Travel in pursuit of Japan’s super-popular mascot “Kumamon”! Must-visit spots for fans

Text and photos by /Annie

This (?) 2011 champion of Japanese mascots, Kumamon (also known as: Kumamom, a name I really hate) has long been more than just the mascot of Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan—he can be seen in almost all 47 prefectures. Ever since 7-Eleven started releasing collaborative products featuring Kumamon and Open-chan, his fame has soared in Taiwan. Originally created to celebrate the full opening of the Kyushu Shinkansen, Kumamon unexpectedly became a nationwide sensation in just a few short years, and even gained popularity overseas.

Kumamoto Prefecture, the hometown of Kumamon, has seen a surge in tourism thanks to his immense popularity (I’m one of those visitors). I once saw a Japanese TV program interviewing Kumamoto residents who not only adore this mascot but are actually proud of him. If you’re a Kumamon fan, visiting Kumamoto will definitely make you go crazy for him. Even if you’re not a fan, you’re bound to fall in love with him once you’re there.

When visiting Kumamoto, besides checking out Kumamoto Castle and Mount Aso, if you’re a big fan of Kumamon, you might want to consider the following itinerary. The following is an example based on my trip to Kumamoto last summer.

(1) Hisatsu Orange Railway x Kumamon
Official website http://www.hs-orange.com/kumamon/
Article http://anniething.pixnet.net/blog/post/41507687

A Kumamon-themed special train that runs between Kumamoto and Kumamoto Central, operated by the Hisatsu Orange Railway. However, the operating sections vary each day, and there aren’t many runs, so it’s best to check the official website for schedules before you go.

(2) Kumamon-shaped bento boxes
Kumamoto Red Beef Lunch Box 1,200 yen?br /> Official website http://shoeiken.com/ekiben/post_4.html

I bought this bento at Shin-Mizusuo Station, and later took the Shinkansen back to Kumamoto, where I noticed they were also sold at Kumamoto Station. The flavor of the bento was pretty ordinary and quite expensive, but my main goal was to get the Kumamon-shaped bento box to take home. However, after bringing it back to Taiwan, I found that Kumamon’s face had chipped a bit...

(3) Kumamon Square (KUMAMON SQUARE)
Article http://anniething.pixnet.net/blog/post/41519561

A tourist spot created to allow (?) fangirls and fanboys to get up close to Kumamon. It opened in the summer of 2013 and has since become a popular sightseeing destination in Kumamoto. I visited three times during the winter of 2013 and summer of 2014 to catch a glimpse of Kumamon’s (?) charm, and with his visits to Taiwan, I must have seen him more than ten times. But Kumamon doesn’t hang out at Kumamon Square every day to meet fans, so it’s recommended that those planning to visit check his schedule online first.

(4) Kumamon Face Masks (Kumamon Face Masks)
Available at Tokyu HANDS on the upper floor of Kumamon Square, two masks for 972 yen?br /> Official website http://www.libatape.jp/store/product/kumamon.html
User photos of actual use http://forourjapan.blogspot.tw/2014/08/blog-post_31.html

User review: The mask sheets are quite large (about the size of Kumamon’s face), but there’s absolutely no effect after using them. Each mask costs about 500 yen, which is enough to buy a high-end brand mask. Even though I’m a big fan of Kumamon, I really can’t wholeheartedly recommend these masks. They seem more suitable as exchange gifts or April Fools’ Day pranks (hmm?).

(5) Kumamon Room at Mitsui Garden Hotel
Official website http://www.gardenhotels.co.jp/kumamoto/room/room-kuma/
Article http://anniething.pixnet.net/blog/post/41517008

Many Japanese hotels offer themed suites, and in Kumamoto, several hotels have launched Kumamon-themed rooms. In addition to the Mitsui Garden Hotel where I stayed, there’s also the ANA Crowne Plaza Kumamoto and the Hotel New Otani Kumamoto (I’ll save the other two for my next visit).

Want to understand what makes Kumamon so charming? You can check out the book written by Kumamoto Governor Ikuo Kabashima:
《I Am Kumamon’s Boss: Promoting a Mascot to Sales Manager—The Innovative Spirit That’s Not Afraid to Break Plates》

Don’t miss the chance to hang out with Kumamon when you’re in Kumamoto~ (waves)

Annie @ Travel, Food & Play
Returning to the essence of travel