Become an expert traveler, and you will no longer be satisfied with merely visiting tourist attractions. Humans are creatures of luxury. Here, we introduce you to some experience spots in Kumamoto that will make even connoisseurs say, “That was so satisfying!”
The Aso region is home to the world’s largest volcanic caldera and one of the largest grasslands in Japan, long protected by field burn-offs. The views are incomparable and spectacular. It would be a shame to just enjoy it from a car window. Why not get out of the car, and get onto a horse? Each location offers various experience courses, such as walking through the grassland with a guide and viewing the five peaks of Aso. Spending time feeling the warmth of a horse and the gentle sway of its gait can be soothing. Of course, if you are unsure, there is also a led-horse experience available.
The complete opposite of a leisurely horseback ride! Rafting in Hitoyoshi and Kuma, where you can experience the speed and thrill of river rafting, is a source of pride in Kumamoto. The course is directly on the Kuma River, which is punctuated by many rapid and unexpected turns, and taking a boat downriver is truly like nature’s roller coaster. Experience firsthand why the Kuma River is known as a rough river. Halfway through the rafting course, swimming time allows visitors to jump from the rocks—a fun activity sure to captivate both adults and children. Of course, it is closed in midwinter, so check it out before visiting.
For those who find intense water activities such as the Kuma River rather intimidating, there is good news. Known as the “Land of Water,” Kumamoto is dotted with water sources and clear streams, leading to countless spots where people can have fun in the water. These include Kikuchi Gorge in Kikuchi, Nabeta Waterpark in Yamaga, Todoroki Spring in Uto, Todoroki Falls in Amakusa, which is strongly associated with the sea, and Lake Ezu in Kumamoto City, which is like an oasis for locals. The list is endless. There are so many, and most of these spots are free. Enjoy yourself, but be considerate of others.
When you visit Kumamoto, be sure to experience onsen (hot springs) bathing. Kumamoto’s hot springs are ranked among the best in Japan, and there are hot springs all over the prefecture. It’s a hot spring paradise. Hot spring bathing not only warms the body, but also moisturizes the skin and speeds the healing of injuries. Various other effects can also be expected, varying depending on the 10 types of spring water. In Japan, it is said that bathing while looking out at the mountains and the sea or listening to the sound of a babbling river multiplies the healing effect.
In addition, at local machiyu (public bathhouses), which have been preserved in the region for a long time, visitors can interact with local users—another experience to cherish. They’re sure to smile when you tell them, “This hot water is fantastic.” Private rooms with hot spring baths can also be rented out, so those who want to enjoy hot spring bathing with their families are welcome to do so.
Speaking of nationally famous experiences, how about a dinosaur-related experience at Goshoura, a remote island in Amakusa with a circumference of 25.7 km, just a ferry ride away? Here, many fossils have been excavated from the strata of the Cretaceous period. Some of the largest fossilized carnivorous dinosaur teeth in Japan were found here. After registering at the Museum of Goshoura Dinosaur Island, head over to the fossil collection site, where a lot of rocks can be found lying around. Fossils lie hidden within many, and by cracking the stone with a hammer or carefully examining the surface, fossils such as shells can be found. Traces of the Cretaceous period, an unimaginably long time ago, lie dormant on this island.
The geological strata of Amakusa are fascinating. In addition to fossils, they produce Amakusa pottery stone, one of the world’s leading raw materials for ceramics, accounting for 80% of Japan’s total production. There are about 30 pottery kilns in Amakusa, producing unique Amakusa ceramics. Many offer workshops on glazing, hand-forming, and wheel-throwing pottery, and the finished products can be sent to you at a later date. When you finish your trip and return to your daily life, you may find memories of your trip suddenly arising more often that you expect.
Through experiences, you gain not only surprise, excitement, and relaxation, but because of the length of time you spend, you enjoy conversations throughout the experience with people at each location. And this too can be a great experience.
We hope you reflect back on your trip to Kumamoto and the memories you have gained through these experiences and say, “I can’t wait to go back again.”
