Yatsushiro / Minamata / Kuma

Top Things to do

• Aoi Aso-jinja Shrine

  4.0

  199 Reviews

  Kumamoto Pref. Hitoyoshishi Kamiaoimachi 118

  This shrine was built in 806, the first year of Emperor Heizei’s reign, and became known as the shrine dedicated to the local deity of the Kuma region. The main building was constructed starting in 1610 over the course of approximately three years by Nagatsune Sagara, and it still stands today. It features a black thatched roof with steep slopes, as well as gorgeously colored, exquisitely decorative Momoyama-style sculptures. In 2008, the five sections of the main shrine building were designated National Treasures. White flowers bloom around the lotus pond in early summer, making it quite a sight to behold.

• Eikokuji Temple (Ghost Temple)

  4.0

  52 Reviews

  Kumamoto Pref. Hitoyoshishi Dotemachi 5

  "This historic Soto sect Zen Buddhist temple is the ninth stop on the Higo pilgrimage to 33 sites sacred to the bodhisattva Kannon. Also known as the Ghost Temple, it has a hanging scroll depicting a ghost from a temple legend that has been passed down since ancient times. The pond behind the main hall is where the ghost was said to have appeared. They have a popular Ghost Festival every August, where for one night only they open a ""Ghost House"" and various festival stands set up shop."

• Kuma River Boat Cruise

  4.0

  39 Reviews

  Kumamoto Pref. Hitoyoshishi Shimoshinmachi 333-1

  "It is located an approximately 10-minute drive from the Hitoyoshi Interchange on the Kyushu Expressway. This popular activity lets you descend the Kuma River, one of Japan's three most fast-flowing rivers along with the Mogami River and Fujigawa River, in a wooden boat that the boatman skillfully maneuvers. You can feel the exhilaration of passing through huge rocks you come very close to and rough waves. The approximately 50-minute ""Seiryu course"" from the Hitoyoshi departure dock to the hot spring town of Hitoyoshi is available from March to November. Between December and February, it becomes relaxing boat with kotatsu (tables heated underneath), offering a different way of enjoyment than the rough rafting in the summer."

• Hitoyoshijo Castle History Museum

  4.0

  39 Reviews

  Kumamoto Pref. Hitoyoshishi Fumotomachi 18-4

  Located on the site of Hitoyoshi Castle, this museum has displays on the construction and history of the castle, including the 12-meter long Kuma Ezu diagram. A reconstructed stone cellar gives you a chance to see the masonry of that period. These are quite rare in Japan. They also have facilities for meetings and trainings, and locals use it as a place to study.

• Gokanosho

  4.0

  26 Reviews

  Kumamoto Pref. Yatsushiroshi Izumimachi

  Gokanosho is a collective name for a region of five local settlements, and is approximately 60 minutes from the Matsuhashi or Hitoyoshi Interchange of the Kyushu Expressway. This region surrounded by the steep ravines of the Kyushu Central mountain range is said to have been established by the Heike clan after being defeated at the Battle of Danno-ura. Located here is the Heike no Sato, culture and history museum which tells of the settler’s folklore and lifestyles of that period. Also the Kureko Kodai Dance, a National Important Intangible Cultural Property, is performed annually within the Kureko shrine precincts commemorating their settlement on August 15, September 1, and November 3. This region is also an exquisite spot for enjoying autumnal foliage and fresh verdure.

• ECO PARK MINAMATA

  4.0

  22 Reviews

  Kumamoto Pref. Minamatashi Shiomichou 1-231-12

  This large 58-hectare park is on land reclaimed from Minamata Bay. It's divided into Sea, Town, Village, and Mountain zones, and has a rose garden, a roadside station, an athletic field, and other sports facilities. A place the locals like to gather, it's frequently the venue for sporting competitions.

• Fukuda Farm

  4.0

  22 Reviews

  Kumamoto Minamata-shi Jinnai 2525

  A farm which was created by cultivating mountain forest by hand. In this acclaimed farm, you can enjoy all the bounties of Shiranui and Kyushu. The farm has a full array of facilities to delight children and adults, including a tourist farm where a variety of citrus fruits are grown; a factory which makes and processes citrus juices; the Valencia-kan, a restaurant with a view of expansive scenery which serves dishes made with local ingredients; and the Sevilla-kan, a beer restaurant which offers Fukuda Farm original craft beers. Here you can enjoy unique and special experiences offered no place else while taking in the sight of the vast sea off of Shiranui.

• Hitoyoshi Craft Park Ishino

  4.0

  21 Reviews

  Kumamoto Pref. Hitoyoshishi Akaikeharamachi 1425-1

  A theme park where you can learn about the traditional crafts of Hitoyoshi and Kuma, an area selected for inclusion in the Japan Heritage list. The park consists of nine facilities, including a ceramics arts hall, smithing hall, glass hall, and teahouse, and visitors can make a variety of crafts by hand under the guidance of skilled artisans. There's also an observatory with a sweeping view of the Kyushu Mountains, a campground, and a park perfect for small children, making this a great destination for the whole family and for a variety of purposes. The local specialty products market sells traditional kijiuma wheeled bird toys, hanatebako boxes painted with camellias, and a wide variety of other gifts and souvenirs from Hitoyoshi and Kuma.

• Hotel Hana no Shou (Yu no Kura)

  3.5

  20 Reviews

  Kumamoto Pref. Hitoyoshishi Higashiaidashimomachi Yoneyama 3316

  This hot spring hotel in Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture welcomes day visitors as well as overnight guests. The weakly alkaline spring is gentle on the skin and is known its beautifying properties. Facilities include a large stone bath, a sauna, and an open-air bath that overlooks the city. Their six reservable private baths with Japanese-style decor are popular too.