Combo meal at McDonalds | USD 6.38 |
Cinema, international release, 1 seat | USD 17.68 |
Oranges (1kg) | USD 4.56 |
1 Pair of Nike shoes | USD 80.20 |
Local draught beer | USD 3.83 |
Coke bottle | USD 1.29 |
Internet (6 Mbps, unlimited data) | USD 36.93 |
Fitness club, monthly fee for 1 adult | USD 86.00 |
Imported beer at restaurant | USD 4.91 |
Utilities (Electricity, Heating, ...) for medium apartment | USD 202.81 |
If you will go to the Kyushu Island of Japan, you would want to experience Kumamoto-shi, the capital city of Kumamoto Prefecture. The name Kumamoto literally means ‘origin of the bear’ and this city is also called Hi No Kuni, which is the Japanese term of ‘Fire Country’. The name has something to do with the nature close to this city, such as the Mori no Miyako and Mt. Aso. Kumamoto is the economic hub of the prefecture. From the 17th to 19th century, this city is a castle town. Other natural scenery here includes the Shira-kawa River. The city is also called "City of Woods and Fresh Water."
You can get to Kumamoto-shi by plane through the newly built Aso – Kumamoto Airport offering domestic flights and few international flights. From the airport, there are shuttle and bus services that will bring you inside the city. if you choose to get in via the Fukuoka Airport, there are also bus services that will bring you to the town. Train service is also possible from Tokyo as Kumamoto-shi is a major stop at Kyushu Shinkansen. If you will come from Nagasaki, you will use the ferry service. Cheap flights to Kumamoto-shi are very common especially if you will come from Tokyo or Fukuoka. You can choose JAL and ANA if you want comfort and budget flights. Getting around Kumamoto can be done easily by the extensive bus system and tram system, which you will easily get acquainted to. It is also recommended to bike around the city since it is very common to the local.
Also in this city, you can find the rare Karashirenkon. Try also the popular Japanese sweets called Ikinaridango. Try also the local ramen, called the Kumamoto Ramen. There are lots of restaurants here and most of them are budget friendly. When it comes to budget hotels in Kumamoto-shi, you can try the Media Café Popeye and 12 hours of stay will cost you below ¥2000. If you want the mid-range hotel, you can go to Toyoko Inn. Getting cheap flights to Kumamoto-shi together with budget hotels are pretty easy through deals.