Kumamoto

Kumamoto Prefecture is an appealing region where abundant nature and deep history coexist. The symbol of its history is "Kumamoto Castle." Built by Kato Kiyomasa, the castle is known for its beauty and sturdy stone walls, and its progress in recovering from the earthquake has become a powerful symbol of the prefecture. In nature, "Mount Aso," with one of the world's largest calderas, is essential. Kusasenri-ga-hama, with its vast grasslands, and the views from the outer rim overwhelm visitors. In the Amakusa Islands you can enjoy the beautiful sea and dolphin watching, and churches that evoke the history of the Hidden Christians are scattered around. The food culture is very rich as well. You can enjoy a variety of local specialties, such as exceptionally fresh "basashi" (horse sashimi), "karashi renkon," whose spiciness that shoots up your nose is addictive, and "Kumamoto ramen" with its rich soup. There are also many distinctive hot spring areas, led by Kurokawa Onsen, ideal for soothing the fatigue of travel. Kumamoto, which shows different faces in every season, is a place that offers new discoveries and inspiration whenever you visit.