Kumamoto University is located in the city of Kumamoto in Kyushu, the southern-most main island of Japan. Kumamoto City is the second biggest city in Kyushu. It has a population of approximately 670,000, which is equivalent to about 35% of the total population of the prefecture. By air it takes 90 minutes from Tokyo and 60 minutes from Osaka; by train it takes 90 minutes from Fukuoka City.
The weather is generally mild, though there is a rainy season from early June to mid-July, followed by a sub-tropically hot summer season. Autumn and spring offer the most comfortable weather. Warm clothing is necessary in January and February. It seldom snows even in midwinter, and never more than a few centimeters.
Known for its abundance of trees and greenery, Kumamoto is one of Japan's oldest cities. While offering the latest in modern facilities, Kumamoto has managed to retain a purity and simplicity of old Japanese customs, flavor, and spirit which make it an interesting place to visit and a delightful place to live.
Local attractions include Kumamoto Castle, one of the oldest and grandest medieval castle in Japan; Kumamoto downtown area, located 10-15 minutes away from Kumamoto University by bicycle and known for a lot of office building and shopping streets; the Amakusa Islands, a chain of 120 islands known for their exciting Christian history and plenty of rich nature; and Aso National Park, crowned by the active volcano Mt. Aso, with the largest caldera volcano in the world. Because of its proximity to Mt. Aso, the Kumamoto area also has an abundance of natural hot springs. Kumamoto is also well-known in Japan for its delicious drinking water.
Because the rainfall that soaks into the ground in the mountains of the Aso region takes many years to come out, one can always be able to drink delicious water.
Kumamoto City Homepage
Visitor Information