Kumamoto Prefecture is known as the “Land of Fire” due to the presence of Aso, one of the world’s largest calderas. Blessed with majestic nature and clear streams, it is also known as the “Land of Nature and Water.”
Aso, known as the “Land of Fire,” is called so because of its active volcano, which has created beautiful mountains and grasslands that are breathtaking to behold. The history and culture of the people who have lived in this vast natural landscape since ancient times span tens of thousands of years, and the prefecture is characterized by many places associated with myths of the gods, such as ancient shrines and the Aso Shrine. Additionally, the pure spring water, a gift of the geological formations shaped by Aso’s volcanic eruptions, is abundant throughout the prefecture, with over 1,000 locations. This richness in water resources has also earned Kumamoto the title of “Land of Water.”
Unique Kumamoto Flavors Abound in Local Cuisine
The pure spring water also brings delicious agricultural products and unique food culture to Kumamoto. Representative of these is horse meat, which boasts the highest domestic production and is said to have been popularized by Lord Kato Kiyomasa. While horse sashimi is famous, in recent years, dishes with various arrangements have also become popular. Another specialty found only in the prefecture is “Taipei-en,” a Chinese dish. Known for its rarity and healthy use of glass noodles, it has become a must-try gourmet food for visitors to Kumamoto. Other beloved local dishes include the addictive spicy lotus root, Akaushi beef with its lean and refreshing taste from Aso, the revived phantom chicken “Amakusa Daioh,” Kumamoto ramen with its defining ingredients of garlic chips and ma-yu oil, sushi made with fresh seafood from the Amakusa region, and ikina-rin dango, perfect for snacks. Various local dishes are enjoyed throughout the prefecture.
Stubborn and Determined Kumamoto People
The term “Higo Mokkosu” is used to describe the temperament of the people of Kumamoto and is said to be one of Japan’s three most stubborn traits, along with “Tsugaru Joppari” and “Tosa Igossou.” However, “Higo Mokkosu” is not a term used only for stubborn people. Pure-hearted, strong in a sense of justice, and earnest, those with a single-minded determination are truly the embodiment of “Higo Mokkosu.” When you visit Kumamoto Prefecture, enjoy meeting the warm-hearted “Higo Mokkosu” people.
Traditional Performing Arts Preserved Through the Ages
Kumamoto Prefecture is home to many traditional events that have been passed down through the ages. In August, there is the “Yamaga Lantern Festival” held in Yamaga City, which has been passed down since ancient times. The elegant dance of women wearing lanterns on their heads, known as the “Sen-nin Lantern Dance,” is a sight to behold. In September, the “Fujisaki Hachimangu Reitaisai,” which has a history of over 1,000 years, is held at Fujisaki Hachimangu Shrine in Kumamoto City. It is said to be the largest festival in Kumamoto Prefecture, and during the “Shinko Gyoretsu” parade on the final day, about 20,000 people and around 70 horses parade through the streets. In November, one of Kyushu’s three major festivals and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, the “Yatsushiro Myoken Festival” is held. The festival features performances such as the Gamayu (Kida), Kasaboko, and lions, and is lively with excitement. In addition to these, various festivals and events are held throughout the year.
Hot Springs Abound in “Land of Fire,” Kumamoto
Kumamoto Prefecture is a hot spring paradise! There are 118 hot springs throughout the prefecture. In Kumamoto, hot springs are sometimes called “ofuro,” reflecting the ease with which one can quickly enter a hot spring whenever they feel like it. In the northern part of the prefecture, there are the well-loved Yamaga Onsen and Tamana Onsen, which have been enjoyed as hot spring resorts since ancient times. In the Aso area, there is Aso Uchinomaki Onsen, where you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of Aso, and Kurokawa Onsen, which is popular nationwide and quietly nestled in the mountains. In the Amakusa area, there is the beautiful sunset known as Kamikusa Onsen Gyo and Shimoda Onsen. In the southern part of the prefecture, there are the nostalgic hot spring towns of Hinagu Onsen and Hitoyoshi Onsen. Enjoy various unique hot springs throughout the prefecture.
Japan’s Most Famous Local Character, “Kumamon”
Kumamon, the local character of Kumamoto Prefecture, was born in 2011 with the opening of the Kyushu Shinkansen. He appears all over Kumamoto to find and spread everyday surprises and happiness across the country! His job is as a civil servant. He has been appointed as the Sales Manager and Happiness Manager of the prefecture by the Governor of Kumamoto, and he is a mischievous and curious boy. His popularity continues to grow, not only in Kumamoto Prefecture but also throughout Japan and even worldwide. When you visit Kumamoto, you’re sure to find various Kumamon characters all over the city.
Symbol of Kumamoto Prefecture and Symbol of Recovery from the Earthquake, Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle, counted among Japan’s three most famous castles, is a castle built by Kato Kiyomasa, the first lord of Kumamoto Domain, and known for his castle-building skills, in the 12th year of the Keicho era (1607). The castle features many attractions, including “mushagaeshi,” a stone wall that curves back more as you climb, and the restored splendid main keep. In the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, many parts of the castle, including the main keep, stone walls, and important cultural properties, were damaged. However, in 2021, the restoration of the main keep was completed. As part of the “Kumamoto Castle Special Public Opening Part 3,” the interior of the main keep is now open to the public. Visitors can experience a space where technology and history blend, with exhibits and projection mapping focusing on the history of the castle’s main keep, as well as its latest seismic resistance technology. Additionally, one of the highlights is the view from a special passage where you can see the restoration process up close. You can enjoy the charm of Kumamoto Castle, which you can only encounter now.