Mr. Janes, an American man who was invited to teach at the Yogakko, once lived here. In this colonial-style building are displays of items owned by Mr. Janes.
Free entrance / Open 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., closed Mondays / 096-382-6076
From Kumamoto station take the trolley for Kengun. Get off at Suisen-ji Park (30 min. ride) and walk 8 min.
Tokutomi Soho founded Oe Gijuku, a private school supporting people's rights. His younger brother Roka was the author of famous works such as Hototogisu. A house where the brothers lived 16 years from 1870 and a museum of their belongings and literary works are in this Kinen-en.
Free entrance / 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., closed Mondays / 096-328-2740
From Kumamoto Kotsu Center take the city bus on the Nagamizo Danchi-sen. Get off at Shobo-kyoku Bosai Center (15 min. ride) / 096-328-2740
Natsume Soseki, who later became one of Japan's best novelists, took an English teaching position at the (government-run) Fifth High School (the current Kumamoto University) in 1896. During his 4 years and 5 months stay in Kumamoto, he moved six times. His fifth home was turned into this museum. Soseki's manuscripts and photographs are displayed here.
Free entrance / Open 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., closed Mondays / 096-325-9127
From Kumamoto Kotsu Center take the City Bus for Kami Kumamoto. Get off at Tsuboi-bashi (7 min. ride)
This museum stores about 120,000 pieces of reference regarding Kumamoto's geological characteristics, living organisms, history, folk customs, archeology, etc. You can experience artificially produced natural phenomena or go to the museum's planetarium. Lots of fun for adults and children.
Entrance Fee 100 yen (another 100 yen for the planetarium) / Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., closed Mondays and national holidays / 096-324-3500
From Kumamoto Kotsu Center take the Kumamoto-jo Shuyu Bus. Get off at Kyu Hosokawa Gyobu-tei Mae. Located near the bus stop.
