It is a medium size park planted with many different species of flowers. The entrance fee is ¥1300 each person, and there is no public transport to the park. It is a good place to visit if the weather is nice and the season is correct.

Visited Kuju Flower Park twice—once in early spring and again in late spring—and each time felt like stepping into a different dream. Early spring greets you with vibrant tulips, while late spring unveils a sea of nemophila and other seasonal blossoms. The scenery? Timeless. With free parking and an admission fee of ¥1,300 for adults and ¥500 for children aged 5 and up, it’s an accessible escape into nature’s artistry. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning, the ever-changing floral displays ensure a unique experience every time.

Absolutely stunning! Visited here with a friend at the start of June and the flowers were so vibrant, colourful and diverse! The sea of baby blue eyes, the garden of roses... so stunning! I loved the naming of the flowers too - would love to see some little facts about certain flowers. Eateries and cafes inside, camping available - this is definitely somewhere you could take your time in to enjoy the flowers. The lavender field wasn't in bloom when we visited so will definitely return to see it when they are!

Absolutely enchanting! This flower park is a hidden gem for anyone seeking a serene escape. The seasonal flowers paint a vibrant tapestry throughout the year, making every visit a unique experience. The free parking is convenient, allowing easy access to the park's tranquil pathways. It's perfect for picnics with family and friends, offering ample space to unwind and enjoy nature. Whether you're looking to relax amidst blooming gardens or capture stunning photos, this park exceeds expectations. A must-visit for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat!

This park is the most colorful flower park I've been to! At end April, we saw the colorful hill, poppies, a bit of nemophilia! Been seeing the vibrant fields of kuju on Instagram and have always wanted to go - ✨ you can't beat the flowers on a highlands backdrop. It's a treat to the eyes. 🩷🪻🌺🌻🌱🌸🏵️🪻🌷

10.5.25 Saturday. Weekend and Holiday were crowded, especially flower blooming period.

Visited in June which certainly isn't the best time but it was still wonderful. Well maintained with different themes. Totally enjoy our time there.

Visited in late June 2025. Easy to find and big free parking. Need to buy tickets to cross bridge. 500yen per person. I didn’t want to go cross the bridge so I didn’t buy the tickets. I could only provide the car park and the shop there for your information.

Plenty of parking available with staff guiding you for efficiency. The bridge itself is narrow and if you’re a bit afraid of heights, the bridge does a slight sway near the ends of the bridge but you will be fine! The views were amazing I definitely recommend checking it out. There’s no real need to go all the way over as there’s nothing really on the other side. Before crossing the bridge, if you time it right, there should be a staff member who will take a photo for you and they will give a version for free and a clearer larger photo for a price.

Came on Sunday and it was raining. The tickets cost 5k yen each. Don a plastic over self and we braved that light rain and walked on the bridge. U can feel the suspension swing on the bridge. Beautiful scenery

If you are looking for a mix of adventure and breathtaking scenery, Kokonoe Suspension Bridge in Oita Prefecture is one for the books. It is indeed an incredible feat of engineering and yes, a popular destination for both local and foreign tourists. The bridge offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape—lush greenery during the spring and summer seasons and vibrant hues during the fall. I went there three times already, but the view never gets old. Crossing the bridge can be a challenge for those who are afraid of heights and can also be a bit daunting during the windy days when it swings. Nevertheless, it’s a worthwhile visit for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. And yes... the burgers... I went there for the burgers, too. Don't forget to try one when you go there.

Very impressive pedestrian suspension bridge with fantastic views of the gorge & waterfalls. It is the highest of its kind in Japan. There are steps down to the waterfalls for a closer view and Onsen water foot baths at one end of the bridge. Overall a must-see if you’re in the area.

The view from this bridge is gorgeous. We visited this bridge with light rain but that's okay. The place is well-operated and taken good care of. The ticket is 500 yen per person. There're also toilets and souvenir shop. We recommended the local fruit gummy and drinking yoghurt from Yamanami Farm.

It's a calm and clean place that is famous for a picnic with family and friends. You can even see the snowy mountains at April.

An ancient Shinto shrine, home to a virtually prehistoric Japanese cedar tree (apparently 15,000 years old... ahem.. let's just go with it), very genuine 200 year old paintings on the wall, and an alive and kicking and very chatty 87 year-old guardian who (with the help of translator on my phone) proceeded to describe the content of the amazing paintings hanging inside. Definitely worth a visit, even if you feel you have been to more than your fair share of shinto shrines already, as this one feels a bit special.

Very quiet little shrine. I heard that it is 1000 years old though I am not sure.

Beautiful Shrine in the centre of Kyushu. It is a power spot and has great nature and energy. A great trip if you want a peaceful day in the middle of nowhere ✨✨✨✨🙏

Beautiful shrine in the Forrest

All of Got Power spot

Strict!!

Beautiful place.

I prefer this mountain over Kuju and I went on Saturday February 21st after a storm on Thursday. The sunny weather made the now slushy and there was only one lift running so the line was a bit crowded. It was ¥4,300 for a 4 hour pass and just the skis and poles were ¥2,500 to rent (since I brought my own boots, helmet, goggles, gloves). Of course, you can rent everything including winter clothes. The choices of skis to rent were not great and the skis I was given were not great at carving. I forgot to tell the staff that I was an advanced skier and thus when I would try and do certain motions, my skis would pop off in an instant. This mountain is perfect for beginners and people who want to practice before hitting bigger mountains to the north. The groom isn’t too steep and the lift staff are very on top of things. For the more experienced skiers and snowboarders, this mountain doesn’t have too much to offer besides the groom filled with slow beginners, a mogul training area and some ramps/boxes for the brave hearted.

My January 2025 visit to this resort was a unique experience. Access involves parking in a lower lot and taking a 15-20 minute shuttle ride up a very narrow, winding mountain road. Once at the resort, you purchase lift tickets and, if needed, get fitted for ski boots downstairs before heading up to the ski area to pick up your skis. The service was excellent. The snow during my visit was a mix of natural and man-made, and only intermediate and advanced runs were open. Beginners should consider booking a ski instructor or heading to the more beginner friendly runs at Kuju resort. It's important to note that the resort website may not be up-to-date, so checking recent reviews is advisable to confirm operating status. A definite plus is the availability of 4-hour lift tickets at a significantly lower price than Kuju Resort. This came in clutch as I came here from Nagasaki via car ferry that morning. The resort food was also a highlight, especially the delicious chicken namban. Be aware that the resort closes early than normal.

Nice track and beautyfull view from the top mountain resort

Original snow, nice place for ski.

Beautifull place for snowboard and ski in South japan ❄🇯🇵

Beautiful place. Nice weather.

(Translated by Google) Although it was early summer seasonally, I was able to pass by because it was on the mountain climbing route. Visited on April 30th as a hiking trail and as a parking base for May 3rd. Is it open in winter? I'm sorry, but I don't know. There were maintenance workers and heavy equipment in the office and on the slopes, so it may only be available during the winter. The scenery can be said to be spectacular. (Original) 季節的には初夏ですが、登山ルート上にある為、通行させて頂きました。4/30に登山縦走と5/3登山駐車拠点として訪問。冬季営業しているか？はすみませんが不明。事務所とゲレンデには整備員、重機など居られましたので当然冬季限定かもしれません。景色の方は絶景と言えるでしょう。

We weren't prepared to collect the spring water! Haha but this was a nice place to visit in the morning. There are empty, clean bottles for sale to let visitors collect spring water if they like. Saw some lovely hydrangeas before we left.

Serene quiet place with natural drinkable spring water. I’m not sure why but there was absolutely no one there when I arrived (6 PM, May 12th) but it made the entire place feel mystical and magical 🥰 Entrance donation of 100 JPY suggested, very cheap and reasonable for the state of the place and the items provided(ladle, water filling station, etc.). You can fill your own water bottles and bring home, everything was closed when I got there so couldn’t buy bottles which was fine. I don’t drink enough water usually to know the difference in taste but I’ve heard it tastes divine! Highly suggest to stop by if you’re nearby! 🥰❤️

It is what it is. Pretty much as the reviews say. You visit the spring and fill up bottles of water. For me personally it was on my way anyway and the water bottles are a very cheap but quite nice personal gift. So yeah. I wouldn't make a special trip to visit though. There's a couple other shops like a crystal shop that has some massive crystals the size of a person if your in to that but it's kinda random. And there's some honesty stalls with a few vegetables that look rather nice. The water tastes like water. It's not strong flavoured it's very mild but theres nothing wrong with it. If your gonna get a few bottles like I did then don't forget that water is heavy 😅

100 yen per person for five star all you can drink/fill water from a freshwater spring out of the base of the volcano Mount Aso, what more could you want? The cold, fresh water is so delicious on a hot summer's day like this one. It is worth a visit if you are passing through the south side of Mount Aso. It's very interesting to also see the water source of a freshwater spring like this. The area is very well kept and there is also a nice shrine to visit.

Very refreshing. Don't forget to bring your own bottle to fill up some water or you can buy empty bottle at the entrance.

Shirakawa spring water is delicious. Let’s hope I don’t get diarrhoea the next day.

Very cool spot on a hot summers day, beautiful running water and lovely shade from the tree canopy

Visiting Aso Volcano was one of the most thrilling experiences of my life. It was my first time seeing a volcano up close, and the sense of excitement and wonder stayed with me from the moment I arrived until long after I left. Located in Kumamoto Prefecture, Mount Aso is not only Japan’s largest active volcano but also one of the most spectacular natural sights I have ever encountered. The vast caldera, stretching across the landscape, is truly impressive. As I approached the viewing area, I could see steam rising from the crater, a powerful reminder of the earth’s energy beneath my feet. The smell of sulfur filled the air, adding to the raw and mysterious atmosphere. Standing there, surrounded by rugged terrain and shifting clouds, I felt both small and deeply connected to nature. The surrounding area was equally beautiful, with green hills, open grasslands, and small villages that seem to coexist peacefully with this mighty volcano. I also appreciated the clear safety precautions in place, such as restricted zones and alert systems, which allowed me to enjoy the visit with confidence. Aso Volcano left me with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the power and beauty of our planet. I would highly recommend this destination to anyone who loves nature, adventure, and unique landscapes. Seeing a volcano so closely for the first time was an awe-inspiring experience that I will treasure forever.

Beautiful 😍 and unfortunately we couldn't visit the volcano Crater because of sulphuric gas on excessive level.

The mountain was very nice but I couldn’t see the crater since there was the eruption warning🥲

Amazing scenery, two very diverse landscapes volcanic one super raw, with ash and rocks, and super green with amazing fields of grass. Many routes to hike, many places to get lost, Few shuttle bus stops where You can refill Your food and drinks. Definitely recommended for hiking

Mount Aso is a breathtaking destination that’s both easily accessible by car and remarkably well maintained. The scenic drive up to the mountain is an experience in itself, and the area is kept impressively clean, making the visit even more enjoyable. The stunning views and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit spot for nature lovers!

Mt. Aso in autumn is a beautiful sight. There is no better time to enjoy a long drive to the peak than in autumn when the air is cool and the pampas grass rolls in the highlands. I feel like it’s most scenic of all other seasons. The brownish silvery landscape is an absolutely stunning view.

" A Mountain Like a Giant Wall " As a Korean traveler, I’m pretty sure Mount Fuji is the first mountain that comes to mind when people think of Japan. But I can confidently say that Mount Aso is just as breathtaking, and easily rivals Mount Fuji. The weather was mostly cloudy during the visit, but just as I approached, the sky briefly opened up. A light drizzle began to fall, and suddenly, a long rainbow stretched across the vast grasslands where horses and cows grazed peacefully. B-E-A. UTIFULL!

We had a fun visit at this adorable zoo! The variety of animals was just right, with highlights including cute alpacas and a number of bears. But the real entertainment was the pig race - hilarious and entertaining! The animal show was also super cute and engaging. Overall, a fun visit to a zoo that's perfect for families with kids.

The place is slightly rundown for this ticket price, there isn’t a huge variety of animals but it’s got some cute events like the pig race.

When approaching, the entry building looks nice and modern, but after entry into the zoo territory most buildings look old and worn down. Many of the animals you are not supposed to touch are placed in ways where they are easy to reach out to and pet, we didn’t do that but we have seen other people do exactly that. A lot of things and activities require additional payment on site and the payment methods are often very confusing. Some of the animals like the bears are kept in pretty dirty and uncared for enclosures. Those same bears and some of other animals look sick, unfed and dirty. The animals actually allowed to touch and pet are afraid and annoyed by people visiting, for those same animals there are no workers to control how the visitors act with the animals, that caused a lot of those animals to be treated badly by other visitors right in front of our eyes. Some of the animals don’t look as bad as the others, but that doesn’t make the overall experience any better. When we have visited the zoo it was cloudy, but in sunny weather there is no place to hide from the sun and heat. The only beautiful thing was the recreation of a traditional Japanese Pagoda in the middle of an artificial pond. Don’t ever visit this zoo, all you do is pay them money for this terrible experience! Instead visit the hiking trails around the volcano, they are much more interesting and really worth your time!

The enclosures at Aso Cuddly Dominion Park are not suitable for the animals. The bears have far too little space, and the entire area is gray and concrete with no greenery at all. Overall, all the animals look neither healthy nor happy. Additionally, the petting experience is likely not always comfortable for the animals.

The state at which the bears are caged in, are pretty much inhumane. The cages are way too small, and the animals pretty much all look like they have lost all hope in life.. Mostly pacing up and down in their prison cell and some are frantically chewing on the cage bars.. I regret going...

Many animals to pet! The only reason is not 5 stars is because when you go to pet the bears you think you will get a little cub. They brought one really large cub, not small cuddly. It was heavy and constantly eating. It was half the size of the adults and it wasn't what you expected 🙃 still it was cool. I just think when you pay to pet the animal you should have a choice if you don't want to pet a big one and prefer a smaller one. My daughter went there excited and then she was terrified. Not ready for that. They will take photos for you but there were tears in every photo. 😢 So there was that. They have a nice selection of animals. And a show where they have birds of flight where they allow part of the audience to participate. That was fun. No photos allowed there, though, so just in memory. Lovely grounds and so nice to feed pet and interact with so many animals. Thank you for the nice experience. I recommend for families and anyone. Enjoy 😉 😘

Nice place to pay a visit with family! Cool zoo for kids. There is a helicopter tour service here for the Aso volcano, I personally recommend to take it a tour. Personal recommend: ★ ★ ★ Family-friendly: ★ ★ ★ Date for couples: ★ ★ Parking lot: ◯ Services/meals/products/design: ★ ★ Period for stay: 2-3 hours Charge: 6000 yen Baby room/accessible toilet: ◯ Cleanness: ★ ★ the toilet is really poor and not clean

Crater wasn't open for viewing today as it was spewing poisonous smoke and gases. So we walked around the plains. I don't think there's much to see. Just a huge grassland. Geographically important but generally slightly underwhelming. If you're driving there's several paid car parks and 1 tiny free car park at the Sanjo bus terminal. Everywhere you go you need to pay if you drive. Even the road up to the crater is ￥1000 toll charge. ￥500 for parking. Not sure if there's climbing fee. If you take a bus up you also need to pay. Can walk around several craters once you're up there. Can't comment on the crater as we were not allowed up.

It's super beautiful. Recommend to visit early as the car parking quickly gets full

It’s a place to enjoy sunset. The view is superb. This place is near to the Aso volcano museum so you can try to park there Incase that the observatory parking is full. Even if you don’t come on the sunset time you can still enjoy the view of the city and its surrounding. Do come and enjoy your time here. We were on the way to kumamoto and this is the last stop before heading to town. Please note that on the way down to the city please drive carefully as the animal will come out at night time :)

It was a special experience for me to see a volcano far away. I could feel the power of nature. For the wind blows so strong, you’d better watch your hat. Some people could see the volcano closer by using helicopters. Enjoy.

Beautiful grassland, good weather, can walk around and enjoy scenic view. A lot of parking lot , a good service center which had food , souvenir shop and good coffee.

Was there in Dec23…. A short walk up the steps to the observatory…incredible 360 view…. Smoky volcano on the right, hills and hills and winding roads on the left, Aso Caldera in front, great plain (now covered in snow) at the back….😀

Great view, not feel hot even signseeing outdoor. Must visit

Beautiful place and you can take time to just pause and breathe in the fresh air. There paragliding too.

Very windy here, great view though! Can’t believe volcano eruption is so powerful you can see the whole bowl shaped leveling caused by it

Most magnificent view in Kumamoto prefecture. I visited lots of national parks all over the world but this view is definitely comparable to them. If you come here in the early morning, you can enjoy a different atmosphere which I also liked.

The view from there and the driving way was just amazing! Super windy so prepare a but warmer clothes Parking was free It seemed some (or entire) area closes at 17:00

Beautiful natural scene . Highly recommend

Went for a stop on the way from Beppu to Kumamoto. Crowded during the weekends. Beautiful scenery on clear, sunny days. Must try the soft cream inside the store.

Worlds’ second largest caldera which was emerged due to the eruption of mount Aso (Volcano) 300,000years ago. 25km long and 18km wide.

A Serene Weekend Escape Nestled in the peaceful countryside, Nabegataki Falls offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. I visited on a weekend, making the almost two-hour drive from Kumamoto City—a journey that, though a little long, felt like part of the adventure itself. The winding roads and scenic views along the way gradually melted away any lingering stress, setting the tone for what was to come. Upon arriving, I was immediately taken in by the sense of calm that surrounded the falls. The sound of cascading water mixed gently with the occasional laughter of visitors, both locals and tourists alike, creating a soft, joyful background without overwhelming the tranquility. Despite being a weekend, it wasn't crowded, allowing plenty of quiet moments to just sit, breathe, and soak in the beauty. The falls themselves are magical—you can even walk behind the curtain of water, feeling the cool mist on your skin. It’s an incredibly refreshing experience, almost like stepping into a hidden world. And with an entrance fee of just ¥300, it’s an accessible gem for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat into nature. If you're looking for a spot to unwind and reconnect with nature in Kumamoto Prefecture, Nabegataki Falls is well worth the drive.

Stunning location, apart from a steep decent the entire adventure is well paved and walking sticks are available at the entrance. You can descend into the waterfall area, the scenery is stunning and so picturesque. You can walk behind the waterfall but you may get dropped on. You can paddle your feet in the water at the base of the waterfall or I. The stream that follows. So many hidden beauty spots, even just up the path from the waterfall is a gentle stream with dragonflies dancing above. Well worth a visit and as 2 adults and one child we only paid ¥1200 which is £6. Little shop at the entrance and vending machines offer a choice of refreshments

One of the rare waterfall that you can walk behind the waterfall. A UNESCO site. Highly recommended to visit

Really cool waterfall and easy hike (more like a walk). Plenty of parking spaces, but the road to the area is verrrrry narrow in some sections.

Amazing waterfall. When we visited it was during the week so it wasn't too busy and we could get some good photos. The walk down is not difficult but has many stairs. It takes only about 5 mins to reach the falls from the car park. I would highly recommend visiting!

It’s closing to the Aso area, you could reach it easily when you were driving around Aso. The park is closed after 4:30pm, no highway is nearby, please make sure you have enough time to go if you decide to go after lunch. Quite a lot of visitors even weekdays, the parking was full while we were arrived at 4:00pm. The waterfall was amazing, clean and beautiful. The best time to come at morning during sunny day, you might catch the wonderful light through the trees.

Easy hike down. This waterfall is a must visit, you can trek behind the falls. Follow me on ig @shauneeie for more travel and food!

Forbidden to tattoo foreigners. For local rules reasons …. Whatever that means Got EV charger! #timetowakeupjpn

I go to this onsen quite often. The water is great. Nice outdoor baths over looking the river. The sauna they have is good. And the cold water bath is super deep! One of the hot water baths is also really deep!

Great outside and inside facility. I go regularly and feel great. It is not tattoo friendly, but covering small tattoos doesn’t seem to bother anyone.

Nice indoor, outdoor bath and sauna. Good quality water which leaves your skin soft and your body relaxed.

Water temperature is just perfect 👌. The rooms are a bit small though. Family bath is 2300 yen.

足湯は無料♪ Lucky( ^-^)ノ∠※。.:*:・'°☆

(Translated by Google) The scenery is very nice, and the forest scenery changes with the seasons, which is very relaxing. The menu at the restaurant is plentiful and delicious, and there is also a well-stocked store selling souvenirs and locally produced foods. I wondered why there was a roadside station in such a place, but Japan's tallest stone steps are relatively close by, and it seemed like there were many tourists, not just locals, who were driving or touring. The hot spring was also very pleasant, but I felt that it was a little small considering the large site. It was a bit disappointing that there were so many customers. (Original) 景観がとても良く、季節によって森の景色もかわりとても安らぎます。食堂のメニューも豊富で美味しく、土産物や地産地消の食料品などの売り場も充実してました。こんな所に道の駅が、、と思いますが、日本一の石段が比較的近くにあり、地元民だけでなく、ドライブやツーリングなど観光客も多そうな感じでした。温泉もとても気持ちよかったですが、広い敷地の割にやや温泉は狭かったかなという印象でした。お客さんも多いのでそこはちょっと残念でした。

Worth coming for the little stores that carries crafted goods. There are also stores that sold sake bottles.

This is like Kyoto that hasn’t been discovered yet. A quaint little heritage town that hasn’t gotten its fame, but the simplicity of its style has huge potentials in future growths.

Good for visit 1-2 hours.

It's a small market but has enough shops to look around and shop. It was interesting to watch traditional drum performance which was unexpected. It's quite a long performance but end of that, you can join the session that allows you to participate to play the drum under the performance team's instruction which I missed out.

We went here for the festival with lanterns on November 11, 2023. The evening is not typical on most days and I believe shops are closed at 5-6 pm. However, the street is a heritage area though the town is not well known.

It's not so crowded during weekdays. Most of the shops are selling souvenirs.

Nice old shopping street. Lots of shops selling wooden clog shoes. The Sui cheesecake roll is really good too!

Beautiful

It was worth the visit. So far we are the only visitor that day. You need to park your car and walk in. About 5 mins walk.

I go there today

(Translated by Google) Futamatabashi Bridge is a pair of stone bridges spanning the confluence of the Shakain River and the Tsuru River. Both rivers have clear, clean water, making it a great place to splash around in the water in the summer. From November to March, around 11:00 AM, the sunlight illuminates the bridge, revealing a heart-shaped area beneath it, making it a popular lovers' paradise. There's also a ginkgo tree at the base of the bridge, making it a photogenic spot during the fall foliage season. There's also parking and restrooms. Nearby, you'll find the octagonal Hakkaku Tunnel and Japan's longest stone staircase (3,333 steps), making it a great place to visit. (Original) 二俣橋（ふたまたばし）は釈迦院川と津留川の合流地点に掛かる2つの石橋です 川は2つとも清流でとてもきれいな水なので夏は川辺で水遊びをすることが出来ます また11月〜3月の11時頃になると太陽の光に照らされて橋の下にハートの形が見えるので恋人の聖地として有名なところです それから橋のたもとにはイチョウの木があり紅葉の時期に来られるとキレイなので写真映えします 駐車場もトイレもあります 近くには八角形の形をした八角トンネルや日本一の石段（3333段）があり観光するのにいいと思います

(Translated by Google) It's about a 43-minute drive (29km) from Kumamoto Airport. From Kumamoto city, it's about a 49-minute drive (26km). Turn left from National Route 443 just before Shakain Temple, then turn left again immediately. You'll find what appears to be a parking lot (free parking for about 10 cars). The parking lot is listed on Google Maps as "Hakkaku Tunnel Parking Lot." You can also drive directly to Futamata Bridge, but you'll have to park on the side of the road. From the "Hakkaku Tunnel Parking Lot," it's about a 5-minute walk. Head down the river to find it. Note: There are some broken guardrails along the way. Also, as of September 2025, the Futamata Fukura Ferry Bridge was damaged and collapsed due to heavy rains in August 2025, and is currently off-limits. I visited on a Saturday in September 2025, and there were about 10 tourists there. Apparently, from November to March, the sunlight casts a heart-shaped shadow under the bridge between 11:00 and 12:00, which became a hot topic, and the bridge has been registered as a lovers' sanctuary as a "heart-shaped stone bridge." This bridge, which dates back to the Edo period, is worth a visit (even if it's collapsed). The following historical information is quoted from the Kumamoto Prefectural Museum Network Portal Site. -- Futamata Bridge refers to two spectacles bridges spanning the Shakain River and the Tsuru River, tributaries of the Midorikawa River, at their confluence. During the Edo period, the road from the former Toyo Town area split into two at this confluence. The road leading to Kosa and Kumamoto crossed the bridge over the Tsuru River, while the road leading to Katashida and Matsubashi crossed the bridge over the Shakain River. These two bridges are independent, but because the right bank bridge over the Shakain River and the left bank bridge over the Tsuru River are close together, they appear to be one bridge bent at a right angle. Another reason they appear to be one bridge may be that the two bridges are built almost identically in terms of size and stonework. These two bridges are collectively called "Futamata Bridge," but during the Edo period they were called "Futamata Watashi" over the Shakain River and "Futamata Fukura Watashi" over the Tsuru River.They are almost the same size, making them truly like twin bridges. (Original) 熊本空港から車で43分(29km)程度。熊本市内からだと49分(26㎞)程度の場所にあります。国道443から釈迦院側の手前で左折してすぐに左折すると駐車場らしきものがあります。(10台ほどの無料駐車が可能)。尚、駐車場には「八角トンネル駐車場」でGooglemapに出ております。 尚、一応、二股橋のところまで、直接車では行けますが、路駐となります。「八角トンネル駐車場」からだと徒歩5分ほどとなります。川沿いを下っていけばあります。 ※途中ガードレールが壊れているとこがあります。また、2025年9月現在、※2025年8月の豪雨により、「二俣福良渡」が被害を受け、崩れており立ち入り禁止になっております。 2025年9月の土曜に訪れましたが、10名程度の観光客はいました。どうやら11月～3月の11時～12時にかけては、太陽の光が橋の下にハートの型を写し出すことが話題になり、｢ハートが出来る石橋｣で恋人の聖地に登録されたようです。 江戸時代からある、この橋は一見の価値があります。(崩れていても) 以下、歴史については、熊本県総合博物館ネットワーク・ポータルサイトより引用しています。 ーーーーーーーー 二俣橋とは、緑川の支流の釈迦院川（しゃかいんがわ）と津留川（つるがわ）の合流地点でそれぞれの川に架かっている二つの眼鏡橋のことです。 江戸時代には、旧砥用町方面からの道路はこの合流地点で二つに分かれていました。甲佐、熊本へつながる道は津留川に架かった橋を渡り、堅志田、松橋方面へつながる道は釈迦院川に架かった橋を渡ります。 これら二つの橋はそれぞれ独立した橋ですが、釈迦院川に架かった右岸側と津留川に架かった左岸側が接近しているため、直角に折れ曲がった一つの橋のように見えます。また、二つの橋がそのサイズや石組みなどでほぼ同じように造られていることも一つの橋に見える原因かもしれません。 この二つの橋をまとめて「二俣橋」といっていますが、江戸時代には、釈迦院川に架かる「二俣渡」、津留川に架かる「二俣福良渡」（ふたまたふくらわたし）、とそれぞれ名前があり、大きさがほぼ同じで、まさしく双子のような橋です。

(Translated by Google) This is what happened due to the heavy rain in August. It's a shame as it's such a beautiful stone bridge! I visited on October 3rd and it was still untouched. I hope it will be restored soon. I hope we can see the beautiful heart soon!! (Original) 8月の大雨でこんな事になってました。とてもいい石橋なのに残念ですね！行ったのは10月３日でしたが、まだ手付かずでした。早く復興するといいな。キレイなハートが早く見られますように‼️

(Translated by Google) I feel that this heavy rain disaster is serious. Trees are stuck on the bridge. I hope they can remove them quickly. (Original) 今回の豪雨災害は深刻だと感じました。 橋に詰まった樹木。早く取り除く作業をしてほしい

The park is calm and peaceful. I saw a lot of locals jogging here in the morning. I have tried to enter this park at night for the river walk and night view. However, it sad tht i cant find the public car park. Therefore, i left and come back again on the next morning. Then, i find a public car park near the other side of entrance. I have submitted this car park to google map and hopefully they will approve it the soonest possible for others conveniences.

A really tiny park overlooking the River

Good place

(Translated by Google) This park comes out right away when you cross the bridge along the dam wall on the way to Kizan Park. The scenery was really pretty when I went at sunset. I met quite a few locals taking a walk. It's the perfect place to take a walk while gazing at the water. The signature kappa statue was also cute. But maybe because the weather is warmer or because it's by the water, there were so many flies!! There were a lot of them especially around the kappa statue, so I almost got eaten by a bug when I tried to take a certification shot. Kekekekeㅠ I think it will be really pretty when the cherry blossoms bloom. (Original) Kizan park로 가는 길에 댐 벽을 따라 난 다리를 건너가면 금방 나오는 공원입니다. 해질녘에 가서 풍경이 참 예뻤어요. 산책하는 현지분들 꽤 마주쳤습니다. 물멍하면서 걷기 딱 좋은 곳이에요. 시그니쳐 갓파 동상도 귀여웠습니다. 그런데 날씨가 따뜻해져서 그런지 물가라 그런지 날벌레가 너무 많아요!! 특히 갓파 동상 주변에 많아서 인증샷 찍으려다가 벌레 먹을 뻔 했습니닼ㅋㅋㅋ큐ㅠ 벚꽃피면 정말 예쁠 것 같아요.

(Translated by Google) Parks and riverside areas are great places to take a walk. Many people take walks in the morning. On the TV show Bura Tamori, they said that carp fishing is good around here. (Original) 公園や川沿いは散歩をするには良い所。朝は散歩をする方が多いですね。ブラタモリではこの辺りは鯉が良く釣れると言っていました。

(Translated by Google) It looks just like Van Gogh’s starry sky! Don't miss the fireworks display! If possible, it would be best to book a boat dinner trip, which would really give you a better experience. I only took a few photos this time, but I was satisfied and will definitely come again next time! (Original) 像極了梵谷的星空！煙火大會不容錯過！可以的話最好可以預訂船隻晚餐行程，真的會有更好的體驗，這次只有拍幾張了，但我心滿意足，下次一定絕對要再來！

(Translated by Google) Irresponsible people say things like "barbecue fireworks are OK," but that's a big lie. Although it's prohibited, it's just unfortunate people who take advantage of the fact that it's a secluded place. This is a calm park with great scenery and a place where older people can take a leisurely stroll, so I don't want strange people to come. It's also perfect for a picnic with the family. The restrooms are also clean. The only drawback is that there is no parking lot. It might be a good idea to park at Kameyama Park and walk. The road you walk up to is also nice. (Original) 無責任な人が「バーベキュー花火OK」とか言ってるけど大嘘。禁止だけど奥まった場所であるのをいいことに残念な人がやってるだけです。 ここは最高の景色と年輩の方がのんびり散歩するような落ち着いた公園なので変な人は来ないで欲しいです。家族でシートひいてピクニックするのにも最適。お手洗いもまぁ綺麗。 駐車場がないのだけが玉に瑕。亀山公園に停めて歩いてくるのもいいかも。歩いてくるまでの道も素敵。

Very cooling place, recommended for both summer and winter

ilove this place so much🥰

The curry at the restaurant is good! Lots of chicken in it!

Interesting historical gold mine to visit.

Treasure hunting was so fun

So intresting and meals are tasty

GOLD RUSH!

It’s a unique experience, a small village in the middle of the mountains, all houses basically dedicated to the craft, you see then drying the products outside and the shops are inside their homes. Such a local feel, the price range is reasonable with some going cheaper and some more pricey. They got a small free local museum, all the stuff inside is in Japanese though but nice enough to look at. The parking lot by the museum isn’t the biggest, it was quite empty when I got there around 9:30 am but completely full when I left around 11 am. Guess it depends on season and weather but it doesn’t seem like there are any other parking spots around so I suggest arriving earlier if you’re driving :))

We went on a rainy day so we only went to two shops, but the potteries are so nice, we bought some beautiful tea cups. The shops are unattended and you need to ring the bell if you want to buy. They are professional craftsmen busy working in the workshops, not professional customer service employees, so don't be a jerk going in.

Am a potter hence wanted to visit this place to possibly make some ceramics or buy some unique pieces. However, there were probably only 4-5 shops that were opened, with many store owners being quite nonchalant and products were limited. Not as wide of a range as one would’ve expected. Interesting to still see how they pound the yellow clay using the force of the water. Love the cute (and only food store) soba and udon shop!

When art, tradition, and nature seamlessly fuse, the resulting uniqueness establishes an identity of its own. Originality can't be replicated nor transferred; it exclusively resides within the soul of the creator. This is what it is.

A village dedicated to pottery. Serene and tranquil, located in the middle of mountain and forest. Really nice walking in the village and admiring all the pottery items.

Caught bus from bus station worth doing for scenery and the really interesting story of the pottery village and how it’s made. Needless to say we purchased some pottery which is very reasonably priced.

Beautiful, quiet and a great range of high quality traditional pottery. Items are mostly 1000yen and up (each). If you know what you are interested in and need a beautiful addition to your tableware, you will find it here. Spend just under 10000yen on 5 items.

A beautiful and well-maintained Japanese garden, offering a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The landscape is carefully designed, featuring a large pond, traditional tea houses, and a miniature representation of the Tokaido road, including a small Mt. Fuji. The garden reflects the beauty of Japanese aesthetics, with seasonal flowers adding to its charm. The entrance fee is 400 yen as of March 2025. A great spot to take a relaxing stroll, enjoy and admire the harmony of nature. Enjoy 😎🙏🧘🧘‍♀️

Visited on a rainy morning so enjoyed a quieter atmosphere with fewer tourists. A lovely Japanese garden with two shrines and many stores inside, but not that different from otherJapanese gardens if you had visited them elsewhere.

A very nice and quite beautiful park overall. The scenery is lovely and it’s a pleasant place to walk around, but it does feel a bit small for the 400 yen entrance fee. It’s also a shame to see some buildings inside that are run-down or closed — they clearly have a lot of potential if restored. Still, it’s an enjoyable visit, just not as impressive as it could be.

I went here to relax after a long day. It’s a quiet park with lots of benches around the lake. There aren’t many people around. There’s a shrine inside and some small torii gates. The lake has a lot of fish as well. I saw many cherry trees, so this park must be even more beautiful during cherry blossom season. Entrance fee for adult is 400yen.

A very well-preserved garden. You can also enjoy the “water of longevity” inside the shrine in the garden.

It is a place you would like to enjoy, quiet. Not too many people, enjoy the peace and meditation. But for some people maybe boring, but it is only 10-15 minutes by tram, it worth to go in my opinion.

A beautiful garden with a shrine inside. It was very quiet with few visitors on a weekday, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the views

Date visited: late Jun 2025. Most of the shops are restaurants- fried stuffs and resulted in oily smell along the arcade. Couple of Pachinko shops. Couple of shops selling stuffs. One shop similar to Dunkee shop duty free. Couple of medical duty free shops. Anyway nothing really interesting to shop. Most shop close at 7 pm-8pm. There is McDonald along the arcade. Quite disappointed as the arcade is filled with cooking oil smells - overnight cooking oil smell. I just want to leave as fast as possible. I thought would be better in other section but sad to say due to many stores are restaurants selling fried stuffs, the smells just stay along the entire arcade. There is nothing interesting to take pictures for this arcade.

Came on weekday evening and find this place relatively quiet. Nothing much to see. Pretty may similar shops.

Lively shopping arcade. It gets more crowded the later the time. Around 6pm seems a good time for a stroll and explore. Much later and I guess it'll be mainly the food and drink crowds.

We visited a number of shopping streets in Kyushu and this must be the busiest. A wide and long walking street where shops were located at both side of the alley. There were small little alleys that would lead to some local restaurants and eateries as well. The family had fun shopping here where managed to find the popular Japanese pharmacy, don don donki, some street food and even a shop selling local porcelain kitchen ware and wooden kitchen items, all made in Japan. There were some common fast food restaurant like McDonald’s and Starbucks located along this street too. I even managed to find a good taiyaki snack bar here which tasted awesome, crispy on the outside. I would say one would need to allocate at least two hours for shopping here.

Nice place to walk around with lots of shops and restaurants. Very easy to explore, but many stores close a bit early — come in the afternoon or early evening for the best experience.

You could still find plenty of restaurants along the street even after like 8 or 9pm. Though it would be better to come and shop during the day.

Very vibrant till late. Vegetarian options restaurant

The castle is quite beautiful, but so is many other castles around Japan. While the constructed elevated walkway does take away from the historic look and feel, it does however give a different vantage point to the ground path. There are still many spots where the earthquake damage is “preserved”. The tourist facilities are very well laid out and most staff can speak basic English, and restaurant and snacks stalls are a bit expensive but reasonable for a tourist spot. Worth a visit if you are already coming to Kumamoto, but I wouldn’t bother travelling long distance just to see the castle.

Kumamoto Castle looks beautiful from the outside and the reconstruction after the 2016 earthquake is impressive. Inside it feels modern, more like a museum about the castle than a place showing how it once looked. There are no traditional rooms or old interiors like in Himeji. There’s also a separate Castle Museum but it can be skipped since the main castle already explains most of the history and the rebuilding process. Great to see from the outside, but not the old Japan vibe I expected.

Admission fee 800yen for castle only. There is an app called the KumaCastle which they encouraged you to download. Very easy to use. U can use the app to scan the QR code in each station for a more thorough briefing. Learnt that this castle got affected by the earthquake on 2016 and restoration is still in progress. Looking at how they went on to preserve something so worthy of the effort is heartwarming. Not boring. It’s educational and it’s informative for both adults and kids.

Visiting Kumamoto Castle was one of the most peaceful and moving experiences of my trip to Japan. As I walked toward the castle, the grand black-and-white towers rose above the trees, standing proudly against the sky. Even from a distance, I could feel the strength and spirit of the place. Inside the castle grounds, time seemed to slow down. The stone walls, carefully rebuilt after the earthquake, carry stories of courage and endurance. I found myself pausing often—just to breathe in the quiet air and imagine what life was like centuries ago. It’s amazing how a place that has faced so much destruction can still stand with such dignity and grace. Walking along the pathways lined with old trees, I felt surrounded by both history and hope. The sunlight filtering through the leaves gave the whole place a warm glow, and for a moment, I felt completely at peace. There was no rush, no noise—only the soft sounds of the wind and my own footsteps. Kumamoto Castle reminded me that beauty often comes from strength, and peace can exist even after hardship. I left the castle feeling calm, inspired, and deeply grateful. It is more than just a historic site—it is a symbol of resilience and quiet power. If you ever visit Kumamoto, take time to stand still within those walls and let the spirit of the castle speak to you.

A very well preserved historical monument, and very cleverly and sensitively remodelled to include visual and static exhibits, including modern amenities like walking paths and ramps, and elevators and toilets. Becoming a user friendly and accessible place for everyone. The visual displays and video documentary present very detailed historical and rehabilitation backgrounds, making the visit very interesting and educational.

As the billboards make me believe, construction will carry on until the 2030s. Or even 2050s as another sign seems to say. While renovations are not a bad thing, I feel they could have been made less impactful for visitors. Even just walking around the castle is annoying. I am so glad that Kumamoto is only a stopover and we didn't come here for the castle. The late afternoon light, just before sunset, was quite lovely though. And the lights at night (from our hotel room) are nice too. (Last admission is 4pm, if you want to get inside.)

Very well-organised and easy to navigate. The staff, ticketing, and crowd flow were all managed smoothly, making the visit comfortable even with many visitors. The castle grounds are impressive and the restoration work is beautifully done. Worth a visit!

Located near the castle, this shrine is a peaceful and historically significant site, dedicated to Katō Kiyomasa, the samurai lord who built Kumamoto Castle in the early 17th century. It’s a quiet place to take a break from the crowds and enjoy a bit of history and culture. The atmosphere is serene, and the shrine grounds are well maintained. A good place to visit if you're already exploring the castle area.

a very wonderful shrine. vibrant color, beautiful trees, also offer a very special view of kumamoto castle. if you are luckier, you could observe the weeding ceremony being hold upstairs for the japanese. the tori gate and the tree is gorgeous

Kumamoto Castle was not open, but you can have a close look at this shrine nearby. It also has several Kumamoto bears.

Visited in 2.4.2025. Amazing view of Kumamoto castle from here. It sells cute Omamori and some beautiful golden plate of Kumamoto Castle. Super cute Kumamon in Samurai outfit. Toilet is clean.

A beautiful, quiet shrine with a view of Kumamoto Castle. It takes a bit of time to reach because of the ongoing renovations around the castle.

Nice and quiet place but maybe less attraction places have better photo spots for Kumamoto castle

Has a beautiful view of the castle, cherry blossoms leading up to it, and is available to visit during the evening as well for a good view of the illuminated castle. The shrine itself is also beautiful and they have nice goshuin.

I came here in the evening after visiting the castle. It is obviously built for tourists so prices can be a bit higher here. But also you will be able to find unique food like horse meat here, and also omiyage from the Kumamoto region. Was not crowded because I arrived quite late.

The food here is low quality and expensive. It is better to come here after having a meal at the nearby mall's food court. Definition of a tourist trap. But you can still enjoy the scenery and old aesthetic without buying any food. The Kumamoto Castle ticketing area is here too, you can buy tickets and ticket packages for the castle and museums. This area feels too commercialized, lacking many of the traditional feeling. You can also print a Kumamoto Castle coin with engraving for 630 yen

Not a big area. Mainly restaurants. One gift shop. Walking around here takes 10 mins unless you go for the VR or wearing costumes to walk around and take pictures. Enjoy the ancient feel with the architectural style.

Sakura-no-baba Josaien, a lively castle town square at the foot of Kumamoto Castle, where visitors can enjoy local cuisine, traditional crafts, and cultural performances.

One of nice spots to visit when you are visiting Kumamoto Castle, it is near the castle, and close to bus stop that will take you back to the town. Here, there are lots of local shops and restaurants.

Visited in July 2025 Back in the day, the site was a stable for the troops stationed in the castle. But now the days of horse transportation is long gone and it has been repurposed as a tourist center. The Wakuwakuza museum is inside the complex as well. Due to the absence of any real food courts or shopping centers nearby and around the castle area (the city's major shopping arcade is 500+ meters away), the price of the foods here are way more expensive, borderline tourist trap level even. That being said, there are some items I found interesting. For instance, there is one stall that sells anything horse meat, from croquette, sausage on skewer, and even sushi. Forgot to ask whether the latter is grilled or raw horse meat on sushi rice (seems to be on the former). Another sells some Kumamon-shaped cake with some filling. AFAIK there's one shuttle bus running between the place and Kumamoto Station.

This place could get busy at times, specially on weekend where there are many tourists but it is still tolerable. The place is nice and has different stores that offer food and drinks. I particularly love the matcha store there. Offers great variety of food and has available seats on the side. Local sellers are welcoming and very kind. At times, there are presentations in the morning and afternoon, I am not so sure about the schedule and if it is something seasonal. I believe local sellers are used to meeting foreigners and despite the fact that most of them dont speak English, they still try to be patient and warm. I have not tried the restaurants there but will try my best to visit it next time. Added some photos at night

Nice fruits and vegetables with fair price. There are different kinds of みかん🍊for guests to have a try

Good place to stop and walk around

(Translated by Google) Other roadside stations are often open before closing time, but this one is closed if you arrive before opening time, so make sure to go after it opens. There are many small snack shops lined up, making it a fun place to visit during long holidays. There's also an area selling Kumamoto souvenirs, and Oguri Chaya, which serves meals and snacks. I had a chestnut and vanilla mixed soft serve there. It was refreshingly sweet and delicious. (Original) 他の道の駅は開店時間前でも割と開いていたりしますが、こちらは時間前に行ったら 開店していないので開店後に行って下さい。 小さな軽食店が軒を連ねていて連休中などは楽しいんじゃないでしょうか。 熊本のお土産品を集めた売り場や、お食事所と軽食を扱っている小栗茶屋もあります。 そちらで栗とバニラのミックスソフトをいただきました。 爽やかな甘さで美味しかったです。

(Translated by Google) We've changed our Satoyama cuisine "Dago Soup" to the up-and-coming "Akagyu" beef! Oguri's chestnut soft serve is also delicious here! ♡ '25/4/5 (Sat) ♏ Here! A suggestion. Menu improvement!! Change "Dago Soup" to "Jumbo Dago Soup" This will make the extra portion and serving size worth the 750 yen, making it a truly "Masimasi" (extra extra) menu! ♏ Mixing is a gamble!? It's effective for softening the strong flavor of the original ingredients (e.g., wasabi soft serve). However, if the ingredients are lightly seasoned, the vanilla (milk) ingredients can dilute the umami of both the ingredients and the soft serve, resulting in a mutually unsatisfactory outcome. In this case, the vanilla and chestnut flavors complement each other without compromising each other's individuality, creating a beautiful melody that I think is worthy of applause. *Since roadside station Kahoku Ogurigo is open 24 hours a day, please understand that meals, photography, etc. will be available during the trial run (preview) period on Wednesday, April 2nd. Today, you will only be able to stop by to get your stamp book filled. 🗾Kyushu & Okinawa Stamp Rally📙008 🚗Saturday, April 5, 2025 🕙9:52 PM ◀️Wednesday, April 2, 2025 🕞3:07 PM (📷️①) 🍦Vanilla & Chestnut Mix Soft Serve 450 yen [Petit Cafe Oguri no Ki] (📷️②) 🥩Mini Akagyudon Set Meal 1,600 yen 🥢Dago Soup Substitute 750 yen [Akagyu Shokudo Yokayoka] (📷️③) (^o^)／Stamp Book Stamping •••4/5 (📷️④) 🧑‍✈️Thank you very much to all our customers who used the service from "Roadside Station Asahishi, Asahishi Village Community Center, Ltd." Thank you for riding the Roadside Station Kyushu Fukukuma Line today. This service is a spring special train, visiting roadside stations in Kumamoto and Fukuoka prefectures for two days only. We will now move from Kumamoto to Fukuoka. We hope you will continue your ride and enjoy the ride. Our next stop is Tachibana Roadside Station. ♏« Roadside Station Tour: My Rules #8 »♏ ★★★Analog Collection Edition★★★ 🚗　ーPART 1 Clear Fileー 🚗 In a world where we can collect, manage, and view all kinds of data on our smartphones, I'm a staunch analog lover. Roadside station merchandise? The nine areas are color-coded (Kyushu and Okinawa are red), and the clear folders are organized by prefecture. Brochures, stamps, receipts, meal tickets, chopstick wrappers, shopping bags, wrapping paper, and more from the roadside stations I visited are carefully arranged and pasted into them. My goal is to create a bookshelf reminiscent of a library. (Original) 里山料理“だご汁”から、新進気鋭“あか牛” に衣替え！ここで味わってこその、小栗の マロンソフトもよかよか♡ ’25/４/５(土) ♏ハイ！提案です。メニューの改善です!! ”だご汁変更“→”ジャンボだご汁に変更“ これなら、増量も器も750円も納得の、 マシマシ(増し増し)メニューに変身だぁ!? ♏ミックスは博打!?元の素材の強味を 緩和させる為には有効(わさびソフト等) だが、素材の味付けが薄味の場合には、 バニラ(牛乳)成分が素材と自身の旨味も 薄めてしまい、共倒れ状態になる事も。 今回の場合は、バニラとマロンが互いの 個性を損なう事無く、旨味を尊重しあい 美しい旋律を完成させた、拍手喝采の 至極のミックスソフトだと想います。 ※『道の駅鹿北 小栗郷』は、24時間 スタンプ押印が可能なので、食事•撮影 等は試運転(下見)期間の４月２日(水)に 行い、本日はスタンプブック押印のみ の立ち寄りになっている事に、御理解 及び御了承をお願い致します。 🗾九州•沖縄 スタンプラリー📙008 🚗2025年４月５日(土) 🕙21時52分 ◀️2025年４月２日(水) 🕞15時07分 (📷️①) 🍦バニラ＆マロンミックスソフト 450円 【ぷちかふぇ おぐりの樹】(📷️②) 🥩ミニあか牛丼定食 1,600円 🥢だご汁変更 750円 【あか牛食堂 よかよか】(📷️③) (^o^)／スタンプブック押印•••4/5(📷️④) 🧑‍✈️『道の駅旭志 有限会社旭志村ふれあい センター』から御利用のお客様、大変 お疲れ様でございました。 本日は、「道の駅•九州 福熊線」御乗車 頂きまして、誠に有難うございます。 なお今回の運行は、春の臨時列車として 「熊本県」及び「福岡県」の道の駅を、 ２日間限定で訪問しております。道の駅 巡りは、これより熊本県から福岡県へと 移動して参ります。この後も引き続き 御乗車されてお楽しみ頂ければ幸いです。 次の停車駅は、『道の駅•たちばな』です。 ♏« 道の駅 巡り My ルール その８ »♏ ★★★アナログ•コレクション編★★★ 🚗　ーPART 1　クリアファイルー　🚗 スマホであらゆるデータを収集•管理• 閲覧が出来る現し世に、私は逆らう位の アナログ派である。道の駅グッズ？を ９つのエリア毎に色分け(九州•沖縄は赤) した県別のクリアファイルに、訪れた 道の駅のパンフレット,スタンプ,レシート ,食券,箸袋,レジ袋,包装紙等をバランス 良く配置して貼り付けています。図書館 の様な本棚の完成を目指しています。

(Translated by Google) 11/10/25 069 This was a long roadside station along Route 325. The parking lot was zoned. The restroom building was clean and had washlet toilets. There didn't seem to be any trash cans. The store was closed, so it's unclear what the store was like. (Original) 25/11/10 069 325号線沿いに有る横に長い道の駅でした。駐車場はゾーン分けされていました。トイレ棟はウオシュレットトイレで綺麗でした。ゴミ箱は無いようでした。店舗は時間外の為不明です。

(Translated by Google) The Akagyu beef bowl 🐃 looks delicious 🥸 This time of year, they also have chestnut parfaits and soft serve ice cream 🍦 😊 (Original) あか牛牛丼🐃美味しそうです🥸 この時期は栗を使ったパフェやソフトクリーム🍦もありました😊

(Translated by Google) October and November are chestnut season, so this roadside station is filled with chestnuts. There is also an abundance of other fruits, such as persimmons and mandarin oranges. (Original) 10～11月は栗のシーズンなので、この道の駅は栗づくしとなります。他にも渋柿やみかんなど果物が豊富になります。

The Tachiarai Peace Memorial Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in World War II history. Located on the former site of Tachiarai Airfield—once the largest military airfield in East Asia—the museum offers a powerful and sobering look into Japan’s wartime aviation legacy. The airfield played a crucial role in training Japanese Army pilots and later became a major dispatch point for kamikaze missions during the final stages of the war. It was heavily bombed and largely destroyed by U.S. B-29 bombers in March 1945. The museum features a range of excellent exhibits, including two standout aircraft: Nakajima Ki-27 "Type 97" Fighter – the only surviving example in the world, recovered from Hakata Bay and restored in 1996. This model was used in kamikaze missions. Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero (Model 32) – the only surviving example of this iconic fighter, a symbol of Japanese air power during the war. One of the more striking displays is a silhouette of a B-29 bomber suspended from the ceiling. Seeing it overhead gives a real sense of the aircraft’s massive scale—both impressive and deeply sobering. While the exhibits have minimal English translations, using Google Translate helps capture the essence of the displays. Despite the language barrier, the museum’s historical significance and powerful presentation make it highly recommended for visitors seeking a deeper understanding of Japan’s WWII experience.

Tachiarai Peace Memorial Museum is one of three facilities on Kyushu ( including Chiran and Bansei in Kagoshima) dedicated to the memory of the Japan Imperial Army Special Attack Force aka "Kamikaze" suicide pilots. Tachiarai was the former location of the Imperial Army's pilot academy that by 1944 became a center for the rapid training and dispatch of suicide pilots. The museum is notable for its display of a Type Zero fighter aircraft and a Type K27, which was restored after being recovered from the bottom of Hakata Bay, in the main exhibit hall. The remainder of the exhibits are mostly portrait photos of the special attack pilots, their final letters to family, and artifacts. The museum would be more properly called a "war memorial" rather than peace memorial, as there is no context presented regarding the sacrifice of the pilots, soldiers and civilians that were killed in the final months of the war. The museum theater tells the unfortunate story of the local village, which greatly prospered when the army aviation academy was established. As the war progressed and turned against Japan, the academy became a training center for suicide pilots and that caused the base to become a target for a massive B-29 bombing raid at the end of March 1945. The raid damaged the airbase, but also devastated the village including the death of many civilians, including children. There is no context presented as to why despite being an obvious target, the town was not evacuated and there is no context presented on the situation in Japan which allowed senior commanders to send boys to their death on one way suicide missions. The exhibition shows that the average age of the pilots was about 23, with many 18-22 years old. They knew nothing but war almost their entire lives. Most of the boys were quickly trained to reach a minimal skill level, then waited for their special orders. Almost all the missions failed. The few that were successful caused terrible, but inconsequential damage on the US Navy. The museum presents the results in the light of success, which is not historically accurate. It would be much more interesting if all of the Kyushu peace museums included context including the responsibility of the leaders whose failures resulted in the tragic deaths of the pilots and civilians. After looking at so many striking portrait photographs of the pilots (they had photographs taken in pilot gear or had portraits created post mortem) the question remains were the 3,898 suicide pilots heroes or victims? My view is they are both, and were needlessly wasted in the prime of the their youth by the senior commanders. They are tragic heroic victims. But one consolation, is the pilots get their photos and biography recorded and presented in a beautiful museum, while the many other millions of victims of WWII do not get that privilege. A visit to the Tachiarai Peace Memorial Museum shows the dark side of war. It's well worth a visit, even without the context and the restored Type Zero fighter is a gem. Access is by car or the super cute Amagi Railroad. A short walk from the tiny station.

It’s worthwhile visiting if you’re in the area. I applaud the efforts of these people who are trying to promote peace. There were no English captions on the exhibits.

Great to know parts of WW2 Pacific war zone

Being able to see a Zero up close and personal was amazing. Reading about and watching on TV doesn't do justice to this technological marvel. Once you're up close you can really see the level of mastery by engineers, craftsmen, and pilots who employed it. The cockpit has literally no armor. Thin aluminum skin between pilot and sky. Just amazing!

A great and peaceful museum to visit! I was surprised at the sight of a J7W Shinden model! Its portrayal of a B29 and a Japanese interceptor was very creative too!

This is a war museum not a peace museum. It is great if you are a fan of the engineering and design marvel that is THE Zero fighter jet. It is also great if you want to see Japan’s stance towards the war. It was presented that their airforce was defending their homeland, when anyone who read history knows they were the one who started it. It’s also priceless to see the sad sacrifice of 18-22 years old pilots who were known as the ‘Kamikaze’, and the museum glorified their sacrifices. However it is biased, very biased, and the bias is interesting to see. Also, please prepare Google translation because there is almost no English caption provided for obvious reasons.

Parking: Great parking area if you're driving. There were plenty of parking and the outdoor mall is connected by a bridge. Food: Not bad. Way better than the ones in the USA. Shopping: If you've been to the outlets in the USA, there's no comparison. There weren't many options and the prices are not cheap. Not cheap at all. This is supposed to be an outlet, not a regular shopping mall. I think if you're living in Asia, you'll probably like this place. However, if you're living in the USA, skip this place. It's going to be a waste of time for you.

If you’re looking for a big outlet with lots of branded shops, this is the one for you! It’s quite a bit of a travel, but definitely worth it. For me, it’s even better than Ships and Lalaport. The only downside (besides the distance) is the long line for food, so it’s best to bring something to eat or have a snack beforehand. Overall, a great place to shop and spend the day! 🛍️

The usual stores you will find at other Premium Outlets. It’s not as big as the one at Gotemba but still worth a visit. Show your passport and you will get a tax exception on your bill. I was told that next year (2026) you can only get your tax refund at the airport like in most countries. We spend a few hours here and found some nice bargains. I had some of the best burgers ever at the food court.

The place is nice as a venue, but the outlet prices often didn't differ much (if at all) from regular retail. Didn't buy anything except some Nike shoes – both Nike and Adidas likely will have the more compelling sale prices for shoes. Spent less than an hour here and ended up leaving since there wasn't much for us – definitely can't compare to outlet shopping in Europe. The free parking is a plus though.

Good place to shop. Not too crowded and good selwction of brands. Tosu also offered very nice countryside scenery.

An absolute shopping paradise. So many great brands at massive discounts—especially during the Golden Week promo! Most shops had 20% off for 3 items or more, and I could also claim a 10% tourist tax rebate. On top of that, many items were already marked down 40–60% off original prices, so the discounts stacked up really well. Scored quality stuff from Onitsuka Tiger, EDWIN, Calvin Klein, GAP, Tommy Hilfiger, and more. Great mix of style and value—definitely worth a trip!

We came on 12 April 2025. As it was a Saturday, there were many people at the Outlets. You can download digital coupons at the entrance via the QR code.

Phenomenal. So many staff around to guide people. The park is unbelievably clean and well kept. The structures are really authentically recreated and you can enter most of them. They have some museums and other things to do inside the park as well. One of the coolest things I’ve come across in Kyushu.

Yoshinogari Historical Park, Kanzaki-gun, Saga-ken Have you ever wondered about the fascinating history of Yayoi & Jomon? The yoshinogari archaeological site of excavation, preservation & ruins holds some unspoken secrets waiting to be discovered. Let’s dive into the past and uncover the mysteries that have been hidden for centuries! You can learn about the history of this place by visiting it. It’s a fascinating place indeed. Opening hours: 9:00 Am to 17:00 Entrance Fee: Ranges from 460¥ There are museum programs where you can learn to make fire and crafting accessories and knives. Magama bead making-250¥ You can check their website for more information and programs. Website: yoshinogari.jp/en/

The park is way bigger than one would expect (maybe) and if you love history, certainly make your way out here. They even have workshops and I loved the one I joined because I love stones. Seeing the Yayoi life in the past was a good experience. You can walk around the park to check out the old houses and the ancient burial. There is a roving bus. There’s a big part of the park that’s good for kids (or so the guide at the community center told me because I didn’t explore that part). Worth visiting!

Relaxing day out from Fukuoka. There’s not a lot of detailed information in English, but the site is very interesting, don’t miss the burial mound. Beautiful views as well.

It's an extremely large area. The train is about the same distance from Yoshinogari Koen Station or Kanzaki Station. I want to be prepared to walk steadily. It feels good when the weather is nice. You can learn about jar coffins. The experience center is also fun.

Plentiful of open spaces and historical artifacts built to scale. A fun place for the family amidst nature. The park is huge. For a start, take the free shuttle bus to go round the park. Then select places of specific interest to you. Bring along food for a small picnic (there are also provisions for BBQ on site) as the restaurant maybe fully booked up. Enjoy!

Very cool experience for a visit to the museum or to just have a picnic in the park. The grounds are beautiful and they have daily activities that you can do for an additional fee. Also, they have multiple paid parking lots around the place. It’s huge so plan to do a lot of walking.

The museum is great and is for free. You can view plenty of historical items and descriptions. There are other visuals, like videos and recording available. If you are interested in Japanese history, I can definitely recommend this visit.

I was really surprised at the size and variety of exhibitions in this museum. They have some interactive parts and photo spots. A very nice volunteer gave me a free tour in English so I learned a lot more than I could have by just reading. I really recommend it! Also if you have a JR Pass, show it at the counter to get a free souvenir!

It's sad that saga castle did not survive the passing of time, the years of neglect, and the numerous fire incidents that eventually brought it down. This museum however encapsulate a great deal of the history surrounding the castle and the region of Saga. A lot of valuable national treasures are enclosed here and valuable history on the first vaccination in Japan, innovations in railway, and the first most advanced school on western education in Japan. The heritage of the Naomasa clan lives on and I am in awe of the history of this place which largely goes unnoticed by most Japanese folks today. Also, a particularly interesting activity to partake in is the digital photography in fictional outfits of the Edo era, the outfits are selected randomly and I was lucky to get the Samurai outfit ^_^

Thanks for the senior tour guide!! We visited the museum 2 days ago. The gentleman guided us in English and gave the detailed history of Saga castle. We enjoy very much and know more about Saga city!!

The best museum I have been.

Visited in January 2020. Reconstruction of the main keep of Saga Castle built in 1838, during the last years of the Edo Period. It is one of the largest wooden reconstructions in Japan. There are historic exhibitions in the museum and it is open to public. Need to remove shoe in locker before entering. Main entrance is located near Naomasa Statue / NHK building

Free! Learn about how the guy reformed the budget and saved enough money to produce canons. Eventually leading to Japan's military dominance in Asia.

Feel calm and full of cherry blossom 🌸 Not much traveller ..

Fun place, buy some koi food and throw it around for fun

Quite no tourist and not much attractive

Evening is good for a walking or sittings idly beside the water. If you want to pray, maybe good for you.

Traditional temple. Not your fanciest but well worth a visit if you are in Sag..

A large Shrine, nice place to visit during New Year

easy and casual street