Kumamoto, Japan 🇯🇵
#1405
32.645047, 130.634134
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kumamoto is the capital city of Kumamoto Prefecture located on the island of Kyushu, known for its historic sites and beautiful parks. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 740,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps, with options for faster fiber connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 JPY ≈ 0.007 USD. Major banks include MUFG, Mizuho, and Sumitomo Mitsui. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | The tap water is drinkable and considered high quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 100V, 60Hz, ⚡ Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Common providers include NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and AU, offering prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cards widely accepted; major international cards like Visa and Mastercard are supported. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, guesthouses, and serviced apartments in the city center. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are popular, especially through QR code payment apps like PayPay. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses provide flexible short-term rental solutions. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable options include guesthouses like Kumamoto Tokyu REI Hotel and hostels like Common de. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kumamoto Co-working space offers good facilities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de Flore is popular among digital nomads for its ambiance and good wifi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup events are held regularly at local cafes and libraries for tech professionals. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Kumamoto International Exchange Center holds monthly gatherings for expatriates. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | JapanTaxi is widely used in Kumamoto for convenient rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental services are available from Kumamoto City Cycle near the city center. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Kumamoto's closest beach, Amakusa, is about 1.5 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | ANA (All Nippon Airways) operates regional flights within Japan. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Japan Airlines offers direct international flights from nearby Fukuoka Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Kyushu Expressway is available from Kumamoto. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kumamoto Station is the main transit hub connecting local and shinkansen trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | IC cards (Suica, Pasmo) can be used for buses and trains. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses are available to surrounding cities like Fukuoka (approximately 1-hour travel time). |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kumamoto University Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Room Kumamoto offers various classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness Kumamoto is open 24/7 for gym enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin laundries are abundant, with one popular option being the Wash&Fold Kumamoto. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats operates in Kumamoto, providing a variety of meal options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Kumamoto's famous basashi (raw horse meat) for a unique experience. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Options like Eatholic offer vegan and vegetarian meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sakuramitsu is famous for its traditional Japanese sweets and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Shimotori Shopping Street offers various food stalls and affordable options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Japan is widely used for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services like Seiyu offer online grocery shopping with home delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kamo River area is lively with bars and izakayas. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Kumamoto Brewery produces local craft beers, and tours are available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Vie en Rose offers a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various vendors line the streets during festivals, offering local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian cuisine is popular with restaurants like Pizzeria Da Michele. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Kumamoto Castle is a historic site and iconic landmark worth visiting. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art showcases both local and international artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Suizenji Jojuen Garden is a famous historic garden in the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Kato Shrine is a significant Shinto shrine in Kumamoto. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Kumamoto's Suizenji Seiryu Park hosts an annual cherry blossom festival in spring. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Shimotori district is known for its shopping, dining, and traditional tea houses. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Kumamoto Prefectural Theater hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Kumamoto Morning Market is popular for fresh produce and local delicacies. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Kumamoto has various live music venues, especially in the downtown area. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Follow the Kumamoto Art Map to explore local street art installations. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking schools offer classes to learn traditional Japanese cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Kumamoto Contemporary Art Museum features local artists and rotating exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The former Kumamoto Prefectural Office building showcases beautiful architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city has a rich heritage, symbolized by its traditional crafts including Kumamoto's famous ceramics. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Aso Kuju National Park offers beautiful landscapes and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Kirishima-Yaku National Park is accessible and offers stunning views and activities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Walking Path along Kumamoto's riverbanks is popular for runners and cyclists. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Kumamoto Castle provides picturesque views of the city and surrounding mountains. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Mount Aso offers birdwatching opportunities with diverse species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Bonfires are permitted at designated areas in Kuju National Park. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Yamato Transport provides efficient parcel delivery services across Japan. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Daisen provide tech repair services across the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers and sports clubs offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Kumamoto International Center offers Japanese language courses for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Kumamoto City Library offers quiet spaces for studying and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Kumamoto International Exchange Center provides resources for expats and cultural exchange. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Esports Lounge Kumamoto provides gaming stations and tournaments. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | While casinos are limited in Japan, pachinko halls can be found in major districts. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥200,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ¥6,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥150,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ¥4,500,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥250,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥15,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥200,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥12,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥220,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥17,600,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥180,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥14,400,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23.2% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% for individuals |
| 🏦 Tax System | Japan operates a territorial taxation system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for high earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard consumption tax is 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply to foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Local property taxes are based on assessed value, usually around 1.4%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate is about 3%. A reduced rate of 1-2% may apply for primary residences. |