Introducing recommended local information in Kumamoto City, Yamaga, and Kikuchi area. In Kumamoto City, Yamaga, and Kikuchi area, there are sightseeing spots such as Kumamoto Castle, Shiraito Falls, and Kinpusan, sightseeing events such as Hinokuni Festival, Hachisaku Festival, and Ayu Festival, and local gourmet foods such as Kumamoto Ramen, horse sashimi, and brown sugar donut sticks.
Here is some recommended local information for the Kumamoto City, Yamaga, and Kikuchi areas. The Kumamoto City, Yamaga, and Kikuchi area is full of tourist attractions such as Kumamoto Castle and ancient decorative tombs, hot springs such as Yamaga Onsen and Kikuchi Onsen, and local gourmet foods such as horse sashimi, mustard lotus root, and Kumamoto ramen.
Kumamoto Prefecture, the Land of Higo, is located in the central part of Kyushu. Kumamoto City, the capital of the prefecture and an ordinance-designated city, has prospered as a castle town of the Kumamoto Clan, led by Kiyomasa Kato, a famous general in the Warring States Period, and later by the Hosokawa clan.
The symbol of Kumamoto, Kumamoto Castle, was built by Kiyomasa Kato. The robust construction of Kumamoto Castle is also known for its role in the Seinan War that broke out during the Meiji era (1868-1912) as an indestructible and famous castle. There is also a concentration of attractions around Kumamoto Castle, including the former Hosokawa Gyobu Residence, the Prefectural Art Museum Kumamoto, and the Kumamoto Museum.
Yamaga City and Kikuchi City, adjacent to the north of Kumamoto City, are famous for Yamaga Onsen and Kikuchi Onsen, respectively. Yamaga Onsen is a famous hot spring that is said to have been discovered at the end of the Heian Period. Among them, Sakurayu, a public hot spring, is a historic hot spring where a resting and lodging facility was built by feudal lord Tadatoshi Hosokawa in the early Edo period (1603-1868) and opened to the public as a public hot spring in the early Meiji period (1868-1912).
Every summer, Yamaga Onsen holds the Yamaga Lantern Festival, in which about 1,000 women in yukata (summer kimono) with lanterns on their heads parade through the city, dancing as they go.
Kikuchi Onsen is a relatively new hot spring, and its pleasant-to-the-touch water is called "hot water for beautiful skin" and "hot water for cosmetic purposes. About 17 km east of Kikuchi Onsen is the Kikuchi Valley, where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons.
The Kikuchi River basin, which runs through Yamaga and Kikuchi cities, is an area where many decorative burial mounds, such as Chibusan tumulus and Benkeigana tumulus, are distributed. At the Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Decorative Kofun Tumuli in Yamaga City, replicas and excavated artifacts of these decorative kofun tumuli are on display.
In addition, between Yamaga City and Kikuchi City, there is the "Historical Park Marichi Castle and Onsho Soseikan," which is a partial reconstruction of Marichi Castle, a mountain castle built in the late 7th century.
The Kumamoto City, Yamaga, and Kikuchi areas are famous for their historical spots and hot springs. You may want to take a tour of history while relaxing in the hot springs.
Kumamoto Castle, located in Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is one of Japan's most celebrated castles. Renowned for its imposing stone walls, powerful defensive design, and striking castle tower, it is often counted among Japan's three great castles. The castle is also affectionately known as Ginnan-jo, meaning “Ginkgo Castle,” a name associated with the large ginkgo tree growing wi...»
Located in Midorigaoka, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Greenland is a large amusement park offering an exciting variety of rides, family attractions, entertainment, and seasonal events. With roller coasters, a giant Ferris wheel, haunted houses, children's rides, and numerous other attractions, the park offers a full day of fun for visitors of different ages. The amusement park forms part of Gre...»
Ikinari Dango is a traditional confectionery from Kumamoto Prefecture, beloved for its simple ingredients, comforting sweetness, and soft, chewy texture. It is made by wrapping thick slices of sweet potato and sweet red bean paste in a dough made from wheat flour or glutinous rice flour, then steaming the parcels until tender. This humble yet satisfying sweet has long been part of everyday life i...»
Kumamoto Ramen is one of the best-known local noodle dishes in Kumamoto Prefecture, celebrated for its rich pork bone broth, medium-thick noodles, and distinctive roasted garlic aroma. Although it belongs to the wider family of Kyushu tonkotsu ramen, it has developed a character of its own through the use of garlic oil, often called mayu, and fried garlic chips. The broth is generally prepared by...»
Basashi, or horse sashimi, is one of Kumamoto Prefecture's most distinctive regional dishes. Made from thinly sliced raw horse meat, it is traditionally served with grated ginger, garlic, sliced onions, and a sweet soy-based dipping sauce. The meat is prized for its delicate flavor, tender texture, and the variety of tastes offered by different cuts. Horse meat is sometimes called sakura niku, me...»
Tai-Pi-En is a Chinese-style soup dish that has become a beloved local specialty of Kumamoto Prefecture. Made with glass noodles and a generous assortment of vegetables, it is known for its light yet satisfying character. Typical ingredients include pork, prawns, squid, cabbage, carrots, seasonal vegetables, and egg. The dish is generally served in a chicken or pork broth, making it a flavorful me...»
Wood-grown shiitake mushrooms are a traditional agricultural product of Kumamoto Prefecture. Unlike mushrooms cultivated on artificial substrates, these shiitake are grown on natural logs, usually made from broadleaf trees such as kunugi oak. The mushrooms develop slowly while absorbing nutrients from the wood, producing a rich aroma, firm texture, and deep umami flavor. Kumamoto's mountainous ar...»
Yacon is a root vegetable originally from the Andes region of South America. It has become known in Japan as a nutritious crop with a naturally sweet taste and a crisp, juicy texture. In Kumamoto Prefecture, yacon is cultivated in areas where the climate and growing conditions are suitable for this distinctive vegetable. Yacon has a shape similar to a sweet potato, but its flesh is usually pale a...»
Kikuchi Paddy Burdock is a specialty agricultural product of the Kikuchi area in Kumamoto Prefecture. It is grown in paddy fields using the area's clean water, which has been recognized among Kumamoto's select sources of excellent water. The burdock is known for its rich aroma, distinctive flavor, pale skin, tender texture, and relatively low astringency....»
The common orient clam, known in Japanese as hamaguri, is a traditional shellfish enjoyed in Japan. In Kumamoto Prefecture, clams are associated with the coastal environment of the Ariake Sea and its tidal flats, which have long supported shellfish gathering and fishing. Hamaguri has a plump texture and a naturally sweet, savory flavor. It is valued in Japanese cuisine for the broth it releases d...»
Kumamoto is well known as a producer of persimmons, one of Japan's signature autumn fruits. Within the prefecture, the Kikuchi area is one of the important growing regions. Persimmons from Kikuchi are prized for their juicy texture, strong sweetness, and beautiful orange color, making them a delicious seasonal treat....»
The Kikuchi area of Kumamoto Prefecture is one of the prefecture's major strawberry-growing regions. Kikuchi strawberries are prized for their juicy texture, rich sweetness, and beautifully shaped fruit with a deep red color. Among the area's distinctive products is a carefully cultivated variety marketed as “Kikuchi no Manma: Special Strawberries Grown with Sugar-Molasses Fertilizer.”...»
Kumamoto Prefecture is known for its chestnuts, a seasonal ingredient closely associated with autumn in Japan. The nuts are valued for their substantial size, natural sweetness, and rich flavor. They are enjoyed in both traditional Japanese dishes and a wide range of sweets....»
Shichijo Melon is a specialty of the Shichijo area of Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture. It is prized for its rich sweetness, fragrant aroma, and soft, juicy flesh. The melon has become a well-known local agricultural product and is especially popular with people who appreciate the delicate flavor of premium Japanese fruit....»
Kumamoto Prefecture is one of Japan's best-known destinations for horse meat cuisine. Horse meat is used in a variety of dishes, from sashimi to grilled preparations and hot pots, and has a long-standing place in the region's food culture....»
Akazake is a traditional alcoholic beverage from Kumamoto Prefecture. It is also known as akumochizake, or ash-preserved sake, because wood ash is added during its production. This unusual method gives the drink its characteristic reddish-brown color and helps improve its keeping qualities....»
Yubeshi is a traditional Japanese food made with yuzu, a fragrant citrus fruit widely used in Japanese cooking. In Kumamoto, yubeshi is known as a regional specialty with a gentle citrus aroma and a soft, chewy texture. Its distinctive flavor makes it a memorable example of the area's traditional confectionery....»
Matsukaze is a traditional confection associated with Kumamoto Prefecture. The name means “wind through pine trees,” evoking the quiet, refined atmosphere of a Japanese landscape. This local sweet is known for its thin shape and lightly toasted aroma, offering a distinctive alternative to richer, cream-filled Western-style pastries....»
Brown Sugar Donut Sticks, known in Japanese as Kokutō Dōnatsu Bō, are a popular confection made by Fujibambi, a sweets manufacturer based in Kumamoto City. Their distinctive stick shape, gentle sweetness, and nostalgic flavor have made them a well-loved souvenir from Kumamoto and a familiar snack throughout Japan....»
Shiyozan Koufukuji Temple is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple in Ishinuki, Tamana City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Located at the eastern foot of Mount Kannondake in the Shodai mountain range, it is known for its long history, cultural treasures, and quiet natural surroundings. The temple is also the 24th temple on the Higo Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage....»
Oama Onsen is a historic hot spring area in Oama, Tensui-machi, Tamana City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and scenic surroundings, it has attracted writers, political activists, and other visitors since the Meiji period. Its most famous literary connection is with Natsume Soseki, one of Japan's best-known modern novelists....»
Tamana City is located in northwestern Kumamoto Prefecture, facing the Ariake Sea. The city combines historic hot springs, Buddhist temples, cultural heritage, and landscapes shaped by rivers and fertile farmland. It is an appealing destination for visitors who want to discover a quieter side of Kumamoto beyond the prefectural capital....»
The Contemporary Art Museum, Kumamoto, commonly known as CAMK, is a municipal art museum located in central Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. It occupies the third floor of the Birei Kumamoto-Nichinichi Kaikan building in the city's busy downtown district. It is notable as a museum in Kyushu whose name explicitly includes the word “contemporary.” The museum brings contemporary art into everyday...»
The Mitsui Miike Coal Mine was one of Japan's major coal-producing operations and played an important role in the country's industrial development. Its remains, including the Manda Pit, preserve the history of coal mining, industrial technology, and the people who worked in the mines. The site is part of the industrial heritage associated with Japan's modernization and the development of its coal ...»
Arao Tidal Flats are located in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture, along the eastern side of the central Ariake Sea. Recognized as an important wetland under the Ramsar Convention, the tidal flats are known for their extensive area, rich biodiversity, and important role in supporting migratory birds and marine life....»
Arao City lies in northwestern Kumamoto Prefecture, facing the Ariake Sea and bordering Omuta City in Fukuoka Prefecture to the north. The city prospered as a center of the Mitsui Miike Coal Mine and today offers visitors a varied mix of industrial heritage, coastal wetlands, historical sites, amusement parks, and local food specialties. Arao officially became a city in 1942....»
The Birthplace of the Miyazaki Brothers is a historic site in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture, designated as a cultural property by Kumamoto Prefecture. It commemorates the Miyazaki brothers, including Miyazaki Tōten, Miyazaki Hachirō, Miyazaki Tamizō, and Miyazaki Yajirō, and their relationship with Sun Yat-sen, the Chinese revolutionary leader often called the “Father of the Chinese Revolution.” ...»
Goldfish and Carp Village Square is a spacious, nature-rich park in Nagasu Town, Tamana District, Kumamoto Prefecture. The park celebrates the town's specialties of goldfish and ornamental carp, offering a distinctive combination of fish exhibits, open lawns, play areas, seasonal flowers, and community events. It is popular with local families as well as visitors exploring the Ariake Sea coast....»
Nagasu Town is located in Tamana District in northwestern Kumamoto Prefecture. Its southwestern side faces the Ariake Sea, and the town is well known for breeding goldfish and ornamental carp. The combination of coastal scenery, traditional festivals, fish farming, and local industry gives Nagasu a distinctive character. Nagasu is also an important transportation point on the Ariake Sea. Ferries ...»
Historical Park Kikuchi Castle preserves the remains of Kikuchi Castle, an ancient mountain fortress that once stood on the Yonehara Plateau, spanning the present-day areas of Yamaga City and Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture. The ruins were designated a National Historic Site on February 27, 2004, under the name “Kikuchi Castle Ruins.” The fortress existed for approximately 300 years, from the ...»
Omiya Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Yamaga, Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture. It enshrines Emperor Keiko, the 12th emperor in Japan's traditional imperial chronology, and also worships the twelve deities of Aso. For centuries, the shrine has been revered by local residents and has played an important role in the religious and cultural life of the region. The spacious grounds conta...»
The Kumamoto Prefectural Decorated Tumulus Museum is an archaeological museum located in Iwabaru, Kaō Town, Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture. It stands within the Iwabaru Kofun Group, a designated National Historic Site, and is surrounded by other archaeological remains, including the Iwabara Yokoana Tomb Group, designated as a Kumamoto Prefectural Historic Site. The museum was established to int...»
Yamaga City is located in northern Kumamoto Prefecture and is known for its hot springs, historic townscape, traditional performing arts, and beautiful natural surroundings. The Yamaga Lantern Festival, held every August, is one of the city's best-known events and attracts visitors from across Japan. The Kikuchi River flows through the area, while the surrounding mountains provide opportunities fo...»
Kikuchi Valley lies upstream on the Kikuchi River, extending across parts of Aso City and Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture. Known for its clear streams, rich forests, and beautiful natural scenery, it is a popular destination for escaping the summer heat and viewing autumn leaves. The valley's appearance changes with the seasons, making it a rewarding place to visit throughout the year....»
Kikuchi Onsen is located in the central part of Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, around the Waifu district. It is known for its abundant hot-spring water and its gentle, smooth feel on the skin. Because of its soft alkaline water, the hot spring is often called the “Beauty Bath” or “Cosmetic Bath.” It has long been appreciated as a place to relax and refresh in the countryside of northern Kumamo...»
Kikuchi Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. It honors three generations of the Kikuchi clan, a prominent samurai family that fought on the Southern Court's side during Japan's Nanboku-chō period, when rival imperial courts competed for power. The shrine is one of the Fifteen Shrines of the Kenmu Restoration and was formerly ranked as a Bekkaku Kanpeisha, a spec...»
Kikuchi Castle was a medieval mountain castle located in Waifu, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Also known as Waifu Castle, it served as the principal stronghold of the Kikuchi clan, a powerful family that supported the Southern Court during Japan's Nanboku-chō period. The castle represents the clan's former prominence and its importance in the political and military history of Kyushu....»
Kikuchi City is located in northern Kumamoto Prefecture, in the upper reaches of the Kikuchi River, approximately 25 kilometers northeast of Kumamoto City. The city developed around Waifu, the former stronghold of the Kikuchi clan, and is known for its rich historical heritage, fertile agricultural land, and beautiful natural environment. The eastern part of the city extends toward the outer rim ...»
Kumamoto Prefectural Agricultural Park, popularly known as Country Park, is a spacious agricultural and recreational park in Koshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Opened in 1991, it covers approximately 27.9 hectares and offers visitors opportunities to learn about agriculture, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience the changing seasons. The park is adjacent to Kumamoto Prefectural Agricultural Coll...»
Koshi City is located in central Kumamoto Prefecture, northeast of Kumamoto City. It has developed as a residential and commercial area while retaining green spaces, agricultural landscapes, and historic sites. Its convenient location makes it an appealing place to explore as part of a trip around Kumamoto City, the Kikuchi region, and the foothills of Mount Aso....»
Ozu Town is located in Kikuchi District, Kumamoto Prefecture, at the foot of the outer rim of Mount Aso. With its natural scenery, historical sites, and convenient transportation links, the town is an appealing stop for travelers heading from Kumamoto City toward Aso. Ozu is approximately 19 kilometers from Kumamoto City. National Route 57 runs east to west through the town, and the JR Hōhi Main ...»
Hanaguriide is a historic irrigation channel in Kikuyo Town, Kikuchi District, Kumamoto Prefecture. It is an important reminder of the engineering knowledge used to support agriculture in the region. The channel is associated with the irrigation works developed under the rule of Katō Kiyomasa, a prominent feudal lord known for his castle construction and civil engineering projects....»
Kikuyo Town is located in Kikuchi District, in central Kumamoto Prefecture, immediately northeast of Kumamoto City. In recent years, it has developed rapidly as a residential area for people commuting to the city. At the same time, its rivers, agricultural land, historic bridges, traditional festivals, and local specialties preserve a strong connection with the region's rural heritage. The town i...»
Higo Honmyoji Temple is a Nichiren Buddhist temple in Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City, northwest of Kumamoto Castle. It belongs to the Rokujō lineage of Nichiren Buddhism and was granted the special status of “Kyushu Chief Instructor of the Rokujō Lineage” by the head temple Honkokuji. The temple's mountain name is Hasseizan, and its principal object of worship is the Mandala of the Ten Realms. Honmyoj...»
Ueki Onsen is a historic hot-spring area in Kita Ward, Kumamoto City. Long known as the “inner retreat of Kumamoto,” it is appreciated for its abundant spring water and peaceful atmosphere. Rather than a large entertainment-oriented resort, Ueki offers a quieter setting for visitors who want to relax, bathe, and enjoy the surrounding countryside....»
Foodpal Kumamoto is a food-industry complex in Kita Ward, Kumamoto City. It brings together food-related factories, facilities where visitors can learn about manufacturing processes, workshops offering hands-on activities, restaurants, and shopping areas. Known as a food-themed destination, it is enjoyed by local residents and tourists interested in Kumamoto's food culture. Weekend events, includ...»
Tabaruzaka is a historic area in Toyooka, Ueki Town, Kita Ward, Kumamoto City. It is widely known as one of the fiercest battlefields of the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877 and is designated as a National Historic Site of Japan. The name is also familiar through Japanese folk songs that recount the events of the rebellion....»
Kumamoto Castle Inari Shrine is located in central Kumamoto City and is affectionately known by local people as “Shirahige-san.” It has long been worshipped as a guardian shrine of Kumamoto Castle and remains closely connected with the city's history and everyday life....»
Sakura-no-Baba Josaien is a visitor complex located in Chūō Ward, Kumamoto City, at the foot of Kumamoto Castle. Opened in 2011, it was created to introduce Kumamoto's history, culture, and local products to visitors. It is an ideal place to take a break during a visit to the castle while discovering the region's food, traditions, and historical heritage. The site was once used as a swimming pool...»
Katō Shrine is located within the grounds of Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto City. It primarily enshrines Katō Kiyomasa, the feudal lord closely associated with the construction and development of the castle. The shrine is a popular stop for visitors exploring Kumamoto Castle and offers insight into the local devotion surrounding one of the region's most influential historical figures....»
Kenmotsudai Arboretum is a botanical garden in Chūō Ward, Kumamoto City, located around Kenmotsu Turret at the northern edge of Kumamoto Castle. Its historic setting and diverse collection of plants make it a pleasant destination for visitors interested in trees, flowers, and the natural environment....»
Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art is located in Ninomaru Park within the grounds of Kumamoto Castle, in Chūō Ward, Kumamoto City. The museum preserves and exhibits art and cultural materials from Kumamoto while also holding a broad collection of works from Japan and other countries. Through exhibitions and educational programs, it provides opportunities for visitors to discover art and deepen the...»
Kumamoto City Museum is a long-established museum in Chūō Ward, Kumamoto City. It first opened in 1952 and has introduced generations of visitors to the region's history, culture, and natural environment. Following a major renovation, the museum reopened in 2018 with updated displays and facilities presenting valuable materials from ancient times to the modern era....»
The Former Hosokawa Gyobu Residence is a historic samurai residence located in the Sannomaru area of Kumamoto Castle in Chūō Ward, Kumamoto City. It is designated as an Important Cultural Property by Kumamoto Prefecture and is an important part of the historic landscape surrounding the castle. The Hosokawa Gyobu family, also known as the Koikai Hosokawa family, was one of the senior branch famili...»
Kumamoto Prefectural Gokoku Shrine is located in Chūō Ward, Kumamoto City. It is one of Japan's Gokoku shrines, which honor people who died in service to their country during periods of national crisis. The shrine primarily commemorates people from Kumamoto Prefecture, or those with ties to the prefecture, who lost their lives from the Meiji Restoration through the Pacific War. Today, the shrine ...»
Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Museum is a public cultural facility in Chūō Ward, Kumamoto City. It opened in 1982 and is dedicated to preserving and introducing the traditional craftsmanship of Kumamoto Prefecture. Its collection includes Higo zōgan metal inlay, ceramics, blades, bamboo products, textiles, wooden objects, and traditional toys. The museum does more than display beautiful...»
Tamana Onsen is a historic hot-spring area in Tamana City, Kumamoto Prefecture, in the former province of Higo. The resort was once known as Riganji Onsen and flourished as the “inner retreat of the Mitsui family,” thanks in part to its proximity to Ōmuta in Fukuoka Prefecture, which prospered through coal mining. Although the resort no longer enjoys the scale of its former prosperity and the num...»
Takaseura River Waterside Green Space is a scenic park in Tamana City, Kumamoto Prefecture. It lies along the Takaseura River, an area that once prospered as a river port connected to the Ariake Sea. The park combines historic stone bridges and embankments with waterside greenery and seasonal flowers, offering a peaceful place to walk and appreciate the area's heritage. In 1980, the area became J...»
Rengein Tanjoji Temple is a Shingon Risshū Buddhist temple in Tsukiji, Tamana City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Its mountain name is Takaharasan, and its principal object of worship is Kōen Daibosatsu. The temple holds the status of a special head temple, with Saidai-ji in Nara serving as the head temple of the school. The present temple was established on the site of the former Jōkōji Rengein, a temple...»
The Buzen Kaido Nankan Ochaya Site is a historic property in Nankan Town, Tamana District, Kumamoto Prefecture. Designated as a National Historic Site of Japan in 2003, it preserves the remains of an official resting and lodging facility used by feudal lords and their retainers during the Edo period (1603–1868). The site offers a valuable glimpse into the history of the Buzen Kaido, an important h...»
Nankan Town is located in the northwestern part of Kumamoto Prefecture, on the island of Kyushu. Bordering Fukuoka Prefecture to the north and west, this peaceful town has developed as an important transportation hub since ancient times. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, and green countryside, Nankan offers visitors a combination of historical landmarks, traditional festivals, local specialties, an...»
Tanaka Castle, also known as Wani Castle, was a Japanese castle located in Wani, present-day Nagomi Town, Tamana District, Kumamoto Prefecture. During the medieval period, it served as the stronghold of the Wani clan, a local ruling family in Higo Province, which corresponds broadly to present-day Kumamoto Prefecture. The castle is particularly famous for its role in the Higo Province Local Lords...»
Tonkararin is a mysterious tunnel-like archaeological structure located in Nagomi Town, Tamana District, Kumamoto Prefecture. Designated as a Kumamoto Prefectural Historic Site, it is one of the area's most intriguing archaeological features. Although researchers have investigated its structure and possible origins, its original purpose and exact date of construction remain uncertain. Located on ...»
Eta Funayama Kofun is an ancient keyhole-shaped burial mound located in Nagomi Town, Tamana District, Kumamoto Prefecture, formerly part of Kikusuimachi. Built between the late fifth and early sixth centuries, the mound measures approximately 62 meters in length and is one of the most important archaeological sites for understanding Japan's ancient history. The tomb is especially famous for the r...»
Gyokuto Town is located in the northern part of Kumamoto Prefecture, within Tamana District on the island of Kyushu. Known for its slogan, "The Home of Mandarin Oranges and Historic Sites," the town combines a productive agricultural landscape with a rich historical heritage. Mandarin oranges, pears, and plums are among its characteristic crops, while its hills and countryside preserve numerous si...»
Yamaga Onsen is a historic hot spring destination in Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture, on the island of Kyushu. Known for its smooth, gentle waters and the traditional atmosphere of its old town, Yamaga has attracted visitors for centuries. The town is particularly famous for the Yamaga Lantern Festival, held every August, when women wearing elegant traditional costumes dance with delicate golden ...»
Hirayama Onsen is a peaceful hot spring destination in Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Nestled among wooded hills and rural landscapes, it is known for its smooth, silky bathing water and a history that is said to extend back more than 1,300 years. Often described as Yamaga's secluded inner retreat, Hirayama offers a quieter atmosphere than many larger hot spring resorts. The area has become es...»
Yachiyoza is a traditional Japanese theater located in Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Built in 1910, this historic playhouse is an outstanding example of the theater architecture that once flourished in towns throughout Japan. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1988, Yachiyoza has been carefully preserved and restored, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of a tradi...»
Ungan Zenji Temple is a historic Soto Zen Buddhist temple located in Hirayama, Matsuo-machi, Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Situated at the western foot of Mount Kinbo, the temple is surrounded by wooded hills, unusual rock formations, and a peaceful natural landscape. It is also widely known as Iwato Kannon, a name associated with the Kannon statue enshrined in a cave within the ...»
The Yokoi Shonan Memorial Museum is located in Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. It introduces the life, political ideas, and achievements of Yokoi Shonan, an influential thinker and Confucian scholar who lived during the final years of the Edo period and the beginning of the Meiji era. Shonan played an important role in discussions about political reform and the future of Japan, a...»
Lake Ezuko is a scenic freshwater area extending across Higashi Ward and Chuo Ward in Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Surrounded by residential neighborhoods yet rich in nature, it is a beloved place for relaxation, walking, and outdoor recreation. The lake is divided into two sections, known as Kami-Ezuko, or Upper Ezuko, and Shimo-Ezuko, or Lower Ezuko. Its clear water, abundant vegetation, ...»
Tsujun Bridge is a historic stone aqueduct bridge in Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture. Completed in 1854 during the Edo period, it was built to carry irrigation water to the Shiraito Plateau, an area where farming had long been troubled by a shortage of water. The bridge is an outstanding example of traditional Japanese stone engineering and is particularly famous for the dra...»
Kosa Town is located in Kamimashiki District, in the central part of Kumamoto Prefecture. Blessed with beautiful natural scenery, a rich historical heritage, and a close relationship with the Midori River, the town offers visitors a glimpse of rural life in central Kyushu. Historic shrines, picturesque valleys, riverside recreation areas, seasonal flowers, and local festivals make Kosa an appealin...»
Ukishima is a beautiful spring-fed pond located in Idera, Kashima Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture. Known locally as the pond associated with Ukishima Shrine, it is one of the area's most distinctive natural attractions. The clear water, lush vegetation, and peaceful surroundings create a landscape that seems almost otherworldly, making Ukishima a favorite destination for local resi...»
Kashima Town is located in Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture, immediately south of Kumamoto City. Although close to the prefectural capital, it retains a distinctive natural environment shaped by abundant groundwater, rivers, farmland, and historic places of worship. The Midori River, Mifune River, Kase River, and Yakatagawa River flow through or near the town, contributing to its fertile ...»
Mifune Town is located in Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture. Known for its rich history, archaeological sites, and natural scenery, the town is also famous as one of Japan's important destinations for dinosaur enthusiasts. The discovery of a carnivorous dinosaur fossil here brought national attention to the area and led to the establishment of the Mifune Town Dinosaur Museum. Mifune's his...»
Mifune Town Dinosaur Museum is a natural history museum located in Mifune Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture. It is known for its collection of dinosaur fossils, including discoveries made locally, as well as skeletal specimens and fossils from other parts of the world. The museum introduces visitors to the prehistoric world and explains how fossils provide evidence of life on Earth m...»
The Tsukahara Burial Mounds are a historic group of ancient tombs located in Tsukahara, Jonan-machi, Minami Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. The site is particularly remarkable because part of the Kyushu Expressway passes directly beneath the burial mounds. This unusual arrangement was adopted to protect the archaeological remains when they were discovered during expressway construction. ...»
Mount Hanaoka is a 132.2-meter-high hill in Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Located northwest of JR Kumamoto Station, it is known for its panoramic views over the city. The summit area is a popular place for enjoying the scenery and exploring historical and cultural landmarks connected with the region's past. Geologically, Mount Hanaoka is thought to have formed when a fault separated part of...»
Shimada Museum of Art is located in Shimazaki, Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. The museum is particularly well known for its collection of works and personal belongings associated with Miyamoto Musashi, one of Japan's most celebrated swordsmen and military strategists. It opened in September 1977 to make a collection of antique artworks and historical objects available to the publi...»
Mount Kinbo is a volcanic mountain complex located in Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Its best-known peak, Mount Ichinodake, rises 665 meters above sea level. The mountain is an important symbol of Kumamoto City and is familiar to local residents, who can see its distinctive outline from places such as the keep of Kumamoto Castle. Although Mount Aso is the better-known volcanic la...»
Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens is a municipal zoo and botanical garden located in Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. The extensive grounds are divided into three main areas: a zoo, a botanical garden, and an amusement park. With approximately 130 animal species comprising around 700 individual animals, as well as about 800 plant species represented by approximately 5...»
Fujisaki Hachiman Shrine is located in Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. With a history dating back more than a thousand years, it has long been revered as the principal guardian shrine of Kumamoto and has played an important role in the religious life of the city. The shrine formerly held the rank of a National Shrine of the Third Order under Japan's prewar shrine classification sys...»
Suizenji Jojuen Garden, commonly known as Suizenji Park, is a beautiful traditional Japanese landscape garden located in Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Created under the patronage of the Hosokawa family, who ruled the Kumamoto Domain during the Edo period, the garden remains one of the city's best-known attractions. Covering approximately 73,000 square meters, Suizenji Jojuen is d...»
Chojuji Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Kihara, Tomiai-machi, Minami Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. It is a branch temple of Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei and is widely known by the name Kihara Fudoson, after its principal deity, Fudo Myoo, the Buddhist deity associated with protection and the defeat of evil. Chojuji is counted among Japan's Three Great Fudo Temples, tog...»
Rokuden Shrine is located in Minami Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, on Mount Gankai, also known as Mount Kihara. The shrine stands in the same mountainous area as Chojuji Temple, popularly known as Kihara Fudoson. It formerly held the rank of a village shrine under Japan's prewar shrine classification system. The shrine's origins date back to 1178, when Taira no Shigemori, the eldest so...»
Daiji Temple, formally known as Dairyozan Daiji Zen Temple, is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple in Minami Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Founded in 1278 by the Buddhist monk Kangan Giin, it has played an important historical role as a major center of Soto Zen Buddhism in Kyushu. The temple continues to serve as a place of Buddhist training, with a monks' meditation hall where practitioners st...»
Sakurayama Shrine is located in Kurokami, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Its principal deities are Amaterasu Omikami and Toyouke Omikami. The shrine also honors members of the Higo Loyalist Party who played roles during the Meiji Restoration, as well as the warriors known as the Shinpuren, who took part in an uprising against the early Meiji government. The shrine grounds preserve...»
Gorogataki Waterfall is located in Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture. It is one of the Yabe Forty-Eight Waterfalls and is a prominent feature of the area's rich natural landscape. The waterfall was formerly known as Todoroki River, and the water cascading down from upstream creates a dramatic scene. Tsujun Bridge, another famous attraction, stands just upstream from the waterf...»
Yamato Town is located in eastern Kumamoto Prefecture, in Kamimashiki District. Rich in natural beauty, it is an appealing destination for travelers interested in scenery, history, and traditional culture. The town was established in 2005 through the merger of Yabe Town, Seiwa Village, and Soyo Town, formerly part of Aso District. Because of its central position on the island of Kyushu, Yamato is ...»
Misumi Port is located at the tip of the Uto Peninsula in central Kumamoto Prefecture, facing Amakusa Oyano Island. Its naturally sheltered waters have made it an important port since ancient times. Today, the area is known for its maritime history and, in particular, Misumi West Port, a historic harbor that preserves the atmosphere of Japan’s modernization during the Meiji era (1868–1912). Misum...»
Sanpoji Temple is a temple of the Ōbaku school of Zen Buddhism located in the Minamibuta area of Ogawa Town, Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Its mountain name is Bonpukuzan. The temple was founded by Tetsugen Doko, a Zen Buddhist monk of the Edo period, and is closely associated with the production of the Tetsugen Issaikyo, a celebrated edition of the Buddhist canon known as the Ōbaku edition of th...»
Uki City Shiranui Art Museum is located in Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture. It is an important cultural facility that introduces and promotes local art and artistic activities. The museum originally opened in July 1999 as Shiranui Town Art Museum, operated by the former Shiranui Town. Following the town's merger into Uki City, it became known as Uki City Shiranui Art Museum. The museum is part of a...»
Uki City is located in central Kumamoto Prefecture. It was established in 2005 through the merger of Misumi Town and Shiranui Town in Uto District with Matsubase Town, Ogawa Town, and Toyono Town in Shimomashiki District. The city's name, Uki, comes from the collective name for Uto City, Uto District, and Shimomashiki District. Uki is blessed with historical sites, cultural attractions, beautiful...»
Sumiyoshi Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Sumiyoshi-machi, Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. It formerly held the rank of a prefectural shrine and stands within Sumiyoshi Nature Park, surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery. The shrine has long been revered as a guardian of maritime safety and has played an important role in the religious life and history of the region....»
Nagabeta Seabed Road is a distinctive road built out into the Ariake Sea in Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Its unusual appearance changes dramatically with the tides, creating a remarkable coastal landscape that attracts visitors and photographers. Depending on the water level, the road either emerges from the sea or disappears beneath the water, leaving a line of utility poles standing above the ...»
Sumiyoshi Nature Park is a scenic park in Sumiyoshi, Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Facing the Ariake Sea, also known in this area as Shimabara Bay, it offers attractive coastal scenery and seasonal natural beauty throughout the year. The park is particularly famous for its hydrangeas. During the rainy season, the flowers add vibrant color to the grounds and attract many visitors. Historic and cu...»
A City Where History and the Sea Come Together Uto City is located in central Kumamoto Prefecture and is known for its history as a castle town ruled by the Christian feudal lord Konishi Yukinaga. Since medieval times, the area has prospered as an important transportation hub and has witnessed conflicts among powerful local clans. In the modern era, Uto continued to develop as one of Kumamoto Pre...»
Okoshiki Beach is a beautiful stretch of coastline in Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, facing the Ariake Sea, which is known for its exceptionally large tidal range. The beach is famous for the intricate patterns that appear across its tidal flats at low tide. These natural formations create a spectacular landscape that attracts photographers, nature lovers, and visitors from across Japan. The beac...»
Eino Jinja Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Eino, Shiranuhimachi, Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Formerly classified as a village shrine, it has long been rooted in the local community. The shrine is particularly well known for its torii gate standing in the waters of the Shiranui Sea, also known as the Yatsushiro Sea. The striking sight of the gate surrounded by the sea creates a majestic l...»
Natsume Sōseki's Former Tsuboi Residence is one of the houses in which Natsume Sōseki, one of Japan's most influential novelists and haiku poets, lived during his years in Kumamoto. Located in Uchitsuboi-machi, Chūō-ku, Kumamoto City, the residence is known as one of the homes where he stayed for the longest period during his time in the city....»
Kumamoto International Folk Crafts Museum is a museum dedicated to collecting and exhibiting folk crafts. Located in Tatsuda, Kita-ku, Kumamoto City, it opened in May 1965. Its founding director, Kinosuke Tonomura, collected beautiful objects from everyday life throughout Japan and around the world, including ceramics, glassware, toys, textiles, and woodwork. The museum offers visitors an opportu...»
Suizenji Ezuko Lake Park is a spacious urban park in Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Centered on the beautiful waters of Lake Ezuko, the park stretches from the area near Suizenji Jojuen Garden to the southern end of Lake Shimo-Ezuko. Although surrounded by residential neighborhoods, it offers a rich natural environment where visitors can enjoy lakeside walks, observe wildlife, and relax besid...»
Reigandō Cave is located in Matsuo-machi, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, on a wooded hillside behind Unganzenji Temple. It is famous as the place where Miyamoto Musashi, one of Japan's most celebrated swordsmen, wrote The Book of Five Rings, his renowned treatise on martial strategy. Inside the cave stands a Buddhist statue of Kannon known as Iwato Kannon. Nearby, the temple's trea...»
Jōdōji Temple is a historic Zen temple located in Hanazono, Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City. Nestled at the foot of the hills near Kohagien, a national recreation forest, the temple stands at the end of a narrow road surrounded by trees. Its peaceful grounds, beautiful spring water, and seasonal scenery offer visitors a tranquil retreat from the city....»
Rendaiji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple in Rendaiji, Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City. It belongs to the Seizan Zenrinji branch of the Jōdo school of Buddhism and is also known as Higakiji Temple. The temple is closely associated with Higaki no Ōna, a celebrated female poet who is said to have lived here during the Heian period. Rendaiji is also the 16th temple on the Higo Thirty-Three Kannon Pilg...»
Kitaoka Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located at the foot of Mount Hanaoka in Kasuga, Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City. Situated within walking distance of JR Kumamoto Station, the shrine is known for its long history, its impressive sacred camphor trees, and its blessings for protection against misfortune, good relationships, and marital happiness. The shrine has been an important place of worship...»
Takahashi Inari Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Kamidai, Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City. It is widely known as a place to pray for prosperous business, abundant harvests, and good fortune. The shrine is counted among Japan's Five Great Inari Shrines and attracts worshippers from across Kumamoto and beyond. With its large vermilion torii gate, impressive stone walls, and numerous subsidia...»
Chikozu Kashima Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Matsuo-machi, Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City. Formerly classified as a village shrine, it is particularly famous for its annual Hi no Kami Festival, or Fire God Festival, held on October 14. This dramatic event reenacts a legendary battle in which local residents drove away pirates by throwing burning branches. The shrine has a long history...»
Chokōen Garden is a historic Japanese garden located in Shimazaki, Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City. It was originally created in the middle of the Edo period as one of the detached residences known as ochaya, or teahouses, built by Hosokawa Tsunatoshi, the third lord of the Higo Domain. The garden takes its name from the poetic expression "Chōgetsu Kōun," meaning "fishing for the moon and cultivating c...»
Tsuzumigataki Waterfall is located along the Kawachi River in the western part of Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. It lies in a valley formed by the Kinpōzan Caldera and is one of the scenic highlights of an area known as Higo Yabakei. The waterfall takes its name from the sound of its falling water. According to local tradition, the water once echoed inside the surrounding rock formations, pr...»
Sankendo is a distinctive circular building located in Shimazaki, Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. It was built in 1936 by Kenzo Adachi, a politician from Kumamoto. The facility was established as a place where the citizens of Kumamoto could cultivate their minds and deepen their understanding of the region's history and values. Inside the hall are statues of three important histor...»
Kumamoto City Crafts Hall is a public cultural facility in Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. It opened in 1991 and is dedicated to introducing the traditional crafts of Kumamoto Prefecture and supporting the development of local craftsmanship. The hall displays a wide range of works, from traditional local crafts such as Higo Zogan metal inlay, Kawashiri blades, and Higo spinning tops to contem...»
Kengun Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Together with Aso Shrine in Aso City, Kosa Shrine in Kosa Town, and Kounoura Shrine in Uki City, it is known as one of the Aso Four Shrines, which have a close connection with the worship of Mount Aso. It is considered one of the oldest shrines in Kumamoto City. The shrine was formerly called Ta...»
Kounoura Shrine is located in Kounoura, Misumi-machi, Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture. It is traditionally regarded as the third-ranking shrine of the former Higo Province and has been an important place of worship for local people throughout its long history. Under the former shrine-ranking system, it was classified as a Gōsha, or village-level shrine. It is also counted as one of the Aso Four Shr...»
Shinkai Daijingu Shrine is located in Uchida-machi, Minami Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. With a history dating back to the mid-15th century, it is an important place of worship that has been deeply respected by local residents for generations. Its former shrine rank was Gōsha, a village-level shrine under the traditional shrine-ranking system. The shrine is dedicated to two major deit...»
Kosa Shrine is located in Kamiage, Kosa Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture. It is traditionally regarded as the second-ranking shrine of the former Higo Province and has long been revered as an important guardian shrine of southern Higo. Kosa Shrine is also counted as one of the Aso Four Shrines, together with Aso Shrine in Aso City, Kounoura Shrine in Uki City, and Kengun Shrine in ...»