“Hikari no Fantasy Kikuchi 2025” is being held at Kikuchi City Furusato Sosei Shimin Hiroba Plaza in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, where it is decorated with illuminations. The highlight is a giant Christmas tree stretching 15 meters in length. The sight of its beautiful lights is breathtaking. Various other illuminations are installed, and the lights paint a magical atmosphere. This event is organized by the Kikuchi Brightening Association together with volunteer citizens who want to brighten and energize Kikuchi City. It grows a little each year and is upgraded annually. Around the venue is Kikuchi Onsen, where you can warm up after the cold. Enjoy the hot springs along with the illuminations. ■Illumination period: Saturday, November 29, 2025 – Friday, January 9, 2026 ■Lighting hours: 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/fantasy-kikuchi...

Beginner-friendly! Hike Mt. Kuradake from the 9th station Mt. Kuradake sits in Kyokushi, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Its appeal is that you can drive up to the 9th station and reach the summit in about a 30-minute walk, making it an easy outing. The mountain takes its name from the saddle-like shape you see from the foothills. There are several routes to suit different abilities, including the Forest Course, the Panorama Course, and the East Trailhead Course (9th station). Hikers from beginners to advanced enjoy this mountain. From the summit you get a 360-degree panorama. You can take in sweeping views of the Five Peaks of Aso, the Kuju Mountains in Oita, and Unzen in Nagasaki. Wildflowers bloom along the way, offering seasonal variety. Signposts and markers make the route relatively easy to follow. Relax at the summit with a packed lunch or a cup of coffee. It’s also a great spot to watch the first sunrise of the year on New Year’s Day. https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/kuratake...

Mindfulness tourism was held at Kikuchi Gorge in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. We offered the ultimate retreat in nature’s clear streams to maximize mental and physical performance. Away from everyday noise, participants enjoyed a special experience that sharpened the five senses while feeling the breath of nature. The program featured mindfulness walking incorporating meditation and breathing techniques. Participants walked through Kikuchi Gorge together with a resident priest. At each spot, people quietly faced nature—lying on rocks, sitting in zazen, or otherwise pausing in reflection. In the calm atmosphere, attendees refreshed their minds and bodies and seemed to find new insights. On the first day, we held “Mindfulness Walking and a Tea Ceremony.” A tea master conducted a tea gathering within Kikuchi Gorge. The water of Kikuchi Gorge was used for the tea. In the silent morning space, guests settled their minds and quietly enjoyed delicious tea. On the second day, participants experienced “Mindfulness Walking and a Breakfast Gathering.” They ate breakfast in the crisp morning air while sensing the surrounding nature. They enjoyed their meal in a relaxed, peaceful state. The dishes used the soft water from Kikuchi Gorge, offering clay-pot rice and meals made with local Kikuchi ingredients. Everyone seemed to enjoy the experience in their own way. By walking and touching nature in the morning, many said they were able to forget work worries and busyness. The matcha tea ceremony eased tired bodies, and the sound of the clear stream sharpened both hearing and taste. Meditating in nature with the murmur of the river and the cool air felt pleasant. Freshly cooked rice in a clay pot and nameko mushroom soup warmed body and soul; the dishes were elaborate, truly delicious, and left guests very satisfied. These were among many comments we received. It was a luxurious time to experience Kikuchi’s food, nature, and moments of self-reflection with the five senses. Instead of letting a day pass by unnoticed, participants seemed to appreciate spending time in nature solely for themselves.

We will present the "Kikuchi Gorge Light-Up". At Kikuchi Gorge, a signature sightseeing spot in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, we will illuminate the gorge at night. From the Kikuchi Gorge tollgate area, we will light up locations such as Reimei Falls, Momijigase, and Ryugafuchi. This marks the fourth Kikuchi Gorge Light-Up. We invite you into an extraordinary night at Kikuchi Gorge, normally closed to visitors after dark, with lights, illumination displays, and bamboo lanterns. Event dates: Friday, October 31st to Sunday, November 9th, Reiwa 7 (2025). Time: 5:30 PM–9:00 PM (Last admission: 8:20 PM). Admission: 1,000 yen per person for junior high school students and older (includes maintenance cooperation fee and parking fee). Parking: Please use the Kikuchi Gorge parking lot. Shuttle bus: On Saturday, November 1; Sunday, November 2; Monday, November 3 (national holiday); and Saturday, November 8, a shuttle bus will run from the central Kikuchi Gorge parking lot to the Kikuchi Gorge boarding area. https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/light_up...

"Mindfulness Tourism" will be held at Kikuchi Gorge. It is a fusion experience of mindfulness walking with a tea gathering or breakfast. This is a one-of-a-kind meditation experience held at Kikuchi Gorge in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. "Listen, walk, taste"—cleanse your mind and body through all five senses. Enjoy a luxurious moment of quiet tea drinking, wrapped in the murmuring sounds of the clear stream. Savor a breakfast that dialoguess with nature in an extraordinary setting. Spend a special time sharpening your five senses while feeling the breath of nature. Refresh your mind and body in the great outdoors. We offer the ultimate retreat designed to maximize your mental and physical performance. ■Saturday, November 1, 2025: "Mindfulness Walking and Tea Gathering" A tea master will hold a tea gathering within Kikuchi Gorge. The tea gathering will use water from Kikuchi Gorge. It is a special experience where you can enjoy delicious tea. ■Sunday, November 2, 2025: "Mindfulness Walking and Breakfast Gathering" Enjoy breakfast in the crisp morning air while feeling connected to nature. We use water from Kikuchi Gorge and serve rice cooked in an earthenware pot along with dishes made generously from ingredients sourced in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/mindfulness_tourism...

🌏🚴 ♂️ Tour de Kyushu 2025 Held in! 🚴‍♀️🌏 Set in the Nature and cityscape of Kyushu, professional athletes from Japan and the world will compete in a heated race! Held in this year for four days from Friday, October 10 to Monday, October 13 in Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Oita. 🌍 The theme is "Make Kyushu Sustainable" Broadcasting ✨ the charm of beautiful Kyushu to the world 🏁 Race Schedule ・10/10 (Fri) 13:00〜 [Sasebo Criterium / 45km] ・ 10/11 (Sat) 11:00〜 [Fukuoka / 121km] ・ 10/12 (Sun) 9:00〜 [Kumamoto, Aso / 115km] ・ 10/13 (Mon) 10:00〜 [Miyazaki, Oita / 121km] * There are traffic restrictions along the course on the day. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. For details, please check 👉the official website and social media https://tourdekyushu.asia// https://tourdekyushu.asia/en/...

Kikuchi City’s largest festival, the Kikuchi Souhakuryu Festival, takes place on Saturday, October 11, 2025, along the shopping street and at Kikuchi City Furusato Creation Civic Plaza in Kumamoto Prefecture. Four dragons—the two called the male dragon and the female dragon, plus two young dragons carried by children—perform a bold and vigorous routine together with their carriers. In Kikuchi City, legends say the ancestor of the Kikuchi clan rested beside Kikunoike and a white dragon appeared, marking the beginning of Kikuchi. Another tale tells that when Kikuchi Onsen was discovered, a white dragon spoke in a dream. The city therefore has sightseeing spots linked to dragons. The Souhakuryu Festival began in 1994 based on those legends to revitalize the local community. The white dragon measures 50 meters in length and weighs a total of 500 kilograms. To the shouts of “Seiya! Seiya!” it parades through the shopping street. Men carry the white dragon, making its large body writhe as it charges forward with powerful, heroic movement. The dramatic dragon dance is a must-see. At the end, about 3,000 fireworks burst into the night sky right before your eyes. Enjoy the full-on atmosphere of the Souhakuryu Festival with the carriers’ rousing shouts, the dragon’s winding motion, and the close-up fireworks. Kikuchi Souhakuryu Festival official website https://kikuchi-hakuryu.com//

The second "Majackie" LINE Stamp is now on sale! !! Arao City's mascot character "Majackie" is now available in a cute pixel style! Please make use of the Majacky LINE Stamp delivered from Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture! !! Majacky Pixel Stamp - LINE Stamp | LINE STORE Production: Arao City Tourism Association https://line.me/S/shop/sticker/author/5551850...

Tongjun Bridge in Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture If the timing is right, you can see the place where it is released Water is a masterpiece The area around the bridge is also spacious, rich and quaint

Arao City Mascot Character "Majacky LINE Stamp" Released!! Arao City Mascot Character "Majackie" LINE Stamp is now available! !! https://line.me/S/sticker/31230300... Majackie Stamp - LINE Stamp | LINE STORE Production: Arao City Tourism Association 2005 (Heisei 17) (2005) In July, "Majaku" was selected as the fish of Arao City. Majaku, a fish in Arao City, has long been popular as a type of shrimp that lives on tidal flats and is close to Yadokari. Born on July 3rd (Arao Tidal Flats Day), Majackie is the prince of the Majaku world! I am working to come into contact with many people in various places in Arao and convey the wonderfulness of the tidal flats. Majackie does her best to make the people who live in Arao and Arao smile Visitors! Please use the Majacky LINE Stamp that tweets the words of Kumamoto and Arao! !! https://line.me/S/sticker/31230300...

"Stamp rally around World Heritage sites in Kumamoto Prefecture! Go around Triangle West Port, Manda Pit, Sakitsu Village, etc., collect Stamps to be completed, and get a clear file! Implementation of the 10th anniversary of the registration of the World Cultural Heritage Site "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution" will be held, and a Stamp Rally will be held around World Heritage sites and constituent assets in Kumamoto Prefecture. Manda Pit and Sankaku West Port, which are constituent assets of the World Cultural Heritage Site "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution" in Kumamoto Prefecture, and Sakitsu Village, which is a constituent asset of "Hidden Christian heritage in the Nagasaki and Amakusa regions", And let's go around Kumamoto city and get to know the charm of Kumamoto! Collect stamps and you will receive World Heritage limited goods. Please refer to the following for details. Events Duration 2025 (Reiwa 7) from Saturday, July 19 to Sunday, December 28 Business hours and closed days of each facility Manda Pit Station 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed: Mondays (or the following weekdays if it is a holiday) Triangle West Port Urashimaya 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed: None Sakitsu Village Guidance Center From 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. No Closed Day during the Events Stamp installation locations (5 locations in total) Manda Pit Station (Arao City) Triangle West Port Urashimaya (Uki City) Sakitsu Village Guidance Center (Amakusa City) Kumamoto Station Shinkansen Waiting Room (Kumamoto City) Sakuramachi Kumamoto 2nd Floor Con Course (Kumamoto City) !!Those who complete it will receive World Heritage limited goods! If you have collected all the stamps, please show the completed picture to the staff of the following facilities. We will present World Heritage limited goods. [Limited goods delivery location] ⚪︎Manda Pit Station ⚪︎JR Sankaku Station Tourist Information Center (*Different from the stamp installation location) ⚪︎Sakitsu Village Guidance Center Participation Fee free Inquiries Regional Development Department, Tourism and Cultural Exchange Division, World Heritage and Cultural Exchange Office Phone: 0968-63-1274

The 4th local keychain is now on sale! The fourth local keychain is the appearance ☆彡 of Arao's local character Majacky There are a lot of such as Majackie who eats Arao Pears and Majackie who becomes Koten! Since this is also equipped with various pedestals, it is a 2WAY key chain that (^O^)/ can also be used as an acrylic stand 9 types in total It is now on sale at the Marugoto Arao Products Museum! Please stop by ♪ Marugoto Arao Products Museum Business hours 11:00~16:30 Store holiday: Every Monday (or the following Weekdays if Holidays)

World Cultural Heritage "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution" Card Rally 2025 is being held in! July 1 (Tue) ~ September 30 (Tue) World Cultural Heritage "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution" Card Rally 2025 All 38 types of cards Held in: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 ~ Tuesday, September 30, 2025 Commemorating the 10th Anniversary of World Cultural Heritage Registration! Let's go on an adventure around 11 cities in 8 prefectures! The Industrial Revolution from the end of the Bakumatsu period to the Meiji era laid the foundation for modern Japan. The factories, mines, shipyards, etc. that served as the stage of the event are still preserved in various places as "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution" and are registered as World Cultural Heritage Sites. We will Held in a special project "World Cultural Heritage "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution" Card Rally 2025" where you can enjoy such a history and romantic industrial heritage! Subject constituent assets and related facilities, you can get cards that introduce things related to "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution" and people who are closely related to it with illustrations. Collect normal cards that you can get at each facilities and get rare cards! Also, if you collect certain cards, you will receive exclusive cards and premium card holders! (Limited quantity) From young children to history buffs and Adult, there's something for both learning and collecting. In addition, if you add the official LINE Account as a friend, The robot "Gear-kun" that helps you collect cards on LINE is now available! In addition to being able to check the collection status of digital cards with Gear-kun, Inquiries about the card rally can be easily made from LINE, which is very convenient! This summer, enjoy exploring the industrial heritage and discover the passion and technology from the end of the Bakumatsu period to the Meiji era. For details, please check the "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution 10th Anniversary Special Website". 【Inquiries about Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution】 "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution" World Heritage Council: 099-286-2363 【Inquiries about card rallies in general】 Secretariat: 050-2030-7388 [Normal card pick-up location, 11 cities in 8 prefectures nationwide] Hagi Reverberatory Furnace Guide Hut[Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture] Ebisugahana Shipyard Guide Hut [Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture] Oitayama Tatarakan [Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture] Shizuki Park Toll Station (Hagi Castle Ruins) [Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture] Shoin Shrine Treasure Hall Shiseikan [Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture] Shoko Shuseikan (former Shuseikan foundry site) slope [Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture] Former Kagoshima Spinning Mill Engineer's Hall (Ijinkan) [Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture] Sekiyoshi's Products Museum [Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture] Niriyama Reflex Furnace Guidance Center Window [Izu no Kuni City, Shizuoka Prefecture] Hashino Iron Mine Information Center or Iron History Museum [Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture] Sano Tsunemin and Mietsu Naval Station Ruins History Museum or Saga Castle Honmaru History Museum [Saga City, Saga Prefecture] Gunkanjima Museums or Kosuge Shufune Grounds [Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture] Gunkanjima Digital Museum [Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture] Nagasaki Port Terminal[Nagasaki City, Nagasaki] Takashima Coal Museums [Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture] Nearest bus stop to Takashima Hokkei Mine [Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture] Gunkanjima Museums [Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture] World Heritage Visitor Center [Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture] Miyahara Mine [Omuta City, Fukuoka Prefecture] Manda Pit Station [Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture] * Installed in Manda Pit Station. Coal Mine Trains Kabuya [Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture] * Installed in the Manda Pit (paid area) Coal Mine Train. In case of rain, after confirming the entrance ticket, it will be handed over by the Manda Pit entrance staff. Omuta City Coal Industry Science Museum [Omuta City, Fukuoka Prefecture] Ryujokan [Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture] View space of the former head office of the government-run Yawata Steel Works [Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture] Onga River Water Source Pond Pump Room Information Center (Naka City Community Exchange Center) [Naka City, Fukuoka Prefecture] Manda Pit Station 〒864-0001 Kumamoto Prefecture Arao City Hara Manda 200-2 Phone Number: 0968-57–9155 Closed every Monday (the following weekdays if it is a holiday), 12/29~1/3 Visiting the site of Manda Pit: 410 yen for adults, 310 yen for high school students, 210 yen for elementary and junior high school students Visiting the site of Manda Pit Station Exhibition Room and DVD Screening Room: Free Car parking: Free Bus Car parking lot [5 large cars, 3 medium size parking spaces] 72 regular cars There is also a Car parking lot for motorcycles https://diginal.co.jp/card_rally/...

The third local keychain is on sale from July! What a local keychain this time! That Kumamon has come to Arao City! Kumamon has appeared in Spots and specialties of Arao City! Since it has various pedestals, it is a 2WAY key chain that (^O^)/ can also be used as an acrylic stand 9 types in total It is now on sale at the Marugoto Arao Products Museum! Please stop by ♪ Marugoto Arao Products Museum Business hours 11:00~16:30 Store holiday: Every Monday (or the following Weekdays if Holidays)

Kikuchi Tourism Association offers bicycle rentals. Recently, more people have been using them. This time, we introduce the popular destination, Kiki Castle. Kiki Castle is a mountain fortress built by the Yamato government in the late 7th century, about 1,350 years ago. A prefectural excavation uncovered valuable remains, including the foundations of 72 buildings, a former reservoir, and earthwork embankments. You can also see reconstructed buildings on site. At Onko Soseikan, exhibitions and videos explain Kiki Castle’s history and structure in detail. Excavations have continued since fiscal 1967 to the present. In terms of area, the site is about 12 times the size of the Tokyo Dome. The grounds are very spacious, making them ideal for a walk. Our staff actually visited by electric-assist bicycles. We reached Kiki Castle from Kikuchi City Furusato Sosei Citizen Plaza in about 20 minutes. There are some slopes, but electric-assist bicycles make riding easy. On the site is a café called Kuri to Sora that sells sweets made with Japanese chestnuts. The Mont Blanc soft-serve is especially popular. Please stop by the café to relax during your trip. You can enjoy scenery you don’t usually see. When you visit Kikuchi City, please enjoy a bicycle journey.

Thank you for waiting!! This year, too, at the Kaigobaru Vegetable Field A corn direct harvesting sales event will be held. The taste of corn harvested by yourself is exceptional. Let's enjoy the taste of summer together! [Held in Sunday] July 5 (Sat) & 6 (Sun), 2025 9 a.m. ~ 3 p.m. * It will end as soon as it is sold out due to light rain. Place: Kaigyohara Kaigobaru, Vegetable Garden (Kaba 1828) 【Fee】 Sales: 150 yen per bottle What to bring: Clothes that can get dirty, plastic bags, coins 【Inquiry】Kaigyohara Hometown Love Club 090-7534-2621: Ikematsu (reception hours 9 a.m. ~ 5 p.m.) 【Precautions】 ・ If you are harvesting corn, we recommend clothes that can get dirty, work gloves, and boots. ・Bring your own eco-bag. ・Advance registration is not required. ・ Light rain (Thereare may only be sold depending on the weather) ） ・ It will end as soon as it runs out. Kaigyohara vegetable field (next to Arao Olive Village)

"Arao Tidal Flats Day" Commemorative Tidal Flats Creature Observation Event July 5, 2025 (Sat) The Arao tidal flats are home to many creatures such as crabs and hermit crabs. Why don't you see and learn the names and characteristics of tidal flat creatures that you don't usually see? Held in July 5 (Sat) 9:30~12pm (Reception 9 o'clock ~) * Cancelled due to stormy weather Reserve day: Sunday, July 6 【Place】 Arao Chigata Water and Wetland Center Subjects: Families including elementary and junior high school students 【Capacity】 First 15 groups free of charge 【What to bring】 Boots, gloves, water bottle, hat (heat stroke prevention), writing utensils 【How to apply】 Apply by Phone [Application starts] June 2 (Mon) 9 a.m. ~ 【Inquiry】 Application: Arao Tidal Flats Conservation • Secretariat of the Council for Wise Utilization Phone 0968-63-1386 (Environmental Conservation Division)

Shizan Shrine "Ganritsu Matsuri Chinowa Kuguri" June 13, 2025 (Friday) 10 o'clock ~ 【Shinto ritual】Friday, June 13, 2025 from 10 a.m. 【Kaya no Rinokuguri】From 13th (Fri) to 15th (Sun) 16:00 At the Shizan Shrine, on the 13th, the "Wishing Festival: A Great Exorcism Over the Summer" is held. Anyone can attend the Shinto ritual on the day. If you ask for Shizan Shrine 20~10 minutes before the start of the Shinto ritual, you can receive the katashiro of the Shinto ritual. In the katashiro Shinto ritual, the name and age are written on the doll (hitokata), and the body is stroked by blowing on it, Transferring and purifying half of the sins of this year, Please pray that you will be able to spend this summer safely. Write your name, Car number, etc. on the Car Shape, stroke the frame and keys to exorcise and purify impurities and disasters, Please pray for safe driving. If you pay the katashiro to the Shizan Shrine, you will pray for no illness and disaster and traffic safety at the application festival. From the 13th to the 15th at 4 p.m., "Kaya no Rinokuguri" will be held in. Passing through a large circle made of oyster leaves, we exorcise the sins and defilements of the past six months, It is a traditional event to pray for a disease-free life for the remaining six months. It is part of the Great Exorcism of Natsuetsu, which is held at many shrines throughout Japan at this time of the year. Shizan Shrine 〒864-0057 818 Oshima, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture Phone: 0968-62-1390 15 minutes walk from JR Kagoshima Main Line "Arao Station"

The 2nd Yamaga Japanese Chestnut Sweets Fair [Trade Fair] has begun! Yamaga City is the largest chestnut producing area in western No.1 in Japan. Sweets using the "Yamaga Japanese chestnut" will appear in this season. Each of the 11 stores will offer new or upgraded products that were not available last fall. Chestnut lovers, please visit each store. In addition, if you answer the questionnaire, you will win "chestnut goods" by lottery. Get your hands on the brochure and apply. Held in period: 2025 (Reiwa 7) June 1 (Sun) ~ June 30 (Mon) Search for "Yamaga Japanese Chestnut"!

Held in Gourd Festival (Gion Festival) again this year. "Inuko Gourd" is a talisman of Yasaka Shrine, a shrine within the Precincts of Omiya Shrine, which enshrines the god who quelled the plague that was prevalent in Yamaga during the Edo period. During the Inuko Gourd Awarding Period, there will also be limited Shuin stamps of Yasaka Shrine, Sasamori, Ofuda, Five-color Gourd Guard, and Pet Guardian for disease-free disaster and epidemic elimination. Please come and visit us. ＿＿＿＿＿ ●Place: Omiya Shrine (196 Yamaga, Yamaga City) ●Award Period: June 10 (Tue) ~ 15 (Sun), 2025 (Reiwa 7) ●Time: 8 a.m. ~ 5 p.m. *Until 8 p.m. on the 15th ■About Sunday, June 15 Street stalls There are Stalls from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (There are on the leaflet says "from the evening", but it has been changed to start at 11 o'clock.) ） There are two picture-story shows. (1) 17:30 ~ (2) 18:30 ~ * Held in to coincide with the Inuko Gourd, limited shuin stamps are being awarded (June 1st ~ June 30th) * Thereare the number of preparations for each day

Higo Green Melon, a specialty of Kikuchi City, is now in season! Higo Green Melon grows larger than ordinary melons, with thicker, very tender flesh. It also contains plenty of water and juice, with a sugar content of 14 degrees or higher. Higo Green Melon is in season from late April through early July. It is mainly produced in Shichijo Town, Kikuchi City. Shichijo Town is blessed with clear spring water selected among Kumamoto’s Top 100 Famous Waters, such as Maekawa and Shimizu springs. Rich in minerals and oxygen, this water helps grow delicious melons. Producers tend the melons every day without rest, which ensures careful attention and results in sweet melons with beautifully netted rinds. Higo Green Melons are mainly sold at Roadside Station Shichijo Melon Dome in Shichijo Town. All melons sold at the Melon Dome undergo strict sugar tests with an optical sensor. Only melons that meet the sugar level of 14 degrees or higher are displayed for sale. Introducing Kikuchi’s proud specialty, the Higo Green Melon! To share this deliciousness and charm with many people, we have planned a special hands-on program! Title “Play Sommelier and Judge Sweetness♪ Sugar Level Challenge & Ultimate Melon Parfait Making in Kikuchi” In this program, you will make a parfait lavishly using Higo Green Melon. The melons used for the parfait are specially managed for the event date. Therefore, you will taste perfectly ripened, sweet melons on the day. We will use a generous half melon per parfait, making it satisfying to eat and great for photos. We will also top the melon with rich milk soft serve from Toride Farm. Garnishes will include strawberries grown in Kikuchi. Why not try making an original melon parfait you can’t find anywhere else? In addition to making the parfait, each participant will receive one whole melon to take home so you can enjoy it with your family. The take-home melon will be measured with the sugar sensor on site. You will be asked to guess the sugar level of the melon you selected. Those who guess the exact sugar level will receive a prize. We look forward to your participation♪ Please make reservations by scanning the photo QR code. Date: Saturday and Sunday, June 14–15, 2025 (20 participants per day) Time: 10:00–12:30 Place: Roadside Station Shichijo Melon Dome Participation fee: 7,700 yen per person Contact Kikuchi Tourism Association Address: 1273-1 Kumafu, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture 861-1331 TEL: 0968-25-0513

This is my first Yamaga Lantern Festival. I didn't do any homework, and I went with a crazy piece of equipment with a tripod pear 85mm single focal length. I vowed to bring a telephoto lens with me this year.

In 2024, I went to see the Yamaga Lantern Dance for the first time. The dancers dancing in matching costumes with lanterns made of Washi paper on their heads were very nice.

Tailor Boarding Experience at Arao Tidal Flats! Why don't you enjoy the beautiful scenery, sea breeze, and Aroma of the sea and enjoy the Arao tidal flats? Held in the experience of riding the "tailor" used in the Ariake Sea and running on the Arao tidal flats! A tailor is a tiller with a loading platform attached to it, and is a vehicle used for seaweed farming and clam harvesting. You can also enjoy observing creatures such as crabs and hermit crabs! Pre-registration is required for this experience! The application start date is Thursday, May 8, 2025! Don't forget your boots!! Meeting place: Arao Tidal Flats Water and Wetland Center Time required: About 50 minutes from advance explanation to Car (Boarding time is about 10 minutes one way) Fee: Adult (high school students and older) 1000 yen, junior high and elementary school students 600 yen, preschoolers free * Elementary school students and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian How to apply: Phone ☏to the Arao Tidal Flats Water and Wetland Center 0968-57-7444 Application start date: Thursday, May 8, 2025 * Representative can apply for up to 6 people at a time, and the schedule cannot be changed after application. Please apply again. ・Please bring your own boots. Boarding a tailor without boots. ・ It will be held in light rain, but it will be canceled in case of stormy weather. In the event of lightning, it will be canceled even during the Events.

At the Arao Omoyai Citizens Flower Bed, rose Appreciation parties are held twice a year, in Spring and Autumn! 【Place】 Next to the Oshima Purification Center, Arao City (4-1-73 Oshima-cho, Arao-shi) 【Admission fee】 Free 【Opening Hours】 April to September 7:00~18:00 (Roses bloom from around late April to June.) October to March 7:00~17:00 (Roses bloom from around late October to November.) 【Precautions when entering the park】 There are no restrooms in the park. Please note that in case of rain, your feet may become muddy. 【Access】 Due to the Ariake Coastal Road extension work, the entrance and exit of the Omoyai Citizens Flower Garden will be changed for the time being after 1/9, 2024 (Reiwa 6). Please be careful when you come to the venue. Please follow the local information board.

Introduction of Arao's Specialty products If you come to Arao, you want to get memorabilia and Souvenirs that can only be obtained in Arao. Specialty products that represent Arao and delicious foods that are talked about are introduced. Koshiroyaki Perfect for interiors and everyday vessels Koshiro ware, a pottery that has been handed down in the land of Arao for about 400 years, is made using high-quality ceramic clay from the foothills of Mount Kodai, which is located east of Arao City. His style boasts a high level of artistry, which has been designated as a traditional craft of Japan, and at the same time, it is also very popular as a vessel for everyday use, as it has a simplicity that complements dishes and flowers, There are very popular. In addition to platters and vases, there are also teacups and coffee cups. Find your favorite One of a kind. Koshiro ware kiln in Arao City ・Koshiro ware Fumoto kiln Kiln source: Yasuaki Inoue 1728-1 Furuhata, Arao-shi TEL: 0968-68-0456 ・ Kosaki ware Shirohira kiln Kiln source: Nobuaki Jojima 25-3 Oshima, Arao-shi TEL: 0968-62-0538 ・ Kosaki ware Sueyasu kiln Kiln source: Eisuke Sueyasu 1712-2 Fumoto, Arao City TEL: 0968-68-0058 ・ Koshiro ware Nakahira kiln Kiln source: Nishikawa Kosei 1192 Kaba, Arao City TEL: 0968-68-7326 ・Koshiro Mizuho Kiln Kiln Source: Rui Fukuda 914 Kamihirayama, Arao City TEL: 0968-66-2380 ・ Koshiro Motoya Chihiro Kiln Pottery: Tomohiro Maeno 2131-74 Kawanobori, Arao City TEL: 0968-68-6459 https://arao-kankou.jp/sightseeing/specialty/#:~:text=%E8%8D%92%E5%B0%BE%E7%89%A9%E7%94%A3%E9%A4%A8-,%E3%81%BE%E3%82%8B%E3%81%94%E3%81%A8%E3%81%82%E3%82%89%E3%81%8A%... E7%89%A9%E7%94%A3%E9%A4%A8,-%E7%89%A9%E7%94%A3%E9%A4%A8%E3%80%81%E5%B0%8F

Introducing Arao's sweets shop! Not only delicious cakes, but also sweets using Arao's Specialty products and sweets related to Arao! Please try to find it. ◆Patisserie Himaki We are proud of not only the taste but also the variety of cakes and baked sweets using Arao Pears. genre sweets address Arao-shi Higashiyagata 2-chōme-3-1 telephone number 0968-64-7112 business hours 10：00 ～ 20：00 Closed Thursday parking lot 6 units Instagram https://www.instagram.com/patisserie_himaki?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==...

Introducing Arao's sweets shop! Not only delicious cakes, but also sweets using Arao's Specialty products and sweets related to Arao! Please try to find it. ◆ European-style confectionery MAEHIRO Standard ~ creative sweets that can be used for a wide range of purposes. You'll find your favorite. address 2443-2 Arao, Arao City telephone number 0968-62-1144 business hours 9：30 ～ 20：00 Closed Water and Sunday (subject to change due to seasonal events, etc.) parking lot There is a space in front of the store. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maehiro_cake?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==...

Arao's Gourmet food is varied! Family and friends, everyone is very satisfied! From sushi restaurants, ramen, okonomiyaki, yakiniku, and other specialty restaurants, to very fashionable cafes and restaurants, Arao's Gourmet food has a wide variety of confectionery shops and nighttime drinks. After playing a lot, please enjoy it at your favorite store. ~Maki Cafe~ Take-out shops along Greenland Street with freshly baked crepes and sweets café menus genre Take-out specialty café address 827-2 Miyauchi, Arao City telephone number 070-5400-7654 business hours 12：00 ～ 17：00 Closed Tuesday (the next day if it is a holiday) + Not opens once a month parking lot 5 cars Instagram https://www.instagram.com/makicafe_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==...

Arao's Gourmet food is varied! Family and friends, everyone is very satisfied! From sushi restaurants, ramen, okonomiyaki, yakiniku, and other specialty restaurants, to very fashionable cafes and restaurants, Arao's Gourmet food has a wide variety of confectionery shops and nighttime drinks. After playing a lot, please enjoy it at your favorite store. ~Karaage Toraichi Arao Store~ In addition to the "bone-in bird" and "One of a kind grilled chicken wings", a wide variety of fried chicken and bento boxes are popular genre Take-out Tangyang address 813-1 Hara Manda, Arao City telephone number 0968-62-6268 business hours Weekdays 11:30~15:00/16:00~19:30 Weekends and Holidays 11:00~19:30 Closed Monday parking lot 7 units Official Site https://karaage-toraichi.com//