When to travel?
The prefecture has a hot and humid summer, dry and cold winter, as the prefecture is located inner land.
Best season: Mar-Nov
Cherry blossoms: end of Mar-Apr
Foliage: Nov-Dec
Events / Festivals
Jan: Hamayumi festival, Mato Kabai (破魔弓祭 的かばい) Tamana, 玉名郡
Jul: Ushito festival (丑の湯祭り), Yatsushiro 八代
Aug: Yamaga Lantern festival (山鹿灯篭まつり), Yamaga 山鹿
Oct: Kawajiri shrine autumn festival (河尻神宮秋季例大祭), Kumamoto
Jul: Onda festival (御田祭り), Aso 阿蘇
Touristic spots
Capital city: Kumamoto (熊本)
Capital city of Kumamoto prefecture, with the population of 740,000 people. The city has flourished as a castle city, which is a must-see. The castle was severely damaged by the earthquake which took place in 2016.
With the opening of Shinkansen, the access to and from Kumamoto is much easier than before.
Yamaga (山鹿)
The city with a very old history. Some ruins in the city proof that people lived here as early as 5th century. Yamaga Lantern Festival (山鹿灯篭まつり), which is held every August, is so famous.
Tsujunkyo bridge (通潤橋)
This bridge was first made to deliver water to the field. The stylish design of the bridge then became very famous, and now it is one of the three best bridges of Japan. The bridge is about 80 meters, and the height is about 20 meters. Water is released for 15 minutes, once a day.
Kikuchi Hot spring (菊池温泉)
Newly opened hot spring. Kikuchi valley, where we can enjoy beautiful nature, is also accessible from the hot spring.
Kumagawa river (球磨川)
Known as one of the three fastest streams of Japan. The water is so fast, but tourists can enjoy riding on the boat. Kyusendo limestone cave (球泉洞) is also accessible.
Kurokawa Hot spring (黒川温泉)
The most famous and prominent hot spring in Kumamoto. The old and nostalgic ambiance is popular among Japanese and foreign tourists. The hot spring has been awarded 2 stars by Michelin Green guide.
Mt. Aso (阿蘇山) and Amakusa Islands (天草諸島)
Description available in Kyushu article.