Happy Monday traveler!

This week, we’re taking taking you to Kumamoto, Japan, a beautiful and culturally rich region located on the island of Kyushu. Get ready for a relaxing destination!

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A message from Passport Inspiration

Looking to plan an inspiring adventure right now?

Planning an international trip can be overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be.

How?

You just need a plan for your plan.

It’s important to prepare with enough time for things like:

• Visas

• Dining

• Lodging

• Passports

• Excursions

• Travel Arrangements

  If you want a head start planning, we can help you prepare for an amazing trip.

🙌🏼This Week’s Inspiration

Kumamoto is located in the southwestern region of Japan, on the island of Kyushu. It’s a port city, meaning cruise ships dock here as part of their itineraries. This is how we found ourselves here, by taking a 5 Night Cruise through the East China Sea with Royal Caribbean.

One of Kumamoto’s most iconic sites is Kumamoto Castle, known for its towering black walls and strong defensive design. The curved stone base, called “musha-gaeshi,” once made it extremely difficult for intruders to climb.

Nearby, you will find peaceful green spaces and historic gardens, including the stunning Suizenji Jojuen Garden. This garden is one of the largest in Japan and features a miniature representation of Japan’s famous Mt. Fuji, carefully shaped from landscaped hills. It is a perfect example of how Japanese gardens blend nature and art into something truly calming.

New Year’s Day is Japan’s biggest holiday, and Kumamoto celebrates it with tradition and intention. Families visit shrines, eat special foods for luck, clean their homes, and welcome the new year with a sense of renewal. It is a quiet, meaningful holiday that highlights gratitude, fresh beginnings, and time together.

Coincidently, this was the day we arrived in Kumamoto. While strolling through Suizenji Jojuen Garden, we noticed locals playing hanetsuki.

This is a traditional Japanese New Year’s game played with a wooden paddle called a hagoita and a small shuttlecock. The goal is to keep the shuttlecock in the air as long as possible, similar to badminton without a net.

Players who let it fall often get a playful mark on their face with ink. We were intrigued when we saw locals playing this game, and was invited to join in.

There was a place to rent paddles, with a notebook for you to write your name. On a page that was filled with Japanese writing, we wrote (in English) “Bob and Trisha DePasquale, USA.”

Playing hanetsuki with the locals was our favorite memory in Kumamoto. It’s a good thing they weren’t marking faces with ink for dropped shuttlecocks because ours would have been covered!

There is plenty more to see and do in Kumamoto.

You can:

• visit hot springs

• explore Mt. Aso’s volcanic landscapes

• stroll through charming shopping districts

• or, snap a photo with Kumamon, the region’s beloved mascot.

Food lovers will enjoy trying Kumamoto ramen (explained below) with its rich garlic broth or sampling the area’s locally grown melons and citrus fruits.

How to Get to Kumamoto:

Getting to Kumamoto is simple. You can fly directly into Kumamoto Airport, take the train from cities like Fukuoka, or arrive by cruise ship.

Where to Stay:

The Blossom Kumamoto - near Kumamoto Station

Natural Hot Springs Higo no Yu Onyado Nono Kumamoto - full service spa including natural hot springs

Dormy Inn Kumamoto Natural Hot Spring - close to Kumamoto Castle

What to Eat:

Kumamoto is a great place for food lovers, offering rich flavors and regional specialties you won’t forget.

One of the most popular dishes is Kumamoto ramen 🍜, known for its creamy broth and bold garlic oil that adds a delicious kick.

You can also try local favorites like fresh citrus fruits, sweet melons, and karashi renkon, which is lotus root filled with a spicy mustard mixture.

Street stalls and small restaurants serve plenty of hearty, comforting meals that give you a true taste of Kyushu’s culinary culture.

In Japan, the “80% rule” refers to hara hachi bu, a practice of eating until you feel about 80% full rather than completely full. It’s a cultural habit meant to support health, mindfulness, and longevity.

What to Pack:

When packing, bring

• Comfortable walking shoes

• A light jacket for changing weather

• Some extra space in your luggage for unique local souvenirs

Whether you are planning a future trip or simply love learning about new destinations, we hope Kumamoto inspires your sense of wonder.

Wishing you a week filled with adventure, curiosity, and beautiful places. 🌏✨

👋🏼 Have an Inspiring Week

Here are a few of our affiliate links to help you when traveling abroad or in Kumamoto. It’s no extra cost to you and helps us keep this email free for everyone. 😀

• Kumamoto Castle Walking Tour - 90 minutes

• Kumamoto: Castle, Shrines, Gardens, and a Taste of Tradition - 5.5 hours

• Here are some holiday gift ideas for men.

• Here are some holiday gift ideas for women.

• Skyscanner helps you find the best prices for booking flights.

See you next week,

Trisha & Bob