rainy day, Takamori Spring Water Tunnel Park is a must-visit. Initially, in 1973, this tunnel was planned for regular transportation use, but due to repeated water seepage, the construction was abandoned. Later, it was developed into a tourist attraction. Located just a 10-minute walk from Takamori Station, the area is popular with visitors, and on sunny days, you can also stroll around the surrounding park. Since it's a tunnel, you can enjoy it even on rainy days without any issues.

This tunnel is famous because it hosts seasonal events and is decorated in various creative ways throughout the year. During Tanabata (Star Festival) and Christmas, the tunnel is beautifully illuminated. The entire tunnel is about 2 km long for a round-trip walk, but it is an enjoyable experience even for young children.

4.Rediscover Health and Vitality at "Aso Farm Land"

Aso Farm Land was built with the theme of health, surrounded by the magnificent nature of Aso. The vast site features exercise facilities, various experience-based attractions, healing spaces, unique restaurants, and other popular facilities. The exercise area is located indoors, with athletic activities suitable for both children and adults. There are also animal interaction areas, fishing ponds, and pottery workshops, making it hard to choose what to do first.

Additionally, the facility has spacious bathing areas for both men and women, complete with hot spring baths, stone saunas, and relaxation spaces. Dining options include a health-focused buffet restaurant and various other food choices. The accommodations feature Aso Farm Land’s unique dome-shaped buildings, resembling fairy tale houses. Since the facility is large, be sure to allocate enough time for your visit.

5.Tourist Facility at the Foot of Kumamoto Castle – "Sakura-no-Baba Josaien"

Located right next to Kumamoto Castle, Sakura-no-Baba Josaien is a place where visitors can learn about the history and culture of Kumamoto Castle, buy souvenirs, and enjoy delicious local food. The historical and cultural experience facility, "Wakuwaku-za," offers virtual exhibits that showcase how Kiyomasa Kato built Kumamoto Castle. There are also interactive exhibits where visitors can experience the lifestyle of feudal lords and even reenact the traditional "Sankin Kotai" procession. Additionally, a dress-up corner allows guests to wear traditional costumes like those of samurai lords and princesses.

The facility also features shops selling Kumamoto’s specialty products and restaurants offering local delicacies from Aso and Amakusa, as well as Chinese cuisine. Sakura-no-Baba Josaien is a great place to shop for souvenirs, as it offers a wide variety of local products in one location. If you want to learn about Kumamoto Castle’s history, enjoy delicious food, and shop for souvenirs on a rainy day, this is the perfect spot.

6.A Collection of Kumamoto's Specialty Products at "Shichijo Melon Dome"

Shichijo Melon Dome is a unique facility that showcases Kumamoto’s specialty products, especially its famous melons. The dome-shaped building is an eye-catching landmark, and inside, visitors can purchase fresh local produce, including melons, vegetables, and various regional products. There is also a food court where you can enjoy dishes made with Kumamoto’s fresh ingredients.

This is an excellent spot for those who want to buy high-quality local goods or taste fresh seasonal fruits. Rain or shine, Shichijo Melon Dome offers a delightful shopping and dining experience.

7.Meet the Marine Life of Amakusa at "Sea Donut Underwater Aquarium"

Located in Kami-Amakusa City, the Sea Donut Underwater Aquarium allows visitors to see the marine life of Amakusa even on rainy days. This aquarium not only showcases marine creatures from around the world but also provides a live view of the Amakusa sea. Dolphins are also kept here, and visitors can enjoy dolphin quiz events, interactive sessions, and even experience being a dolphin trainer.

Sea Donut is part of the Amakusa Pearl Sea Resort, which also features other attractions such as the Amakusa Pearl Center, which sells Amakusa pearls, the Maria Museum for Christian history, seafood restaurants, and souvenir shops.

Right next to the Amakusa Pearl Center, "Rizoteras Amakusa" has recently opened, attracting even more tourists. This area includes stylish cafes, restaurants, and shops selling Amakusa’s specialty products, with salt bread being a particularly popular item. There are also dolphin-watching cruises available, ensuring an enjoyable experience even on rainy days.

8.Experience Earth's History at "Kyusendo Cave"

Discovered in 1973, Kyusendo Cave is the largest limestone cave in Kyushu. Formed by the uplift of limestone over 300 million years ago, it contains numerous stalactites that offer a glimpse into Earth's ancient history. The cave stretches 4,800 meters in total, but only 800 meters are open to the public, with the rest remaining unexplored.
Visiting Kyusendo Cave during summer provides a cool escape from the heat, and since its temperature remains constant throughout the year, it is also used for aging sake. Unique species of creatures inhabit the cave and are carefully protected. Near the cave, visitors will find souvenir shops, restaurants, and accommodations at Kyusendo Vacation Village.
Thinking about how long it takes for a single stalactite to grow—tens of thousands of years—can make everyday worries seem insignificant. This site is also considered a spiritual power spot and is popular for romantic dates. While it's a great place for family visits, taking time to explore its mysterious atmosphere alone on a rainy day can also be a unique experience.

◎ Summary

Exploring Kumamoto on a rainy day allows visitors to discover hidden gems. Whether it’s enjoying delicious food or taking time to explore at a relaxed pace, there are unique experiences to be had precisely because of the rain. Choosing a destination based on whether you’re going on a date or with friends can also make the trip more exciting.

Some attractions have free admission, while others require a fee, but even free sites may have sections that require payment, so be mindful of that. Since traffic congestion is common in Kumamoto City on rainy days, it’s best to plan visits to nearby locations. For family trips, it’s recommended to choose one main attraction and schedule any additional stops on the way back to avoid overexertion.