Kumamoto prefecture: rich in beauty and history

Presentation

Kumamoto Prefecture is located in the center of the Kyushu Archipelago in southern Japan. Famous for the historic castle of the main city of the prefecture. "Kumamoto" is a parole among nature lovers, since Kumamoto lies between seas and mountains, there also hot springs and culture.

Places not to miss

Kumamoto Castle, considered one of the three most beautiful castles in Japan along with those of Himeji and Matsumoto, is designated as Japan's National Heritage. If its first stone was laid in 1496 it is only from 1607 that the castle is growing and begins to take its current form. The building was a victim of the Great Kumamoto earthquake in 2016, we can not enter for the moment but we can of course admire it from the outside.

Mount Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan, and among the largest in the world. It is located in the center of Aso-Kuju National Park and you can visit a beautiful crater filled with volcanic water. The view is breathtaking.
*Note that the mountain is sometimes designated as off limits zone in accordance with a volcanic alert levels

The city of Amakusa, it includes within it two main islands and six small islands that are all interconnected by bridges and therefore fairly easy to access. The port with the western style church is particularly beautiful. Amakusa is famous for Christianity.

The Suizen-ji Jujo-en garden, ranked among the most beautiful garden of Japan. There is a reproduction of Mount Fuji and its lake, with colorful Koi carps. There is also a traditional tea room that once belonged to the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Very easy to reach from Kumamoto city.

Suizen-Ji Jujo-En

Amakusa islands

The crater of Mount Aso

Kumamoto castle

What to do in Kumamoto

Kurokawa Onsen, probably one of the most famous places for hot springs in Kyushu. Many ryokan (traditional inns) and onsen (natural hot springs) create the typical Japanese charm of this village. If you decide to spend a night in one of the hostels, it will provide you with a yukata (summer kimono) and traditional sandals so that you can walk comfortably in the village. A real moment of relaxation.

SL Hitoyoshi, a locomotive ride through several beautiful landscapes of the region. The train connects the city of Kumamoto to the city of Hitoyoshi and includes several cars in a retro style, and even a small library!

The dolphins of Amakusa, from Amakusa city, it is possible to go by boat to watch wild dolphins jumping on the water. A must for lovers of these animals!

Kurokawa Onsen

SL Hitoyoshi

Dolphins in Amakusa

Events

The Yamaga lantern festival, a long time ago, the people of Yamaga were creating extremely refined lanterns in tribute to the emperor, so the festival was born. The city is famous for the quality of its paper, including the parasols that are made. This is an opportunity to observe traditional dances in which participants wear lanterns on their heads.

The Hino Kuni festival, a festival held in the city of Kumamoto where many dances make the main shopping street extremely warm, do not hesitate to participate!

The parasols of Yamaga festival

The dancers of the festival Hi no Kuni

Local specialties

Basashi, a specialty of the prefecture, the Basashi resembles sashimi, except that instead of fish, it is the horse that is eaten raw! Even if the idea can put off some, the set is indeed excellent and very tender!

The Kumamoto ramen, a must! It is distinguished from other Japanese ramen by the thickness of its noodles and the fact that the broth, traditionally pork, is here mixed with chicken broth. In addition, it is distinguished by the amount of garlic used, including fried garlic!

The Karashi Renkon, it's about lotus roots stuffed with mustard and miso, all fried! A true delight very difficult to find elsewhere in Japan.

Karashi Renkon

Kumamoto Ramen

Basashi