Tennoji Mio | Review by BobbyJenny

When visiting Kumamoto, of course you have to stop by Kumamoto Castle, which has deep ties to Kato Kiyomasa. From a distance, the imposing castle walls and towering main keep are an impressive sight, giving you a sense of this famous castle's rich history.

Strolling through the castle grounds, you can see sturdy stone walls and historic buildings. Walking slowly along the castle ruins, you can also imagine the ingenuity that went into its construction.

The last time I came, it was closed because of toxic gas from an eruption. I was really looking forward to finally seeing the Nakadake Crater on this visit to Aso, but unexpectedly, I couldn't go because there had been an accident at the time. In the end, I could only stand at the Kusasenri observation deck and view Nakadake Crater from a distance.

Although I missed out on experiencing the impact of the volcanic landscape up close, I could still see the magnificent scenery of Mt. Aso from afar. The vast grasslands and surrounding mountains complemented each other, giving me a sense of the grandeur of nature.

At Daikanbo, standing high on the observation deck, you can take in an unobstructed view of the mountains and landscape below. The expansive view makes you marvel at the magnificence of nature.

However, the wind is especially strong at this elevation, and in winter it's so cold that you can't stop shivering. It really makes you understand the saying, "It's unbearably cold at the top." But even with the cold wind constantly blowing, I still wanted to stay a little longer and enjoy the rare view before me.