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 […]
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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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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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
Hassaku Festival creations If you are interested in art and traditional crafts in Japan then while you are in Kyushu definitely make time to visit Yamato town to see the Hassaku Festival creations. These amazing objects, made entirely of natural materials, are created each year and paraded through town during the Hassaku Festival. Once the
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Cosmos コスモス Flower Viewing When you think of autumn in Japan the image that first comes to mind is probably bright red maple leaves not a sea of pink and white flowers. But for many Japanese the cheerful blooms of the Cosmos flower are one of the country’s most typical autumnal scenes. The Japanese love
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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
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Kamishikimi Kumano-imasu Shrine If you only have time to visit one shrine in the Aso area, visit the one with the longest name. Kamishikimi Kumano-imasu Shrine is definitely worth the journey even if you’re not a huge fan of shrines. Situated a few kilometres from Takamori Town in Minami Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture, this once little
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Tucked away in the foothills of Mount Waita, within sight of the Oita border, lies the little known Waita onsen area, a collection of six small onsen resorts. This is a remarkable area, everywhere you look you will see, smell and hear the violently gushing steam and bubbling vents. These puncture the ground and fill the skies
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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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