Skip to content
Sunset

Sunset at Honmyo-ji

Start with a warm drink, climb the stairs as the sky turns gold, and watch the sun dip below the horizon from the temple grounds.

Best time: 15 OctoberAbout 60 min

Timeline

  1. 16:59

    Bar Sanctuary

    Grab a drink at Bar Sanctuary. It is a four-storey venue with areas to chill, and it stays open late, so you can take your time settling in before the climb.

  2. 17:24

    Honmyo-ji Temple

    Walk to Honmyo-ji Temple. Ascend the long staircase lined with old candle stands. The temple sits halfway up the hill, offering a steady climb as the afternoon light fades.

  3. 17:44

    Honmyo-ji Temple

    Watch the sunset. From the temple grounds, the sun sets toward the WSW, casting a golden glow over Kumamoto Castle and the city below.

  4. 18:04

    Yokobachi

    Head down to Yokobachi for dinner. This Japanese restaurant offers traditional and local dishes. In the autumn, the outdoor seating is pleasant under the stars.

Local tip

Bar Sanctuary is open until at least 04:00, so you can linger before starting your walk. Yokobachi is open until midnight, giving you plenty of time to eat after the sunset.

Check before you go

  • Bar Sanctuary is open until at least 04:00.
  • Yokobachi is open until midnight.

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Kumamoto (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

Back to Kumamoto