My 73-year-old mother has been quite motivated to travel recently, and for that, I feel grateful.

This time, she discovered a relatively new property of the Hoshino Resorts hotel chain in Kumamoto City and invited us on a short trip that included a night's stay at OMO5 Kumamoto, located in the heart of the city's bustling centre.

It was my first stay at any Hoshino Resorts property, and my first impression was excellent.

OMO5 Kumamoto by Hoshino Resorts - Official Site

Before discussing the hotel itself, however, it is worth understanding the city surrounding it.

Kumamoto City lies relatively close to Fukuoka, the largest city on Kyushu Island. One can reach it in about two hours by road or express bus, or roughly one hour by Shinkansen.

Yet Kumamoto never feels like a secondary city living in Fukuoka's shadow.

It possesses a strong identity and a powerful presence of its own.

The reason becomes clear the moment one encounters Kumamoto Castle.

Unlike many Japanese cities whose historic centres disappeared during the modern era, Kumamoto still revolves around the memory of its great castle and the man who built it about 400 years ago. Even today, local people speak of Lord Kiyomasa Kato with pride and affection, and his heritage can be felt throughout the city. The castle remains both its symbol and its emotional centre.

The area that is now Kumamoto developed as the political and military centre of Higo Province.

Its transformation accelerated at the end of the 16th century when the warlord Kiyomasa Kato arrived in the region. Under his rule, large-scale urban planning, river improvement projects, and castle construction modified the area. What emerged wasn't merely a military stronghold but the foundation of a prosperous castle town.

The construction of Kumamoto Castle was completed in 1607 using some of the most advanced defensive techniques of the era. The castle became famous throughout Japan as an almost impregnable fortress and remains one of the country's most celebrated castles today.

Over the centuries, Kumamoto witnessed the rise and fall of feudal domains, the Meiji Restoration, WWII destruction, and the massive earthquake in 2016, followed by the extensive restoration efforts. Through all these changes, the castle has remained the city's defining landmark.

Kiyomasa Kato (1562–1611) was one of the leading military commanders of the late Sengoku period and the first lord of Kumamoto Castle. He arrived in Higo Province in 1588 and devoted enormous effort to developing the region.

His achievements went well beyond military affairs.

He initiated large-scale flood-control and land-development projects, helping make the region safer and more productive for agriculture. Many historians regard him as one of the key figures who laid the foundations of modern Kumamoto. Even today, he is enshrined at Kato Shrine, where local residents continue to pay their respects.

What impressed me most was how lively his memory remains after four centuries since his death. Kiyomasa is not just a historical figure. For many people in Kumamoto, he is still a symbol of leadership, determination, and civic pride.

Against this historical background, OMO5 Kumamoto feels perfectly positioned.

Located within walking distance of Kumamoto Castle and adjacent to the city's lively shopping streets, it offers easy access to both history and contemporary urban life.

The highlight of our stay was undoubtedly the evening drum performance by a group of young local artists known as Oto-ya.

taiko_kumamoto_otoya - Instagram

Guests can enjoy their performances twice each evening, around 20:00 and 21:00. The powerful rhythms ring through the lobby, forming an atmosphere that appears both festive and deeply anchored in local culture. Watching the young performers pour their energy into the drums was a memorable experience and one of the most enjoyable parts of our stay. The performance forms part of the hotel's "Local Rhythm Night" programme, which celebrates Kumamoto's castle-town heritage through music and local culture.

My second favourite feature was the outdoor terrace on the reception floor.

On a warm summer evening, one can sit comfortably amid the gentle breeze while gazing at the illuminated silhouette of Kumamoto Castle in the distance. The contrast between the lively city below and the centuries-old castle beyond creates a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere.

It is a spot where one can easily spend an hour doing nothing at all.

What made this trip memorable was not simply the hotel itself, but the way it joined us to the surrounding city.

My mother, at seventy-three, continues to find new destinations and new reasons to travel. Watching her enthusiasm reminded me that curiosity does not necessarily diminish with age.

Perhaps that is why Kumamoto felt so appealing.

It is a city that esteems its past without being trapped by it. Its castle tells stories of four centuries ago, while its streets remain energetic and full of life today.

For travellers interested in history while still enjoying the comforts of a modern city, OMO5 Kumamoto is an excellent place to stay.

And on a summer evening, sitting quietly on the terrace with Kumamoto Castle glowing in the distance, it is easy to understand why the people of this city remain so proud of their heritage.
 

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