Shimotori Stroll: Kumamoto’s Busiest & Best Shopping Street 🛍️🇯🇵

Among all the shopping streets we visited during our trip to Kyushu, Shimotori Shopping Arcade in Kumamoto stood out as the liveliest and most vibrant. The main street is wide and stretches quite a distance, lined with all kinds of shops on both sides—from fashion and cosmetics to local specialties and souvenirs.

What made it even more interesting were the small alleys branching off the main walkway, each leading to hidden gems like cozy local restaurants and unique snack stalls. The family enjoyed exploring every corner, and we even stumbled upon a shop selling beautifully crafted porcelain and wooden kitchenware—all proudly made in Japan.

We were excited to find familiar favourites like Don Don Donki, Japanese pharmacies, McDonald’s, and Starbucks. But what really made it memorable for me was discovering a taiyaki stand along the way—those freshly made fish-shaped snacks were perfectly crispy on the outside and warm, sweet on the inside.

Shimotori is not just for shopping—it’s a full experience with food, culture, and great local finds. It’s easy to spend at least 2 hours or more here, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and come with an appetite to browse, snack, and shop!

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Post by Crumpled Nomad | Jun 20, 2025