As one of Japan's Three Great Castles, Kumamoto Castle has a very modern, renovated interior in its main keep, with comfortable air conditioning, an excellent visitor flow, and plenty of interactive digital projections. After leaving the castle, stop by Josaien for a horse meat croquette and some souvenirs—it makes for the perfect half-day itinerary.
Kumamoto Castle | Review by Lucas L.
Other Reviews by Lucas L.
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Kusasenri
Mount Eboshi is one of the 5 peaks found in the center of Mount Aso. Here you’ll find Kusasenri, the breathtakingly vast, emerald green grasslands that expand northwards. Many textbook writings, as well as classical poets and song writers have immortalized its beauty in their works, making Kusasenri one of the most iconic images that people know when thinking of Mount Aso.
Driving is the most convenient option. Navigate directly to “Kusasenri Observatory.” There’s paid parking, but it isn’t cheap. You can see Mount Aso in the distance, and the grasslands are beautiful. You can also pay to go horseback riding. The scenery along the drive up the mountain is beautiful. Highly recommended for travelers with a car!
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Gokayama Ainokura/Suganuma Gassho-Zukuri Village
In the southwestern tip of Toyama Prefecture, Gokayama consists of 40 small villages scattered across five valleys.
The winter snowscape of Shirakawa-go Gassho Village is like an idyllic fairy-tale world, and it has also been designated a World Cultural Heritage Site.
Driving there requires going along a stretch of winding mountain roads, but they aren't too narrow and aren't difficult to drive on. The parking lot is also very large with plenty of spaces, and there are many shops selling souvenirs from the village. It is also Japan's largest gassho-style village settlement. Other than the large number of tourists, there aren't really any drawbacks. I'm already planning to visit again next fall. -
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Kenroku-en
Kenroku-en was founded and developed for about 180 years by the Maeda clan lord in Kaga, which is a strolling-style landscape garden and one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan.
One of Japan’s three most famous gardens, it was named for combining six qualities and scenic elements: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water features, and panoramic views. It’s worth taking a walk here when visiting Kanazawa. There’s a parking lot across the street, which is very convenient. The walk up is slightly uphill, and gold leaf ice cream is sold along the way. It actually gets cheaper the closer you get to the entrance.
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