Kumamoto

People flock to Kurokawa Onsen near Mt. Aso for one reason; to soak in natural hot springs with the best views. The location is secluded and a bit remote, which makes it easy to completely refresh yourself by just being in this small town for an overnight stay.

Josaien was built to resemble a castle town of feudal time close to the Kumamoto Castle. The complex boasts a history museum, souvenir shops, and restaurants with local foods.

I’m a local guide who was born and raised in Kumamoto, which is located on Kyushu island in the southwest of Japan. In April 2016, a big earthquake of magnitude 7.0 hit my hometown.

Mt Aso is the biggest active volcano in Japan and one of the largest calderas in the world. Some of the most unique views of the world can be seen when you hike in the environment of this mountain.

Kumamoto Castle is a Japanese castle located in Kumamoto City, the capital city of Kumamoto Prefecture. It is regarded as one of the three best castles in Japan together with Himeji and Nagoya castles.

After taking a bite, the gentle flowery flavor of the sake Hananoka burst in my mouth, just as the name is translated as ‘the fragrance of flowers’ in English.