While in Kumamoto, I made a special stop at Sunroad Shinshigai, one of the livelier shopping streets in downtown Kumamoto. The entire street is covered, so there’s no need to worry even if it rains, and you can take your time browsing. Along the way, there are all kinds of clothing stores, drugstores, souvenir shops, and restaurants. The wide variety of stores makes it very convenient whether you want to shop or find something to eat. Walking through the arcade, I could really feel its lively atmosphere, with shops lining both sides and quite a few interesting little stores to discover. When I got tired, I just found a restaurant, sat down, and had something to eat without having to rush.
Sunroad Shinshigai | Review by Gina C
Other Reviews by Gina C
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KITTE Hakata
Conveniently located with direct access to Hakata Station, KITTE Hakata is a large-scale commercial complex developed by Japan Post as part of its “KITTE” brand. Spanning B1 to 11 floors above ground, this larger-than life complex boasts approximately 30,800 square meters of retail space and a heaping catalog of impeccable dining and shopping.
When you’re near Hakata Station, of course you should stop by KITTE Hakata! It’s right next to Hakata Station, so the location is very convenient, and you can walk straight there without taking any additional transportation. The mall has all kinds of clothing stores, household goods stores, souvenirs, and restaurants, making it convenient for both shopping and dining. There are quite a few stores with distinctive local Japanese products, so you can take your time browsing and hunting for finds. When you get tired, you can sit down and rest at a restaurant, with no need to worry about finding somewhere to eat. I really like department stores like this where transportation is convenient and you can shop, eat, and drink all in one place. It’s suitable whether you plan to shop in the middle of your trip or stop by before heading home to pick up a few more souvenirs.
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Kinrin Lake
Kinrin Lake is one of many popular tourist spots in the hot springs town of Yufuin. The lake sits under Mt. Yufu and as such was called takemoto-no-ike (lit. “lake under the mountain”) for years. However, it was renamed to Kinrin, or “golden scales”, by Mori Kuso in 1884 when he saw the golden glimmering scales of fish as they swam at sunset.
Of course, you can’t miss the famous Kinrin Lake when visiting Yufuin! It’s a very popular attraction in Yufuin. The lake isn’t very large, but the surrounding natural scenery is beautiful, and with the mountains in the distance, the whole view is quite poetic. While walking along the lakeside, you can see the surrounding trees reflected in the water. As a gentle breeze passes, ripples spread across the surface, making you want to stop and admire the view. What’s especially unique about Kinrin Lake is that hot spring water and groundwater flow together here, so in cold weather, dreamy morning mist often appears over the lake, creating scenery that looks like a fairyland.
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Meiji Jingu
Meiji Jingu was established in 1920 as a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It consists of the serene and solemn Inner Garden, home to the Main Shrine and Imperial Garden; the Outer Garden, which features the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery and numerous outstanding sports facilities; and Meiji Kinenkan, a full-service wedding venue.
Visiting Meiji Jingu feels completely different from the lively streets of Harajuku outside. As soon as you enter, you can see a tall torii gate. Walking slowly along the wide gravel approach, with towering, dense trees on both sides, it feels as though you’ve instantly left the noise of the city behind. Walking through the forest feels very pleasant, and the air is especially fresh. The entire area is quiet and peaceful. At the main shrine, you can see many tourists and Japanese visitors who have come to worship, all sincerely offering their prayers. After visiting, I felt that this place was truly distinctive. Although it’s located in bustling central Tokyo, it preserves a quiet expanse of greenery where you can slow down and really experience Japanese shrine culture!
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