After having been tragically destroyed by Godzilla in 1996, Kotsu Center never fully recovered. (Film at link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYuIEa5DvJs - Kumamoto shows up at about 2:20.) But after much effort, area revitalization is being realized, including establishment of a public activity zone called “Hanabata Hiroba” (花畑広場). Below is a schematic of this new realization. Our friend Sean Benward noted that there will be a Christmas bazaar from 12/5 through 12/9 in the open space area, with many shops and restaurants taking part. A link to the event with details is here:
and more info about future events heading into holiday season here:
https://kumamoto-guide.jp/hanabata/events/search
- William