A long time ago, I saw the Yamaga Lantern Festival, and this small town has stayed deeply etched in my heart ever since. During this visit to Kumamoto, I took a Sanko Bus from the area around Kumamoto Castle for a little over an hour and finally fulfilled my dream of visiting Yamaga.
After just a few turns, the noise of the city faded away, and Yamaga revealed its simple, peaceful charm. As I strolled along the quaint streets, I saw elaborate lantern displays everywhere. When I got tired from walking, there was a free footbath in front of the tourist information center where I could soak my feet with Kumamon. The slightly damp, rainy weather was perfect for a bowl of ramen, so I went into the popular local restaurant Dairin Ramen. The rich, mellow broth warmed my stomach and had a very down-to-earth local flavor.
As a coffee lover, my most delightful discovery was BANANA CAFE. The owner made the decision to return home to take over the family fruit shop, cleverly combining it with a love of coffee. As I sat inside enjoying this special drink, I could hear neighborhood Japanese grandmothers exchanging casual greetings while choosing fresh seasonal fruit. The air was filled with the rich aromas of coffee and fruit. This warm, welcoming sense of human connection is exactly why I find myself so deeply captivated by Japan's hidden small towns. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys discovering small towns in Japan.
