A budget-friendly trip to Kumamoto

I recently visited Kumamoto, and I was pleasantly surprised by how delightful and fulfilling the city turned out to be. If you're looking for a high-satisfaction trip even with a short itinerary, I highly recommend this travel course! First, I stayed at HOTEL THE 7 Kumamoto, which is conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from the city center. Major attractions like Kumamoto Castle and Shinshigai Shopping Street are easily accessible on foot, and there's a city tram stop right in front of the hotel, making public transportation very convenient. Although the rooms don't have Wi-Fi, the hotel provides free pocket Wi-Fi at check-in, which was incredibly useful during my trip. The signal was stable, and the device was easy to use, so I had no worries about internet access while traveling. Another highlight of this hotel is its **large public bath (artificial hot spring)**, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. While the rooms don't have private bathrooms, the spacious and clean public bath was actually a better option. The front desk staff were friendly, and the luggage storage service made it easy to explore the city before and after check-in. When it comes to food, Kumamoto is a paradise for food lovers. My top recommendation is the tonkatsu specialty restaurant **‘Katsuretsutei Shinshigai Main Branch’**. Their tonkatsu made with Kumamoto black pork (Kurobuta) is incredibly famous. The crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior are simply divine. The thick, soft pork bursts with flavor in every bite, and the rich sauce complements it perfectly. Rice, miso soup, and cabbage are refillable, so you can enjoy a hearty meal. The restaurant's spacious and clean interior makes it suitable for solo diners as well as families. The only downside is that it's quite popular, so there might be a wait during lunch and dinner hours. However, if you go right when it opens, you can avoid the queue. Located in the central shopping area, it's a convenient stop during your sightseeing. During your trip, make sure to visit Kumamoto Castle and the nearby Sakuranobaba Josaien. Exploring the restored castle interior is fascinating, and Josaien is great for strolling around, with its traditional food stalls and souvenir shops. The nighttime illumination adds a magical touch to the atmosphere. Lastly, I recommend taking a leisurely evening walk through Kumamoto's city center. Along Hanabata Street, you'll find plenty of cafes, bars, and casual eateries, perfect for winding down your day. Since the hotel is nearby, you can safely and conveniently return even late at night. --- A short but fulfilling trip to Kumamoto, complete with a delicious tonkatsu meal and relaxing hot spring experience, will surely leave you with wonderful memories. Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, or family, this charming city is a great choice for a stress-free Japanese small-town adventure. I highly encourage you to visit if you're considering a trip to Japan!