The beautiful prairie of 785,000 square meter in the crater. Spreads in northern part of Mt. Eboshi that is one of the Aso five Mountains. A big pond at its center and grazing horses round about make an idyllic scene. Visitors can enjoy the various seasons from its vivid green summer to the fantastic silvery winter, as well as riding horses and strolling around throughout the year.    

Kusasenri-ga-hama, in Aso, Kumamoto-pref…の続きを読む

  Nabegataki waterfall is a hidden tourist spot in Kumamoto prefecture, located just outside Oguni town in Aso region. One of the area’s more well-known waterfalls. Looking like a mini-Niagara. It is very unique waterfalls, you can actually climb behind the falls to see how the water has carved out the rock over the year.   The hidden tourist spot   in Aso region  View from outside of the  Waterfalls  View from behind the  Waterfalls

Nabegataki waterfall, in Kumamoto-prefec…の続きを読む

  Shochu is a Japanese distilled beverage less than 45% alcohol by volume.  Typically shochu contains 25% alcohol by volume, which is weaker than whisky or standard-strength vodka but stronger than wine and sake. Takahashi Shuzo is a Shochu brewery in Hitoyoshi founded in 1900. You can sample many kind of Shochu at Takahashi shuzo.      

Shochu brewery in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto-pr…の続きを読む

  Aoi Aso Shrine, located in Kami-Aoi-cho, Hitoyoshi-city, was designated as the first national treasure in Kumamoto-prefecture by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in 2008, as “an extremely outstanding Important Cultural Property and one with particularly deep cultural and historical significance.” The shine is the oldest extant shrine in the Hitoyoshi-city. It dates from 806 and bears similarities in layout to the imperial palace of that time in Heiankyo (now Kyoto), which was built in 794. Most of the current shrine buildings date from 1610 and are a blend of several architectural styles with some unusual decorative details.  An iconic symbol of the shrine The approach to the worship hall passes through the two-story romon gate. The gate is 12 meters high, with a steeply angled thatch roof. The transoms are decorated with dynamic carvings, including episodes from a series of Confucian teachings (the Twenty-Four Exemplars of Filial Piety) and a pair of carved white faces at each of the four corners. The carved faces are the only known carvings of their kind in Japan and represent the emotions of pleasure, anger, sorrow, and joy.          

Aoi Aso Shrine, in Hitoyosi, Kumamoto-pr…の続きを読む

  Yamanami Highway is one of the most beautiful driving route in Kyushu from Yufuin to Aso through Aso Kuju National Park, it is not expressway. The literal meaning of Yamanami is a series of mountains. The beautiful scenery can be enjoyed throughout the year.       

Yamanami Highway…の続きを読む

  Hiburi-shinji is the annual festival held at Aso Shrine in Aso, Kumamoto-prefecture. Hiburi-shinji is a Shinto ritual that signifies the wedding ceremony of the gods. When the deity of the Himegami wrapped in oak branches and leaves arrives, the parishioners all celebrate by lighting torches made from grass and waving them around. A ring of flames swinging heroically colors the Shrine at night, and the whole area is enveloped in a fantastical atmosphere. After Hiburi-shinji end, spring comes to Aso.

Hiburi-shinji at Aso Shrine…の続きを読む

  Akausi don is this rice bowl is made with luxurious Aso red beef called Akaushi raised in the nature of the magnificent green grasslands of Aso, Kumamoto-prefecture, and allows you to easily enjoy the delicious flavor of the beef. Slices of Akaushi steak grilled medium-rare are laid luxuriously on top of the rice. When you stuff your mouth with Akaushi rice and meat, you will experience an indescribable bliss, and it is an irresistible dish for meat lovers.  

Akaushi don…の続きを読む

  Takamori dengaku is the local cuisine in Aso, which a dish created to make the sweet potatoes, which can only be grown in this region, more delicious and last longer. As part of Takamori’s culinary culture, it has remained the same since then, with the addition of some ingredients.What we are particular about is that the condiments in Dengaku miso are exposed to the sun and contain a lot of minerals that have been absorbed, making it a dish that not only fills your stomach but also maintains your health by eating it. We hope you will enjoy Aso with traditional slow food while sitting around the hearth, coating the ingredients grilled over natural charcoal with miso, and talking with others.      

Takamori dengaku…の続きを読む

  Takamori dengaku is a dish created to make the sweet potatoes, which can only be grown in this region, more delicious and last longer. As part of Takamori’s culinary culture, it has remained the same since then, with the addition of some ingredients.What we are particular about is that the condiments in Dengaku miso are exposed to the sun and contain a lot of minerals that have been absorbed, making it a dish that not only fills your stomach but also maintains your health by eating it. We hope you will enjoy Aso with traditional slow food while sitting around the hearth, coating the ingredients grilled over natural charcoal with miso, and talking with others.     

Takamori dengaku-mura…の続きを読む

  Wasshoi Million Summer Festival is one of the festivals representing Kyushu and  started in 1988 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the formation of the city and has more than one and half million spectators every year.  The festival is held on Komonji dori Avenue in front of Kitakyushu City Government  Office on the first Saturday and Sunday of August ( August 5 and 6 this year). On the first day (Saturday)，after the opening ceremony parade, festivals representing each of the old cities assemble to join the parade and excitement grows among all the festival participants and spectators. On the second day (Sunday)， the Million Dance is performed around Kokura Castle by one and half million citizens who come from local companies and town groups，wearing themed festival costumes. They dance and dance, enlivening and energising the festival. One of the greatest highlights is the firework display，this spectacular show marks the finale of the festival.  ・Venue : Komonji Avenue and Katsuyama Park Kokura kitaku ・Direction : A 15 min. walk from JR Kokura Station

Wasshoi Million Summer Festival…の続きを読む