Dernière mise à jour · Les tarifs en Yens (¥) sont donnés à titre indicatif. · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Yatsushiro (八代市, Yatsushiro-shi) is a city located in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 August 2024, the city had an estimated population of 120,389 in 57,953 households, and a population density of 300 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 681.29 km2 (263.05 sq mi).
Within Kumamoto Prefecture (Kyushu region), Yatsushiro (八代市) serves as a city in kumamoto prefecture. Travelers exploring Kumamoto often combine a stop in Yatsushiro with regional highlights such as Imposing black-walled Kumamoto Castle & Suizenji Jojuen Garden, vast active volcanic caldera of Mount Aso (Kusasenri & Nakadake), cedar-shaded Kurokawa Onsen, and Amakusa dolphin-watching islands.
| Information | Détails pour Yatsushiro (八代市) |
|---|---|
| Nom Japonais | 八代市 (Yatsushiro) |
| Statut Administratif | City in Kumamoto Prefecture |
| Prefecture & Capital | Kumamoto Prefecture (Capital: Kumamoto) |
| Région du Japon | Kyushu |
| Population | 134,491 residents |
| Superficie / Densité | 680.59 km² · 198 people per km² |
| Fondation / Statut | 1940-09-01 |
| Coordonnées | 32.5075°N, 130.6017°E |
Getting to Yatsushiro & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Kumamoto Station (Kyushu Shinkansen) & Aso Station): 38m from Fukuoka (Hakata Station) or 1h 20m from Hiroshima on the JR Kyushu Shinkansen Sakura/Mizuho.
- Local rail & IC cards: Once in Kumamoto Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Kumamoto with Yatsushiro. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Kumamoto have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Yatsushiro en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Yatsushiro are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Kumamoto can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.
Que Manger à Yatsushiro & Kumamoto : Spécialités Locales
Yatsushiro partage les traditions culinaires de la préfecture de Kumamoto et de la région de Kyushu. Ne manquez pas ces spécialités locales lors de votre visite :
- Kumamoto ramen (tonkotsu broth with roasted black garlic oil, mayu) — a signature specialty across Kumamoto Prefecture.
- Aso Akaushi (lean flavorful red wagyu beef bowls) — a signature specialty across Kumamoto Prefecture.
- Basashi (marbled horsemeat specialty) — a signature specialty across Kumamoto Prefecture.
- Karashi renkon (mustard-stuffed lotus root) & Ikinari dango — a signature specialty across Kumamoto Prefecture.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Yatsushiro.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
Late March–April for Kumamoto Castle blossoms; May–November for lush green grasslands of the Aso caldera and river-side bath-hopping in Kurokawa Onsen.
Regional highlights across Kumamoto Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Yatsushiro include: Imposing black-walled Kumamoto Castle & Suizenji Jojuen Garden, vast active volcanic caldera of Mount Aso (Kusasenri & Nakadake), cedar-shaded Kurokawa Onsen, and Amakusa dolphin-watching islands.
Conseils Pratiques pour Visiter Yatsushiro
- Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter at the regional hub (Kumamoto Station (Kyushu Shinkansen) & Aso Station) or major stations in Kumamoto Prefecture for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Yatsushiro accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
Questions Fréquentes (FAQ)
Where is Yatsushiro (八代市) located in Japan?
Yatsushiro (八代市) is a city located in Kumamoto Prefecture in the Kyushu region of Japan (coordinates: 32.5075°N, 130.6017°E). It has a population of approximately 134,491 across an area of 680.59 km².
How do I get to Yatsushiro by train?
Most visitors reach Yatsushiro via the main prefectural gateway of Kumamoto Station (Kyushu Shinkansen) & Aso Station. 38m from Fukuoka (Hakata Station) or 1h 20m from Hiroshima on the JR Kyushu Shinkansen Sakura/Mizuho. From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Yatsushiro. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Shinkansen Fare Calculator.
What local food is Yatsushiro and Kumamoto known for?
In Yatsushiro and across Kumamoto Prefecture, top local dishes include Kumamoto ramen (tonkotsu broth with roasted black garlic oil, mayu), Aso Akaushi (lean flavorful red wagyu beef bowls), Basashi (marbled horsemeat specialty), as well as Karashi renkon (mustard-stuffed lotus root) & Ikinari dango. Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Yatsushiro?
Late March–April for Kumamoto Castle blossoms; May–November for lush green grasslands of the Aso caldera and river-side bath-hopping in Kurokawa Onsen. Check our Japan Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: