Kumamoto Station AMU Plaza
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Kumamoto Station AMU Plaza

4.1
·2k reviews·Kumamoto, Japan

A modern shopping and entertainment hub next to Kumamoto Station, featuring diverse shops, dining, a cinema, and One Piece attractions.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, afternoons

Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping

CrowdLow
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Kumamoto Station AMU Plaza

Kumamoto Station AMU Plaza

Best Time

Weekdays, afternoons

Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A modern shopping and entertainment hub next to Kumamoto Station, featuring diverse shops, dining, a cinema, and One Piece attractions.

4.1
(2k reviews)

"A great place to visit when in the area, with lots of restaurants and shops."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 One Piece Photo Ops

Hunt down all the Straw Hat crew statues for epic photos!

🛍️ Tax-Free Shopping

Take advantage of tax-free shopping at participating stores.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

One Piece Statues

One Piece Statues

Various locations around Kumamoto, including AMU Plaza

Encounter beloved One Piece characters immortalized in bronze statues throughout the city. A must for fans!

AMU Plaza Atrium & Waterfall

AMU Plaza Atrium & Waterfall

AMU Plaza Kumamoto

Admire the striking atrium and small waterfall at the entrance, creating a welcoming and visually appealing space.

Observation Deck

Observation Deck

AMU Plaza Kumamoto (9th floor)

Enjoy panoramic city views from the outdoor observation deck, offering a different perspective of Kumamoto.

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Planning Your Visit

One Piece Fan Alert!

Kumamoto is a pilgrimage site for One Piece fans, with numerous statues scattered across the city, including at AMU Plaza. Plan your route to see them all!

Shopping & Dining Hub

AMU Plaza is a modern shopping complex adjacent to Kumamoto Station, offering a wide array of shops, restaurants, a cinema, and even a supermarket. Perfect for a day of retail therapy and culinary exploration.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed shopping
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Vibrant atmosphere, dining
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

whenever im on a tram i always have a weird feeling that we are heading to the past #japanlife #japantravel #kumamoto #熊本 #ghibli #ghiblistudios
@the.qap
200.2K likes • 928.8K views

📸 One Piece Photo Ops

Hunt down all the Straw Hat crew statues for epic photos! TikTok+1

🛍️ Tax-Free Shopping

Take advantage of tax-free shopping at participating stores. Reddit

Completed the Kumamoto Strawhat Adventure! Saw all the statues! #kumamoto #onepiece #fyp
@eenmercado
184.7K likes • 2.6M views
アミュプラザ熊本 Amu Plaza Kumamoto #癒し#熊本駅#抹茶フラペチーノ #ケーキ #Healing #Kumamoto Station #Matcha Frappuccino #Cake
tsuyoshi_1238
54 likes • 357 views

🍽️ Diverse Dining

Explore the wide range of restaurants and food stalls for a culinary adventure. Reddit

🎬 Catch a Movie

The cinema on the 7th floor is a great option for downtime. Reddit

📍Aso, Kumamoto 🏔️🇯🇵 @myruk0
@myruk0
178.5K likes • 1M views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 One Piece Photo Ops

Hunt down all the Straw Hat crew statues for epic photos! TikTok+1

🛍️ Tax-Free Shopping

Take advantage of tax-free shopping at participating stores. Reddit

🍽️ Diverse Dining

Explore the wide range of restaurants and food stalls for a culinary adventure. Reddit

🎬 Catch a Movie

The cinema on the 7th floor is a great option for downtime. Reddit

📍 Station Convenience

Perfectly located next to Kumamoto Station for easy access. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

AMU Plaza is a highly convenient and modern shopping mall adjacent to Kumamoto Station, praised for its diverse shops, extensive dining options, and entertainment facilities like a cinema. Visitors appreciate the One Piece art and statues, as well as the observation deck. However, some reviews mention rude staff at the tax refund counter and a processing fee.

"This is a really nice shopping mall next to Kumamoto Station, with a small waterfall and an atrium near the front entrance.

Besides lots of shops & restaurants, there are also a supermarket (1/F), a cinema (7/F) and a hotel (9-12F). A children's playground and a small shrine are located on the third floor open terrace. Higher up on the ninth floor is an outdoor observation deck."

Rod Wong

"A very nice mall near Kumamoto Station. The One Piece art displayed inside was so cute! There's a One Piece shop inside too where you can take a picture of Ace, Sabo & Luffy. The mall has many restaurants and shops too. A great place to visit when in the area."

Aibi Y.

"AMU plaza is just beside the Kumamoto JR station. Nice mall with lots of shops and restaurants. Visited the Christmas market in Nov 2024."

CL Wong

What People Like

Convenient station location
Wide variety of shops
Diverse dining options

What People Dislike

Rude tax refund staff
Tax refund processing fee

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

AMU Plaza is directly adjacent to Kumamoto Station, making it incredibly easy to reach. If you're arriving by Shinkansen or local train, simply exit the station and you'll see the plaza. Trams also stop right at the station. Reddit

Yes, AMU Plaza offers parking facilities for visitors. It's a convenient option if you're arriving by car, though public transport is highly recommended due to its central location. Reddit

Depending on your starting point, walking might be feasible, but Kumamoto Station is a major transport hub. It's best to utilize the efficient tram system or local buses if you're not starting directly at the station. TikTok

Kumamoto's primary public transport includes trams and buses, which are very convenient for getting around the city and reaching attractions like AMU Plaza. TikTok

Kumamoto Station is a modern and well-organized station. AMU Plaza is clearly signposted from all main exits. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry into AMU Plaza itself is free. You only need tickets for specific attractions within the complex, such as the cinema. Reddit

AMU Plaza generally operates from morning until late evening, with shops and restaurants having slightly different hours. The supermarket typically opens earlier. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours. Reddit

The One Piece statues are public art installations and do not require any tickets or fees to view and photograph. TikTok+1

The observation deck on the 9th floor of AMU Plaza is generally free to access, offering great city views. Reddit

While there aren't general discounts for entry, look out for special promotions at individual stores or during events like the Christmas market. Reddit

🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining

AMU Plaza features a wide variety of shops, including fashion boutiques, lifestyle stores, a large supermarket on the 1st floor, and even a dedicated One Piece merchandise store. Reddit

You'll find a diverse culinary scene with numerous restaurants and food stalls offering everything from local Kumamoto specialties to international cuisine. TikTokReddit

AMU Plaza offers a mix of both. You can find a food court area with various quick-bite options, as well as numerous sit-down restaurants for a more leisurely meal. Reddit

Yes, alongside general merchandise, you can find shops selling local crafts and food items that make great souvenirs. The One Piece store also has exclusive merchandise. Reddit

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar often features seasonal specials, including regional delicacies like Kumamoto Wagyu. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The atrium with the waterfall, the outdoor observation deck, and of course, the One Piece statues are prime photo locations. TikTokInstagram+1

Absolutely! Taking photos with the One Piece statues is a highlight for many visitors. TikTok+1

The observation deck offers a great vantage point for cityscapes, and sunset can provide beautiful lighting for photos. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, it's always polite to ask before taking close-up photos of individuals or inside specific shops. Reddit

Daylight hours offer the best natural light for the atrium and waterfall. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

AMU Plaza is a fantastic spot for families. The third-floor terrace includes a children's playground, offering a safe space for kids to burn off energy. The diverse range of dining options means even picky eaters will find something they like. Reddit Plus, the One Piece statues scattered around the city (and some art within the plaza) can turn sightseeing into a fun treasure hunt for younger fans. TikTok+1

Consider visiting the supermarket for easy snacks and drinks. The cinema is also a great option for a family outing. The overall convenience of being next to the station means less travel stress for families on the go.

🚶 Solo Travelers & Backpackers

For solo travelers, AMU Plaza offers a convenient base and plenty to do. Its proximity to Kumamoto Station makes it an ideal starting or ending point for your Kumamoto exploration. Reddit You can easily grab a meal, do some last-minute souvenir shopping, or even catch a movie. The One Piece statues are a fun, free activity that encourages you to explore the city on foot. TikTok+1

Consider using the supermarket for budget-friendly meals. The observation deck also provides a great, free way to get a feel for the city's layout. If you're looking for accommodation, there are hotels within the plaza itself, offering ultimate convenience.

🍜 Foodies

Kumamoto is a culinary delight, and AMU Plaza is a microcosm of that. You'll find an impressive variety of restaurants, from traditional Japanese fare to international cuisine. Don't miss the chance to try local specialties, and keep an eye out for seasonal offerings at places like Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, which has featured Kumamoto Wagyu. TikTokReddit

The supermarket on the first floor is also a treasure trove for foodies, offering local snacks, produce, and prepared meals that are perfect for a picnic or a quick, authentic taste of Kumamoto. Deciding what to eat can be a delightful challenge with so many choices! Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The One Piece Pilgrimage

Kumamoto is a dream destination for fans of the globally popular manga and anime series, One Piece. The city proudly hosts several bronze statues of the Straw Hat Pirates, bringing the beloved characters to life. These statues are not just static displays; they are interactive points of interest that encourage exploration and discovery throughout Kumamoto. From Luffy to Zoro, each statue is a testament to the series' enduring legacy and its connection to this region. TikTok+2

AMU Plaza itself features some One Piece art and a dedicated shop, making it a convenient stop for fans looking to immerse themselves further. The statues are spread out, so dedicating time to a 'Straw Hat hunt' is a popular activity. Many visitors enjoy creating a personal itinerary to visit each one, often sharing their finds on social media. This unique attraction transforms the city into a real-life adventure for One Piece enthusiasts. TikTok+1

Beyond the statues, the spirit of One Piece is woven into Kumamoto's tourism. While AMU Plaza offers a taste, exploring other parts of the city, like Musashi's grave, is also recommended for a comprehensive One Piece experience. Reddit

Shopping and Entertainment at AMU Plaza

AMU Plaza Kumamoto is a modern, multi-story shopping and entertainment complex that serves as a vibrant hub for locals and tourists alike. Its prime location directly beside Kumamoto Station makes it an easily accessible destination for a full day of activities. The plaza boasts a wide array of retail outlets, ranging from high-fashion brands and trendy boutiques to everyday essentials found in its large supermarket on the first floor. Reddit

Beyond shopping, AMU Plaza offers diverse entertainment options. Visitors can catch the latest blockbusters at the cinema on the seventh floor, or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants and eateries. The culinary scene is particularly noteworthy, with options catering to every palate, from quick bites in the food court to more elaborate dining experiences. TikTokReddit

For those seeking a moment of relaxation or a unique perspective, the third-floor open terrace features a children's playground and a small shrine, while the ninth floor hosts an outdoor observation deck providing panoramic views of the city. Reddit This blend of retail, dining, and leisure makes AMU Plaza a comprehensive destination for visitors looking to experience the modern side of Kumamoto.

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