(Translated by Google) Ebino City, Miyazaki Prefecture is a station on the JR Kyushu Kichito Line, and as its name suggests, it is the entrance to the Kyomachi hot spring village by train. In fact, many people visit during the Kyomachi Futsukaichi market held in Kyomachi Onsenkyo in February. The station building has been rebuilt and is now beautiful, but like many local stations these days, it is now a bleak station with no atmosphere. The actual role of the station building appears to be played by the adjacent tourist exchange center. Bicycle parking is small. (Original) 宮崎県えびの市JR九州吉都線の駅で、その名の通り鉄道で京町温泉郷へ訪れるための入り口となる。実際に2月に京町温泉郷で開催される京町二日市の際には多くの人が訪れる。 駅舎が立て直され綺麗にはなったが、最近の地方の駅の例に漏れず、情緒のかけらもない殺風景な駅になった。実質的な駅舎としての役割は隣接する観光交流センターが担っている模様。 駐輪場は少な目。

(Translated by Google) When I stayed at a ryokan in Kyomachi Onsen, I went to see Kyomachi Onsen Station on an early morning walk around the hot spring town. It is a single-track, unmanned station with no station building or ticket gates. The tourist center was built in front of the station. I couldn't see the train due to time constraints. The scenery where the straight railway line is sucked into the mountains has a bit of charm. In my hometown, I don't take the train except for commuting, and I live in a car everywhere I go, so this itinerary was also by car. Perhaps that's why I have a bit of admiration for traveling by train on routes like this. (Original) 京町温泉の旅館に宿泊したときに早朝の温泉街の散策で京町温泉駅を見にきました。単線で無人駅で駅舎も改札もありません。駅前に建っているのは観光センターでした。時間が合わず電車を見ることはできませんでした。直線の線路が山に吸い込まれる景色にはちょっとした趣を感じます。 地元では通勤以外は電車に乗ることもなくどこに行くにもクルマ生活で今回の旅程もクルマ移動です。そのためかこのような路線の電車の旅には少し憧れがあります。

(Translated by Google) I visited here to practice my bike. The station building was new and very clean. There was a piano. (Original) バイクの練習で訪れました。駅舎が新しくとても綺麗でした。ピアノがありました。

(Translated by Google) I visited in April 2003. At that time, it was a normal station. I ate lunch and took a break in an empty station waiting room. (Original) 2003年4月に訪れました。その頃は普通の駅でした。誰もいない駅の待合室で昼飯を食べて休憩しました。

(Translated by Google) It's usually a quiet station, but today it's very busy because "Kyomachi Futsukaichi 2019.2.2-2.3" is being held. We are currently renovating our home. Number of passengers: 69 per day (not including passengers getting off) (Original) 普段は静かな駅ですが、今日は「京町二日市2019.2.2～2.3」が開催されていますので大変な賑わいです。現在ホームを改修中です。乗車人員は69人/日（降車客含まず）

(Translated by Google) It is an unmanned station with a retro feel. I visited on a weekday and it was quiet. The platforms and stations were kept well-cleaned. Next time I would like to visit a hot spring when touring. (Original) レトロな感じの無人駅です 平日訪問で閑散としていましたが ホームや駅は綺麗に掃除が行き届いてました 今度はツーリング時に温泉も来たいと思います

(Translated by Google) The empty, unmanned station remains the same. The location of the station has moved slightly and is now new. large parking lot beautiful facility clean toilet Space to shelter from the rain and wind some types of vending machines For some reason, piano lol Access to the Sanroku Line will be wider and cleaner, making it safer for pedestrians. Please note that the direction of the stop sign has changed from before! Rumor has it that people were getting arrested for not stopping at one point, probably because the stop sign was in a very high position. After that, the stop sign was lowered. lol lol Everyone, please stop for safety reasons. ₍₍( ´ ᵕ ` *)⁾⁾ (Original) 何もない無人駅っていうのは、あい変わらず 駅の位置が若干移動し、新しくなりました 広い駐車場 綺麗な施設 清潔なトイレ 雨風しのげるスペース いく種類かの自販機 なぜか、ピアノ 笑笑 山麓線へのアクセスが、広くなって綺麗になって、歩行者には安心できるかと 止まれの標識の向きが昔と変わったのが、注意点！ 止まれの標識が一時期、非常ーーーに高い位置にあったせいか、「一時不停止」で捕まってたという噂 その後、止まれの標識の位置が低くなってました 笑笑 みなさん、安全のためにもしっかりと止まりましょうね ₍₍( ´ ᵕ ` *)⁾⁾

Apparently quite a famous and old shrine. We waited about 15 minutes to pray on Jan 5. There's a modern little museum attached for an extra ¥500. There are toilets as well. The thatched roof is interesting.

Visited on a scorching summer weekend — the heat was intense. There were a few tourists around, most came to pray quickly and left right after. I didn’t stay long either, just enough time to take some photos. The shrine has a beautiful traditional structure, with a unique thatched roof (like woven hay — not something you see every day!) and a striking red torii gate at the entrance. It feels historic and sacred, even in the heat. Would love to come back when it’s cooler to take my time exploring.

Nice shrine. Great pond and lotus plants in front. Nice bridge photo moment.

Great shrine with lots of flowers

A historical place over 1200 years, not big but it is worth a visit

Peaceful and sacred beauty.

Can't go into the building as priests are only allowed in.

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。

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

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!

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

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。

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

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.

They sell plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables,meat and souvenirs.Beside is you can buy also plants.Wide varieties.Kurume is known for azalea and tsustuji but they have many plants to offer.

A very nice and pleasant place to stop by for lunch and shopping local produce fresh from the farms at reasonable prices.

Good for breaking the drive, stretch the legs and to buy some local produce along the way.

Good food and shop.

Must try ice cream

(Translated by Google) The vegetables are so fresh, it's exciting to visit this roadside station! Kurume Roadside Station was amazing. All the local vegetables were sparkling clean and felt so alive, completely different from those at the supermarket! I was having so much fun that my basket got heavier and heavier (lol). They also had a wide selection of processed foods and prepared dishes, and before I knew it, I probably bought twice as much as I intended... The parking lot was a little crowded, but the turnover was fast. There was a space for large vehicles, so it seems like a popular stop during travels. If you're heading towards Kurume, this is definitely a must-visit! ◎ Next time, I'd like to take my time and check it out on a weekday! 🍅🥬 (Original) 野菜が新鮮すぎてテンション上がる道の駅！ 道の駅くるめ、すごく良かったです。 地元の野菜がどれもピカピカで、スーパーとはまったく違う、生きてる感！ つい楽しくなって、カゴがどんどん重くなっていきました（笑） 加工品やお惣菜も充実してて、気づいたら予定の倍くらい買ってたかも…。 駐車場はちょっと混んでたけど、回転は早め。 大型車スペースもあったので、旅の途中で立ち寄る人も多そう。 久留米方面に行くなら、ここは絶対寄って損なし◎ 次は平日にゆっくり見に行きたいな〜🍅🥬

(Translated by Google) The brand new restroom facilities are perfect. There are accessible toilets, and even the men's restroom stalls have diaper changing stations. You can use them comfortably. (Original) 真新しいトイレ設備は完璧 バリアフリートイレもあり、男性用トイレの個室にもオムツ交換台もあり。 気持ちよく利用できます。

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!

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!

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.

The Kanmon Strait is very pleasant on a sunny day. It's a historic site where significant events took place, and arriving there felt very moving. If you're passing through by bicycle, there's a small fee of 20 yen.

It is a transit from South Korea to Japan and vice versa, named kannmon strait. The surrounding looks wow.If you passing in night then it looks more good. The colour of lights catch your eyes. Plenty hotels are there. It's a lifetime experience. If anyone get chance then don't missed out. Kannmon Bridge also looking very good from my ship.

My ancestors put their mark on history here.

(Translated by Google) The weather was not good, it was snowing and raining, and walking across both sides of the Taiwan Strait made everything seem unreal. (Original) 天候不佳，下著雪雨，徒步穿越兩岸，一切都顯得不夠真實

(Translated by Google) Not to mention the spectacular scenery! In Japanese history! This strait is also the stage for various events! That's amazing! I wonder if Shimonoseki City and Kitakyushu City can't collect toll tax from foreign ships? (Original) 圧巻の景色風景もさる事ながら！ 日本の歴史上！様々出来事の舞台でもあるこの海峡！素晴らしいですね！ 下関市と北九州市で外国船舶から通行税を徴収できないのかなぁ？

(Translated by Google) The scenery is amazing! There are not only bridges but also tunnels that can be accessed on foot or by bicycle. Despite the scenery and hot history (the downfall of the Heike clan, Ganryu Island, the end of the Edo period), I get the impression that tourism resources are not being utilized effectively. There aren't many tourists (you can usually park in the free parking lot right away. Is Mojiko Retro only more famous?). (Original) 景色が最高! 橋だけでなくトンネルもあり、徒歩や自転車でも通行可能。 景色や熱い歴史（平家滅亡、巌流島、幕末）がある割に観光資源が有効に生かされていない印象。観光客は少ない（無料駐車場も大体すぐ止められる。門司港レトロのみの方が有名？)。

(Translated by Google) I walked from Shimonoseki through the tunnel to Moji, but it was quite a distance. I had planned to take the Retro Line to Moji, but it is closed from December to March and there is only one bus per hour. It is essential to check the public transportation schedule in an unfamiliar place. (Original) 下関から歩いてトンネルを通って門司まで歩きましたが結構な距離でした。門司側はレトロラインでの移動を予定していたのですけど12月から3月までは営業してないしバスは1時間に1本。知らない土地での公共交通機関の運行スケジュール確認は必須ですね。

Akama Jingu is a beautiful shrine is located on the stunning Kanmon Straits. The shrine is dedicated to the child emperor Antoku and other warriors who fell during the battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185. The location also provides many other historical locations to explore near by and offers beautiful water front views, and restaurants.

Not many people seem to know the true charm of Akama at night. It may not shine as brightly as shrines in bigger cities, but here in Shimonoseki, there's a quiet, subtle beauty that lingers like a faint scent on the breeze. Under the dark sky, it glows with a deep red hue—soft, yet captivating. There’s no need for noise or lights. Just the sound of the sea breeze brushing past, and the stillness that gently wraps around you. As I strolled through the night, passing by this small yet majestic shrine, I found myself completely at peace— a rare moment to quietly walk, breathe, and simply think. I hope you, too, get to experience that kind of night.

A red-white shrine located close to the sea. The architecture is quite unique. The red & white contrasting color makes a pale pink sakura flower more beautiful. The sea view from the shrine is also stunning.

I visited the jingu at around 1pm, 8 May 2025. There were only a few visitors in the jingu, but there were some construction projects ongoing at that time. The complex is free to enter, and the buildings are brightly coloured in a traditional red hue. There is information about the history of the jingu, its relationship with Antoku Tenno and Hoichi the Earless.

Came to this jinja after a short ferry ride from the Kyushu/Mojikou Port side to the Honshu/Yamaguchi side of the beautiful Kanmon Straits. It's about a 10-15 minute walk from the Karato ferry landing dock. Beautiful red and white structures and s pretty cute of the Kanmonkyo Bridge as you head back towards the street. No fee to enter our to look around, but a gift shop awaits to separate you and your funds. We went on a weekday during the late morning/early afternoon. A nice stop if you are in the area. Recommended!

The shrine is kinda quite shiny and fabulous to us. It is nice to stop by and enjoy the beauty of shrine architecture and decoration.

Great Shinto shrine in Japan. This shrine has sacred atmosphere. Vivid colored shrine buildings are impressive!

Kanmon Bridge is a bridge connecting Shimonoseki City in Yamaguchi Prefecture and Kitakyushu City in Fukuoka Prefecture. It opened on November 14, 1973, and is 1,068m long, and the height of the bridge is 61m from sea level. There are rest areas with good views on the north and south sides of the bridge.

If you are driving pass the bridge, would highly recommend to stop and enjoy the scenery land amazing architecture of the bridge. The stop area was located at Fukuoka prefecture side. Free parking are provided and there are also a restaurant to stop by.

A very beautiful place as well as surroundings. The authority always take of this places which is praiseworthy indeed.

suspension bridge that spans the Kanmon Strait, connecting the cities of Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture and Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The bridge is a prominent landmark in the region and is widely regarded as one of the most impressive bridges in Japan. The bridge is approximately 1.2 kilometers long and stands at a height of 47 meters above the water. The view from the bridge is stunning, with the sparkling blue waters of the Kanmon Strait stretching out in all directions. On a clear day, you can even see as far as the island of Tsushima in the distance. One of the best ways to experience the Kanmon Bridge is by taking a leisurely drive across it. The road is smooth and well-maintained, and there are plenty of pull-off areas where you can stop and take in the view. There's also a pedestrian walkway on the bridge, which is a great option if you want to take your time and really soak in the scenery. Another popular way to experience the Kanmon Bridge is by taking a boat tour that passes underneath it. This is a great way to get a different perspective on the bridge and really appreciate its scale and grandeur. Overall, I would highly recommend a visit to the Kanmon Bridge if you're in the Fukuoka or Yamaguchi area. It's a beautiful and impressive structure that's definitely worth seeing in person

Although the weather was not really good, but the bridge is still beautiful and amazing.

Breathtaking views from Mekari parking bay. There's an observation deck. Lovely views, even during winter! We visited on 9 December.

went through under the bridge 4:00 AM on a ferry

Hofu Shrine is the first of 12,000 Tenjin Shrine in Japan. This beautiful shrine offers much historical significance and is a must visit during cherry blossom season or if in Yamaguchi.

Beautiful shrine It's currently (Sep 2025) under construction, take that into account when visiting The whole walk took us about 20 minutes. It has free parking

Another amazing shrine that features Japanese culture, architecture and traditions. A must visit for anyone willing to enjoy everything that Japan has to offer.

Not really a popular traveling spot, so quality of traveling is way better. People here barely speak other languages than Japanese, but still try their best to help us and treat us very warmly.

A very old and famous shrine at Hofu. We visited at dusk. Recommend to visit before sunset. The music comes from shrine was awesome. There are a lots of cherry trees around the shrine. The flower was so nice to see. We also enjoyed the night view of Hofu City by visiting the upper part of the Shrine. A lot of well wisher comes here.

I have heard that people come here to pray for their academics and exams. I went during cherry blossom season. It was beautiful. There is a park behind the shrine. Got a lot of cherry blossom pics . Got myself a shrine stamp. There is hall called Shunpuro which means hall of the spring breeze. It is believed that feels of spring breeze can be felt throughout the year.

I was gonna skip this shrine but lucky I did not. it has quite a bit too see and not many people. and, maybe just me, I found a traveling luck charm I've haven't seen before.

For all ages! We had a great day exploring the caves. Staff was also super friendly. Recommended

Really fun interactive and lots of cool things to see.

Great place to adventure and solve with a friend or family! Simple enough your kids will enjoy it. Across the street is a good curry place! If you get to the end and are having trouble with the key, the answers are in the building you turn your card into so don’t worry about it!

This place is amazing! My three old was a little scared of the caves but my 8 year old loved it! Bring walking shoes and yen! It has a gift shop and curry restaurant located at the entrance as well.

Great time. Neat mine with an added twist of a fun adventure to follow and solve. Yes it is for kids but the wife and I had a good time translating the signs and solving the mystery.

If you are into mystery and treasure hunting, this is tge best place for you. Perfect for group bonding. The statues, water fall and video presentable are very cool.

Mikawa Mu Valley was a great experience, the adventure you sign up for is great! Beautiful hidden location!

Toilets entrances are well-lit at night. Oris' burgers were good. The fries were good too. Was fun seeing the train coming and going..

There's a tricycle for kids to play and a piano for visitors inside. All the place is hand painted by the arts class from junior high school. Really charming and lovely.

I made a mistake when it came to lunch, I had pointed out the breakfast special, the lady talked the cook into preparing it for me even though breakfast was over. Here I was thinking that it was ramen for me, but it was more to my appetite. Coffee, salad , fried egg, toast, miso soup. Best meal for wet hungry cyclist , good food friendly service and had it been a sunny day , what a view.

Good

(Translated by Google) September 21, 2025 I happened to stop by and was able to take some photos just as a train was passing by. There was also an Iwami Kagura performance, so I had two unexpected experiences, which was great. However, for a roadside station, it was small and average. (Original) 2025.9.21 たまたま寄ってみたところ、列車が通過する時間で写真を撮ることが出来ました。また、石見神楽も行われていて、２つも思わぬ収穫がありとても良かったですが、道の駅としてはこじんまりしていて普通でした。

(Translated by Google) Although it is a small roadside station, it is pleasant to relax on a grassy bench while watching the Sanin Line trains running along the coastline below. It is a place where you can feel the warmth of the operator, with a yellow-decorated piano, local information, a relaxing space with a warm atmosphere, and a decorated mailbox. The restaurant has short opening hours. (Original) 小規模な道の駅ですが、海岸線を走る山陰線の列車を眼下に見ながら芝生のベンチでくつろぐ気分は悪くありません。 黄色に装飾されたピアノや地域情報があるなど、ほんわりした空気が漂う休暇スペースや🌸装飾された郵便ポストを作るなど、運営者の温かい気持ちが感じられる場所です。 レストランの営業時間は短いです。

(Translated by Google) This roadside station offers beautiful sunsets and a charming train. There's also a motorcycle shrine and a killifish scooping event. (Original) 夕陽というか夕焼けがキレイな道の駅 美しい風景と可愛い鉄道が見れます。 バイク神社とかメダカすくいもあるよ

The price is worth it for the experience inside. Lots of collections and the belluga show was amazing.

Good-sized aquarium with the pair of belurga whales as the stars of the house.

A great experience! So much wonderful sea life to see! The Beluga whales were a true highlight, I could spend all day in this place. The price is really reasonable for the great experience!

Really nice! Great place for children. Entrance fee for the aquarium is about 1500yen for adults, 500yen for students and free for ages under 5. They have also a free children park outside.

It was a rainy day, so a perfect place to escape the rain and enjoy animals and fish. the building layout is well planned so you can enjoy feeding times from multiple locations as well as see the entirety of exhibits from multiple points with fish eye windows. so many enjoyable gifts in the gift shop!

We visited this aquarium during our visit to Hamada. It was very impressive to see all the animals that this aquarium has to offer. They have activities for kids and adults alike. We spent all day here and the views from the rooftop were amazing. Staff was very friendly and helpful even with the language barrier. If we are back in the area we will visit again, definitely a must see.

Beautiful large aquarium with plenty of sharks, beluga whales, penguins, sea lions etc. The grounds are huge, no trouble locating parking. They have a small cafe (with beer), gift shops and several children interaction zones to make the visit more engaging for the kids. A bridge leads you over the expressway to the other side on the beach once your visit to the aquarium is over.

For a first time visitor by car, this is the safer and easier place to park your car. You will have to take a public bus from this center to the gateway to the Iwami-Ginzan area, which is basically one narrow street stretching from lower part of the creek to the upper part of the creek. The bus ride would cost yen 240 (US$2 or less), while the car park was free and abundant at this center. It turned out that getting a rental bicycle (electric powered one at yen 700 for two hours) at a former gas station near the lower bus stop would be ideal lakes you enjoy uphill walk without shades for 2 km or so.

This museum is not a typical tourist attraction or scenic landmark, but a serious place dedicated to learning about the history of the region. Its exhibits are carefully curated to provide educational value rather than entertainment, making it ideal for visitors with a genuine interest in the area's historical development. A worthwhile stop for those seeking depth and context in their travels.

Nice historical place with the beautiful nature of the mountain

If you want to park for free and take the bus to the village it’s a good way to get there. But walking alone is probably out of the option considering the ‘caution bears’ sign

Great center that introduces to the whole history of the mining region in quite an interactive way! Almost all the information is accompanied with English translation which is very nice. It is only 20 min walk from the center of the charming Omori village. So, if anyone is interested, I had a perfect day taking a 10:15am bus from Hiroshima directly to this center, learned about mining, walked to Omori and browsed it around a bit (it is gorgeous!), and from there took a 15 min ride (google maps knows it all) on a very cute small electric bus to the Ryugenji mine shaft (open to public without guides). And finally hiked from there for three hours through majestic forest to one of the most authentic hot springs in the country in Yunotsu. Memorable day full of history, nature, hiking, and relaxation!

A must stop for any history, geology or geography enthusiast. Wonderful presentation, amazing staff, just awesome.

This center highlights the contributions of Japan to earth in terms of Silver. Not many may know that Japan was mining 90% of the world's supply of silver 300 years ago... recommend a visit. The trails are good too for the hiking enthusiasts.

Interesting to go into the old silver mine. Recommend wearing the hard hat provided unless you are very short as the ceiling is low in many places and we bumped our heads a few times. There were some pictures of what the mining working conditions were like for the workers. Would have been a hard life.

This is a UNESCO World Heritage silver mine. Walking around Iwami Ginzan, I felt the harsh conditions under which people worked to earn money in those days. A guide accompanied us, providing detailed and easy-to-understand explanations, making the experience both enjoyable and informative.

The Iwami Ginzan historic site is impressive for its preserved old structures and landscape. It's clear that a considerable budget has been invested in maintaining the authenticity of this heritage site.

This was a fun experience. If you come here expecting to go deep under ground in a deep, vast tunnel you will be let down. The tunnel is nice to walk through but it's not the most thrilling thing in the world so its best to keep your expectations low. What really made this experience special was hiring a bicycle and riding through the beautiful traditional buildings in the town which leads up to the mine.

Iwami Ginza Mines is a great experience. Very peaceful and relaxing. There is only two ways to reach the mine walk or hire a bicycle some of which are electric. Its a 2.5 km easy walk with things to see along the way (temples, shrines and beautiful scenery and toilets). The mine cost is 500 yen and foreigners get a discount. A must see.

I really enjoy when visiting Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine. This place, become UNESCO heritage site because here you will find the trace of the glory silver mine 400 years ago. Roads, tunnels, Samurai's house, and artifacts as remnants of silver mine still exists until now. This place is conserved well until now. Had trade with Europe, prove this silver mine activity affected Japan's economy at that time. Tour into the tunnel will give you the idea how the labors work to get the silver. It really hard to work under having water problems, and the shortage of light and fresh air in the past. Please visit Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, you will not regret!!

This is a great place to take a walk and it is a important place during Japanese history. It provide funds during 15~16 century. The Major issue is lack of English resource. It is hard for Foreign visitors to understand the picture by using audio guide. As a UNESCO site, I think it is reasonable to training small number of English guide.

The train station and its surrounding area is also absolutely stunning! Lovely view!

Beautiful station.

Beautiful journey to Izumo Taisha

An old train is displayed outside the station so you can look around freely

A beautiful station.

Beautiful station

A nice little station.

After visiting Izumo Taisha, we took a little side-trip up the coast and quite enjoyed our visit to this lighthouse. You get a good workout going up the stairs and are then rewarded with a beautiful view from the top. You also can learn a little about its history and design, as well as those of other lighthouses around Japan.

Free parking. Nice views and interesting volcanic rock formations. You can walk to the temple from here.

An awesome place to visit! The views from the top are incredible! And exploring the surrounding coast is just as cool. The formations of the cliffs are so intriguing. It cost us 300yen to go up the lighthouse, it was well worth it!

The majestic and magnificent lighthouse offers an excellent view after climbing up, but the prerequisite is that you must have great courage and physical strength. During the climb, you can browse information about Japan's 100 Selected Lighthouses. There is also a display hut next to the lighthouse that explains the history and operation procedures of the lighthouse. A visit here is definitely worthwhile.

Very beautiful view! It is advisable to go in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Not many people come here during weekday, so it was nice to to have the whole place for yourself. There is a trekking path nearby if you want to enjoy the view of the sea. The lighthouse has 6-7 floors, the last stair was really scary to climb. But it is worth climbing to the top. Beautiful view with breezing wind. There are some restaurants and cafes nearby too.

Iconic place. You can climb the lighthouse and the view from there is awesome.

It’s a nice lighthouse but beware of the snakes and jojo spiders on the way up.

Definitely worth seeing. Lots of local history here and pares well with visiting Izumo Taisha. Totally baby friendly. You can use their free strollers. There is a nursing room. There is also a play corner for kids. The cafe inside was also delicious!

Tranquil and well organized museum. Very friendly staff, ready to help out in English. English audio option is a bit limited, especially in the stories of myth section (which I have the most interest in). Cafe Maru at L2 offers generous portion of delicious food (I was tempted to try their dessert, but was too full!). The cafe has great view, making the meal more enjoyable.The area surrounding is beautiful, great for taking a stroll. If you want to enjoy the view but tired of walking, go to L3, there are two benches facing the outdoor. If you exit from the west gate, there is a shortcut to Izumo Taisha, covered with well trimmed bonsai and flowers (save the trouble of walking up hill)

Quite a large and comprehensive museum about the history of ancient Izumo and the surrounding area. Definitely worth a visit for anyone who likes history and culture. Foreign visitors can get a discount after showing their passport or other document. Some panels have English, and most videos have English subtitles. It is located very close to Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine. There's is a small cafe and museum shop located inside.

Great museum to know more about Izumo Taisha. Introducing the past of the shrine, history of Japan in general, some mythologies in the world. The content are rich and there are some video sessions intriguing the mythology stories and history in Shimane and Izumo. And the beautiful garden outside is also relaxing.

You can see the evidence of ancient huge shrines pillars here. It can be possible to build huge shrine with only woods. And excellent view from the cafe is also recommend.

Although Shimane prefecture has a sensitive political dispute with Korea, the exhibits were pretty much objective and the staff were nice, which made me feel pacifist vibes are mainstream in the civilian sector. A cool 358 piece bronze dagger that was found at once was displayed in the exhibit room, and that also indicates Korea and Japan were linked tightly and friendly back in the ancient days (the style of dagger is only found in Korean peninsula and Japan). Many cool archaeological stuff are there.

Great to understand the architecture of the Izumo Shrine, and how are the differences among other Shrines in Japan. Plus the bronze wares found in ancient Izumo, and the fairy tales of the Izumo. Great to spend some time here and the entrance fee has 50% discount for visitors.

One of Japan's most ancient and revered shrines. The grounds are quite spacious and contains quite a large number of buildings/structures. If you like Shinto architecture, you will no doubt enjoy the beautifully curved lines of the cedar rooves. Although many shrines display large and beautiful ropes, those at one of the buildings in the compound are definitely the largest I have ever seen. The atmosphere is very serene, and it is well worth a side-trip if you are in Shimane.

The Izumooyashiro is amazing. The place is clean, quiet and beautiful. The handmade gigantic rope hanging over the jinsha is a wonderful sight, you will simple be amazed by the work of Japanese people. And it is quite easy to go there by local train, the minus point will only be, as the local train only runs 1 or at most 2 per hour, you better check the local train timetable carefully (especially if you travelled with JR like me), and reserved enough time as you need to buy separate train tickets to visit the oyashiro.

One of Japan’s most impressive shrines — said to be the second largest in the country. The scale is grand and awe-inspiring, yet the grounds feel calm and spacious. Fewer tourists than Kyoto’s big-name sites make for a more peaceful experience. A must-visit if you're in the Izumo region.

Come and visit. No need to describe what you can feel in the place. Before you can read about the rules of the temple and treat everyone with respect.

Legend has it that eight million gods hold an annual meeting here. There are four torii gates. The largest torii made of white stone is located at the end of the road in front of Izumo Taisha Shrine, the black wooden torii is located at the front of the road, the iron torii is inside Izumo Taisha Shrine, and the copper torii is closest to the shrine. It takes at least 10 minutes to walk to the shrine from the outside road. Dedicated to Okuninushi, Izumo Taisha Shrine covers a huge area and is very comfortable to walk in. It is definitely a shrine that cannot be missed among Japanese shrines. What is special is that the way of worship here is different from other shrines in Japan. The way of worship here is two bows, four claps, and one bow.

I was finally able to visit Izumo Taisha Shrine, which I had longed to do. You will probably be more impressed if you read a book on Japanese mythology and gain some background knowledge, since this is a god who appears in the Kojiki 古事記 and Nihon Shoki 日本書紀.

Izumo Taisha is a magical destination for anyone seeking love or connection. Dedicated to Okuninushi, the deity of marriage, this ancient Shinto shrine in Shimane exudes a serene, spiritual vibe. The towering main hall and massive shimenawa rope are awe-inspiring, while the enmusubi (matchmaking) prayers create a hopeful atmosphere. I offered a prayer for meaningful relationships and bought an enmusubi charm as a keepsake. The grounds buzz with stories of couples finding love here. Despite some crowds, the experience was uplifting, leaving me inspired by the shrine’s romantic legacy. A must-visit for love-seekers!

This temple truly feels like a beloved place for the local community rather than a tourist destination. Few visitors come just for the sightseeing, which adds to its serene, authentic atmosphere. The approach to the temple is lined with a majestic, almost intimidating presence that sets a sacred tone even before you arrive. Dedicated to a deity of sight, it holds a special place in the hearts of those seeking blessings for their sight. A quiet and powerful spiritual place.

The autumn color is beautiful. Parking space is plenty but costs 500 Yen. Please also note that no tripod or monopod is allowed inside and the distance between parking area and the entrance is 15 plus minutes walk uphill.

Very beautifu Templo

The people in the temple were kind.

Peaceful

One of the most amazing beautiful view all over the Matsue Lake

Quiet temple