The Manda Pit viewed under the blue sky is very impressive. The lines of steel, the color of bricks, and the vast sky come together to create a beautiful landscape unique to industrial heritage. When taking photos, try to include not only the buildings but also the sky and shadows. This will capture the strength of the mining site and the vastness of the sky in Arao City. 【Visiting Information】9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM) / Closed: Mondays (or the following weekday if it’s a holiday) and during the New Year holidays / Admission: Adults and university students 410 yen, high school students 310 yen, elementary and junior high school students 210 yen / Manda Pit Station (free exhibition room and ticket sales) #Photo Spot #Travel Photography #Industrial Heritage #Miike Coal Mine #Historical Walks #Architectural Photography #MandaCoalMine #AraoCity #Kumamoto #KumamotoTravel #JapanTravel #VisitJapan #WorldHeritage #IndustrialHeritage

Fukoji Temple's Hydrangeas ❚ Blooming Status as of June 22, 2026 Fukoji Temple is located in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. It is also famous as a sightseeing spot for hydrangeas. Currently, the hydrangeas are in full bloom. We will keep you updated on the blooming status. 【Location】Upper Ozuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture 【Access】About 10 minutes by car from JR Asaji Station 【Parking】Available (free) 【Restroom】Available ❚ Fukoji Temple The cliff-carved Buddha on the temple grounds stands about 11 meters tall, including its pedestal, making it one of the largest cliff-carved Buddhas in Japan. The central figure is Fudo Myoo (the Immovable Wisdom King). Fudo Myoo is typically depicted with an angry expression, but this cliff-carved Buddha has developed a round and gentle appearance over the years of exposure to the elements. Despite its large size, Fudo Myoo has a very approachable presence. Fukoji Temple is also known as "Hydrangea Temple" due to the numerous hydrangeas planted there. During the rainy season, visitors can enjoy the sight of many hydrangea flowers alongside the cliff-carved Buddha. The hydrangeas are cared for by the temple and the local community. ■■■ Access to the Center of Bungoono City ■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended sightseeing spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

"We are all connected!" The wrapped train of the Akita Nairiku Line seems to echo Shinnosuke's voice. Father's hometown, Akita; mother's Kumamoto; and now living in Saitama— the lands of our family are depicted on a single train car. "The tracks and the bonds are connected straight, aren't they?" After a long time, my heart warmed with nostalgia, and I pointed my camera. Why not come visit "Akita" on the Akita Nairiku Line?

Fukoji Temple's Hydrangeas ❚ Blooming Status as of June 17, 2026 Fukoji Temple, located in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, is also famous as a tourist spot for hydrangeas. Currently, the hydrangeas are in full bloom. Some of the early-blooming flowers have started to wilt a bit. We will keep you updated on the blooming status. 【Location】Upper Oozuka, Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture 【Access】About a 10-minute drive from JR Asaji Station 【Parking】Available (free) 【Restroom】Available ❚ Fukoji Temple The rock-carved Buddha in the temple grounds is approximately 11 meters tall, including its pedestal, making it one of the largest rock-carved Buddhas in Japan. The central figure is Fudo Myoo (Fudo Myo-o). Fudo Myoo is depicted with an angry expression, but this rock-carved Buddha has weathered the elements for many years and now has a round, gentle face. Although it is a large Fudo Myoo, it has a very friendly appearance. Fukoji Temple is also known as "Hydrangea Temple" due to the numerous hydrangeas planted there. During the rainy season, you can see many blooming hydrangeas alongside the rock-carved Buddha. The hydrangeas are cared for by the temple and the local community. ■■■ Access to the Center of Bungoono City ■■■ About a 3-hour drive from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About a 2-hour drive from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About a 1 hour and 20-minute drive from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About a 1 hour and 20-minute drive from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Tourism and Recommended Spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

【Media Information】Kazuma-en will be featured on RKK Kumamoto Broadcasting's "Sorakuma"! We are pleased to announce that Kazuma-en will be introduced on the program "Sorakuma," which airs every Saturday on RKK Kumamoto Broadcasting. "Sorakuma" is a program that introduces various aspects of Kumamoto Prefecture from an aerial perspective, showcasing beautiful images captured by drones that reveal the region's seasonal and local diversity. Enjoy captivating visuals of the rich nature and stunning coastlines from above, offering a unique perspective! Details of the broadcast are as follows. We hope you all tune in. Program Name: RKK Kumamoto Broadcasting (Channel 3) "Sorakuma" Broadcast Date and Time: Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 18:50 Program Overview: Titled "Kumamoto from the Sky = Sorakuma," this program focuses on drone footage showcasing various scenes from across the prefecture.

Introduction to Tourist Attractions ❚ Karasudake Enkei Bunsui Located in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Karasudake Enkei Bunsui is a facility that conveys the history of water that has supported local life. The mountainous area of Ogata Town was once a place struggling to secure water. To solve this issue, a channel called "Haseoiro," approximately 22 kilometers long, was developed over many years. Karasudake Enkei Bunsui was established along this channel to fairly distribute essential water to fields and farms. Its unique circular structure is designed to divide water into specific ratios for different regions. This place not only offers beautiful scenery but also showcases the system that has supported people's lives and agriculture, making it a major highlight. *Water flows from June to about September each year. There is no water flow during other times, so please be cautious when planning your visit. Location: Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Kobara ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City■■■ Approximately 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture Approximately 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended tourist spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

The coal mine train is an essential part of the history of Manda Pit. To transport coal, not only the mining locations but also the transportation system were crucial. Looking at the coal mine train reveals that Manda Pit was not just a single facility, but a significant part of a larger industry connected to railways, ports, and the entire region. 【Visiting Information】9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) / Closed: Mondays (the following weekday if a holiday) and during the New Year holidays / Admission: 410 yen for adults and university students, 310 yen for high school students, 210 yen for elementary and middle school students / Manda Mine Station (free exhibition room and ticket sales) #Miike Coal Mine #Industrial Heritage #Railway Heritage #Coal Mine Ruins #Modern Industrial Heritage #History Lovers #Manda Coal Mine #Coal Mine Railway #Industrial Heritage #Arao City #Kumamoto Travel #Japan Travel #World Heritage #Visit Japan

Reihoku has become a place where you can say "I'm home." Would you like to come and hear about the present and future of six people who have fallen in love with this town? Thank you for always visiting the Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association's website. We are pleased to announce that a joint activity report meeting will be held by the "Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team" and "Local Revitalization Entrepreneurs" active in Reihokumachi! Six members are working hard every day, utilizing their respective areas of expertise for the future of Reihokumachi. At this report meeting, they will share their current activities and passionate thoughts about the "future" they aim to achieve with their own voices. Kenta Ogata, who is in charge of tourism promotion and information dissemination at our association (Amakusa Reihoku Tourist Association), along with a diverse group of members, will take the stage. We welcome not only the townspeople but also anyone interested in the revitalization of Reihokumachi, community building, immigration and settlement, and digitalization to join us! ■ Event Overview Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 13:30 to 15:40 (Registration starts at 13:00) Venue: Shiki Meeting House Community Hall Admission: Free (Everyone is welcome to participate) ■ Introduction of Speakers and Their Fields Koichiro Nakano ── Promotion of Immigration and Settlement Atsushi Kudo ── University Collaboration and Regional Branding Kenta Ogata ── Tourism Promotion and Information Dissemination Hideki Ohnita ── Solving Local Issues Using Digital Tools and Public-Private Partnerships Yuki Okuyama ── Digital Divide Countermeasures Yoko Goto ── Promotion Advisor ■ Contact Information Reihokumachi Planning and Policy Division Address: 660 Shiki, Reihokumachi, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture, 863-2503 TEL: 0969-35-3334 FAX: 0969-35-2454 We sincerely look forward to your attendance!

Hakusan River Fireflies ❚ Status of Fireflies as of May 29, 2026 Every year, many visitors come to Hakusan River to see the fireflies. Fireflies are flying around Hakusan River. They can also be seen near the Inazumi Water Cave and Hoge Rock. They are expected to be at their best from this weekend into next week. Since low temperatures can lead to fewer fireflies, it's a good idea to aim for temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius. 【Location】Mie Town, Bungoono City ■■Access to the center of Bungoono City from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing recommended spots for tourism in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Manda Pit is an important historical site remaining in Arao City. Not only will you be amazed by the large structures, but imagining the work of the people behind them, the local way of life, and Japan's industrial development will deepen your visit. For first-time visitors, viewing the exhibits at Manda Mine Station before walking the grounds will make the facility's role clearer. 【Visiting Information】9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) / Closed: Mondays (the following weekday if a holiday) and during the New Year holidays / Fees: Adults and university students 410 yen, high school students 310 yen, elementary and junior high school students 210 yen / Manda Mine Station (free exhibition room and ticket sales) #Manda Mine Station #Miike Coal Mine #Industrial Heritage #Historical Walks #Educational Travel #Japan's Modernization #Coal Mine Ruins #MandaCoalMine #AraoCity #KumamotoTravel #WorldHeritage #IndustrialHeritage #VisitJapan #JapanHistory #TravelJapan

Manda Pit has a grandeur that cannot be fully conveyed through photographs alone. Standing on-site, one can imagine the era when the coal mine supported the region and Japan's industry, as the size of the steel structure, the weight of the brick buildings, and the tranquility of the expansive grounds come together. It is highly recommended for those who wish to learn more about history, as well as for those interested in architecture and industrial heritage. When visiting Arao City, be sure to include it in your itinerary. 【Visiting Information】9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM) / Closed: Mondays (the following weekday if a holiday) and during the New Year holidays / Admission: 410 yen for adults and university students, 310 yen for high school students, 210 yen for elementary and middle school students / Manda Pit Station (free exhibition room and ticket sales) #Historical Travel #Historical Walk #Industrial Heritage #Coal Mine Ruins #Miike Coal Mine #World Heritage Tour #Brick Architecture #Japan's Modernization #MandaCoalMine #AraoCity #KumamotoTravel #TravelJapan #VisitJapan #JapaneseHistory #IndustrialHeritage #WorldHeritage

Manda Pit, located in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a World Heritage Site that conveys the history of the Miike Coal Mine, which supported Japan's modernization. Visitors can feel the scale of the coal mine where many people once worked while exploring the large shaft headframe, winding house, and coal mine train. Unlike bustling tourist spots, it offers a quiet space to confront history. It's an easily accessible stop during your trip to Kumamoto or while traveling from Fukuoka to Kumamoto. 【Visiting Information】9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) / Closed: Mondays (or the following weekday if a holiday) and during the New Year holidays / Admission: 410 yen for adults and university students, 310 yen for high school students, 210 yen for elementary and middle school students / Manda Pit Station (free exhibition room and ticket sales) #Arao City Tourism #Miike Coal Mine #Meiji Japan's Industrial Revolution Heritage #Industrial Heritage #Modern Industrial Heritage #MandaCoalMine #AraoCity #Kumamoto #KumamotoTravel #JapanTravel #VisitJapan #WorldHeritage #IndustrialHeritage

Kikuchi Gorge in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, opens on April 1st, showcasing vibrant fresh greenery. A beautiful natural landscape of streams and forests. With deep greens and clear flowing waters, it offers healing to visitors and represents a prominent tourist spot in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. This place allows you to feel the mysteries of nature throughout the four seasons. The average water temperature is 13 degrees year-round. In spring, enjoy fresh greenery; in summer, a cool retreat; and in autumn, the beautiful foliage. It has been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Forest Bathing Areas, Top 100 Famous Waters, and Top 100 Waterfalls, among others. Covered with natural broadleaf trees, you can enjoy seasonal wildflowers. Breathtaking views of waterfalls, cobalt blue streams, and primeval forests await. The fresh greenery in spring is stunning, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. The walking paths are well-maintained, allowing you to feel the clear streams up close. There is also a glass-enclosed rest area where you can enjoy the view from the terrace, and light snacks and souvenirs are available for purchase. As of April 1, 2026, parking will be free. On weekends and holidays, a sightseeing shared taxi is available, making it a convenient and economical option. Kikuchi Gorge, filled with the charm of beautiful nature and clear streams, is perfect for hiking and walking, providing a refreshing experience for both body and mind. https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/kikuchikeikoku...

Welcome to the Kikuchi Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 🌸 Kikuchi City will hold the Kikuchi Cherry Blossom Festival at Shimin Hiroba to coincide with the cherry blossoms. Please enjoy the spring scenes of cherry trees spreading through the town on the breeze. 【A red carpet will be installed on the Kikuchi Shrine Sando】 Event period: March 20 – mid-April (scheduled) 【Kikuchi Sakura Marche】 Date and time: Sunday, March 29, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM The venue will feature local gourmet food, the Kikuchi Sakura Marche, workshops, and stage performances with a spring feel. There will also be family-friendly activities such as hands-on experiences for children, appearances by local mascots, and a small mobility test-ride event. 【Kikuchi Sakura Marathon Marche】 Date and time: Monday, March 22, 9:30 AM–2:00 PM A gourmet market will gather at Shimin Hiroba, the marathon’s starting point, bringing together Kikuchi’s local foods. Additionally, the KUMAMOTO FURUGI CARAVAN is scheduled for March 28 and 29. Please note that details may be announced on the day or subject to change. Mornings tend to be relatively less crowded, so a morning stroll is recommended. Please consider adding it to your plans! Contact Kikuchi Cherry Blossom Festival Executive Committee TEL 080-9106-7416 Executive Committee Chair Sato #Kikuchi Cherry Blossom Festival #Cherry Blossoms #Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture

This is an announcement for a presentation by the UTokyo Mikan Club, which has been active in Reihoku Town this fiscal year under the Furusato Mirai College project that brings universities and local communities together to solve regional issues, to be held on Friday, March 27. Students from the UTokyo Mikan Club, Japan’s first student group specializing in mikan (Japanese mandarin oranges), spent about a year visiting mikan farms in Reihoku Town and conducting repeated fieldwork. Once one of the prefecture’s leading mikan-producing areas, Reihoku Town now faces challenges such as a shortage of successors. From their distinctive perspective as young outsiders, the students will present what they observed in the field and what actions they took—such as prototyping new packaging and holding mikan learning sessions—and share the results of those efforts. On the day of the event, the students will also lead a fun mikan learning session to share knowledge and the appeal of mikan with attendees. Please feel free to join us. Date and Time: Friday, March 27, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM Venue: Shiki Community Hall Town Hall (444-1 Shiki, Reihoku Town) Admission: Free Presenters: University students belonging to the UTokyo Mikan Club For inquiries, please contact the Administrative Reform and Digital Measures Office, General Affairs Division, Reihoku Town Hall. We sincerely look forward to your attendance!

Kumamoto Prefecture ranks third in Japan for strawberry production. Original varieties such as yuubeni and hinoshizuku are well known. A strawberry experience event using strawberries will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Using sweet, juicy freshly picked strawberries, you can create a one-of-a-kind original strawberry parfait. This experience offers a special time beyond just strawberry picking. ■ Strawberry picking (all-you-can-eat) First, enjoy all-you-can-eat strawberries at Shichiraku no Sato in Kikuchi City. There are about 11 varieties, including yuubeni, Koiminori, hinoshizuku, Benihoppe, and the white strawberry Angel Night. You can savor their sweetness, gentle tartness, and rich aroma. ■ Strawberry parfait making experience You will make a strawberry parfait using the strawberries you picked. Toride Farm, a popular shop that turns local Kikuchi-grown melons and strawberries into ice cream and soft serve, also offers a unique rice-based ice cream that is delicious and popular. The soft serve made with Kumamoto milk is prepared on the spot by adding ice cream and finishing each one by hand. The highlight of the strawberry parfait is that you can use the fresh strawberries you picked yourself. You can go into the shop kitchen to swirl the soft serve or scoop ice cream yourself with a disher. The combination of strawberries and ice cream is astonishingly delicious. Why not create your own one-of-a-kind original parfait? Date and time: Sunday, March 8, 2026, 10:00–12:30 Location: Shichiraku no Sato (305 Okada, Shichijo-machi, Kikuchi-shi, Kumamoto-ken) Toride Farm For reservations and details, please check here. https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/strawberry_parfait...

👹✨February 3 is Setsubun✨👹 When you think of Setsubun, you think of ehomaki! The lucky direction for 2026 is south-southeast. Face that direction, hold a wish in your mind, and silently take a big bite of the whole thick roll—this is the tradition of eating an ehomaki. This year, why not make your very own ehomaki at the sushi counter?🍣 Using delicious, naturally sweet rice from Kikuchi and guided directly by a sushi chef, enjoy a rare rolled-sushi-making experience. It’s designed so even young children can join in, making it perfect for creating family memories. Bring your family and friends and make special Setsubun memories together✨ 📌Details and reservations here https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/taikenplan...

New Year shrine-visit guide 🎍 This time we introduce Kikuchi Shrine, Hokumiya Aso Shrine, Hachidai Ryuo Shrine, and Mt. Kuradake. Kikuchi Shrine The shrine approach glows with warm lights at night, making for great photos. The "New Year Fortune Fukumikji" features luck-bringing prizes, including a Kikuchi Shrine award of an ever-growing half-sho of sacred sake and a grand prize of a zodiac ornament. Amazake is also available on the grounds, offering a relaxing warm break. Hokumiya Aso Shrine Hokumiya Aso Shrine sits right beside the gentle flow of the Kikuchi River. "Free Amazake Distribution" ・From New Year’s Eve, amazake will be distributed for free (while supplies last). "New Year Limited Goshuin" ・A limited goshuin stamp will be offered for the New Year. If you plan to watch the first sunrise, consider the views from Mt. Kuradake 🌄 Mt. Kuradake has a route that starts from the ninth station, so why not try a sunrise ascent to greet the first sun of the year? #Kikuchi Shrine #Mt. Kuradake hike #Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/22620... https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/22679...

Great deals and convenience! The Kikuchi Tourism Association has launched its official LINE account. We share tourism information about Kikuchi City and coupons you can use at local shops. Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture lies about 25 km northeast of Kumamoto City, in the central part of the prefecture. It is a nature-rich area where history and culture live on. The Kikuchi River runs through the city center, surrounded by mountains and rural landscapes. Kikuchi also offers many hot springs and tourist spots, making it a perfect place to unwind and refresh. The representative Kikuchi Gorge features beautiful ravines and clear streams, ideal for hiking and nature walks, and attracts many visitors. Kikuchi Onsen is also famous as a hot spring area; it first gushed in 1954 (Showa 29). The hot springs use 100% natural water, boast abundant flow, and are colorless, transparent, and alkaline. The gentle, soft waters maintain a source temperature of 45°C and are said to be beneficial for beauty, neuralgia, and rheumatism. Kikuchi Shrine is a historic shrine worshiped as the guardian deity of the area. Agriculture flourishes here, producing specialty rice, vegetables, and fruits. Numerous local product centers and eateries sell fresh local ingredients. Kikuchi City also hosts many traditional events and festivals where you can feel the local culture. We share Kikuchi’s many charms and offer coupons through the official LINE account to help you enjoy the city even more. More participating shops will be added over time. Please use the service when you visit Kikuchi. Be sure to add us as a friend and take advantage of the offers. For details, please visit the Kikuchi Tourism Association website. https://kikuchikanko.ne.jp/archives/featured/kikuchikanko-line...

Notice about New Year opening hours for the Manda Pit area. Today is the last day of operations for 2025. Thank you to everyone who visited in 2025. We will reopen on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 9:30 AM. The winter light filtering through the brick scenery creates a quiet, photogenic moment. Don’t forget your camera. 🕘 Opening day Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 9:30 AM • Manda Pit Station • Manda Pit Site • Manda Coal Mine Museum • Marugoto Arao Bussankan Hours 11:00–16:30 Mornings, especially early hours, are often a peaceful time to explore, so we recommend them. All our staff look forward to welcoming you. Please add this to your plans #Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture https://arao-kankou.jp/oshirase/16514/...

“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 is coming! 🚴‍♀️🌏 Professional riders from Japan and around the world will race across Kyushu’s natural landscapes and cityscapes. This year’s four-day event runs from Friday, October 10th to Monday, October 13th (national holiday) across Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Oita. 🌍 Theme "Make Kyushu Sustainable — for a sustainable future for Kyushu" We will showcase Kyushu’s stunning beauty to the world.✨ 🏁 Race schedule ・10/10 (Fri) 13:00 — Sasebo Criterium / 45 km ・10/11 (Sat) 11:00 — Fukuoka / 121 km ・10/12 (Sun) 9:00 — Kumamoto, Aso / 115 km ・10/13 (Mon, national holiday) 10:00 — Miyazaki, Oita / 121 km ※Traffic restrictions will be in place along the course on race days. We ask for your understanding and cooperation. For details, 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//

“Majakki” LINE stickers Volume 2 are now on sale!! Arao City’s mascot character “Majakki” appears in an adorable pixel style! Please enjoy and use the Majakki LINE stickers delivered from Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture!! Majakki Pixel Stickers - LINE Stickers | 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