Kumamoto City is located in southern Japan with a population of over 657,000 people within an area of 267 square kilometers. Some of the top sights to see in Kumamoto include Kumamoto Castle, a 400-year-old fortress built by Kiyomasa Kato that is famous for its cherry blossoms in early spring. Kamitori and Shimotori are the two main shopping streets in the city center with stores, restaurants, and bars. Lake Ezu is an urban lake covering 50 hectares surrounded by a 6-kilometer path that is a popular spot for recreation in the summer months. Mount Kinpou rises 665 meters above the city and offers stunning nighttime views from