Kumamoto castle suffered severe damage in the earthquakes of April 14th and 16th, it is currently closed to visitors. The mighty and impenetrable Kumamoto Castle has dominated and protected the city of Kumamoto for over 400 years. Recently ranked the top Japanese Castle to visit on Trip Advisor, Kumamoto Jo has long held the title of being […]
Upper Ezu Lake is just 30 minutes from the heart of the city and 10 minutes walk from Suizenji Park. It’s a wonderful place to just hang out and relax or have a picnic but if you fancy doing something a little more active renting a rowing boat or a character pedalo can also be a
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An oasis just a few km from the heart of the city, Ezu Lake (江津湖 Ezuko) is a natural lake fed by the underground springs Kumamoto is famous for. The springs bubble up from Suizenji Gardens and feed the lake with crystal clear, refreshingly cool water. The gourd shaped lake has two main parts, the upper
“There is nothing outside of yourself that can ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter. Everything is within. Everything exists. Seek nothing outside of yourself.” ― Miyamoto Musashi, The Book of Five Rings Miyamoto Musashi is a name every Japanese person knows as belonging to the greatest samurai swordsman and strategist of his
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Kumamon If you visit Kumamoto you will not fail to see a certain black bear with rosy red cheeks on everything from the buses to your toothpaste. Since his debut in 2010 Kumamon has become the ubiquitous mascot of Kumamoto Prefecture and a national favourite. The cheeky black bear with the rosy red cheeks is found everywhere
