An Introduction to Kumamoto The video ‘Kumamoto Tourism Promotional Video,’ created by ‘Bud Vision Movie,’ promotes the local attractions of Kumamoto. Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県, Kumamoto-ken), is located on the west coast of Japan's Kyushu region. There exist quite a number of marvelous sceneries in Kumamoto, very different from the urban image of Japan. Abundant nature, history and traditions, and hot springs. Sit back, relax, and enjoy an introduction to Kumamoto. Be sure to follow along with the video as well! The Land of Fire 'Mt. Aso' Photo：Mt. Aso We'll begin with an introduction the ‘Active Volcano: Mt. Aso’ and the ‘Great Nature of Aso,’ both symbols of Kumamoto. Aso is a famous place to drive around in. The great mountain and vast fields will engulf you! It's also very photogenic and makes for great Instagram photos! The endless, never-ending trail forges a path to another world, hidden above the clouds. Check out the video at 0:29 to see this. ‘Kikuchi Valley (菊池渓谷, Kikuchi-keikoku)’ and ‘Nabegataki Falls (鍋ヶ滝, Nabe-ga-taki), both located at the foot of Mt. Aso, are popular tourist destinations in the mysterious wilderness. The water is crystal clear, as can only be found in Kumamoto Prefecture, a place with an abundance of pure, natural water. Kumamoto is referred to as the ‘Treasure House of Water’ or ‘Home of Water’ due to its abundance of springs. Tsujun Bridge (通潤橋, Tsujun-Kyo), Shirakawa Spring (白川水源, Shirakawa-Suigen), Goro Waterfall (五老ヶ滝, Goro-ga-Taki), Kuma River (球磨川, Kuma-Gawa) Punting, Kuma River Rafting, Amakusa Five-Bridges (天草五橋, Amakusa Go-Kyo) and dolphin watching are all water-related tourist attractions in Kumamoto. Several springs and streams have been listed in the ‘Top 100 Waters of Showa/Heisei,’ and each and every one of them weaves beautifully through the natural landscape in harmony with nature. Kumamoto Castle, a Symbol of Kumamoto Prefecture and One of the Three Famous Castles of Japan Photo：Kumamoto Castle One place you cannot miss in Kumamoto is Kumamoto Castle, tormented by the Kumamoto Earthquake in 2016. It's about 50 minutes from Kumamoto Airport by limousine bus. Kumamoto Castle has been watching over and protecting Kumamoto for over 400 years and it is a heartfelt symbol of its people. Kumamoto Castle has been designated as Important Cultural Property along with 'Aso Shrine' (阿蘇神社, Aso Jinja). Aso Shrine has around 450 subsidiaries across the nation, but the main temple is located in Kumamoto. Another must-see destination for history buffs is the Sakitsu Village in Amakusa. It was registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2018 as part of the Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region. Sakitsu Church (崎津天主堂, Sakitsu Tenshu-Do), located at the center of the village, is a must-visit. It's introduced at 2:42 in the video. Equally impressive is the Oe Church (大江天主堂, Oe Tenshu-Do). Festivals in Kumamoto Source :YouTube screenshot In Kumamoto, several festivals from ancient times still persist. One of such festivals is Yamaga Toro Festival (山鹿灯籠まつり, Yamaga Toro Matsuri) held in summer every year in Yamaga City (山鹿市, Yamaga-Shi), Kumamoto Prefecture. ‘Toro Odori (灯籠踊り)’ passed down from one generation to the next, is an all-night traditional event. The ‘Fire Festival (火の国まつり, Hi-no-Kuni Matsuri, lit. Festival of the Country of Fire),’ is held at the start of August in Kumamoto City (熊本市, Kumamoto-Shi), Kumamoto Prefecture. The large-scale festival surrounds Kumamoto Castle, and features flower trams using streetcars and fireworks displays. Other events, such as the Fujisaki Hachimangu Shrine Autumn Festival (藤崎八旛宮秋季例大祭, Fujisaki Hachimangu Shuki Reidaisai) and the fireworks displays, also excite people. These festivals are introduced at 3:06 in the video. Local Cuisine in Kumamoto Kumamoto cuisine, blessed with both rich oceans and mountains, is introduced at 2:57 in the video. One of the charms of Kumamoto is that you can enjoy stuffing your face with both traditional and modern food culture, such as Kuroge Wagyu Beef (黒毛和牛, Kuroge Wagyu), Kumamoto ramen, Aka-Ushi Beef (あか牛, Aka-Ushi), etc. (Go ahead and pig-out. No one's watching). Summary of What to Expect in Kumamoto On top of all the major tourist attractions, Kumamoto offers a relaxing respite in its hot springs. The video introduces the Tsuetate Hot Springs (杖立温泉, Tsuetate Onsen) and the Kurokawa Hot Springs (黒川温泉, Kurokawa Onsen) from 2:22. Also, don’t forget Kumamon, the nationally renowned mascot of Kumamoto! Minami Aso Railway's trolley train, SL Hitoyoshi (南阿蘇鉄道トロッコ列車SL人吉, Minami-Aso-Tetsudo Torokko-Ressha SL Hitoyoshi), attracts many train enthusiasts as well. Trekking, hiking, mountaineering, golf, and horse-riding, are just a few of the many experiences Kumamoto offers! The 'Country of Fire' and 'Home of Water,' Kumamoto, is sure to have you coming back for more. With its vast wilderness and historic cultural assets, it truly does feel like a land completely separate from Japan. 【Official Website】Kumamoto Prefecture Tourism Website Motto, Mo-tto! Kumamotto. https://kumamoto.guide/en/

Itsuki,Gokanosho - A Popular Sightseeing Spot in Kumamoto Prefecture This video, titled "[Kyushu, Tomorrow's Heritage] Itsuki, Gokanosho, Kumamoto," was released by "Nippon Archives" (ニッポンアーカイブス). In a village deep in the mountains, the fleeing Heike (Taira) warriors thought of their distant home capital... Itsuki, Gokanosho in Kumamoto Prefecture is one of the most popular scenic spots in Japan and conveys a sad history. Itsuki, Gokanosho is an area in Itsuki Village (五木村, Itsuki-Mura) and Gokanosho (五家荘, Gokanosho) in the southern part of Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan's Kyushu region. The area is a natural park of mountains and beautiful valleys, and is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. In the video, you can enjoy the rich nature and scenery of Itsuki, Gokanosho. Kureko Kodai Odori - A Traditional Japanese Culture and the Highlight of the Event Source :YouTube screenshot Kureko Kodai Odori (久連子古代踊り), which has been handed down from generation to generation in the Kureko district (久連子地区, Kureko-Chiku) of Gokanosho, known as one of Japan's unexplored regions, is said to have originated from a dance performed by the fleeing Heike warriors who lived in hiding in the Kureko district of Gokanosho, as they thought of the capital. You can see this dance from 2:18 in the video. Performers wear a white overcoat and brown Hakama, and a Hanagasa called "Shaguma" with the black tail feathers of a Kureko chicken on their heads. They dance slowly in a circle while beating small gongs and locally made Shimedaiko drums, in a somewhat melancholy manner, recreating the atmosphere of the Heike warriors as they met a tragic end. The History of Itsuki, Gokanosho, Kumamoto, a Popular Tourist Destination in Japan Source :YouTube screenshot There are many people with the surname "Ogata" in the popular tourist destination Itsuki, Gokanosho in Kumamoto, Japan. This is because when the Heike warriors fell, they changed their surname to Ogata to hide their identity after they drifted to the distant land of Kyushu. At Itsuki, Gokanosho Prefectural Natural Park, there is a quaint house called the "Ogata House" (緒方家) that is a reproduction of a house from that time. You can see it from 1:37 in the video. There is a room with an Irori fireplace on the first floor and a hidden room on the second floor, showing how the fleeing Heike warriors lived in seclusion. Take the time to learn about the history of Japan at these cultural and historical sites. Nature and Famous Sites in Itsuki, Gokanosho, a Popular Tourist Destination in Kumamoto, Japan Source :YouTube screenshot The Itsuki, Gokanosho area is located deep in the mountains, where the harsh climate has preserved an abundance of nature, and the Satoyama landscape (an undeveloped woodland area near a village) is still inhabited by wild boars and deer. Surrounded by tall mountains, Yatsushiro's attractive mountain trails and trekking courses with cherry blossoms in the spring, fresh greenery in the summer, and beautifully colored leaves in the fall provide a variety of activities that we recommend checking out during your visit to Ituski, Gokanosho. After you've enjoyed these outdoor activities, you can relax in the natural open-air Onsen (hot springs) and enjoy the view of the surrounding scenery while recuperating from the fatigue of your trip. This is one of the highlights of visiting Itsuki, Gokanosho. Gourmet Spots Around Itsuki, Gokanosho, a Popular Tourist Destination in Kumamoto, Japan Photo：Tofu in miso, a local dish of Kumamoto Prefecture Popular gourmet foods around Itsuki, Gokanosho include local Kureko chicken dishes and miso-marinated tofu, a local specialty! Itsuki, Gokanosho is a hidden village where the fleeing Heike warriors who were defeated in the battle of Dan no Ura originally settled. There are not many elegant restaurants and cafes like those around Kumamoto City, but there is an abundance of fresh river fish like salmon, as well as mushrooms and wild vegetables from the mountains. Enjoy the rustic, Instagram-worthy local cuisine. Summary of Itsuki, Gokanosho in Kumamoto Prefecture, a Popular Tourist Destination in Japan Source :YouTube screenshot There are several areas called "Heike no Ochiudo no Sato" (Villages of the Fallen Heike) in various parts of Japan. Itsuki, Gokanosho in Kumamoto Prefecture is one of them. What all Heike villages have in common is that they are mountain villages that are not easily seen by people. The Heike people changed their family names here and lived in secret, hiding from the public eye. This is the perfect scenic spot to explore beautiful, unexplored scenery. The best time to visit Itsuki, Gokanosho is in autumn, when the leaves change color. The Yatsushiro Mountain Trail is now maintained for trekking and authentic mountain climbing as well. 【Official Website】Itsuki・Gokanosho Kumamoto https://kumamoto.guide/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Gokanosho https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1023363-d1818501-Reviews-Gokanosho-Yatsushiro_Kumamoto_Prefecture_Kyushu.html

About the Enticing Promotional Video of Nishiki There's probably a lot of people who want to enjoy an amazing experience Japan, yet don’t know where to go... For a fulfilling trip to Japan, you're gonna want to do at least a little bit of research about the country. This can be done through a variety of methods such as books, review sites, and videos that introduce aspects of Japanese culture. In this article, we'll introduce the video “Nishiki, Kumamoto Japan　錦町プロモーション”, created by “NISHIKI KUMAMOTO JAPAN.” This video contains information about Kumamoto Prefecture, specifically Nishiki Town, in the Japan's Kyushu region. Whether you’re specifically interested in Nishiki, or if you’re interested in touring Japan as a whole, definitely check out this video. Highlights of the Video Source :YouTube screenshot “Nishiki, Kumamoto Japan　錦町プロモーション” is a 2-minute 50-second video about Nishiki As it introduces all the unique features of Nishiki, do take the time to view this video before visiting Japan. There are a multitude of Insta-worthy, scenic areas of abundant nature. As for crafts, from 0:35 in the video, the process of a potter creating one of his works is shown, and from 0:46 in the video, a craftsman creating a knife in a foundry can be seen. From 1:23, a swordsman appears, carrying a powerful sword. What is Nishiki? Source :YouTube screenshot Nishiki can be found in the southern area of Kumamoto Prefecture. To the south is a mountainous area reaching an elevation of 1,000m, and to the north is the Hitoyoshi Basin that the Kuma River runs through. This is a sightseeing area famous for its swordsmen and fruit villages. Fruit-picking is available in certain seasons, so for those interested, definitely check this place out. Nishiki’s Ohira Valley is a famous spot where you can enjoy camping. Savor the magnificent scenery of Nishiki to your heart’s content! The fireflies in summer, the red-and-gold leaves of the Shingu-ji Temple, and the gingko trees in autumn are all beautiful sights shown from 1:13. For those who want to experience the mysteries of nature, we recommend the Nishiki Himitsukichi Museum shown at 0:31 in the video. As seen from 0:54, you might even get the chance to see bats. Source :YouTube screenshot For those who want to learn more about Japan’s history, definitely check out the Kuwahara Family Residence . The residence is built in the architectural style of the later years of the Edo period (around 1750 to 1850), and has been designated as one of Japan’s Important Cultural Properties. At the Hitoyoshi Naval Air Station Secret Base Museum , visitors can find out more about Japan in the final stages of World War 2. The Tsuchiya Kannon-do , with more than 550 years of history, is another spot we recommend. There's some delicious food waiting for you when you get to Nishiki as well. Be sure to check out Nishiki Horumon Street, where there are many restaurants serving horumon (beef or pork offal) dishes. Things to Note When Visiting Nishiki Source :YouTube screenshot Here are some things to note before going sightseeing in Nishiki. Before setting off, besides the video introduced here, there are other sources to check for information. Nishiki’s homepage contains information about various sightseeing areas. When planning your sightseeing schedule, be sure to pay attention to each area's opening hours as well as regular holidays. The next point of note is what to do in Nishiki. For those who enjoy physical activity, there are places such as the Rafting HEART sports complex, as well as Nishiki Kurando Park. For those who want to check out Nishiki’s specialty products, make sure your stop by the Roadside Station Nishiki Farmer’s Market. Located right beside Roadside Station Nishiki, various specialty goods can be purchased at the market. This area is also known for its abundant wild roses, the sight of which can be enjoyed from late May to early June. Also, do make sure to plan the right time for your trip if you hope to view autumn scenery, summer fireflies, or take part in events such as the Nishiki Festival. Furthermore, traditional crafts such as akazu yaki, as seen from 0:35 in the video, are also famous. At the Toshogama Factory, you can even try your hand at pottery. Summary of the Introduction to Nishiki Source :YouTube screenshot In Nishiki, there are many charming sightseeing spots, so do include this town on your list of places to visit in Japan. There are so many interesting areas that it’s impossible to visit them all in one day. Around Nishiki there are many hotels and ryokans available, so we recommend planning an overnight stay. Furthermore, the Hometown Tax is applicable to souvenirs, the local cuisine, as well as fruits such as peaches, pears and chestnuts. Definitely check those out as well! The video introduced in this article neatly captures the charm of Nishiki, so for those interested in Japanese culture and/or wilderness, do take a look. You're sure to feel the urge to make a trip to Nishiki. 【Official Website】 Kumamoto Prefecture Kuma Village Office http://www.kumamura.com/gyousei/

This video, titled "Until That Day, Let's Do Our Best Together" (その日まで、ともにがんばろう), was released by "Until That Day, Let's Work Together [JR Kyushu]" (その日まで、ともにがんばろう【JR九州】). The video was created by JR Kyushu to support the fight against corona. The novel corona virus (Covid-19) that is sweeping the world today shows no sign of abating in Japan either, and we are forced to live in fear and threat of the virus every day. However, human beings have survived many epidemics in the past. Although the number of cases of new coronaviruses is increasing day by day, the number of critical condition patients and deaths in Japan is very low compared to the rest of the world, so let's do our best to believe that we can return to a safe and secure life again in the near future, as shown in this video.

The Christian Town on the Amakusa Islands of Kyushu This video, titled "'Kyushu Heritages for Tomorrow' Kumamoto 'Amakusa Islands'" ([明日の遺産 九州] 熊本｢天草諸島｣), was released by "Nippon Archives." It introduces the charm and traditional culture of the Amakusa Islands in Kyushu. The Amakusa Islands are a group of 120 islands that extends across Kumamoto and Kagoshima prefectures in western Kyushu. This area was where the historic Amakusa-Shimabara Rebellion, said to be Japan's largest rebellion, took place approximately 400 years ago. In 2018, "Hidden Christian Sites in Nagasaki and the Amakusa Region" was registered as a World Heritage Site and became widely talked about. The Deep History of Christianity on Kyushu's Amakusa Islands Photo：Sakitsu Church After Francis Xavier arrived in Hirado, Nagasaki in 1549 and preached Christianity, the western area of Kyushu has become a region home to many Christians. A Jesuit college was also built in Amakusa to train missionaries, and as can be seen from 3:01 in the video, there is a statue of Mary on the scenic seaside, which has become a popular symbol of faith. There were many martyrs in the Shimabara Rebellion led by Amakusa Shiro, and the faith of their ancestors lives on in the region today. When you go sightseeing in the Amakusa Islands, be sure to stop by Sakitsu Church, Oe Church, and the Amakusa Christian Museum, where you can learn about the history of the Amakusa area, remember the scenes of the past, and offer prayers. Recommended Tourist Spots on the Amakusa Islands of Kyushu Photo：Amakusa Five Bridges, #4 Bridge, Kumamoto Prefecture The Amakusa Gokyo (Five Bridges of Amakusa), which link the Amakusa Islands, create a spectacular scene that looks great on Instagram. Gion Bridge, which has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Famous Bridges, is another spot we recommend checking out. At Amakusa Dolphin Information, you can get information about dolphin watching in Amakusa as well. You can see the dolphins swimming in the sea of Amakusa at 0:52 in the video. Be sure to stop by Misumi fishing port, a hidden fishing hole. Local Foods and Hot Springs Around Amakusa, in Japan's Kyushu Region! Photo：Chicken sashimi Amakusa Daiou is a local chicken known as a specialty of Amakusa. When you travel to Amakusa, be sure to try the popular local cuisine "Amakusa Daiou no Torizashi" (天草大王の鳥刺し). Summary of the Scenic & Historic Amakusa Islands Photo：A statue of the virgin Mary with baby Jesus on the Amakusa Islands, Kumamoto Prefecture This video introduces many spots where you can feel the history of Christianity around the Amakusa Islands in Kyushu. While learning about the history of the area, be sure to take your time sightseeing on the scenic Amakusa Islands, a place in Kyushu rich in nature. 【Official Website】What is Amakusa - Amakusa Travel Guide - Amakusa Takarajima Tourism Association https://www.t-island.jp.e.aex.hp.transer.com/about 【TripAdvisor】Amakusa https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g1023376-Amakusa_Kumamoto_Prefecture_Kyushu-Vacations.html

Reihoku, Amakusa, Kyushu This video is a promotional video for Reihoku, Amakusa in Kumamoto, Kyushu titled "reihoku," created by "Reihoku Town Hall." The video introduces the many attractive places and magnificent nature of Reihoku, Amakusa, Kumamoto. Reihoku is the perfect place to visit if you like the ocean. Check out Tomioka castle and Tomioka visiter center if you're looking for a tasteful sightseeing tour. The video shows the many different tourist spots dotted around Reihoku. Let's take a look! Amakusa, Kumamoto - A UNESCO World Heritage Site Photo：Sakizu Church The Amakusa area in Kumamoto, Kyushu was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018. The World Heritage Site "Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region" is where you can feel the history and culture of Japanese Christianity. It has been about 450 years since Christianity was introduced to Japan. Visit the different churches and experience Japan's culture of Christianity. At 1:39 in the video, you can see a statue of the Virgin Mary on a cliff. It's very beautiful even if you don't follow Christianity. Ocean Views in Reihoku, Kumamoto Photo：Yatsushiro Sea You can go on a cruise where you can see dolphins from Tomioka port. You'll be fascinated to see all the different beautiful ocean views that the cruise offers. There are other popular spots such as Tomioka beach, Shikizaki cape, and Oppai rock (Lit. "Breast Rock") in Amakusa ocean. We recommend the Reihoku steam ship for sightseeing. It's only a 45-minute ride between Amakusa and Nagasaki. Try the popular tour of Reihoku Thermal Power Plant that takes place on the day the power plant was opened. Check the video at 1:05 to see the rock cruising. There are so many photo locations for Instagram! Gourmet Food in Reihoku, Amakusa Photo：Nagasaki chanpon noodles Fresh sea food is a must in Reihoku, Amakusa. Try the freshly caught fish and oysters from Reihoku! Amakusa area is also famous for cabbage. At 2:42 in the video, all of the gourmet foods are introduced. Which one are you thinking about trying? Nagasaki chanpon noodles are another must-eat food since Amakusa is close to Nagasaki. Fill your belly with all the delicious Amakusa cuisine. The Cultivation of pearls is also famous in Amakusa. You can even purchase them as souvenirs! Summary of Reihoku, Amakusa, Kumamoto As you can see in the video, Reihoku is a small, yet beautiful town surrounded by beautiful nature. If you're planning to visit Amakusa, try to reserve a hotel next to the ocean. It'll be an unforgettable trip. 【Official Website】Reihoku town office in Amakusa, Kumamoto https://reihoku-kumamoto.jp/ 【Tripadvisor】Reihoku, Amakusa, Kumamoto Tourist https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g1121557-Activities-Reihoku_machi_Amakusa_gun_Kumamoto_Prefecture_Kyushu.html