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 […]
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
Shiramizu Falls 白水滝 Read More »
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’
Yamabuki Springhead 山吹水源 Read More »
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
Higanbana 彼岸花 Spider Lily viewing After a long, hot summer the arrival of the spider lillies in mid September heralds the beginning of autumn. The tall stalks and dramatic bright red blooms seem to shoot up out of nowhere appearing around paddy fields, embankments and verges. The flowering season is short lasting only 2 or
Higanbana 彼岸花 Spider Lily Viewing Read More »
In a kink in the Shirakawa river next to an electricity plant there is a very curious shrine. Driving home from the city the other day I realise I have time to explore somewhere new before it gets dark. I’ve been to all the main shrines in Kumamoto but have been thinking I should use
Summers in Japan are hot and humid so heading to a river to splash around or take a swim is one of the best ways to cool down and stay sane. Unfortunately, though there are plenty of rivers around it can be really difficult to find a safe swimming spot with clean water, parking and
Senjoukawara swimming spot 千畳河原 Read More »
Lamune Onsen ラムネ温泉 Named after Japan’s traditional fizzy drink Lamune or Ramune, this quirky soda pop spa is a hot spring that attracts onsen officianados and admirers of architecture from all over Japan. Why visit? Firstly, the onsen water itself is naturally carbonated, tiny bubbles fizzing and collecting around you as you bathe, the carbonation
Ramune Onsen ラムネ温泉 – the Soda Pop Spa Read More »
With its extensive white sands and crystal-clear emerald-green sea, the completely unspoilt Mogushi Beach is a rarity in Japan. It is one of the most beautiful natural beaches in Kyushu and has a deserved place in Japan’s top 100 beaches. The beach is in an out of the way location only accessible by car or bicycle or after a
Mogushi Beach 茂串海水浴場 Read More »
Kuju Sights & Flower Park Tour enjoy seasonal flower displays from April – November Kuju Sights & Flower Park Tour – Visit the Kuju National Park A relaxing and fun day out in the Kuju National Park. The Kuju mountains are home to the largest pedestrian suspension bridge in Japan, Kyushu’s highest wetland, an active volcano, and
Kuju Sights & Flower Park Tour Read More »
