Tsujunkyo Bridge 通潤橋 – Yamato Kumamoto’s unique aqueduct Tsujunkyo Bridge is one of Kumamoto’s lesser known treasures. Built in 1854 it is not only Japan’s largest stone aqueduct but also it’s most unusual due to it’s dramatic water release designed to remove silt from the water channels. On certain days it’s also possible to walk […]
Japanese Sweets making experience at Tenmeido, Kawashiri town, Kumamoto City This is a fun and memorable wagashi making experience that anyone can enjoy ! Learn from a Japanese wagashi master with over 40 years of experience. What are ‘Wagashi’ ? Japanese sweets known as ‘Wagashi’ are not only tasty, they are also beautiful to look
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On the One Piece trail If you are a fan of One Piece; Japan’s best selling manga and animation series you need to go on a voyage to discover Kumamoto’s collection of One Piece statues scattered across the prefecture. Kumamoto Prefecture has 10 One Piece statues to see. Limited edition figures of each character are
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Shiramizu Falls 白水滝 – Taketa Shiramizu falls in Ogimachi, Taketa is a beautiful waterfall walk only a 30 minute drive from Takamori Town in Aso. It is a little known spot but definitely worth a visit. In the summer it’s a perfect place to escape the heat & even though you can’t get up really
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Sorafune Pier- そらふねの桟橋 Uchinomaki Sorafune Pier known as Sorafune no sanbashi そらふねの桟橋 is a viewing platform on top of Mt. Tangoyama 田子山. A great photo spot with views looking out over the peaceful farmland of the caldera basin to the smoking central peak of Asozan. Tangoyama , also known as Tagoyama is the name given
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Yamabuki Springhead – Ubuyama The Aso area is famed for its springwaters, a wonderful side effect of the volcanic activity that has been a constant in the area for millenia. After visiting many of them I have to say, Ubuyama Village has two of the best; Ikeyama Suigen 池山水源 and Yamabuki Suigen 山吹水源. (水源 Suigen means ‘water source’
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Higotai Park ヒゴタイ公園- Ubuyama Set on a grassy plateau at the foot of the Kuju Mountains, surrounded by undulating hills formed from ancient pyroclastic flows, Higotai Park offers panoramic views of both the Kuju Mountains and Mount Aso. The park is around 900m in altitude so it’s a good place to immerse yourself in nature
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Kyushu’s only traditional puppet theatre If you are interested in Japanese traditional arts you are sure to find a visit to the Seiwa Bunraku traditional puppet theatre in Yamato Town fascinating. What is Bunraku? Bunraku is the name given to Japan’s traditional puppet theatre which has a history dating back over 300 years. Also known
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Hakkaku Tunnel 八角トンネル photo spot This off the beaten track location is a great find for anyone interested in photography or just uniquely mysterious scenes. Recently popularised on instagram Hakkaku Tunnel in Misato town has a strange retro sci-fi feel that has to be experienced. About Hakkaku tunnel Coming across the Hakkaku tunnel feels a
Originally from Britain I’ve now been based in Japan for at least 20 years; living in Okinawa, Kagoshima, Hiroshima, Kochi, Yakushima and Kumamoto twice. I haven’t always been a guide though. I became involved in tourism by chance when I moved to the World Heritage island of Yakushima in 2012. Living on the island surrounded
