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 »
Ikeyama Springs Of all the springs I’ve visited in the Aso area, the Ikeyama Springs one has the biggest wow factor. Possibly because I visited in early February and to come across this lush green oasis in the middle of winter was something special. Situated a few km north of the tiny village of Ubuyama, off Route 11 on
Ikeyama Springs 池山水源 Read More »
After the hot spring heaven of Kurokawa why not take a trip to Hell? Sparrow Hell – or Suzume Jigoku in Japanese. This is a cold water volcanic sulphur spring, the gas is so powerful it can kill sparrows and even tanuki and fox have been found killed by the fumes…. humans are fine though
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Shirakawa Source Also known as the Shirakawa Suigen 白川水源 in Japanese, this is the most well-known of a cluster of mineral water springs that bubble up in the southern part of the Aso region called ‘Minami Aso’. Famed as one of the top 100 springs in Japan many people gather here to bottle the spring water, scoops and funnels are
Suizenji Gardens Also known as Suizenji Jojuen Park, these beautiful gardens are situated in the east of the city, a 15 minute tram ride from the city center. Suizenji Jojuen is a very popular destination for both Japanese and international tourists, however, on a weekday it is possible to have the park mostly to yourself sharing
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
