Shimotori Shopping Arcade | Review by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人

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Shimotori Shopping Arcade

Spanning over 500 meters, Shimotori Shopping Arcade is the largest arcade in Kumamoto Prefecture.

13 Sep 2026 See More

Compared with the quiet Kamitori Shopping Arcade, the lively Shimotori Shopping Arcade is the busiest shopping district in central Kumamoto, with everything from food and entertainment to all kinds of shopping.

If you’re looking for shoes, you can head straight to ABC-MART. If you want to slow down, you can step into Tsutaya Books, browse magazines, and pick out some stylish Japanese lifestyle goods. Along the way, there’s also the toasted aroma of Narutotaiyaki and the mouthwatering scent from Daishin, a long-established restaurant known for its eel rice.

After you’ve worn yourself out shopping, don’t miss dinner at the Michelin-recommended Katsuretsutei. I personally recommend the Shinshigai main restaurant. The golden, crispy, thick-cut pork cutlet is certainly a juicy classic, but what I remember most is their giant fried shrimp. The coating was light, thin, and crisp, while the shrimp was firm and springy. Every bite was packed with fresh, sweet seafood flavor and was incredibly impressive. It was the most memorable meal of my trip to Kumamoto! The entire Shimotori Shopping Arcade is very lively and can definitely satisfy everything a traveler could want.

Other Reviews by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人

Itoshima City Sakurai Futamigaura

Sakurai Futamigaura is located in the northern part of Itoshima City and overlooks the Sea of Genkai. It is one of Fukuoka's representative scenic spots, selected as one of the "100 Best Shorelines of Japan," and is an essential stopover when driving around Itoshima.
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Sakurai Futamigaura’s Couple Rocks, ranked among Japan’s 100 best sunset spots, are one of Itoshima’s most iconic landmarks.

Unlike the usual vermilion torii gates, a pure white torii stands at the edge of the beach, while the Couple Rocks in the distance, tightly bound together by a heavy shimenawa rope, complement each other. They symbolize a lifelong bond and sacred protection.

Although the weather was overcast, the clear seawater gently lapped against the fine sand, accompanied by a soft sea breeze. Just sitting on the shore and gazing into the distance was very soothing. If you visit at sunset, you can also see the spectacular sight of the sun slowly sinking between the two rocks. It’s a beautiful beach view worth enjoying quietly.
Itoshima

Itoshima, a 30-minute drive from Fukuoka Airport and Hakata Station, is a resort area loved by Fukuoka citizens. Driving along the coast, known as a surfing spot, is a popular route, and there are many fashionable restaurants and stores along the route.
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Known as the backyard of Fukuoka locals, Itoshima offers a relaxing time by the coast even without a car. This time, I took a Showa Bus directly from Hakata Bus Terminal to Meoto Iwa, avoiding the hassle of transfers. Transportation was more convenient than I expected.

Before leaving, I recommend picking up some picnic snacks at Hakata Station, including a box of Nunu Chicken, a Hakata specialty that is especially crispy, sweet, and spicy when eaten cold. After arriving at Meoto Iwa, find a spot to sit on the beach. In front of you are a pure white torii gate standing in the deep blue water and the rocks connected by a shimenawa rope. Enjoy your picnic with the sea breeze and the sound of waves hitting the shore.

Since the coastal buses run on a fixed schedule, if you're not driving, you can do what I did and choose one or two places to explore at a leisurely pace. This time, I opted for afternoon tea at Itoshima Sabo, which faces the ocean. Since it was fall, I ordered the seasonal chestnut Mont Blanc, pairing its chestnut flavor with black coffee. I simply sat quietly by the window, cleared my mind while looking out at the sea, and enjoyed a carefree, slow-paced afternoon. In the evening, I leisurely took the bus back to bustling Hakata Station, feeling fully recharged in both body and mind.
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Yamaga is a town that flourished due to its distribution via water canals along the Kikuchi River, and as a hot springs resort during the Edo Period. A successful businessman at the time used these same resources to build Yachiyoza, a large style playhouse in 1910.
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If you have the chance to visit Yamaga Onsen, be sure to set aside time for Yachiyoza, the century-old wooden kabuki theater. For travelers who appreciate traditional culture, I recommend buying a combo ticket with the Yamaga Lantern Folk Art Museum directly at the ticket counter so you can take in the best of the town’s craftsmanship in one visit.

I was very lucky during this visit and happened to catch a local group rehearsing onstage. Watching the central revolving stage turn smoothly and change the scenery almost like magic, I was amazed but had no idea how it worked. After the rehearsal ended, I followed the narrow wooden stairs down into the secret basement beneath the stage. Only when I saw it with my own eyes was I deeply struck by the wisdom of the people who built it. The seemingly effortless movement onstage was powered entirely by people working together with all their strength to push a massive, heavy wooden axle in a dark, cramped space. It was genuinely moving.

Back on the tatami in the audience area, I found a comfortable corner and sat quietly. Looking up, I saw vintage advertisements for local businesses from a century ago painted across the ceiling. The wooden beams and pillars gave off a deep, tranquil scent of age, and every detail told of the prosperity that continued from the Edo period into the Meiji period. Being there was not only a feast for the eyes but also an immersion in authentic local culture. It was a truly rare cultural experience.