Kumamoto Port
1 / 10

Kumamoto Port

3.9
·148 reviews·Kumamoto, Japan

Kumamoto Port: A gateway to Shimabara and Nagasaki, and a vibrant hub for Kumamon and One Piece fans with unique attractions.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for photos

CrowdLow
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Kumamoto Port

Kumamoto Port

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Kumamoto Port: A gateway to Shimabara and Nagasaki, and a vibrant hub for Kumamon and One Piece fans with unique attractions.

3.9
(148 reviews)

"A functional port with fun surprises, perfect for ferry travel and fan pilgrimages."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚢 Ferry Ticket Purchase

Drive onto the ferry, get a car length card, then buy tickets inside the terminal. Easy process!

📸 Kumamon Photo Ops

Strike a pose with various Kumamon statues at Yatsushiro Port for fun, memorable photos.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

One Piece Statues

One Piece Statues

Various locations in Kumamoto

Embark on a treasure hunt to find all ten Straw Hat crew statues scattered across Kumamoto.

Kumamon Port Yatsushiro

Kumamon Port Yatsushiro

Yatsushiro Port

Meet Kumamoto's beloved mascot, Kumamon, in this playful wonderland with giant statues and photo ops.

Ferry to Shimabara

Ferry to Shimabara

Kumamoto Port

Enjoy a scenic and swift ferry ride across the bay, a convenient travel option for onward journeys.

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Planning Your Visit

Ferry Travel to Shimabara & Nagasaki

Kumamoto Port is a key transit point, especially for ferries to Shimabara and onward to Nagasaki. Consider this a scenic alternative to driving, saving time on longer routes. Book tickets in advance if possible, especially during peak seasons.

Kumamon & One Piece Fan Hub

Beyond its port functions, Kumamoto Port (specifically Yatsushiro Port) is a must-visit for fans of Kumamon and One Piece. Expect themed statues and photo opportunities that are popular with visitors.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, ideal for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon ferry departures
Why
Catch scenic sunset views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

One Piece Statues ❤️ @Lozan01 #OnePiece #OnePieceStatues #Tour #Luffy #Japan #Japon #Kumamoto #fyp #Oda #eiichirooda
@venusmarta
1.2M likes • 13.7M views

🚢 Ferry Ticket Purchase

Drive onto the ferry, get a car length card, then buy tickets inside the terminal. Easy process! Reddit

📸 Kumamon Photo Ops

Strike a pose with various Kumamon statues at Yatsushiro Port for fun, memorable photos. Instagram

Como conocí las estatuas de One Piece cuando fui a Japón.. 🇯🇵 #onepiece #kumamoto #japan
@nanatyx
509.2K likes • 2.4M views
Ferry from Kumamoto Port to Shimabara Port ⛴️
utopialeh
13 likes • 218 views

🗺️ One Piece Statue Hunt

Plan your route to find all ten One Piece statues across Kumamoto for a unique anime pilgrimage. TikTok

🚗 Car Ferry Convenience

Traveling by car? The ferry is a convenient way to connect Kumamoto and Shimabara. Reddit

Kumamon is so cute😍 くまモン可愛すぎ💓 📍Kumamon Port Yatsushiro / #くまモンポート八代 #kumamoto #kumamototrip #kumamon #熊本旅行 #熊本県南 #くまモン #八代市
kyoko1903
4K likes • 99K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚢 Ferry Ticket Purchase

Drive onto the ferry, get a car length card, then buy tickets inside the terminal. Easy process! Reddit

📸 Kumamon Photo Ops

Strike a pose with various Kumamon statues at Yatsushiro Port for fun, memorable photos. Instagram

🗺️ One Piece Statue Hunt

Plan your route to find all ten One Piece statues across Kumamoto for a unique anime pilgrimage. TikTok

🚗 Car Ferry Convenience

Traveling by car? The ferry is a convenient way to connect Kumamoto and Shimabara. Reddit

🌬️ Deck Views

Enjoy great views from the deck, but be prepared for strong winds! Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.9
(148 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Kumamoto Port is a functional transit hub, especially praised for its ferry services to Shimabara, offering a scenic and efficient travel alternative. It also doubles as a vibrant attraction for fans of Kumamon and One Piece, with themed statues providing unique photo opportunities. While amenities are basic, the port's dual role as a transport link and a fun destination makes it a noteworthy stop.

"Taking a car ferry across to Shimabara before heading to Nagasaki from Kumamoto- an alternative instead of driving. Simple terminal buiding with 2 shops & a restaurant serving limited breakfast menu. We took ocean Arrow the high speed ferry across. Drive straight into the parking after the terminal building. Time of the ferry is stated on the entrance. Park and the attendance will give out a card indicating the length of your car. Bring the card into the terminal building to buy the ticket with numbers of passengers. Very clear & easy."

ying chua

"First time here and hope to be back again."

WanderWithWit

"The fastest way to get from Shimabara to Kumamoto is by boat to Kumamoto Port. If you take the land route, you will need to take a long detour and enjoy the scenery along the coast. If you are in a hurry, you can take a jet boat to get there in just 30 minutes."

Rei XI

What People Like

Scenic ferry rides
Kumamon photo ops
One Piece statues

What People Dislike

Infrequent public transport
Limited dining options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Public buses are available but infrequent. Taxis are an option but can be expensive (over 5,000 yen). The ferry terminal is about a 30-minute bus ride away. Reddit

Yes, Kumamoto Port is accessible by car, and it's a convenient point for taking car ferries to other locations like Shimabara. Reddit

The fastest way is by high-speed ferry (jet boat) from Shimabara Port to Kumamoto Port, taking about 30 minutes. Reddit

Yes, you can take a ferry from Kumamoto Port to Shimabara Port, and then travel onward to Nagasaki. Instagram

Public buses to Kumamoto Port from Kumamoto Station are infrequent, so plan your travel time accordingly. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

After driving onto the ferry, you'll receive a card indicating your car's length. Take this card inside the terminal to purchase your passenger tickets. Reddit

The terminal building has a couple of shops and a restaurant that serves a limited breakfast menu. Reddit

While not always mandatory, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel times to ensure availability. Reddit

Ferry times are usually displayed at the entrance of the terminal building. It's best to check the specific schedule for your desired route. Reddit

Kumamon Port Yatsushiro is a themed park and generally free to enter, but specific attractions or events might have separate charges.

📸 📸 Photography & Attractions

The ten One Piece statues are spread across various locations in Kumamoto, including the city center and stations. It's a fun scavenger hunt! TikTok+1

It's a charming themed mini-park at Yatsushiro Port dedicated to Kumamoto's mascot, Kumamon, featuring giant statues and photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Yes, especially Yatsushiro Port with its Kumamon statues and the ferry terminal itself offers views of ships and fishing boats. InstagramReddit

Fans often highlight statues like Luffy's and Franky's, with many visitors aiming to see all ten members of the Straw Hat crew. TikTok+1

You can take quirky and fun photos with various Kumamon statues, from giant ones to those with cute and funny expressions. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kumamon Port Yatsushiro is a dream destination for families! The abundance of giant and cute Kumamon statues provides endless entertainment and photo opportunities for children. Instagram+1 It's a safe and engaging environment where kids can interact with their favorite mascot. The ferry ride itself can also be an exciting adventure for younger travelers, offering views of the sea and other boats. Reddit Consider packing snacks and drinks, as amenities might be limited. The One Piece statues also offer a fun scavenger hunt element for families with older children or anime fans. TikTok

🚢 Cruise Passengers

Kumamoto Port, particularly Yatsushiro Port, occasionally serves as a port of call for cruise ships. Instagram If your cruise itinerary includes Kumamoto, you'll likely disembark here. Many cruise passengers find the proximity to Kumamon Port Yatsushiro a delightful surprise, offering immediate access to a unique local attraction. Instagram+1 The port is well-equipped to handle cruise ship arrivals, and shore excursions often include visits to these popular themed areas. Enjoy the convenience of having these attractions right at your doorstep upon arrival.

🚗 Road Trippers

For those exploring Kyushu by car, Kumamoto Port offers a strategic advantage. The car ferry service to Shimabara is incredibly convenient, allowing you to bypass longer driving routes and enjoy a scenic sea crossing. Reddit This can be a time-saver and a more relaxed way to travel between the two regions. The port facilities are designed to accommodate vehicles, making the boarding process straightforward. Reddit Utilize this service to efficiently connect your Kumamoto and Shimabara/Nagasaki legs of your road trip.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The One Piece Pilgrimage

For fans of the iconic anime and manga One Piece, Kumamoto offers a unique pilgrimage. The prefecture is home to ten statues of the Straw Hat Pirates, scattered across various locations. This initiative was part of a recovery effort following the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, bringing joy and tourism to the region. Visitors often embark on a quest to find all the characters, from Monkey D. Luffy to Brook. TikTok+1 It's a fantastic way to explore Kumamoto while celebrating a beloved series. Many travelers share their 'statue hunting' experiences online, detailing their routes and discoveries. TikTok+1

Finding all the statues can involve traveling to different towns and stations within Kumamoto. Some popular spots include Kumamoto Station, Yatsushiro Station, and Takamori Station, where specific crew members are located. TikTok This makes for an engaging day trip or a multi-day adventure for dedicated fans. Remember to check the latest locations and any potential updates to the statue placements before your visit. The journey itself is part of the fun, offering a chance to see more of the Kumamoto region. TikTok

Many visitors document their statue hunts on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, sharing tips on the best order to visit them and the most scenic routes. TikTok+1 This user-generated content can be invaluable for planning your own One Piece adventure in Kumamoto. It's a testament to the series' global appeal and Kumamoto's creative approach to tourism.

Kumamon: Kumamoto's Cheerful Mascot

Kumamoto Port, particularly the Yatsushiro Port area, is a hub for fans of Kumamon, Kumamoto Prefecture's incredibly popular mascot. Yatsushiro Port features a dedicated themed area, often referred to as Kumamon Port Yatsushiro, which is a delightful spot for photos and experiencing the local charm. Instagram+1 Here, you'll find various statues of Kumamon, from imposing, giant figures to smaller, more whimsical ones, all designed for playful interactions and memorable snapshots. Instagram+1 It's a place that truly embodies the cheerful spirit of Kumamoto.

This area isn't just about static displays; it's described as a 'playful wonderland' where Kumamon's presence is felt everywhere. Instagram+1 Visitors often express delight at the sheer number of Kumamon appearances and the variety of poses he strikes. It's an overload of cuteness that's perfect for families and anyone who appreciates Japan's vibrant mascot culture. Instagram+1 The experience is often highlighted as a must-do for anyone visiting Kumamoto, offering a lighthearted and fun break from more traditional sightseeing.

Social media is flooded with images and videos of people posing with Kumamon at Yatsushiro Port, showcasing the joy and excitement this mascot brings. Instagram+1 It's a testament to Kumamon's enduring popularity and the creative ways Kumamoto promotes its local icon. If you're looking for a unique and heartwarming experience in Kumamoto, a visit to Kumamon Port Yatsushiro is highly recommended.

Ferry Travel: A Scenic Route

Kumamoto Port serves as a vital link for ferry services, most notably connecting to Shimabara Port. This ferry route is a popular choice for travelers looking for an alternative to driving, offering a more relaxed and scenic journey across the bay. InstagramReddit The high-speed ferry, such as the 'Ocean Arrow,' can complete the trip in approximately 30 minutes, making it an efficient option for those in a hurry. Reddit This mode of transport is particularly convenient for those traveling with vehicles, as car ferries are readily available. Reddit

The ferry experience itself is often described as pleasant. The interiors are clean and offer ample seating. For those who enjoy the sea breeze and panoramic views, stepping out onto the deck provides excellent photo opportunities, though it can be windy. Reddit Travelers often enjoy watching the ships and fishing boats pass by from the ferry. The journey offers a different perspective of the coastal landscape, making it more than just a transit; it's an enjoyable part of the travel experience. Reddit

While public buses connect Kumamoto Station to the port, they are infrequent. For those without a car, taking a taxi might be a costly alternative. Reddit Therefore, planning your ferry travel in advance, especially if relying on public transport to reach the port, is advisable. The ferry is a practical and enjoyable way to travel between Kumamoto and Shimabara, and a key component of many travel itineraries in the region.

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