Kumamoto, Prefecture capital in Kyushu, Japan.
Kumamoto is a prefectural capital on the west coast of Kyushu in Japan. The urban zone spreads across five main districts, separated by wide avenues and watercourses.
The settlement received official status as an administrative unit in 1889 and grew around a medieval castle complex. In 2012, it was designated as a government ordinance city, granting it greater autonomy in administration.
The name comes from the black waters of the Shirakawa River, which flows through the region and is known for its mineral-rich streams. Residents today still use public baths and drink water from volcanic springs fed by the surrounding mountains.
The municipal transport authority operates buses and trams connecting all districts and offering regular links to the main station. Day passes are available for visitors, making access to most public transport easier.
Mount Hanaoka holds a Peace Pagoda built by Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fujii in 1954. The structure serves as a memorial for war victims and offers wide views over the surrounding plain.
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