THE BLOSSOM KUMAMOTO

Kumamoto is often referred to metaphorically as Hi-no-Kuni (Land of Fire) or Mizu-no-Kuni (Land of Water). The Japanese word “hi” covers a range of meanings, including fire, flame, blaze, and light. “Mizu,” meanwhile, means water. It is called Hi-no-Kuni as a reference to Mt. Aso volcano, which created one of the world’s largest calderas and remains active to this day, as well as to the legendary Hi-no-Kimi, a powerful clan that ruled the area roughly 1,500 years ago. It is called Mizu-no-Kuni because the volcanic activity of Mt. Aso filters rainwater underground, producing mineral-rich, high-quality spring water that is available in many places throughout the region.

THE BLOSSOM KUMAMOTO is located on the 9th to 12th floors of the JR Kumamoto Station Building, right in front of JR Kumamoto Station, a stop along the Kyushu Shinkansen Line. The hotel is a place to intimately experience why this region is known as Hi-no-Kuni and Mizu-no-Kuni. The red carpet in the lobby symbolizes the beauty of the light cast by the Yamaga toro, artistic lanterns made from washi paper, enveloping guests in warm hospitality. These lanterns are a traditional craft of Kumamoto Prefecture. The Yamaga Lantern Festival, held every year on August 15 and 16 in Yamaga, is a fantastical event where women perform an elegant dance with Yamaga toro lanterns balanced on their heads. The courtyard connected to the lobby features a water basin that symbolizes the area’s status as Mizu-no-Kuni. At the hotel, guests can drink natural mineral water sourced directly from underground and supplied via a dispenser.

The hotel has 203 guest rooms arranged around a courtyard next to the lobby. Guests can choose between double bed, twin bed, and king-size bedrooms, each illuminated with soft lighting inspired by Yamaga toro lanterns. The rooms offer exquisite views of Kumamoto, as well as Mt. Aso and other mountains in the distance. The premium guest room, Hanare THE SUITE, features a charming Japanese garden and offers a truly special lodging experience—almost like staying in a private retreat that floats in the sky.

The 9th floor restaurant is located next to the lobby and, for the convenience of guests, is open nearly all day. Breakfast is from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with bar service from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. A shopping center occupies the 1st to 7th floors of the building, with both retail outlets and a wide range of dining options, from fast-food outlets to restaurants. Be sure to visit for a bite to eat or to find some great buys.

JR Kumamoto Station links the Kyushu Shinkansen, standard rail lines, and bus routes, making it a key transportation hub for travel across Kyushu. Kumamoto Castle and Mt. Aso are also accessible by bus from the station. With luxurious accommodation, convenient shopping and dining, and excellent transport links, THE BLOSSOM KUMAMOTO is the perfect place for Kyushu travellers to stay.

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