Hotel Nikko Kumamoto

Things We Loved

• Authentic Japanese breakfast (so good we had it two days in a row)
• Walking distance to Kumamoto Castle and other major sights
• Dinner at Sushi Tachibana was a highlight of our Kumamoto visit.

Location

Kumamoto Castle is the city’s crown jewel and Hotel Nikko Kumamoto is perfectly set just at its base. You get a real sense of just how close the hotel is once you enter your room and see the castle perfectly framed by the window like a beautiful fine-art painting. 

Just outside the hotel’s entrance, you’ll find the city’s main shopping streets: Shimotori and Kamitori arcades. These covered avenues stretch for blocks and are packed with boutiques, cafés, and izakayas – perfect for wandering without worrying about the weather. Whether you’re craving late-night ramen, browsing local craft shops, or simply people-watching, it’s all on the doorstep.

In short, the location makes exploring Kumamoto effortless: castle by day, shopping and dining by night. All without straying far from your room.

Property and Room

We experienced a few nights stay in the newly renovated comfort room which has been tastefully updated with patterned fabric panels and natural wood giving the room a comfortable modern look. But the star of the show is going to be the incredible view of Kumamoto castle, a castle which we personally place high up on the list of most beautiful castles in Japan. 

Dining & Facilities

Guests at Hotel Nikko Kumamoto are spoiled for choice when it comes to breakfast. Down at Aso Shed, you’ll find a lively buffet spread that blends Western classics with local Kumamoto specialities. Expect everything from Taipien noodles and horse meat curry to Takana-meshi rice, freshly grilled sea bream, and our hands-down favourite: ASOMILK French toast which uses the region’s much famed milk to make.

For something more traditional, head up to the 7th floor where Benkay serves a beautifully crafted Kumamoto-style breakfast made entirely from fresh, local ingredients. The real magic here? You’ll be dining beside a serene Japanese garden – the perfect, romantic way to begin your day.

And if you’re not a breakfast person, don’t worry. You can still soak up the garden atmosphere by booking a spot at Tachibana, the hotel’s intimate sushi restaurant. With only a handful of seats at the counter, it feels like dinner and theatre combined – each slice, brush, and placement of fish choreographed to match your pace, making every bite feel like a performance made just for you.

Summary

Hotel Nikko Kumamoto pulls together three things we love: effortless comfort, serious food, and a location that offers a convenient platform to explore from but also amazing views. If you’re heading to Kumamoto, this is our current number one choice for accommodation.