Shinshigai Shopping Street

Shinshigai Shopping Street (Sunroad Shinshigai) is one of the core shopping arcades forming the center of Kumamoto City’s downtown. It connects to Sakura-machi Square and other arcade shopping streets, making it very convenient and accessible. It is 235 m long and 18 m wide—its width is said to be among the largest in Japan—so it feels bright and easy to walk. It’s popular with both tourists and locals as a sightseeing spot where you can find everything from fashion and gourmet food to entertainment, convenience stores, and drugstores. Compared with many shopping streets nationwide, it remains lively with relatively few closed shops, so it doesn’t feel deserted. Because there are many restaurants, it becomes even more bustling at night. As it’s roofed, it’s convenient for people staying in nearby hotels to go out for meals or quick shopping, and you’ll see many tourists. There are also Kumamon goods and other tourist-oriented items. Access: get off at the tram stop Karashimacho and walk about 1 minute.