If you're in Kumamoto and want to try something different and local, I recommend the long-established Chinese restaurant Kourantei. Try Kumamoto's signature dish, Taipien (たいぴーえん). It looks a lot like a mixed glass noodle soup, with plenty of ingredients such as vegetables and seafood. The broth was more flavorful than I expected and not as bland as some Google reviews said. It's light yet flavorful and perfect for a bowl during your trip.
Kourantei Shimotori Main Store | Review by 王小鈞
Other Reviews by 王小鈞
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The Aizu Bukeyashiki - Samurai Residence
Located near Higashiyama Onsen, this large-scale historical museum park features the restored residence of Saigo Tanomo, who was a Karo officer in the Aizu domain, surrounded by relocated and restored traditional buildings and a museum.
The Aizu Bukeyashiki - Samurai Residence is a museum full of Aizu history. The grounds are larger than expected, and the exhibits are quite extensive. At the bus stop by Aizuwakamatsu JR Station, you can buy a one-day bus pass for JPY 2,000 that includes admission to three attractions: Tsuruga Castle, the Samurai Residence, and Sazaedo. You can also travel around the loop clockwise or counterclockwise, making it easy to plan your day. I recommend allowing about an hour and a half to explore the Samurai Residence at a leisurely pace. There is no shade at the bus stop in summer, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun before heading out!
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Iimoriyama
At the eastern edge of the Aizu Basin, Iimoriyama is a leading tourist destination in Aizuwakamatsu City, attracting around two million visitors a year. The 314-meter-high hill can be ascended not only by foot but also via a paid escalator for easy access.
From the top of Mount Iimori, you can look out over the castle town of Aizuwakamatsu. Besides its pleasant scenery, it is also a sacred mountain filled with historical stories. For JPY 250, you can take the escalator up the mountain and experience Aizu's rich history along the way. The most moving part is the story of the Byakkotai. During the war, about 20 boys between the ages of 15 and 17 mistakenly believed that Tsuruga Castle had fallen and, overcome with grief, took their own lives here. Standing before the monument and offering a stick of incense felt especially heavy, and made the tragedy of this history even more palpable.
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Pabron
The “Pabron” brand of medicine, produced by Taisho Pharmaceuticals, is one of Japan’s most common cold medicines.
Every time I go to Japan, my family almost always asks me to bring back a box of “Taisho Pabron.” It’s a classic household cold medicine in Japan and has long been trusted by many Japanese families. On this trip to Japan, I discovered that the familiar packaging had gotten a makeover! The newly upgraded PRU version has a more modern package, but it’s still the same familiar brand.
For us, it’s not just medicine—it’s more like a “go-to souvenir” we bring home whenever we visit Japan. -
