Making the most of Kumamoto
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Earthquakes measuring 6.5 and 7.3 struck on April 14 and 16, 2016 respectively, followed by aftershocks across the area for several weeks. The disaster killed 49 people, damaged more than 100,000 residential buildings and forced tens of thousands to evacuate.
A prefectural official voiced the hope that more overseas visitors would support the economic recovery of the earthquake-hit region.
The dock has no facilities and town is 10 km away. Use transport supplied by the cruise line or take a taxi.
Kumamoto's story reaches back thousands of years. The destination combines striking, unspoilt natural scenery with a rich history, making it something of a hidden paradise. Its leading sight is the now-damaged Kumamoto Castle, regarded as one of Japan's most impressive castles.
Suizenji Jojuen Garden is an attractive Japanese landscape garden with a traditional strolling path, scenic pond and tea houses. Its design represents the 53 stations along Japan's ancient Tokaido highway.
Nearby places
Kurokawa Onsen, around an hour's drive from Kumamoto, is a charming hot-spring town known for both its natural springs and picturesque surroundings.
Food and shopping
Browse local markets and shopping areas such as Shimotori and Kamitori for regional goods, souvenirs and Japanese sweets.
Money
Japan uses the yen. Notes come in ¥10,000, ¥5,000 and ¥1,000 denominations, with coins of ¥500, ¥100, ¥50, ¥10, ¥5 and ¥1.
Japanese ATMs are becoming more helpful to overseas visitors, and most now allow withdrawals from foreign accounts; post offices also have ATMs. Major cards work in most shops and restaurants in large cities, but take enough cash into rural areas. Japan remains strongly cash-based, and some shops, hotels and restaurants refuse cards regardless of location.
Do not leave a tip, as tipping is considered rude.