Japan Guide
Kyūshū
Accommodation
1 Ark Hotel 5-16 Jōtō-machi 
096/351-2222 
www.kumamoto.ark-hotel.co.jp Nicely designed mid-range hotel beside the castle. The rooms are rather bland but a reasonable size and many have a castle view, though the NHK radio mast intrudes. Price: ¥10000–20000
2 Chisun Hotel 4-39 Karashima-chō 096/322-3911 www.solarehotels.com Bright and breezy business hotel with a broad range of rooms mid-way betwen the station and the city centre. Facilities include a restaurant, and broadband Internet access in the more expensive rooms. Price: ¥10000-15000
3 Kajita 1-2-7 Shin-machi & 
096/353-1546 Tucked away on the castle's west side, this homely minshuku is one of the few budget places within walking distance of central Kumamoto, with good prices and helpful owners. The tatami rooms are a little aged and none are en suite, but all have a TV, phone and heater. No meals provided. Price: ¥3000-5000
4 Maruko Hotel 11-10 Kamitōri-chō 096/353-1241 www.maruko-hotel.jp Modern hotel in an interesting area to the north of the centre. Rooms are mostly Japanese-style and all en suite and there's also a Japanese bath with views on the sixth floor. Price: ¥10000-15000
5 Mitsui Garden Hotel 1-20 Koyaima-machi 096/352-1131 www.gardenhotels.co.jp Despite the grand marble lobby, prices at this mid-range business hotel on the south edge of the centre aren't too bad, and the comfortable rooms come with bathroom, TV and internet access. Price: ¥10000-15000
6 New Ōtani 1-13-1 Kasuga 096/326-1111 www.newotani.co.jp/kumamoto 326-0800 The smartest hotel near Kumamoto Station, with efficient service, a choice of formal restaurants, a coffee shop and sauna (men only; ¥1500). Rooms are well equipped and ample, with generous beds. Price: ¥15000-20000
7 Route Inn 1-14-19 Kasuga 096/325-6511 www.route-inn.co.jp Among the cheap business hotels near the station, this place across the road from the New Ōtani stands out for its large double rooms and an onsen bath. Price: ¥7000-10000
8 Suizenji Youth Hostel 1-2-20 Hakuzan & 096/371-9193 Book ahead for this clean and welcoming JYH hostel near Suizenji-jojouen, with accommodation in shared tatami rooms. It's five minutes' walk west of Shin-Suizenji Station on the JR Hōhi line, and two minutes from the Misotenjin-mae tram stop; from the tram, walk ahead (east) to the next main junction, turn right and you'll find the hostel not far along on your right. Note that there's a 10pm curfew, no meals are served and there are no cooking facilities. Price: ¥3045
9 Tōyoko Inn Suidochō Dentei-mae 1-1 Suido-chō 096/325-1045 www.toyoko-inn.com Good-value and efficient business hotel handily located on Kumamoto's main shopping street, right beside the Suidochō tram stop. The rooms are packed with everything you could possibly want, including a decent-sized bed. Price: ¥3000-5000