Shopping

Kumamoto is a great place to go shopping. In addition to heading to the malls and shopping streets, though, you can find virtually everything you need at the markets. This offers the chance to have a uniquely Japanese experience, making a regular shopping trip much more fun. Kokai Shotengai Market Not far from downtown Kumamoto, close to Kumamoto University, is Kokai Shotengai Market. The old-style shopping area sells all kinds of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat as well as other everyday things like clothes and trinkets. It’s an ideal place to find all sorts of produce for cheap. The market extends a long distance down a narrow street, resembling how markets in Japan would have looked in samurai times — visiting is a great way to feel like you’re going back in history. Furusato Ichiba Farmer’s Market Right by the airport, you’ll find Furusato Ichiba Farmer’s Market. It has all the fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, condiments, frozen foods, noodles, and snacks you could ever need. Plus, everything you’ll find here is locally sourced, affordable, high quality, and delicious. Kumamoto Chiho Oroshiuri Market Vendors start selling as early as 4:00 a.m. at Kumamoto Chiho Oroshiuri Market. As a wholesale market…