KEIKO's Reviews Page 3/4

Tsuetate Onsen

Tsuetate Onsen, nestled along the Tsuetate River in Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, is known as Kyushu's inner parlor. Its history dates back 1,800 years, with legends tracing its origin to being the first bath for the child who would become Emperor Ojin. The waters here are a mix of weak alkaline simple springs and chloride springs. They are also rich in metasilicic acid, which enhances the therapeutic effects of the hot springs, leaving the skin smooth and moisturized after bathing.

• Kumamoto
• Hot Springs & Hot Spring Resorts

Tsuetate Onsen is a hot spring town with a lot of character. It doesn't have much of the commercialized hustle and bustle, and walking through the streets, you can really feel the old-town atmosphere. Strolling along the river, seeing the traditional inns on both sides and the hot spring steam rising, it truly feels like a Japanese hot spring town. The pace here is very relaxed, making it perfect for slowing down, exploring, soaking in the hot springs, and enjoying the tranquility of the mountains. Although the area isn't large, every corner has its own character. It's a relaxing little place that's worth spending time at.

Takachiho Gorge

Takachiho Gorge is a narrow v-shaped chasm made over thousands of years by the Gokase River’s erosion of Mt. Aso’s volcanic rock. This spectacular place is surrounded by cliffs that average 80 meters in height (reaching up to 100 meters) and extend along for 7 kilometers. Takachiho Gorge has been designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty.

• Miyazaki
• Nature Spots

The first time I saw Takachiho Gorge, I was amazed by the scenery. The rock walls on both sides, clear stream, and waterfall come together to showcase the beauty of nature.
Walking slowly along the trail with the mountain breeze blowing felt very pleasant, and the whole setting was quiet and relaxing. Although it's a bit far, seeing the beautiful scenery in person made it feel well worth the trip. It's a highly recommended spot on a trip to Miyazaki.

AMU PLAZA Kumamoto

A large multi-purpose complex directly connected to JR Kumamoto Station, this 9-story building stands out as a landmark worthy of Kumamoto’s gateway.

• Kumamoto
• Commercial Buildings

It's right next to Kumamoto Station, so it's very convenient to get to. There are lots of clothing stores, variety shops, restaurants, and souvenir shops inside. It's comfortable to walk around and doesn't feel as overwhelming as a large department store.

When you get tired of shopping, you can stop at one of the many restaurants for a meal. I especially like browsing here along with Kumamoto Station. It's convenient for shopping, eating, and waiting for your train. If you're traveling to Kumamoto and passing through the station, I highly recommend setting aside some time to walk around and browse.

Nagabeta Kaishoro

The row of utility poles standing in the sea creates a mysterious and almost otherworldly sight, making it one of Kumamoto Prefecture’s most famous photo spots on social media today.

• Kumamoto
• Tourist Attractions

It's a small but distinctive attraction. It was my first time seeing a row of utility poles in the sea, and it really felt special, like a scene from a movie.
The views at low tide and high tide are completely different. It's especially beautiful in the evening when the sunset reflects on the water, making it a great place to take memorable photos.

Dolphin Watching Reservation Center (Amakusa City, Kumamoto)

A dolphin-watching tour set in the waters of Amakusa Itsuwa, home to around 150 wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins.

• Kumamoto
• Experiences Facilities

The activity I was looking forward to most was dolphin watching, and after experiencing it, I really thought it was worth it! Not long after heading out by boat, we saw several groups of dolphins. They would occasionally leap out of the water and swim alongside the boat, much closer than I expected. Seeing them in person was incredibly exciting—the impact is something photos and videos just can't capture. The captain was also very experienced and would slow down so everyone could take their time watching. The boat didn't keep chasing the dolphins, which made me feel that they really respected the dolphins' natural habitat.

Amakusa Kaisen Kura

Located at the northern tip of Shimoshima, the largest island in the Amakusa archipelago, this popular complex offers dolphin watching in some of Kumamoto’s clearest waters along with dining options that let you fully enjoy local seafood.

• Kumamoto
• Experiences Facilities

I made a special trip to eat at Amakusa Kaisen Kura while visiting Amakusa, and it did not disappoint at all! The seafood was very fresh, and you could tell the ingredients were high quality. The seafood BBQ was fresh, sweet, and had a pleasantly firm texture. Every bite was full of the fresh flavor of the sea.

Amakusa’s Sakitsu Village (Component of a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site)

Amakusa’s Sakitsu Village is located on Shimoshima Island in the Amakusa Islands. This village reflects the continued faith of Hidden Christians during Japan’s ban on Christianity and is registered as one of the components of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region.” Sakitsu is a fishing village that developed after the Sengoku period and served as a base for missionary work when Christianity first arrived in Japan.

• Kumamoto
• Tourist Attractions

This was my first time visiting Sakitsu Village, and I really loved the atmosphere here. It isn't overly commercialized or crowded. The whole village is quiet and laid-back, making it perfect for slowing down and taking a leisurely stroll. Walking through the alleys, you can see well-preserved old houses and fishing village streets, along with seaside views that feel very relaxing. The most impressive part was Sakitsu Church. It stands quietly in the village and blends very naturally with the surrounding fishing village scenery, giving you a sense of the village's rich history and culture. Taking photos and enjoying the ocean views along the way, every corner has its own charm.

Yachiyoza

Yamaga is a town that flourished due to its distribution via water canals along the Kikuchi River, and as a hot springs resort during the Edo Period. A successful businessman at the time used these same resources to build Yachiyoza, a large style playhouse in 1910.

• Kumamoto
• Museums

A very atmospheric place. The entire theater has a vintage feel, and stepping inside is like going back to old Japan. The building is well preserved and beautiful in photos, and you can also learn about the history of traditional theater.

Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Amakusa Hotel Kameya

A hotel in Amakusa operated by Ooedo Onsen Monogatari, which runs affordable hot spring resorts across Japan. Guests can experience the appeal of Amakusa through open-air baths with excellent views, seafood dining, and more. The hotel’s highlight is its spacious open-air bath fed by its own hot spring source. The scenery spread out before you-Amakusa’s sea, winding bays, and Amakusa Fuji-is truly spectacular.

• Kumamoto
• Hotels

I was really happy with my stay at Amakusa Hotel Kameya! The room was clean and comfortable, with an ocean view right outside the window. Just sitting there and gazing at the sea was so relaxing. Dinner included lots of fresh seafood, and the portions were generous. After soaking in the hot spring, I felt completely refreshed.

Amaterasu Railway

Takachiho Railway, the favorite of tourists, was unfortunately closed in 2005. Now, using those railways, a grand diesel engine super cart is run for tourists. It goes through two tunnels from Takachiho Station to Takachiho Bridge and comes back on its 5.1km round trip at 20km/h for roughly 30minutes.

• Miyazaki
• Trains & Subway

It’s only 30 minutes, but you can take in Takachiho’s most beautiful valley scenery. It’s one of the most worthwhile experiences when visiting Takachiho.
Along the way, you’ll also pass through a tunnel where the staff turn on colorful lights. Together with the lighthearted commentary and interaction, it makes the whole trip much more fun instead of just looking at the scenery.