It’s a lively street with a real local feel, and it’s very pleasant to walk around. There are all kinds of little shops, restaurants, and cafes to browse at a relaxed pace, and you’ll see locals shopping or chatting too, which gives it a very laid-back atmosphere.
If you’re traveling nearby, it’s a great place to stop by for a walk, grab a bite, and get a feel for everyday local life. It’s not the kind of place that feels overly touristy, and that actually makes it feel more authentic and full of local character!
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Sunroad Shinshigai
A lively shopping arcade where history and local energy meet.
3.87
2
Established in 1903, this 235 m-long covered shopping arcade is located on the southern side of Shimotori Shopping Street, and its Approx. 18 m-wide walkway is the widest in western Japan.
It is said that after Denkikan, Kumamoto Prefecture’s first permanent movie theater, opened here, the street was once lined with movie theaters of all sizes and was long loved as a local hub for entertainment.
All of those theaters have since closed, but in 2019, TOHO Cinemas Kumamoto Sakuramachi opened just past the arcade. Today, the area is home to many izakayas and fast-food spots, as well as the large electronics store Best Denki Kumamoto Main Store and business hotels, giving it the same lively atmosphere it has long been known for.
The arcade also puts effort into events, and its charity concerts and dance battles featuring local students, along with the annual summer Tanabata Festival held jointly with nearby shopping streets, are especially popular.
Highlights
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A 235 m-long covered shopping arcade with an 18 m-wide walkway, the widest in western Japan.
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Mainly lined with restaurants, along with a large electronics store and business hotels.
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Local events, including charity concerts, are held regularly.
Photos
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Located on the southern side of Shimotori Shopping Street
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Is there free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
No, there is not.
Q
Are there coin lockers?
A
No, there are not.
Q
Is there a smoking area?
A
No, there is not.
Q
Are there any tourist attractions nearby?
A
Kumamoto Castle is nearby, and the arcade is located next to the Karashimacho tram stop, making access to tourist attractions convenient.
Right in front is Sakuramachi Hiroba, where events are held throughout the year.
Reviews
2
Some reviews are AI-translated.
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As soon as you walk into Sunroad Shinshigai, you immediately get that feeling of everyday local life in Japan. It doesn’t feel like one of those places meant just for tourists.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- サンロード新市街
- Postal Code
- 860-0803
- Address
- Shinshigai, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto
- Phone
- 096-356-3877 (Shinshigai Office)
- Closed on
- Varies by store
- Hours
- Varies by store
- Access
- 1 minute on foot from Kumamoto City Tram Karashimacho Station
- Credit Cards
- Varies by store
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
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