Amakusa champon is a local B-class gourmet dish that has been popular in Kumamoto for a long time. It is one of the "Three Great Champon in Japan" alongside Nagasaki champon and Obama champon.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of Amakusa Chanpon.

Characteristics of Amakusa Chanpon

Amakusa Chanpon is made with plenty of fresh seafood that is unique to the fishing port town of Amakusa. Most restaurants use seafood stock in the soup as well, making it an irresistible dish for seafood lovers.

Some restaurants use the brand chicken "Amakusa Daio" for their Amakusa Champon soup. The restaurant run by Mr. Nagata, chairman of the Amakusa Champon Association, also serves a popular champon made with 100% "Amakusa Daio" chicken bones. "Amakusa Daio" chicken bone soup is characterized by its rich, deep flavor.

Another feature of Amakusa Champon is that it uses thick noodles. The noodles are yellowish and thicker than those in Nagasaki Champon, and have a chewy texture. The chewy noodles mix well with the light soup. It is topped with a variety of ingredients, making it a very filling dish.

It is said that there are more than 100 restaurants serving champon in Amakusa. Each restaurant has its own unique improvements, so you can enjoy different flavors at each restaurant. Amakusa champon is a soul food loved by the locals.

The History of Amakusa Champon

Champon originated in Nagasaki Prefecture, and was brought across the sea to Amakusa, where it was adapted using Amakusa's ingredients, such as the abundant seafood and local chicken, to create "Amakusa Champon."

According to Mr. Nagata, chairman of the Amakusa Champon Liaison Council, the history of Amakusa Champon is not that different from Nagasaki Champon. He says that around 1955, there were many Amakusa Champon specialty shops.

Meigetsu, famous for its Amakusa Champon, is said to have a history of over 100 years. Meigetsu, which serves the classic Amakusa Champon, is still a popular restaurant that is loved today.

Kumamoto Tourism Information

Kumamoto, where Amakusa City is located, is located almost in the center of Kyushu. It is also known as the "Land of Fire" because it is home to Mount Aso, one of the world's most active volcanoes. It is also known as the "Land of Water" because of the many springs.

Furthermore, there are beautiful forests all over the country, and Kumamoto City is also known as the "Forest City." We will introduce recommended sightseeing spots in Kumamoto, an area blessed with such abundant nature.

Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle, said to be one of the three most famous castles in Japan, was built by Kato Kiyomasa. The highlight is the high, curved stone wall known as "Musha-gaeshi." Inside the castle tower, there is an exhibition that traces the history of Kumamoto Castle. From the observation deck on the top floor, you can get a panoramic view of the city of Kumamoto.

Sakuranobaba Josaien

Sakuranobaba Josaien, located at the foot of Kumamoto Castle, is a tourist facility that recreates the houses of the castle town. There is a buffet restaurant, Kumamoto Sake Brewery, a noodle shop, and more, so you can enjoy dining and shopping. The Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwakuza, where you can learn about the history and culture surrounding Kumamoto Castle in a fun way, is popular with both children and adults.

Suizenji Jojuen Garden

Suizenji Jojuen is a stroll-style garden with a pond where you can stroll around, centered around a pond where the underground water of Mt. Aso springs forth. It began in 1632 when Tadatoshi Hosokawa, the first lord of the Higo Hosokawa domain, built a teahouse, and was completed during the reign of Tsunatoshi, the third lord of the domain. Suizenji Jojuen, where you can enjoy the nature of the four seasons, is also loved by locals.

How to get to Kumamoto

There are various ways to get to Kumamoto. Most people use JR trains or airplanes.

From major cities across Japan to Kumamoto

Here is the travel time required to get to Kumamoto from major cities across Japan. Travel time may vary depending on the season and weather.

[From Tokyo to Kumamoto]
・From Haneda Airport to Aso Kumamoto Airport: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes ・From Narita International Airport to Aso Kumamoto Airport: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes ・From Tokyo Station to Kumamoto Station: Approx. 5 hours 40 minutes

[From Osaka to Kumamoto]
・From Itami Airport to Aso Kumamoto Airport: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes ・From Shin-Osaka Station to Kumamoto Station: Approximately 3 hours ・From Osaka Station (Sunrice) to Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal: Approximately 10 hours

[From Nagoya to Kumamoto]
・From Chubu Centrair International Airport to Aso Kumamoto Airport: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes ・From Prefectural Nagoya Airport to Aso Kumamoto Airport: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes ・From Nagoya Station to Kumamoto Station: Approx. 4 hours 10 minutes

[From Kyoto to Kumamoto]
・From Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit (Sunrise Bus) to Kumamoto Sakuramachi Bus Terminal: Approx. 12 hours and 10 minutes

[From Hiroshima to Kumamoto]
・From Hiroshima Station to Kumamoto Station: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes ・From Hiroshima IC to Kumamoto IC: Approx. 4 hours 30 minutes

[From Fukuoka to Kumamoto]
・From Hakata Station to Kumamoto Station: Approx. 40 minutes ・From Dazaifu IC to Kumamoto IC: Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes ・From Hakata Bus Terminal (Hinokuni Expressway) to Sakuramachi Bus Terminal: Approx. 2 hours

If you're heading to Amakusa City, take the Amakusa Pearl Line

Amakusa City, where you can eat Amakusa Chanpon, is made up of about 120 islands, large and small. These islands are connected by unique bridges, the most famous of which are the Amakusa Five Bridges.

The Amakusa Five Bridges are a 12km long chain of five bridges that connect the Kumamoto mainland with the Amakusa Islands. They consist of Tenmon Bridge (Bridge No. 1), Oyano Bridge (Bridge No. 2), Nakano Bridge (Bridge No. 3), Maejima Bridge (Bridge No. 4), and Matsushima Bridge (Bridge No. 5), and are affectionately known as the "Amakusa Pearl Line."

The Amakusa Pearl Line, which has been selected as one of the "100 Best Sunsets in Japan," is a popular driving course.

Location of Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture

summary

Amakusa Champon, which uses an abundance of seafood, is a recommended dish. Amakusa has the "Amakusa Champon Highway," so you can enjoy eating your way around the area.

If you visit Kumamoto, be sure to try Amakusa Chanpon.

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