The World Heritage Manda Pit, also known as the Manda Kou in Japanese, is part of the Miike Coal Mine, which was once the largest coal mine in Japan. The mine played a huge role in enabling Japan’s modernisation during the Meiji era and war years, producing 10% of Japan’s coal. The pit, built using British […]
World Heritage Manda Pit 万田坑 Read More »
Kusasenri The view of Kusasenri is one of the iconic scenes of Kumamoto; a vast emerald green grassland plateau with peacefully grazing cows and horses reflected in the still crater ponds on the top of the central peaks of Aso. The name Kusasenri 草千里 means a thousand leagues of grass and the peaceful vista today belies its violent history. Standing on the
Kusasenri Plateau 草千里 Read More »
Explore Kumamoto uses Higo Ozu Station as a convenient pick up point for tours to Aso, Kurokawa, and Takachiho. Doing so saves valuable time as driving through Kumamoto City center adds on a lot of journey time to the tour. There is a frequent train service from Kumamoto City to Higo Ozu, journey times are between 30 and 40 mins and costs 460 yen one
Higo Ozu Station 肥後大津駅 Read More »
Daikanbo Viewpoint The name given to the prime viewpoint of Aso, from here dramatic 360 degree views reveal the panoramic expanse of the whole caldera and the rolling grasslands behind. On a clear day this point gives you the best views of ‘Nehanzo’, the sleeping buddha, its silhouette formed by the central 5 peaks of Mount Aso. If the conditions are right you may see the buddha
Daikanbo viewpoint 大観峰 Read More »
Very sadly one of my favorite spots in Aso, the Laputa Road Viewpoint was badly damaged in the earthquakes of April 2016 and can no longer safely be visited. The photos below show the landslides and road damage that occurred. Before the earthquakes One of the top spots to see in Aso, but
Laputa Road ラピュタロード Read More »
If you are visiting Kurokawa Onsen, Aso or just a fan of waterfalls put the Nabegataki Falls high on your list to see. Only recently discovered as a tourist location, the fall itself is a wide sheet of water; though not particularly high at 10 meters it makes up for it with a width of around 20
Nabegataki Falls 鍋ケ滝 Read More »
Located at Kusasenri, Mount Aso’s vast green plateau on top of the mountains. The Aso Volcano Museum is a 3 storey concrete building with views of the steaming crater of Nakadake Volcano in the distance. The Aso Volcano Museum consists of displays relating to the formation of the Aso volcanos and its caldera, and the
The Aso Volcano Museum 阿蘇火山博物館 Read More »
The Kumamoto Zoo and Botanical Gardens are situated on the eastern edge of the city on the edge of the beautiful Ezu Lake. If you are travelling with children or just need a break from castles and temples the Zoo is sure to keep everyone amused and at only 300 Yen per adult and 100 Yen for school age
Kumamoto Zoo 熊本 動物園 Read More »
Rent a Bicycle What better way to explore the city and beyond than by renting a bicycle for a day. Kumamoto City is a great place to cycle around with wide pavements and very few slopes. You can reach Suizenji Park or Tatsuda Nature Park from the city center within a leisurely 30 minute bike ride or head
Sightsee by bicycle Read More »
Experience the old town of Yamaga in the traditional way with a handpulled rickshaw ride. The 20 minute course costs 1500 Yen per person. Maximum 2 people. Yamaga Rickshaw Rides can be booked up to the day before and take place between 09:00 and 17:00 Rickshaw rides are available all year round except for the New
Yamaga Rickshaw Ride Read More »
