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 often known as the “belly button of Kyushu.”
Tsujun Bridge is a stone arch aqueduct bridge built during the Edo period and is one of Kumamoto Prefecture’s best-known attractions. It was constructed to carry irrigation water across a valley, and its dramatic water releases are a major highlight. The bridge demonstrates an ingenious water-supply system that continues to attract visitors who want to see its impressive engineering and powerful streams of water.
Enkei Bunsui is a facility designed to distribute water efficiently to the Tsujun Bridge aqueduct. It is an important part of the local irrigation system and is an interesting place to visit together with the bridge, offering a closer look at the infrastructure that supports agriculture in the area.
The landscape formed by the Tsujun irrigation system and the terraced rice fields of the Shiraito Plateau has been selected as an Important Cultural Landscape of Japan. Beautiful rice terraces spread across the countryside, creating scenery that changes with the seasons and evokes the traditional rural landscapes of Japan. The area was designated in stages between 2008 and 2010, and the protected landscape now covers approximately 468 hectares.
Seiwa Bunraku is a traditional puppet theater designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property by Kumamoto Prefecture. This performing art offers visitors an opportunity to experience the town’s history and culture. It continues to be preserved and passed down through generations as an important source of local pride.
Soyokyo Gorge is a scenic valley with beautiful landscapes throughout the year. It is particularly popular during the autumn foliage season, when the surrounding mountains are colored in vivid shades. Visitors can enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities amid the area’s expansive natural scenery.
Ryokusenkyo Gorge, located in Seiwa District, is another popular destination for nature lovers. Its clear river water and lush green surroundings make it especially appealing in summer, when families and other visitors come to enjoy the refreshing atmosphere.
Onari Shrine is a historic place of worship in Yabe District. It is closely connected with the area’s history and remains an important center of faith for local residents.
Koichiryo Shrine is another shrine associated with the history of the region. Visitors can experience part of Yamato’s local culture and religious traditions by stopping here to pay their respects.
Heitate Shrine is an old shrine in Soyo District that has long been revered by local people. Surrounded by seasonal scenery, it is known as a peaceful place for worship and quiet reflection.
Nisemoto Shrine is a historic shrine in Soyo District where local ceremonies and community events are held. It has been carefully maintained and respected by generations of residents.
Numerous waterfalls are scattered throughout Yamato Town. The group of waterfalls in Yabe and Seiwa districts is collectively known as the Yabe Forty-Eight Waterfalls. Among the best-known are Unoko Falls, Hijiri Falls, and Fukura Falls. Their cascading water and surrounding natural scenery make them memorable destinations for visitors exploring the area.
Several parts of the town are known for their beautiful terraced rice fields. The terraces in the Suga and Mine settlements have been selected for Japan’s list of 100 Best Rice Terraces. They are representative examples of traditional Japanese rural scenery and offer a glimpse of the landscape shaped by generations of farming.
The Kyushu Mountains extend across the area, particularly around Seiwa District. The landscape offers different attractions with each season, including colorful autumn leaves and frost-covered trees in winter. The region is ideal for hiking and nature walks, and its varied environment provides opportunities to observe rare plants and animals. It is a rewarding destination for travelers who appreciate the outdoors.
Funaguchi Water Source is a place where clear spring water emerges in Soyo District. Fishing ponds and fish-farming facilities are also located nearby. Visitors can catch fish and have them grilled on the spot, making this a popular stop for those who want to enjoy fresh local food in a natural setting.
The Hassaku Festival is held on the first Saturday and Sunday of September every year in Yabe District. Its main attractions include enormous festival floats and water releases from Tsujun Bridge. The floats are notable for their elaborate decorations made with abundant natural materials. This long-established festival is widely known as one of the area’s distinctive traditional events.
The Hibuse Jizo Festival in Soyo District is said to have begun in 1563. It developed as a traditional observance intended to protect the community from repeated fires. One of its characteristic scenes is young local participants carrying a portable shrine dedicated to Jizo while residents pour water over them from their homes. The lively event preserves a long-standing local tradition.
Held every July, the Moraithlon is a popular event among sports enthusiasts. Participants run through the town and test their physical endurance amid the natural surroundings, combining athletic activity with the landscape of the region.
The Soyokyo Autumn Leaves Festival takes place in early November, when the gorge is surrounded by vivid autumn colors. It provides an opportunity to enjoy the seasonal scenery and interact with local residents, attracting visitors who come to experience the area’s autumn atmosphere.
The Bunraku no Sato Festival celebrates bunraku, the region’s traditional puppet theater. Local residents work together to protect this performing art and pass it on to future generations, making the festival an opportunity to appreciate the town’s cultural heritage.
Yamato Town lies along the southern outer rim of the Aso Caldera and enjoys a rich natural environment. Elevations range from approximately 300 meters to 1,700 meters, creating a cool highland climate in which summers are relatively mild and winter landscapes may be covered in snow. In the northern part of the town, scenic highland areas such as Oyano Plateau and Imunata Plateau offer beautiful views throughout the year. Trekking and hiking are popular ways to explore these landscapes.
The Aso Caldera, located to the north of Yamato Town, is one of the largest volcanic calderas in the world. Its immense scale creates a striking landscape. Views from the southern outer rim are particularly impressive, taking in the Aso volcanic peaks, the crater area, and the broad grasslands. Autumn foliage adds another layer of beauty, drawing many visitors to the region.
The headwaters of two major rivers, the Gokase River and the Midori River, are found in Yamato Town. Flowing down from the mountains, these rivers help sustain the region’s abundant water resources. Walking paths along the clear streams are popular with visitors who want to enjoy the sounds of nature and a relaxing atmosphere. Campgrounds and hot spring facilities can also be found along the rivers, providing places to unwind amid the scenery.
Yamato Town is known for its active organic farming community. Many farmers, particularly in Yabe District, practice organic agriculture. Across the town, efforts are made to promote sustainable farming while protecting the natural environment.
The Soyo Rural Life and Agriculture Training School offers programs related to farming and life in mountain villages. It provides opportunities for people moving from cities and young people interested in agriculture to experience rural life and learn about living and working in the countryside.
Yamato Town is home to numerous historic and cultural attractions as well as its natural scenery. The best-known is Tsujun Bridge, a stone aqueduct bridge built in the 19th century to secure irrigation water for agriculture. Traditional buildings and historic sites are scattered throughout the town, allowing visitors to discover the area’s past and cultural heritage.
Built in 1854, Tsujun Bridge is one of Japan’s largest stone arch bridges. It was constructed to supply irrigation water, through the efforts of Hozunosuke Futa. Its elegant stone arch is an impressive example of traditional engineering. Water is still released through the bridge on designated occasions, and the powerful flow attracts many visitors.
The former Yabe area contains the remains of Hamano-Yakata, a residence built by the Aso family, whose members served as chief priests of Aso Shrine, during the medieval period. The site is associated with the era when the Aso family controlled this region. From the Nanboku-cho period through the Sengoku period, the family held power in Higo Province, which corresponds to present-day Kumamoto Prefecture, and played a role in the region’s development.
Festivals and events celebrating local traditions and culture take place throughout the year in Yamato Town. One of the best-known is the Tsujun Bridge Festival, which attracts many visitors. The event features water releases from the bridge and local specialties, bringing residents and travelers together. In autumn, visitors can also enjoy foliage-viewing trips, harvest events, and other activities that celebrate the region’s natural abundance.
The annual Tsujun Bridge Festival is one of Yamato Town’s signature events. The bridge’s spectacular water release is a major highlight and impresses many spectators. Visitors can also browse stalls selling local specialties and enjoy performances of traditional dance and music. It is a valuable opportunity to experience the area’s culture and community spirit.
In autumn, the mountains and countryside of Yamato Town turn shades of red and yellow. The southern outer rim of the Aso Caldera and the mountains of the Kyushu range are especially well known for their autumn foliage. In addition to enjoying the leaves, visitors can take nature walks, go hiking, and participate in other outdoor activities.
Yamato Town combines rich natural scenery with historic and cultural heritage. From the Aso Caldera and Tsujun Bridge to seasonal landscapes and traditional festivals, there is something to discover throughout the year. Located near the center of Kyushu, the town is an inviting place to step away from the bustle of city life and experience Japan’s rural landscapes, traditions, and natural environment.