Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kumamoto is a city located on the island of Kyushu, known for its historic castle and beautiful gardens. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 740,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 70 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 JPY ≈ 0.007 USD. ATMs are widely available and accepting international cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and high quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 100V, 60Hz, and uses Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and au. Data plans can be purchased at airports or convenience stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Citibank, Shinsei Bank, and others that accept foreign accounts. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, guesthouses, and local hotels; prices generally range from 4,000 to 15,000 JPY per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept credit cards, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and local listings. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options include K's House Kumamoto and Sakura House. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Kumamoto Castle area and Shimotomizushi for easy access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Near the city center, especially around the Shimotori shopping arcade. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Kumamoto Coworking Space offers flexible desks and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Karekaru Coffee, a spacious cafe with good Wi-Fi and a nice atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups at Kumamoto Startup Cafe. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Kumamoto International Association organizes events for expats. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | JapanTaxi and Didi are popular ride-hailing apps. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at several locations near the city center. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Hirara Beach, approx. 1.5 hours away by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Solaseed Air serves regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines operate international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Kyushu Expressway, facilitating road travel. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kumamoto Station, connecting local and Shinkansen trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Kumamoto City transportation pass available for unlimited travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby attractions like Mount Aso and the Amakusa Islands. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kumamoto University Hospital, a large facility with a range of services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Kumamoto Yoga Center offers various classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold’s Gym Kumamoto and Anytime Fitness have good facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin laundries available extensively throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and DEMAE-can. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Kumamoto Ramen, known for its rich tonkotsu broth. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Veggie Kumamoto offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Kumamoto Sweets Factory is famous for its matcha desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit Shimotori and Shinshigai for local food markets. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Rakuten and Amazon Japan are popular online shopping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services like Konbini deliver groceries to your door. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Kumamoto's nightlife centers around Sakuramachi, with various izakayas. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Kumamoto Brewery, known for its unique craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar Oka is a cozy place to enjoy a glass. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Shinshigai street offers a variety of street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Many options including Italian and Thai restaurants are available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's most impressive castles. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art showcases local artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Suizenji Jojuen Garden is a traditional garden reflecting Japan's landscape. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Kumamoto's Kato Shrine is an important cultural site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Kumamoto Castle Festival held every April. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Kumamoto's Shimotori and Sakuramachi for various cultural experiences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Kumamoto Prefectural Theater hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Kumamoto Ramen Market known for its delicious offerings. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live House B.9, a venue for local musicians. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Around the Shimotomizushi area, find vibrant murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Experience Kumamoto cooking classes at local cultural centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Kumamoto Contemporary Art Museum showcases modern art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old Kumamoto Merchant House reflects local architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Kumamoto flag features the iconic bear symbol of Kumamon. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Aso Kuju National Park offers beautiful hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Aso National Park boasts stunning volcanic scenery. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Tamana River Promenade is perfect for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from Mount Aso offers breathtaking landscapes. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Aso caldera is a prime spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Aso National Park welcome bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Japan Post and Yamato Transport provide reliable shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Apple Store Kumamoto offers repairs and support. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Kumamoto Sports Place has public table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Kumamoto Language School offers Japanese courses for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Kumamoto Prefectural Library is a quiet spot for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Kumamoto City General Cultural Center hosts various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game Cafe Kumamoto provides a place for gamers to gather. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The nearest casino is in Fukuoka, approximately 2 hours away by train. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥300,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ¥9,000,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥200,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ¥6,000,000). |
| 🏠 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. ¥180,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥10,800,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥230,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥18,400,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥160,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥12,800,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23.2% in Japan. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Japanese tax residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for income exceeding ¥40,000,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% consumption tax in Japan. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Japan has CFC rules for foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% of the purchase price for property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Special non-resident tax rules can apply for expatriates. |