In a middle of nowhere, here it is... a little onsen and its very smily owner. This onsen saved my day, I really thought I was going to sleep in my car all dirty, after a day of intense exploration. The water is surprisingly soft, and there are many tables and sofas if you need to rest a bit (or work, like me).

This is actually a 3 star onsen, just because the water quality is average, but I gave it 4 stars because it's the only onsen in the area.

(Translated by Google) A hot spring facility located in Nishimera Village. This hot spring ♨️ is gentle on the skin and has a thick consistency ♨️ The deer meat served at the restaurant has no odor at all and is delicious, and the Nishimera salmon bowl is exquisite! ️ It's so delicious that you can only eat it here! A place where you can relax if you can hold a family bath Recommended for those who want to take their time even if it's far away! It is said that it will be crowded on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. If you have a car 🚗, we recommend going on weekdays! This is a place that people from other prefectures should definitely visit. Recommended for those who have skin problems. My hands were getting rough and my atopic dermatitis was getting worse! Although it is far from the city of Miyazaki Prefecture, it is worth the trip. Houzuki is also famous. Many of the souvenirs are yuzu! It's a place you can go to if you have a car 🚗. (Original) 西米良村にある温泉施設。 こちらの温泉♨️がお肌に優しくとろみのある温泉♨️ お食事ところのシカのお肉も全く臭みがなく美味しくて、西米良サーモン丼が絶品‼️ ここでしか食べられないくらい美味しいです！ 家族風呂もおさえられればゆっくりできる場所 遠くてもゆっくり時間を設けたい方におすすめです！土日祝日は混雑するとのこと。 車🚗があれば平日行くのがオススメです！ 他県の方もぜひ行っていただきたい場所。 お肌に悩みのある方は是非オススメ。 手荒れ、アトピーひどくていきました！ 宮崎県市内からは距離はありますが行く価値あります。 ホウズキも有名。お土産はゆずのものが多いです！ 車🚗あれば行ける場所です。

(Translated by Google) Staying time 10:00~11:45 Visited for the first time to enjoy the sauna and was excited about the hot spring facility in the mountains. Although the sauna is small, it has three tiers, so the upper tier has a good temperature. The water bath is full of about 2 people. There is a streamlined chaise lounge in the outdoor air bath, which is very comfortable! It was a nice facility where you can enjoy hot springs and saunas. (Original) 滞在時間10:00~11:45 サウナを楽しむため初訪問、山の中の温泉施設にワクワク。 サ室は狭いながら3段になっているので上段はよい温度。 水風呂は2人ほどでいっぱい。 外気浴には流線形の寝椅子があって とても気持ちがいい！ 温泉とサウナが楽しめるいい施設でした。

(Translated by Google) It was a simmering hot water. Adult 500 yen [River Hot Spring] Large indoor bath (some places have bubbles) Indoor bath (warmer than large) Sauna (with TV) Water bath (chimete) Washing area (rinse-in shampoo, body soap, soap included) Open-air bath (one of the larger ones, but with different depths) Changing room (locker for putting 100 yen in, toilet, tissue, hair dryer, drinking fountain available) Where to eat ・Salmon fried rice bowl (large serving) ・Deer minced meat cutlet (apparently it also contains wild boar) Get a little discount at Gibier Fair until 3/30/2025 (Delicious and filling♪) It's not open between lunch and evening, so it might be a good idea to check it out later. For payment, bring the slip to the front desk. (Original) とろとろの湯でした 大人500円 [川の湯] 内風呂大(泡出てる所あり) 内風呂中(大よりぬるめ) サウナ(テレビあり) 水風呂(ちめてー) 洗い場(リンスインシャンプー　ボディーソープ　石鹸あり) 露天風呂(大きいの一つ　でも深さが違う) 脱衣場(100円入れて帰ってくるロッカー　トイレ　ティッシュ　ドライヤー　水飲み場あり　) 御食事どころ ・サーモンのからあげ丼(大盛) ・鹿メンチカツ（猪も入ってるらしい） ジビエフェアで2025/3/30まで少しお得 (おいしくてお腹いっぱい♪) お昼と夕方の間やってないので確認してからがいいかもです お会計はフロントまで伝票を持ってくタイプ

(Translated by Google) Visited 2024/2. I stopped by on my way from Saitoshi to Kumamoto. I didn't go to the hot springs, but I liked the food so much that I ate there both at noon and at night on the same day (lol). The Nishimaira salmon bowl was delicious with the flavor of ginger, shiso leaves, and small onions added to the fatty salmon.I ordered a large portion for an additional 100 yen. Morinoko set meal includes bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms, and chicken nanban. It was my first time to try Nanban with bamboo shoots and shiitake mushrooms, but it also came with homemade tartar sauce and was delicious! The cutlets in the cutlet curry and katsudon are also very filling! Not only was it delicious, but the large amount of rice made me feel very full. For an additional 100 yen, you can add miso soup to your rice bowl, etc., and the piping hot dagojiru (miso soup with dumplings) warmed me to the core. What really made me happy was that the cold food was delicious. Usually when I eat out, I'm worried about the smell of chlorine, but the water here was delicious♪ I thought that because the water was delicious, the food was also delicious! The staff were attentive, disinfecting the tables, pouring water, and making us feel at ease. The hot springs also have a good reputation, so I would like to take my time and enjoy them next time! (Original) 2024/2訪問。 西都市から熊本へ行く途中に寄りました。温泉には入らなかったのですが、食事が気に入り過ぎて、同じ日の昼と夜、こちらで食事しました(笑) 西米良サーモン丼は、脂さっぱりのサーモンに、ミョウガと大葉と小ネギの風味が加わって美味しかったです♪+100円で大盛りにしました。 森の子定食は、筍、しいたけ、鶏の南蛮。筍やしいたけの南蛮は初めてだったけど、手作りのタルタルソースも付いてこれも美味しかった！ カツカレー、カツ丼のカツもしっかり食べごたえあり！美味しいだけでなく、ごはんの量多めでお腹がとても満たされました♪ +100円で丼等にもお味噌汁がつけられるのですが、熱々のだご汁(団子入りのお味噌汁)で身体の芯から温まりました。 地味に嬉しかったのが、お冷が美味しかったこと。大抵、外食するとカルキの匂いが気になるけど、ここのお水は美味しかったです♪お水が美味しいから食事も美味しいのかなーと思いました！ スタッフの方達も、テーブルの消毒をしたり、水を注ぎに来てくれたり、気配りが行き届いていて気持ち良く過ごすことができました。 温泉も評判が良いので、今度はゆっくり満喫したいと思います！

(Translated by Google) The view was great, and the thick water was very pleasant. The view from the open-air bath was wide, and I took a deep breath while looking at the mountain ridges and the blue sky. It was a quiet and nice place. I also became friends with the kind lady and asked her for recommendations on places to visit in Nishimera Village. I was touched by the kindness and love of the local people. (Original) 見晴らしもよく、トロトロの湯質で大変気持ちよかったです。露天風呂の視界も広く山の稜線と青空をみながら深呼吸しました。静かでいいところ。また親切ならおばさまとお友達になり西米良村のおすすめスポットを伺いました。地元の方のやさしさ地元愛にほっこりでした。

"九重" is pronounced "kuju" or "kokonoe" in Japanese. It means that layers and layers of mountains. It's very fantasy, amazing and beautiful nature. You could draw something or anything in your heart if you have a dream.

You can smell the smoke from the erupting spot. The scenery is pretty cool from the top.

Best place i have ever visited

(Translated by Google) I climbed here on my trip to the 100 Famous Mountains. Although it snowed early for the first time in 15 years in November 2023, there was no ice on the roads and we were able to climb the mountain trail without any snow equipment. You're much kinder than I expected, The path along the way felt like hiking. The mountains of Kyushu are unique, magnificent and very beautiful. As the name Kokonoe Mountains suggests, As you walk, you can reach various mountain peaks and courses. I climbed as far as time and physical strength allowed, The view from the top of each mountain was different and beautiful. Many foreigners also climbed the mountain, I thought it was a mountain in Kyushu that is loved by people both domestically and internationally. (Original) 百名山の旅でこちらに登りました。 2023.11に15年ぶりに早めの雪ということでしたが、道路の凍結もなく、登山道も雪装備無しで登ることができました。 思ったよりも非常に優しいやまで、 途中はハイキングしているかのような道でした。 九州の山は独特で、壮大というかとても美しいです。 九重連山という名前の通り、 歩いていると色んな山頂やコースが手に入ります。 時間と体力の許す限り登りましたが、 どの山も山頂から見る景色は異なり、美しかったです。 外国人の方も多く登られていて、 国内外の方から愛されている九州の山だと思いました。

(Translated by Google) When you think of mountain climbing in Kyushu, you think of the Kuju Mountain Range. It's an easy place to walk as you can enjoy the scenery of each season and it's not too difficult. There are a series of peaks in the 1,700m class, including Nakadake, the highest peak on mainland Kyushu. It was my first time climbing and I really enjoyed it. Next time I'll come back again aiming for the peak I haven't been to yet. (Original) 九州の登山と言えばこのくじゅう連山。 四季折々の景色も楽しめて、難易度もそこまで高くないので歩きやすい場所ですね。 九州本土最高峰の中岳をはじめ1,700m級のピークが連なっている。 初めて登りましてかなり楽しめました。 次は行けてないピークを目指してまた戻ってきます。

(Translated by Google) Kumaki's Totoge Piston. Being the highest in the state and blessed with clear skies, we were able to enjoy the wonderful fall foliage. The mountain trail is easy to walk from beginning to end, and there are no dangerous spots as long as it is only Mt. Kuju. As it is a volcano, there are no trees, so you can always enjoy the scenery as long as it is sunny. The parking lot is large, but if you arrive late, it will be full. There were also many cars parked on the road. If I have a chance to come again, I would like to enjoy Mt. Nakadake and other mountains as well. (Original) 九牧の戸峠ピストン。州一の標高かつ快晴に恵まれ素晴らしい紅葉を堪能できた。登山道は終始歩きやすく久住山のみであれば危険箇所もない。火山らしく樹林帯も無いため晴れていれば常に景色を楽しめる。駐車場は広いが到着が遅いと満車。路駐も多く見られた。また来る機会があれば中岳や他の山も楽しみたい。

(Translated by Google) The last time I climbed the mountain was 17 years ago, and this time too, it was a beautiful sunny day and I was able to enjoy the traverse. Makinoto trailhead - Kuju Town - Tengu Castle - Nakadake - Ikenokoya - Kuju Fork - trailhead (Original) 前回の登山は17年前、今回も快晴で楽しく縦走できました。牧ノ戸登山口〜久住町〜天狗ヶ城〜中岳〜池ノ小屋〜久住分かれ〜登山口

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.

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.

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.

Quite big park with observatory tower and shopping facilities around. I saw kids playing in the park, elderly people relaxing on the benches and drinking refreshments.

Different types of traditional craft workshops available

Nice place classic arts and crafts, but the mood is ruined by load j-pop playing from loadspeakers. Stop tying to be Shibuya.

Very nice people, great hands on activities and cheap food. I'll be coming again for sure :D

Close? 😥

(Translated by Google) 25/11/09 054.1 This was a roadside station along Route 254. After climbing the stairs, I found several buildings, including a teahouse and an observation deck, arranged like a castle. It would probably take about an hour to walk around them at a leisurely pace. The toilet had a washlet. There were no trash cans. (Original) 25/11/09 054.1 254号線沿いに有る道の駅でした。階段を上がると城内の様な配置に茶室、展望所などの幾つかの建物が有りました。ゆっくり回ると１時間くらい掛かりそうです。ウオシュレットトイレでした。ゴミ箱は有りませんでした。

(Translated by Google) This roadside station is located just off the national highway. The grounds are spacious, with beautifully maintained lawns and trees, and there are a variety of facilities inside. There is an observation deck 25m high, from which you can get a great 360-degree view of the surrounding area. I went on a weekday, and there weren't many people around, so it felt a little lonely. (Original) 国道から曲がったところにある道の駅です。 敷地は広く、芝生や樹木などがきれいに整備されていて、いろんな施設が入っていました。 高さ25mある展望所があり、こちらからはあたりを360度見渡すことができて眺めがよかったです。 平日に行きましたが、どこも人少なめで少し寂しかったです。

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!

Was expecting more ruins. Or at least more to see. Large stone stairs claiming to the top of where the castle was. Views were not so good.

Though the castle itself was destroyed in the early Meiji era, we were so impressed with its great stone wall, which was great enough for us to imagine the old age.

Remote place, but so calm and quiet, slow walk and feel the atmosphere of ancient time.

Good way to knowing Japan history

(Translated by Google) I came here in October 2025 as part of the 100 Famous Castles Stamp Rally. The stamps are available just inside the Hitoyoshi Castle History Museum. The castle is located at the confluence of the Kuma River and the Munekawa River, and uses these rivers as a moat. Highlights include the protruding stone walls and the Mizunotemon Gate, which was built to allow water transportation on the Kuma River, and is said to be rare even nationwide. A 5-10 minute climb up the stone steps will take you to the remains of the main castle. There aren't any particularly notable buildings left, but it was a very nice castle ruin. (Original) 2025年10月に100名城スタンプラリーで来ました。スタンプは人吉城歴史館の入ってすぐのところに置いてあります。 球磨川と胸川の合流点に位置していて、これらの川を堀として利用したお城です。見どころは石垣のはね出しや、球磨川を水運に利用するための水ノ手門が挙げられ、これらは全国的に見ても珍しいようです。 石段を5〜10分ほど登ると本丸跡まで行くことができます。特段建物が残っていたりする訳ではないのですが、とても良い城跡でした。

(Translated by Google) ☆Japan's 100 Greatest Castles☆ 10/20/2025 Located in the center of Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, this unusual castle was ruled by the Sagara clan for nearly 700 years. Built from the Muromachi period through the Edo period, it offers a glimpse of the castle's past through each era. As the site of the Seinan War, most of the buildings were burned down, leaving only Sagara Gokoku Shrine standing. The stone walls feature a "musha-gaeshi" (a type of samurai guardrail) built using Western castle-building techniques. This type of samurai guardrail can only be seen at Hakodate Goryokaku, Tatsuoka Castle Goryokaku, and Shinagawa Battery. Due to time constraints, I wasn't able to visit the remains of the main keep on the mountain, but even just walking around the stone walls and castle grounds at the base was enjoyable. It was a wonderful castle that I'd like to return to. (Original) ☆日本100名城☆ 25.10.20 熊本県人吉市の中心、700年近く相良氏によって治められたという珍しい城。室町時代から江戸時代にかけて造営されており、時代ごとの城の姿が見られる。 西南戦争の舞台だったため建物はほとんど焼失して残っておらず、相良護国神社が建っているくらい。石垣は西洋築城技術のはね出し工法による武者返しが見られる。はね出し工法の武者返しは函館五稜郭と龍岡城五稜郭、品川台場でしか見られない。 山城部分の本丸跡地には時間の関係で行けなかったが、麓の石垣や城域を歩くだけでも楽しい。また来たいと思える素晴らしい城だった。

(Translated by Google) 1. Visit Hitoyoshi Castle to get the 93rd stamp on Japan's 100 Famous Castles. 2. While only the castle ruins remain, there's plenty to see along the road. 3. Surprisingly, foreign tour buses are a frequent sight. 4. The stamp is located at the entrance to the Hitoyoshi Castle History Museum. (Original) 1. 일본 100명성 93번 히토요시성 스탬프를 찍기 위해 방문 2. 성터만 남아있는 상태이나 길을 따라 들어가면 꽤 구경할 것이 있음 3. 의외로 외국인 관광버스가 자주 보임 4. 스탬프는 히토요시성 역사 박물관 현관에 있음

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。

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!

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!

Historical place

(Translated by Google) 2025.5.3 It's good just to see Kangien, but if you have time, I recommend listening to Mr. Eguchi's explanation here😃 He teaches us a lot of things in an easy-to-understand and humorous way. There were many lessons that are relevant to the present day, and I was able to make a good souvenir of learning. The handmade materials are also very interesting. It usually takes about 10 minutes, but I will explain it in detail to anyone who is interested! The 2nd grade elementary school child of the family who was listening to the explanation was also listening intently ^ ^ Admission is free. The explanation is of course free. The autumn leaves in the garden (fresh greenery since it was May) were very beautiful. (Original) 2025.5.3 咸宜園を見るだけでも良いですが、お時間ある方はこちらにいらっしゃる江口さんという方の説明を聞くことをオススメします😃 わかりやすくユーモアたっぷりにたくさんのことを教えてくださいます。 現在に繋がる教えがたくさんあって良い学びのお土産が出来ました。手作り資料も味わい深い。 基本10分くらいですが、興味のある人には細やかに説明してくださいます！ 一緒に説明を聞いていたご家族の小学2年生のお子さんも熱心に聞いていました^ ^ 入場無料です。説明ももちろん無料。 お庭の紅葉(5月だったので新緑が)とてもきれいでした。

(Translated by Google) I just happened to visit. So I didn't know much about it. I like old buildings, so I was satisfied even without knowing anything. ⇽That's why I'm giving it 5 stars. However, it may be difficult to find a parking lot. It's safer to look it up, and I'll write about it in this review, so I hope it will be helpful. ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ From the Hita City website ↓↓↓ "Kan'i-en" is the largest private school in Japan, opened in Hita, Bungo by Confucian scholar Hirose Tanso, who was born in the late Edo period, and was designated a national historic site on July 23, 1932. >>>It's an old school. ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ *It seems that the parking lot is part of a parking lot a little to the side from the hospital in front. I also think you can use the free parking lot in Mamedacho. ----------------------------- I couldn't post all the photos and videos because there were so many of them, so I've posted them separately (besides the review). (Original) 何となく訪れました。なのでよく知りませんでした。古い建物が好きなので何も知らなくても満足出来ました。⇽これが理由で星5です 。 ただ、駐車場を見つけるのが難しいかもしれません。調べてくる方が安心しますし、このクチコミにも書いておきますのでご参考になれば幸いです。 ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ 日田市サイトより↓↓↓ 「咸宜園」は、江戸時代後期に生まれた儒学者・廣瀬淡窓が豊後・日田に開いた日本最大規模の私塾（学校）で、昭和7年7 月23 日に国史跡に指定されています。 >>>>昔の学校ということです。 ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈ *駐車場は表の病院から少し横にずれたところにある駐車場の一部を貸し出してもらっているようです。 また、豆田町の無料駐車場も利用可能だと思います。 ----------------------------- 写真動画など大量にあり載せれませんでしたので、(クチコミ以外)別で上げています。

(Translated by Google) "Xianyi" means "all things are suitable." I think this name is very appropriate. Admission is free, and you can tell they've taken great care of the environment. I definitely wouldn't give it a low rating. (Original) 「咸宜」是「全部都適合(好)」的意思。取這個名字，我覺得很咸宜。 免費參觀，看得出這裡的環境維護用了心力。 我絕對不會給予低評價。

(Translated by Google) I went there because I could see the AR version of Attack on Titan, but I also learned about the history of the private school that Professor Hirose Tanso opened and how it was passed down to his many disciples. The museum is free. Amazing✨ (Original) きっかけは進撃の巨人のARが見れるので行ってみたけれど、広瀬淡窓先生が開いた私塾によって沢山の弟子達に受け継がれていった歴史を学べます。資料館は無料です。素晴らしい✨

(Translated by Google) Hirose Tanso's private school. Since samurai mainly studied at domain schools, this school was unique in that it was attended by many others, particularly monks and their disciples. My great-grandfather (a priest at a temple) also studied here. (Original) 広瀬淡窓の私塾。 主に士族は藩校で勉強なので、こちらはそれ以外、特に僧侶の師弟が多く通っていたのが特徴的。 自分の高祖父(寺)もこちらで勉強していた。

(Translated by Google) It is said to be the remains of a private school from the Edo period. You can tour for free. I'm not impressed by this, but it seems like they taught based on merit, regardless of social status or wealth, which I thought was a wonderful policy. (Original) 江戸時代の私塾の跡だそうです。無料で見学出来ます。これと言って感動などは無いですが、身分や富などは関係なく実力主義で教育をしたそうで、素晴らしいポリシーだと感じました。

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。

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

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.