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 […]
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
Seiwa Bunrakumura – traditional puppet theatre Read More »
The Tomioka Castle was built in 1602 on the Tomioka Peninsula on the western reaches of Amakusa Shimoshima. The castle nicknamed the ‘Lying Dragon Castle’ was considered a subsidiary castle to Karatsu castle nicknamed the ‘Flying Crane’. Tomioka Castle made excellent use of its natural defenses, being located on a hilly penisula surrounded by the sea and
Tomioka Castle 富岡城跡 Read More »
Tsuetate Onsen A hidden valley in the far north of Kumamoto nicknamed ‘Kyushu’s inner sanctum’, the once lively Tsuetate onsen resort has a 1800 year history and is still a fascinating place to visit, not least because of its faded glory and step back in time Showa era atmosphere. The hot springs still function and are
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Noyaki – the burning of the grasslands If you visit the Aso area in late February or March you might be surprised to find the lush green grasslands you saw in all the photos scorched and blackened. Don’t worry a war has not broken out it’s only the yearly Noyaki. Noyaki season Noyaki takes place from mid
Noyaki – 野焼 Aso’s Grassland Burning Read More »
Aso Sankinkotai Road Walk Parts of an ancient highway dating from the end of the 16th century still remain in the Aso region, this short walk takes you from the village of Akamizu (Redwater) up to the top of the caldera wall and back down again. The route follows the path the Kumamoto lords and their huge retinues
Aso Sankinkotai Road 豊後街道 二重峠石畳 Read More »
Ancient Burial Mound Museum The Kumamoto Prefectural Ancient Burial Mound museum in Yamaga celebrates the many and various decorated tumuli of Kumamoto. A tumulus is an ancient burial mound, there are approximately 200,000 of these burial mounds scattered over Japan all dating back from 400 to 700 AD. The era when these tumulus were built
Kumamoto Ancient Burial Mound Museum 熊本県立装飾古墳館 Read More »
Tonkararin If you love a good mystery – or dark, narrow spaces! – , then you are bound to be intrigued by Tonkararin. The many questions surrounding Tonkararin serve to make the site more interesting and you cannot help but come up with your own theories as you explore. Tonkararin is so mysterious it’s hard to know how
Mystery spot: Tonkararin トンカラリン Read More »
Kokuzo Shrine Tucked away in the shade of the caldera wall in the hamlet of Teno you will find the Kokuzo Shrine 国造神社. Situated only 6 km north of the better known Aso Shrine if you have time the Kokuzo shrine is definitely worth a detour. Why visit? Primarily because here you can see the remains
Kokuzo Shrine and the great Teno cedar tree 国造神社 Read More »
The solemnly peaceful 1800 year old Takachiho Shrine is set in a wonderful grove of towering Japanese Cryptomeria trees, the oldest said to be over 1000 years old. Takachiho Shrine is the head shrine of the 88 shrines of the 18 villages of Takachiho. The most famous of the trees surrounding the shrine buildings are the ‘Couple
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