Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture is located in the middle of the Fukuoka and Kumamoto metropolitan areas, and has good transportation access such as railways and expressways, making it a city with good Access to urban areas. In addition, although it is a compact city area, the Nature environment such as the sea and mountains coexist with urban functions, and you can Fun a variety of attractions.
One of the most popular sightseeing spots in Arao City is Greenland, one of the largest amusement parks in western Japan. Visit the number of attractions in No.1 in Japan, there are plenty of thrilling machines and family-friendly attractions, and many tourists visit throughout the year.
For history buffs, Manda Pit is part of the World Cultural Heritage Site "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution". It is a coal mining ruins that flourished in the Meiji era, and has high value as an industrial heritage, and you can learn about the history of coal mining at that time.
Among gourmet foods, Kumamoto's Specialties Basashi and Arao City's Specialty Products "Arao Pears" with a history of more than 100 years are popular. Arao Pears, in particular, are characterized by their sweet and juicy taste, and many people Visit to buy them during the season.
For those who want to enjoy nature, we recommend climbing and hiking at Mount Kodai in Arao City. You can refresh yourself while enjoying the scenery of the four seasons.
With good Access from Fukuoka and Kumamoto City, Arao City is ideal for day trips.
Enjoy sightseeing, historical exploration, and gourmet food in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture.
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Arao’s Top 7 Stamina Dishes — Part 2
Here are Arao City’s delicious stamina-boosting dishes.
From addictive signature flavors to hearty rice bowls!
These insanely tasty plates will power you up and keep your energy high!
2. Kumamoto Horse Sashimi Assortment, Five Cuts — Rakusai Dining Kuito
This Kumamoto specialty features five cuts—marbled, premium horse sashimi, lean red meat, kone (fatty mane), and futaego—each offering different sweetness and textures. Enjoy them with garlic soy, fresh grated ginger, or spicy miso, pairing each condiment to the cut.
Rakusai Dining Kuito — Highlights
Available only twice a month! Their rare raw horse liver sashimi, prepared with a focus on freshness, offers a unique taste you won’t find elsewhere. The izakaya also prides itself on daily-selected fresh fish from direct sources, Hinomoto pork from Nagomi Town in Kumamoto Prefecture, and premium binchotan charcoal skewers. Spend a fun evening that sparks lively conversation with someone special.
*Arrival of horse liver sashimi will be announced on social media.*
Name: Rakusai Dining Kuito
Address: 1616-67 Shimoide, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture, inside Green Smile Ichibankan
Phone: 0968-66-0804
Hours: 11:30–15:00, 17:00–23:00
Closed: Thursdays, New Year’s Day
Seating capacity: 100 seats
Private rooms: Available
Smoking: Outdoor smoking area provided
Website: https://www.kuraudo.site//
Social: LINE, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
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Seven Stamina Gourmet Picks from Arao — Part 1
Introducing Arao City's delicious stamina-boosting dishes.
From addictive flavors to hearty rice bowls!
These insanely tasty menu items will fill you with energy and never let you down!
1. Assorted Offal Platter — Wafu Yakiniku Barikiya
Heart, senmai (third stomach), liver, red senmai, and tecchan — five parts with distinct flavors and textures. Each offers abundant nutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin E, minerals, and iron, making them ideal for replenishing stamina. Enjoy them with a garlic-rich soy sauce glaze!
Wafu Yakiniku Barikiya — What makes this place special!
This yakiniku restaurant offers many menu options, including great-value lunches. As a butcher-run shop, they purchase whole A5-grade Kuroge Wagyu cattle, so you can try rare cuts. They focus on freshness management to serve safe, high-quality, and delicious meat.
◆Name: Wafu Yakiniku Barikiya
◆Address: 1616-67 Shimoide, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture, inside Green Smile Ichibankan
◆Phone: 0968-66-4129
◆Hours: 11:30–15:00, 17:00–22:30
◆Closed: Wednesdays (may change on holidays), New Year’s Day
◆Seats: 100
◆Private rooms: Yes
◆Smoking seats: No
◆Website: http://www.barikiya.com//
◆SNS: Facebook・Instagram
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Tokiwa mansaku, a flower that grows naturally in only three places in Japan
From Shodai Mountain, popular for its many hiking routes and as a beginner-friendly mountain walk, we introduce tokiwa-mansaku (tokiwa mansaku).
Tokiwa refers to evergreens that keep their leaves year-round.
Mansaku is said to express the wish for a bountiful harvest.
The three places in Japan where you can encounter wild tokiwa-mansaku flowers are said to be
Shodai Mountain, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Ise Jingu, Mie Prefecture
Kamukura, Kosai City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Typically they are in bloom from mid-April to late April each year.
Spot information
Shodai Mountain (Shodai-san)
Shodai Mountain parking lot, restrooms available
2773-595 Kaba, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture
0968-63-1421 (Arao City Tourism and Cultural Exchange Division)
#Shodai Mountain #Arao-jenic #tokiwa-mansaku #Kyushu mountains #Kyushu Nature Trail #low-mountain hike #mountain climbing #Shodai Mountain trail running #Arao City #Kumamoto
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Enjoyable even on rainy days! Spots in Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Arao City Library
Address : 〒864-0033
1-1-1 Midorigaoka, Arao, Kumamoto Prefecture
Opening hours : 10:00–20:00
Closed : Last day of every month (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays)
Admission : Free
Phone : 0968-57-7747
Designed with the image of a "Tidal Flat Library," the interior features several zones. There is a room where children can take off their shoes and enjoy picture books at ease, and a children’s restroom with a nursing room, so families with small children can relax and use the facilities comfortably.
Manda Pit Station
Address : 〒864-0001
200-2 Haramanda, Arao, Kumamoto Prefecture
Opening hours : 9:30–17:00
Closed : Mondays (the following weekday if Monday is a public holiday)
Admission : Free (Manda Pit ruins require a fee)
Phone : 0968-57-9155
This is an indoor exhibition facility located just before Manda Pit.
In addition to dioramas and explanatory panels, a free VR experience is available. The 360-degree realistic images and sound let you feel as if you have descended underground. It’s a weatherproof attraction where you can learn about the history of Manda Pit.
Marugoto Orao Product Center
Address : 〒864-0001
169-22 Haramanda, Arao, Kumamoto Prefecture
Opening hours : 11:00–16:30
Closed : Mondays (the following weekday if Monday is a public holiday)
Admission : Free
Phone : 0968-57-9960
This product center offers souvenirs such as local specialties and sake from Arao, the local pottery known as Shodai-yaki, and a tourism information corner introducing Arao’s gourmet spots and nearby sights. On sunny days, it’s pleasant to rest on the benches at the rooftop observation area.
Arao Kids Dome
Address : 〒864-0041
4186-19 Arao, Arao, Kumamoto Prefecture
(Inside Arao General Cultural Center)
Opening hours : Sessions last 2 hours each
Session 1 9:00–11:00
Session 2 12:30–14:30
Session 3 15:00–17:00
Closed : Tuesdays (the following day if Tuesday is a public holiday)
Admission : 700 yen for junior high school students and older
300 yen for ages 3 up to junior high school students
Free for children under 2
*Group discounts available for 20 or more people
Phone : 0968-66-4111
This indoor experiential digital art exhibit is produced by the internationally popular teamLab. Children can easily join by coloring pictures that then come to life on the walls and floors. Though sessions are time-limited, it’s an immersive and joyful space that kids will love.
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As part of the Kumamoto Prefectural Theater’s 40th anniversary projects, five videos were produced under the theme “A Moving Theater.”
One of these, a collaboration video pairing Manda Pit with dance, has been released on YouTube.
The performance set against the historic Manda Pit features professional dancer Yusuke Hayama as lead, choreographer, and scriptwriter. Art director Takashi Yoshida composed and directed an original piece for this project, and the film was produced by OP Films from Onigashima Productions.
True to the phrase “Dance is Timeless,” the video offers a dance interpretation of Manda Pit’s history that transcends eras.
https://arao-kankou.jp/info/11207/...
Other videos created under the “A Moving Theater” theme are also available. Please take a look.
・Sakitsu Village × Double Bass
・Yatsushiro Myoken Festival × Tsugaru Shamisen and Japanese Drums
・Aso × String Quartet
・Misumi West Port × Marching Band
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Kumamon Island finally appears in the popular game Fortnite!!
The hugely popular online game Fortnite has introduced a new stage set in Kumamoto called Kumamon Island!!
Kumamon Island isn’t the usual shooting game; it’s a business simulation game!!
The game’s story centers on Kumamoto’s major tourist spots, including Kumamoto Castle, and features a plot in which players help Kumamon and friends build a giant Kumamon robot!!
One of the tourist sites featured is the Manda Pit!!
Enjoy the game together with the adorable Kumamon♪
Island code 0507-8727-1071
https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/kumamonisland/...
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Cycling with views of the Ariake Sea!
Why not take a slow, leisurely tour of the town?
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering familiar sights, new discoveries in everyday scenery can enrich your life.
Feel the Ariake Sea breeze as you cycle and take in Arao Tidal Flats in Kumamoto Prefecture, Mt. Unzen in Nagasaki Prefecture, MtTaradake in Saga Prefecture, and the giant cranes standing at the shipyard in Nagasu. You can visit Nekodaimyojin (Nekomiya), a smiling seaside bakery, a secluded adult café perfect for long conversations, and a soba café. If you extend your ride to Yotsuyama Shrine, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Ariake Sea from the hilltop.
Rental bicycle locations
◆ Arao Tidal Flats Waterfowl & Wetland Center: 20-2 Kuramitsu, Arao City
※ Closed on Mondays and during the New Year holidays (December 29–January 3). If Monday is a holiday, the next open day will be observed.
0968-57-7444
ramsar@city.arao.lg.jp
https://www.city.arao.lg.jp/kurashi/shisetsu/higata/...
◆ Kingyo to Koi no Sato Hiroba: 3150 Nagasu, Tamana District
※ Closed during the New Year holidays (December 28–January 3)
Rental period
3 hours
Lending hours
9:00–16:00 (reception until 15:00) ※ Except on days when the handling facilities are closed
Eligible users
High school students and older
Persons whose safety is not impaired for bicycle use
Application procedure
Present a document that verifies your name and address, such as a driver’s license, health insurance card, or student ID, and complete the rental application form with the required information.
Return location
Return to the facility where you completed the rental procedures.
Bad weather
Rentals may be suspended in bad weather.
Transfer and subletting
You may not transfer or sublet the rental bicycle to another person.
Helmets
Wearing a helmet is requested when using the rental bicycle.
Helmets are also available for loan.
#Rental bicycle #Ariake Sea #Arao Tidal Flats Waterfowl & Wetland Center #Kingyo to Koi no Sato Hiroba #Cycling
https://www.city.arao.lg.j...
p/kurashi/shisetsu/higata/
https://www.city.arao.lg.jp/kurashi/shisetsu/higata/...
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A new Aratama Flower Tour map is now available.
A leaflet introducing spots to enjoy seasonal flowers and autumn leaves in the Arao–Tamana area of Kumamoto Prefecture (commonly called the “Aratama region”)—covering two cities and four towns: Arao City, Tamana City, Gyokuto Town, Nagomi Town, Nankan Town, and Nagasu Town—is now ready!
There are many places to enjoy seasonal flowers 🌸 and autumn foliage 🍁!
Why not visit the Aratama region to enjoy its sightseeing spots while feeling the changing seasons?
The leaflet is distributed by the Tamana Regional Promotion Bureau of Kumamoto Prefecture and the two cities and four towns of the Aratama region.
For details, see the Kumamoto Prefecture website (https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/soshiki/174/201934.html)....
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A coal mine trolley will run at Manda Pit!
The coal mine trolley displayed at the Manda Pit coal preparation plant will run!
Of the two displayed cars, No. 12 will run.
The coal mine trolley used the Miike Coal Mine private railway to carry coal mined at Manda Pit for export from Miike Port.
Be sure to see the trolley as it glides along in pleasant operation.
Scheduled running times
Every 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month
10:30
11:30
12:30
13:30
14:30
15:30
Manda Pit
Postal code 864-0001
200-2 Haramanda, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture
◆Closed: Mondays (the following day if Monday is a public holiday) and during the New Year holidays
◆Admission fees: Adults 410 yen, High school students 310 yen, Elementary and junior high students 210 yen, Infants free
*Group rates available (20 people or more)
◆Opening hours: 9:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
◆Phone: 0968-57-9155
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Manda Pit is also hugely popular as a cosplay photo spot!
Arao City's symbol Manda Pit
In 2015 (Heisei 27) it was registered as part of the Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution World Heritage.
The Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution—iron and steel, shipbuilding, and coal mining—represent the first successful spread of the Industrial Revolution from Europe to the non-Western world.
Between the mid-19th century and the early 20th century, Japan achieved rapid industrialization in just over half a century.
Now preserved as valuable industrial remains, Manda Pit has newly become extremely popular as a cosplay photo location!!
Many cosplayers and photographers use the site.
Visitors and staff alike find themselves captivated by the authentic costumes and makeup.
Here are some precious off‑shot photos.
When a shoot starts, the site feels different from the Manda Pit we usually see as staff, and that gives us a strange, wonderful feeling.
Manda Pit is perfect for cosplay photography, offering everything from striking action shots to nostalgic scenes.
You’re sure to get photos you’ll love—highly recommended.
We look forward to your visit.
Information
Filming requires advance reservation and a photo shoot application form.
Please download the application form from the Arao City website.
For changing rooms and luggage storage please use the Manda Coal Mine Museum (paid).
This also requires advance reservation.
Please contact the Manda Coal Mine Museum for room availability.
Manda Coal Mine Museum: Phone 0968-64-1300
If you have any questions, please contact Manda Pit Station.
◆ Manda Pit Station
〒864-0001
200-2 Haramanda, Arao City, Kumamoto Prefecture
◆ Phone: 0968-57-9155
◆ FAX: 0968-57-9156
◆ Closed: Mondays (the following day if Monday is a holiday), and during the New Year holidays
◆ Hours: 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.)
◆ Admission fees: Manda Pit ruins / Adults: ¥410, High school students: ¥310, Elementary and junior high students: ¥210, Preschool children: free
◆ Access: Bus / 8 minutes from JR Arao Station
◆ Parking: 5 large buses, 3 medium buses, 72 passenger cars
#Kumamoto #World Heritage #World Cultural Heritage #Miike Coal Mine #Manda Pit #Manda Coal Mine Museum #cosplay #photo spot #Arao City website
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