As one of Japan’s most ancient and prestigious sanctuaries,

Aso Shrine is renowned for its blessings in road safety,

matchmaking, and academic success. According to legend,

it was founded in 281 BC by a descendant of Japan’s first

emperor, Emperor Jinmu. With over two millennia of history,

this sacred site offers visitors a deep connection to Japan’s

spiritual roots. 

Tucked away just outside Oguni town in the Aso region,

Nabegataki Waterfall is a breathtaking hidden gem. Spanning

20 meters wide, it is often described as a “mini-Niagara Falls”

due to its elegant, curtain-like appearance. This magical site

offers a unique experience where visitors can actually walk

behind the cascading sheet of water and view the sun-dappled

forest from inside the falls.

Shirakawa Suigen is the pristine source of the Shirakawa River,

designated as one of Japan’s major first-class rivers. At this

magical spring, an astonishing 60 tons of crystal-clear water

gushes out every minute from the sandy bed of the pond.

Renowned for its exceptional purity, the spring is celebrated

as one of the best water sources in Japan, offering visitors a

serene and refreshing escape.

The castle is not only one of Japan’s three greatest castles but also

a celebrated destination among Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom

Spots. Although the 2016 earthquakes caused extensive damage and

destroyed several historic structures, restoration work has been

progressing at a remarkable pace ever since. It now stands as a

powerful symbol of the region’s resilience and recovery.

Situated at the foot of Kumamoto Castle, Josaien is a vibrant landmark

in the Sakurano-baba district. It was created to preserve and promote the

spirit of the old castle town, inviting visitors to experience Kumamoto’s

rich culinary heritage and cultural traditions. Centered around the majestic

castle—the city’s most iconic symbol—Josaien offers an immersive

journey into the heart of the region.

Suizenji-koen Park called Jojuen is a refined, circular strolling garden in the

Momoyama style, designed to evoke Japan’s most scenic landscapes. It is

famous for its miniature representations of the 53 stations along the Tokaido

Road, most notably the iconic cone of Mt. Fuji. The garden’s crystal-clear

ponds are continuously replenished by cold springwater, which originates

from Mount Aso and travels via underground currents to surface here.

This is the largest shopping arcade in Kumamoto Prefecture and serves as

the region’s premier destination for fashion and entertainment. The bustling

streets are home to major department stores and stylish boutiques, along

with a diverse dining area. Here, visitors can enjoy everything from cozy

cafes to restaurants offering authentic local cuisine, all available from day

to night.

The convenient public transportation to travel in Kumamoto City is the

tramway. There are two lines, the A-Line and B-Line. Most of the stops on

the A-Line and B-Line are the same. Popular stops that both lines go to

include Suizenji-koen Park, Kumamoto Castle, Shimotori Shopping Street,

and the Kumamoto Kotsu Centre Bus Station. 

Amakusa Gokyo or Amakusa five bridges, is a general term for

five bridges which connects from Misumi at the Udo peninsula to

the Oyano island, the Nagaura island, Ikejima, Maejima, and

Amakusa Kamishima, was built in 1966. The area on the National

road route 266 called as the Pearl Line.

Connecting the islands of Amakusa with the inland of Kumamoto

via the Uto Peninsula are Amakusa Gokyo or Amakusa Five Bridge.

You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Amakusa from the sea

on a cruise.

The oldest Catholic Church in Amakusa and was one of the first

churches built right after the ban on Christianity was lifted. The and

Romanesque-style architecture and the chalky white structure was

rebuilt in 1933 by a French missionary priest named Father

Garnier using his own money.

A Gothic-looking church is located on a cove of a fishing village. In 1934,

a French priest Augustin Halbout MEP purchased the premises of the

former village headman and built a wooden and concrete finished church,

with Tetsukawa Yosuke’s design and construction.

The theme Museum shows History of Christianity in Amakusa and 

Shimabara Rebellion which was a peasant uprising against bakufu’s

persecution of Christians under the leadership of Amakusa Shiro

in 1637.

Built in 1602, one year after Terasawa Shimanokami hirotaka came to

Amakusa. Although Amakusa ruled by proxy for Terasawa from

Tomioka Castle, he revelled with his army in the Shimabara Rebellion

in 1637. After the rebellion, Yamasaki Kainokami Ieharu ruled from the

castle, and which was restored and enlarged to its present form. 

Sengan moutain

Observatory

Ariake Octopus

Street

Oppai Stone or breast

stone

60 minutes by a vehicle from Hitoyoshi

1 hour and 40 minutes by a vehicle from Kumamoto-city

2 hours and 30 minutes by a vehicle from Takachiho

2 hours and 20 minutes by a vehicle from Aso

2 hours and 40 minutes by a vehicle from Fukuoka-city