Nice to meet you all and welcome to COOL JAPAN VIDEOS! This is the Aso City Tourism Association in Kumamoto Prefecture. Best regards for introducing plenty of attractive information about Aso City in this Account. In this First Post, I would like to briefly introduce Aso City. ▶▶▶ What is Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture? ◀◀◀ Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture is located in the Northeastern region of Kumamoto Prefecture and is known for its active volcano "Aso Mountain" and its majestic Caldera topography, one of the one of the most in the world. With a population of about 23,000 (as of November 2024), it is a region with beautiful prairies that have been protected by people for generations for 13,000 years. It has a variety of attractions that Fascination the Visitors, including Five Peaks of Aso, Hot Spring, and landscapes registered as UNESCO Global Geoparks. ▶▶▶ Access ◀◀◀ to Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture ◎ Kumamoto Station - Access by train to Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture From Kumamoto Station to Aso City, it is convenient to Use the JR Hohi Main Line. Via Higo-Ozu Station, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Aso Station. There is also a limited express train Car "Trans-Kyushu Limited Express". In addition, there are plenty of buses and rental cars to Aso City, and Access to the surrounding Sightseeing spots is also good. ◎ Aso Kumamoto Airport - Access to Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture by Car From Aso Kumamoto Airport to Aso City, it takes about 1 hour by car. Use a rental car or shuttle bus from the airport for smooth Access to Aso City and Sightseeing spots. At Aso Kumamoto Airport, a new Passenger terminal building will be opened in March 2023 that integrates domestic and international flights. ▶▶▶ Historical background ◀◀◀ of Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture The history of Aso City is centered on the Agricultural culture that has benefited from Mt. Aso Mountain since ancient times. In particular, the grasslands of Aso are said to have existed since the Jomon period about 13,000 years ago, forming the beautiful landscape of present-day Aso. One of the world's one of the most Caldera, created by hundreds of thousands of years of volcanic activity, has become a symbol of the Aso UNESCO Geopark. ▶▶▶ Popular Sightseeing spots ◀◀◀ in Aso City, Kumamoto I would like to introduce some Sightseeing spots that represent Aso City. ◎ Nakadake Crater Nakadake Crater is a place where you can experience the power of volcanic activity up close, and you can observe plumes and volcanic rocks near the crater. You can have a valuable experience where you can directly feel the power of geothermal heat and volcanoes. Access is convenient because there is a Car road leading to just before the crater. ◎ Kusasenrigahama Kusasenrigahama, a vast grassland of 785,000 square meters or about 38 times the size of Tokyo Dome, is a spot where you can enjoy a magnificent view with the Five Peaks of Aso in the background. Grazing cows and horses can be seen grazing leisurely, and it is a healing place where you can feel the breath of nature. Walking trail is also Maintenance and popular with tourists. ◎Aso Shrine It is an ancient shrine with a history of more than 2,000 years, enshrining 12 family gods, including Kenban Ryumei, who pioneered Aso, and is revered as the best shrine in Higo Province, and there are 500 branch companies Located in nationwide. Six buildings, including the temple and the tower gate, are nationally designated important cultural properties, and the tower gate is said to be one of the "three major tower gates in Japan". ◎ Daikanbo Daikanbo is a superb view point overlooking the entire Aso Caldera. You can see the magnificent view of the Five Peaks of Aso as a "reclining Buddha", and the scenery woven by the Sunrise and sunset is especially exceptional. The Observation decks has Car parking lots, shops, and convenient Access. ◎ Kusasenri Observation Point Elevation 1,100 Meters, Kusasenri Observation Point overlooks Kusasenrigahama. If the weather is good, you can see the Ariake Sea and Mt. Unzen in the distance behind Mt. Kinbozan, and a spectacular 360-degree view Unfolds as far as the eye can see. ◎ Rice Mound Rice Mound, which is said to have been formed by an eruption about 3,300 years ago, is a beautiful cone-shaped volcanic hill about 80 meters high located within the Caldera of Mt. Aso Mountain. It has a beautiful shape characterized by a lush slope that looks like an upside-down dog with a large depression at the top, and you can enjoy the expression of the four seasons, with vivid fresh greenery from Spring to summer and golden pampas grass Unfolds in autumn. ◎ Tagoyama Forest Park Tagoyama Forest Park is an observation spot where you can overlook the Five Peaks of Aso and Aso Valley. Hiking and forest bathing can be enjoyed in the park where lush nature spreads. From the "Sorafune Pier" where the top of Mt. Tagoyama protrudes, you can also see the sea of clouds spreading all below. ◎ Hana Asobi (ASO MILK FACTORY) Hana Asobi is one of the largest English rose gardens in western Japan, with 4,500 roses of about 750 species. There is a restaurant, cheese workshop, café, souvenir shop and Strawberry picking, so the whole family can enjoy it. ◎ Roadside Station Aso Roadside Station Aso is a facility where Local Specialty products and Tourist Information are gathered. Fresh vegetables and Souvenirs are lined up, and many tourists visit it as a base point for traveling to Aso. Take a break from driving is also a great spot. ◎ Cuddly Dominion It is a theme park where you can meet bears and various animals from all over the world. Popular events include a show by Director Miyazawa, who is famous as an animal trainer, holding a bear cub that can only be experienced here in Kyushu, and a "petting Zone" where you can play with dogs and cats from around the world, alpacas and capybaras. ▶▶▶ Specialty products gourmet ◀◀◀ in Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture ◎ Aso's Akaushi (Higo Akaushi) Aso's Akaushi beef is a brand of beef that is characterized by its lean meat, healthy and juicy taste. The high-quality meat grown in the grasslands of Aso is popular for steaks and yakiniku. ◎ Pickled mustard greens Aso's Specialties, Pickled mustard greens, are traditional pickles made from Takana grown in the Rich in nature environment of Aso. Ideal for accompaniment to rice and Ochazuke. ◎ soup It is a local cuisine of Aso, and is popular for its gentle flavor made with flattened or rolled Dango and vegetables from the earth's Traditional Japanese straw raincoat, seasoned with miso and soy sauce. ◎ Red pickled vegetables Red pickled vegetables are a traditional pickle that has been handed down to Aso along with pickled mustard greens, and it is a sweet and spicy pickle made with Aso's Local vegetables. Local people feel the visit of autumn by eating red pickled vegetables. ▶▶▶ Events and Festivals ◀◀◀ in Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture ◎ Agricultural festivals in Aso It is an agricultural festival held mainly at Aso Shrine, Kunizukuri Shrine, Shimo Shrine, etc. It is a historic festivals designated as a nationally designated Important Intangible folk cultural property. ◎ Great Aso Fire Mountain Festival Great Aso Fire Mountain Festival is a popular Events that is Held in every August. Fireworks color the night sky of Aso, which is rich in rich in nature. Various events are held in at the Aso City General Center Multipurpose Plaza, the Events venue, and stalls are lined up. ▶▶▶ Tourist Information ◀◀◀ of Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture is an attractive Sightseeing spot that combines magnificent Nature, history and culture. People fascinates visit the Caldera topography that spreads around the active volcano "Aso Mountain", the grassland culture that has lasted for more than 10,000 years, and the abundant Specialty products gourmet. We will continue to introduce recommendations of Aso City, so please follow us!

Light Fantasy KIKUCHI Held from 30/Nov/2024 to 12/Dec/2024 @ Kikuchi City Furusato Sosei Citizen's Square, Kumamoto Prefecture

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Videos! This is the Kikuchi Tourism Association in Kumamoto Prefecture! Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture sits upstream along the Kikuchi River in the northern part of the prefecture, surrounded by clear river waters and lush green scenery. With a population of about 45,000, Kikuchi City attracts many visitors with its hot springs, beautiful gorges, and long-standing historic sites. Known as a “town of water,” its pure spring water supports the production of many local specialties. [History of Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] Kikuchi City has a long history: during the Sengoku period (1070–1532), the Kikuchi clan flourished in the region for roughly 450 years. Saigo Takamori, a statesman from the late Edo to early Meiji period whose statue stands in Uenokouen, is said to be a descendant of the Kikuchi clan. At their height, the Kikuchi clan controlled much of Kyushu and made their name known across the country. [Popular Tourist Spots in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi Gorge Kikuchi Gorge is one of Kumamoto Prefecture’s most beautiful natural attractions. You can enjoy pristine streams and seasonal scenery, with refreshing summers and autumn foliage as particular highlights. The gorge has earned recognition such as Japan’s Top 100 Forest Bathing Sites and Japan’s 100 Remarkable Waters. It’s ideal for forest bathing and hiking, offering a soothing experience on every visit. ■Kikuchi Shrine Kikuchi Shrine honors the famed warrior Kikuchi Takemitsu and lets visitors feel the depth of the city’s history. You can worship amid a beautiful shrine building and a solemn atmosphere that conveys historical weight. At the history museum, you can view cultural artifacts such as ancient documents related to the Kikuchi clan. ■Kikuchi Park Perched on a gentle hill, Kikuchi Park offers panoramic views over the city. It’s one of the city’s top cherry-blossom viewing spots, where around 3,000 cherry trees bloom in spring and draw many hanami visitors. ■Ryumon Dam Ryumon Dam ranks among the largest dams in Kumamoto Prefecture. This multipurpose dam on the Kikuchi River created Lake Hanjaku, which is maintained as a boating site. The lakeside plaza is set up for camping and events. Dam tours are also available. ■Kikuchi Onsen Kikuchi Onsen, discovered in 1954 (Showa 29), is famed for its smooth water, earning it nicknames like “bathing spot for beautiful skin” and “cosmetic bath.” A variety of facilities offer day-use baths and overnight stays for full relaxation. You can enjoy the hot springs alongside dishes made from local ingredients. ■Mt. Kuradake Mt. Kuradake rises to 1,118 meters and is popular for mountain climbing and hiking. From the summit you can take in spectacular views of Aso Mountain and the Kumamoto Plain, with panoramic scenery stretching far on clear days. It is listed among Kyushu’s 100 Famous Mountains and chosen for the National Top 100 Walks. ■Roadside Station Kyokushi Roadside Station Kyokushi, located along National Route 325, is a popular stop where you can buy fresh local produce and processed goods. A restaurant using Kyokushi beef and locally grown vegetables also offers takeout. [Local Specialties and Gourmet Foods of Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi Rice Kikuchi City is also famous for its delicious rice. Kikuchi Rice, grown with abundant water and fertile soil, is known for its large grains and pronounced sweetness. It has earned high acclaim nationwide, including a gold prize at a past competition. ■Kikuchi Paddy-grown Burdock The popular local specialty “Kikuchi Paddy-grown Burdock” is cultivated in rice paddies, giving it a tender texture and strong sweetness. It tastes great simmered or as tempura and adds a distinctive touch to dishes. [Events and Festivals in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] ■Kikuchi White Dragon Festival The Kikuchi White Dragon Festival, traditionally held in August, was moved to October in 2024 due to warming temperatures. Two white dragons—the adult dragon and the young dragon—are carried by many bearers in a powerful performance. The festival culminates in a fireworks display that colors Kikuchi’s night sky. [Tourist Information for Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture] Kikuchi City in Kumamoto Prefecture is a charming area of rich natural scenery and deep history. With beautiful gorges, hot springs, and historic shrines, the city offers diverse attractions and fresh discoveries in every season. It is easily accessible—about 60 minutes from kumamoto station and about 30 minutes from Aso Kumamoto Airport. We will continue to share recommended information full of Kikuchi City’s attractions, so please follow us!

Shooting 📸 on a trip to Kyushu Yonezuka 🏔, which is said to be the dimple of Aso ́- It seems to have been formed by an eruption, It had 👏 a very beautiful shape There also seems to be a legend, It is said that Takeiwa Tatsumikoto, the deity of Aso Shrine, built the mountain by piling up the harvested rice, and the hollow at the top is said to be the mark of scooping the rice with the palm of his hand and distributing it to the poor Although it was from a distance, I was glad that I was able ☺️ to take a picture

Title: Butterfly Flowers Location: Kumamoto Prefecture Minami Aso Panorama Line Observatory

The Yamaga Touro Sennin Dance was held for the first time in four years. Last year's event was canceled at the last minute, and this year was also a year of revenge. It is such a fantastic and solemn festival that both the viewers and the mother who participated in it almost cried while dancing.

It is the "Tsuetate Onsen Koi Nobori Festival" in Oguni Town, Aso County, Kumamoto Prefecture. The sight of countless carp streamers swimming energetically in the fresh May breeze is a masterpiece.

It is the "Tsuetate Onsen Koi Nobori Festival" in Oguni Town, Aso County, Kumamoto Prefecture. The sight of countless carp streamers swimming energetically in the fresh May breeze is a masterpiece.

Aso City Eboshidake no Miyama Kirishima

Kumamoto-ken Takamori Pass Senbonzakura 🌸

Introducing the photos posted on "Everyone's Post"! This is a pickup post of the inbound tourism information SNS "Cool Japan Video". Today, I would like to introduce Mr. Bashi's post "Nabegataki Falls, Kumamoto Prefecture". The icicle curtains and the snowy landscape are impressive. Nabegataki Nabegataki Falls is a waterfall with a drop of about 10 meters and a width of about 20 meters located in Nabegataki Park in Oguni Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. It is said to have been formed during a huge eruption about 90,000 years ago, and due to its mysterious scenery, it is a popular spot that has been used as a commercial and filming location. Nabegataki Park requires advance reservations, so reservations are required before visiting. Reservations can only be made online, not by phone. It takes about 5 minutes on foot from Nabegataki Park to Nabegataki Falls. Arrive by walking slowly along the well-maintained road. Women and children can also visit with peace of mind. Nabegataki Falls can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons. In spring and autumn, light-up events are held for a limited time, and many tourists visit. In summer, you can enjoy the moss and waterfalls, and in winter, the huge icicle curtains created by the frozen waterfall are a must-see. ◆Nabegataki Falls◆ 【Address】〒869-2502 Kumamoto Prefecture, Aso-gun, Oguni Town, Kurobuchi 【Tel】0967-46-2113 【Access】 From roadside station Oguni Yu Station, 10 minutes by car or taxi 【Parking lot】Available Please check the official website for details.

Located in Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture Nagabeda Kaitoko Road ☆ The sunset here is very beautiful * '-'

The air storm and morning sun 🌅✨ seen for the first time at Kumamoto's "Ukishima Shrine" I was finally able to go to see a fantastic and wonderful scene, and it was a time of excitement and 🥰💗 healing.

"Autumn Kumamoto Castle Festival Castle Lights" Six years have passed since the Kumamoto earthquake. Kumamoto Castle is gradually revivingKumamoto 😊 Castle 🏯✨, which is also a symbol of Kumamoto, You can 🤭💞 get energy and healing from the appearance in a fantastic and wonderful atmosphere.

It is one of the lights of Kurokawa Onsen in Aso when I went to see it this winterThis 😄✨ place is snowy ❄ and cold in winter, but I forgot the cold and was fascinated 🥰 by the wonderful scenery It is 😊 a smartphone shoot.

A little while ago... This is a night view photo of Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture this springWhen I took it, the wind happened to not blow, and the smoke from the chimney of the Japan paper mill and the reflection of the bridge were reflected in the Kuma River, and I was able 🤭✨ 📱✨ to take a 😊🌃💫 wonderful one.

"Koheiji Temple" in Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture A wonderful scenery ✨ that can only be seen at this time of yearThe deciduous ginkgo leaves will make the roof of the temple and the whole area a wonderful view of the yellow carpet and heal the dust. 🤭💛

Famous place for autumn leaves "Ruins of the castle" The bright red carpet and wonderful autumn leaves 🍁 all around were a 🍁✨ masterpiece. 😍💖

"Hayataka Tenmangu" in Aso The autumn leaves 🍁 and reflections are very wonderful, and I have been 🤭💞 healed a lot. I have 😁🎶 to go see this superb view again next year. It's 📱✨ a smartphone shoot.

Nice scenery in Yamaga City "Terraced rice fields of Bansho" The scenery of the rice cultivation and red spider liliies is wonderful, and many people visit and take 🥰✨ pictures. On this day I visited, the weather was nice, the bright blue sky, the green of the rice cultivation, and the red of the red spider liliies ... It was a really wonderful scenery that I could look at all the time, and it was 😊🍀 📱✨ a smartphone shoot.

I am visiting 🥰✨ Aso's "Yamabuki Water Source" where the water mirror is very nice because I want to see the wonderful scenery during the fresh greenery 🌿 and autumn leaves 🍁. I'm grateful 😊💞 for the happiness 🍀 to be able to see such a wonderful scenery. It's 📱✨ a smartphone shooting.

"Shiraito Falls" in Aso When I was shooting, the sun started to shine in the middle and I was able to see a wonderful light awn, so I was so happy that I must have taken many photos It was 🤭🎶 😊💞 a happy time - It's 📱✨ a smartphone shoot.

The autumn leaves of Kikuchi Valley ✨, surrounded by full of nature, were beautiful and healingOn 🥰 the way, when I found a stone that looked like a heart ♡, I was excited 🤭🎶. 🍁 It's 📱✨ a smartphone shooting

I went to the Kikuchi Valley where the autumn leaves are in full bloom. It was a time when I enjoyed nature while looking at the wonderful scenery - 😄🍁✨✨ smartphone 📱✨ photography

"Mazeno Valley" Twice a year, in spring and autumn, it is called a "secret valley" that no one can enter except for a few days when it is open to the public, and the scenery woven by nature was superb. I want to go again in the spring. It's 📱✨ a smartphone shooting

I went to Aso early in the morning in anticipation of a sea of clouds. It was quite cold, but I couldn't see the sea of clouds as much as I expected ... However, I was glad that I was able to see the wonderful scenery and heal a lot. #Smartphone shooting

When I searched for autumn foliage spots in Kumamoto Prefecture, this place came out as No. 1. Gokeso in Yatsushiro City. The autumn leaves 🍁 were wonderful, and the village of Heike, covered with a red carpet, was worth seeing and healing. #Smartphone shooting

It is a recreational gorge in Oguni Town, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture. The autumn leaves and waterfall were wonderful. It's 📱✨ a smartphone shooting

"I've never been to a local tourist attraction before," my mother said, and this photo was taken when I traveled to my hometown. The retro advertisement on the ceiling of the theater was very cute. There were many people shooting from directly below the ceiling, but when I looked at it from various angles, the contrast between red and blue was beautiful, so I shot from diagonally below. When I learned that there was such a precious and wonderful building in my hometown, I fell in love with the local area even more. There are not many left this year, but I want to go on a trip with my mother again.

Solo camping night feast. Decorate with various lanterns. So, make sake with Aso water.