Japan no Ari

EXPERIENCING NATURE

Enraptured with Dynamic Nature

Filled with noteworthy sites, namely MT. Aso, location of the world’s largest caldera, and Amakusa’s clear blue sea spreading before you. Follow your curiosity as you explore the area.

ASO The prominent tourist rsort of Aso, the land of fire and symbol of Kumamoto, is visited annually by more than 18 million people. The world’s largest caldera is found in Kumamoto, where you can relax in the spas, challenge yourself at a variety of sports such as paragliding and hot-air ballooning, or enjoy the many other amusements found at this delightful throve of fun and relaxation.

Aso Nakadake Craters

A dynamic spectacle, the circumference of which is 4 kilometers, at a depth of 150 meters, and overlooking the seven craters. Lava temperatur flowing from the crater reaches up to 1,000 – 1,200⁰C. Referred to as “The First Crater”, this magnificent site pours forth white fuming smoke, continuing its volcanic activity through the years. Lava poured throughout the area has left it an entirely different world of no vegetation.

Yoh Shomei Picture Book Museum

The Yoh Shomei Pictures Book Museum is located at the top of a small hill in the southern part of Aso. Original pictures are on exhibition permanently. You can also enjoy taking in the scennic views of Aso as you go for a stroll in the adjacent large open field.

AMAKUSA

Amakusa, home to more than 120 island in every size, is a picturesque place of scenic beauty facing both the East China Sea and the Shiranui Sea. The area is also popular as a drive course where you can enjoy fresh and abundant marine product, spas, marine sports, fishing and much more.

Dolhin Watching Some 300 wild dolphins live in the seas around Tsushi-shima Island of Amakusa. The dolphins are present all year round, a glimpse of which you can be assured of seeing 40 minutes from shore by boat.

Five Bridges of Amakusa and Amakusa Matsushima Island

The Pearl Line, or the Five Bridges of Amakusa, connect main Kyushu with the Amakusa Islands. The picturesque scenery, replicating a miniature landscape garden, of Amakusa Matsusima can be fully enjoyed from the top of these bridges.

The West Coast of Amakusa

The west coast of Amakusa displays a landscape of wild, masculine scenery. The mysterious rock scraped by the raging waves of the East China Sea, Jusan-botoke Point where a number of cave mouths are spread out, Jusan-botoke (13-Buddha) Creek, a national designated natural monument are some o the scenic masterpieces. The setting sun sinking into the ocean here is chosen as one of the 100 famous sunsets of Japan.

TAMANA/YAMAGA/KIKUCHI

Various ancient tombs as well as historical spot are scattered throughout the entire district of Kikuchi River. Spas and numerous leisure facilities are also found here.

Greenland Over 80 attractions to ride and enjoy at one of Japan’s largest amusement parks. Eqiped with drinking, eating and lodging facilities, this facility becomes an excellent place to stay over for a few days!

Ultraman Land Anything about Ultraman can be found at this theme park dedicated to him family.

History Park Kikuchi Castle

An ancient mountain castle constructed by the Imperial Court of Yamato with its prestige. Located on the grounds are an octagonal tower, rice granary, ancient buildings that are still standing and excavated tunnels.

KIKUCHI GORGE

A gorge in the premises of the sources of Kikuchi River, pride of all Kyushu as the most beautiful gorge in the region. It is surrounded by virgin forests where trees such as oak, chinquapin,maple,ect., grow luxuriantly. The deep v-shaped valleys display spectacular sights, refreshing to the senses, following a line of waterfalls displayed in various sizes.

CENTRAL KUMAMOTO

Kumamoto City, boasting a population of 670,000 peoples, has prospered as the seat for the prefectural goverment of Kumamoto. In addition to its modern city appearance, one cannot help but sense the peculiar sentimental atmosphere in the air brought about by the remains found throughout the city of the castle town it once was.

Suizenji Jojuen Park A panoramic Momoyama-type landscape garden, constructed close to 300years ago by Prince Tadotashi Hosokawa, a feudal lord. Carp swim in a pond filled with clean spring water. A grassy hill modeled after the old-time fifty-three stages on the Tokaido highway, a mountain fashioned after MT. Fuji and more artistic works of nature are beautifully arranged here.

Tram Car in Downtown of Kumamoto City

The city tram is convenient and fun for taking a tour of Kumamoto City. The particular tram’s extraordinarily low floor made its first introduction to Japan here, giving the impression of gliding effortlessly around the city.

YATSUSHIRO/MINATAMA

Enjoy to your heart’s content the feeling and sports of the ocean, mountain and river. Join the throungs who make their way here in the fall to view the spectacular sight of scarlettinged leaves.

Utase-bune

A type of trawlnet fishing seen in the Sea of Shiranui. This particular menthod of fishing which completely depends on the winds and waves is familiar amongst the locals for carrying on the area’s poetic charm through the ages to the present. Tourists can also take part in a specially set-up Utase-bune.

KUMA Here in Kuma you can enjoy the refined atmosphere of ravines surrounded by the mountainous districts of Kyushu. Also famous for its role in the legend surrounding the fall of the Taira Family.

Scarlet-tinged Leaves of Gokanosho

Gokanosho is still considered an unexplored region to this day. The sheer mountains displaying their auntumn tints is a site well-worth seeing.