Recreational Waters in an Urban Area
When the full line of the Kyushu Shinkansen was opened, recreational water areas were developed covering the area from the Kumamoto Station Shinkansen Exit to the city center to impress upon visitors and locals alike the vital role groundwater plays in the daily life of Kumamoto.
Here visitors may discover the charm of Kumamoto's water, enjoying pure, mineral-rich groundwater from a humble tap.
"Mineral water is supplied directly from the tap."
Please see, drink and taste the popular Kumamoto water.
In front of the famous Kumamoto Castle “Shiromi Waters”
Take a break with a cup of cold water, while viewing the long walls of the castle and the Tsuboi river, located before Kumamoto City Hall. Both the castle and the water offer visitors a unique experience typical to Kumamoto. Visitors can drink Kumamoto's cold, refreshing water at the water fountain here.
Location: Tetori-honcho, Chuo-ku , Kumamoto
Kumamoto streetcar, A •or B line (10)
Get off the streetcar at Kumamoto-jyo, Shiyakusho-mae Stop, located between Kumamoto Castle and City Hall
Lord Kiyomasa Kato's Waters “Seishoko-san's Water”
The area at the edge of Miyukibashi Bridge has a drinking fountain gushing forth with “Kumamoto’s thirst-quenching spring water”.
Moreover, this is the only place in the city where you can encounter feudal lord Kiyomasa Kato. Cherry blossoms also bloom along the Nagabeidori walkway in the spring.
The region of Higo thread balls and songs “Senba Waters”
The area around Senba was famous as it was prosperous as a landing place along the Tsuboi River, and it is where the traditional Higo Temari song was born. Statues of parent and child raccoon dogs, who also appear in this old children's song, welcome visitors with their broad smiles here.
Location: Shinmachi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto
Kumamoto streetcar B line (B8) Get off the streetcar at Senba Bashi Stop.
Site of the Satsuma Road to the Third District Gate “Jokamachi Waters”
The arched stone bridge "Meihachi Bashi" was the first bridge built in Kumamoto by Kangoro Hashimoto, who is a famous mason for building the Tsujyun-kyo Bridge. Visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of a castle town, which creates harmony with its streetscapes, stone bridge, and the flow of the Tsuboi River here.
Location: Nishitojin-machi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto
Kumamoto streetcar B line (B7) Get off the streetcar at Shin-machi Stop.
Birthplace of Otemoyan “Gion Waters”
The land here once belonged to Ine Nagata, who composed and wrote the lyrics of the traditional folk song "Otemo-yan". Here, there is a statue of Chimo Tominaga, the famous model of this folk song, "Otemo-yan". Drinking water here may give visitors a talent for versatile entertainer.
Location: 5-chome, Saiku-machi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto
Kumamoto streetcar line A (4) Get off the streetcar at Gion Bashi Stop
Kumamoto City, Home of the Richest Groundwater in Japan “Aso Megumi Waters”
At the open space in front of the west exit of Kumamoto Station, or the exit from the Shinkansen Line, there is a water fountain to provide fresh groundwater, which represents Kumamoto to the visitors.
Enjoying cold water at the fountain here, visitors can have a fresh start to their tour.
Location: Kasuga 3-chome, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto
Kumamoto Station Shinkansen Exit (West Exit) Open space in front of the station
"Mizu Temari, Water Temari" Fukuda Hospital
This recreational water monument is laid out in the space of Fukuda Hospital in Shin-machi. The spherical monument symbolizes Kumamoto's plentiful water and traditional Higo Temari handball. The sphere also symbolizes the new lives born in the Fukuda Maternity Hospital. Mist is spouting from inside of the sphere, which is the image of a handball made of fog.
※Visitors cannot drink the water here.
Location: Shin-machi, 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto
Kumamoto streetcar B line (B8) Get off the streetcar at Senba Bashi Stop
Ideta Group Gofuku-machi Clinic
The Western-style fountain is laid out on the premise of the Ideta Group's Gofuku-machi Clinic. There are benches beside the fountain, and the space is open to local residents and visitors for their time of relaxation.
Location: Gofuku-machi, Chuo –ku, Kumamoto
Kumamoto streetcar A Line (5) Get off the streetcar at Gofukumachi Stop
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