Kumamoto is located on the island of Kyushu, the most southern island of the four main islands of the Japanese archipelago. It is surrounded by mountains and the ocean, making it a great place for nature-lovers.

Kumamoto literally means “the origin of the bear” (熊本). The population of Kumamoto is about 750,000 inhabitants.

The climate is subtropical; rain is relatively important all year long, especially during the hot summers. Winters are cool.

The public transportation is good. It comprises bus, tramway, train (JR) and, since recently, the shinkansen that goes to Tokyo.

There is an important shopping district downtown where people enjoy shopping and walking around.

Kumamoto is famous for, among other places, its castle, its museum of Art and its universities Kumamoto University and Sojo University. It is also nationally known for its mascot, Kumamon, a black bear with big red cheeks.

For more information about Kumamoto, please visit the city’s official website:

http://www.city.kumamoto.jp/html/foreign_language/en/menu-e.html