Introduce Kumamoto

Hitoyoshi area
"Hitoyoshi" is the town which is famous for its local special products, 'kumagawa kudari' ―going down of rapid river by small boat―, quite a lot hot springs, and more! The town located down of the Kyusyu prefecture, and there's usually close in over the town so the green tea－one of Hitoyoshi's local special products－grow easily. In addition, I recommend "Kuma-Shochu", one of Japan's representative 'sake', kind of liquor!! That is made by good quality rice, clear water, also water of hot springs and all materials that of Hitoyoshi's. Also, there're over 132 brands of "Kuma-Shochu". You can not only enjoy drinking them, but also can take part in a tour of "Hitoyoshi Kura Meguri"―the round tour to three store houses where is making shochu, miso, soy sauce and traditional handiwork of Hitoyoshi―.

Spas
The abundant volume of subsurface water in Kumamoto causes high quality hot springs to spout out in scatterd places within the prefecture. There're many open-air baths acquiring wide-spread popularity as natural remedy areas that still bear a rustic appearance. Here's the example of such spas. Yamaga Spa is one of them. According to history, this spa is said to have been discovered approximately 800 years ago when deer were found healing their wounds in the mountain at the nearby marshes. The water is abundant and little alkalescent, containing radium, transparent and mild to the skin. Foot baths are set up as well for those who prefer a short visit.　　

Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle is one of the greatest castles in Japan. This castle was created by Kato Kiyomasa. He was not only a general, but also an expert of architecture.
This castle was created in 1607 or so: when it was created is unclear yet. This year 2007 is the 400th anniversary and it is being restored.

Mt.Aso
Mt.Aso is the one of most popular tourist spot in Kyusyu prefecture. There are many pristine wilderness places and the air is always fresh. That’s why many folks go up there to have a great picnic. There are also some good hot-springs, so you can enjoy Mt.Aso in winter too.

Miyamoto Musashi
Miyamoto Musashi, a great swordsman and one of the greatest Samurai, is famous for his duel on island Ganryu against Sasaki Kojiro. He came to Kumamoto at the invitation of Prince Hosokawa Tadatoshi and spent 5 years here during the sunset of his life. He is said to have been proficient in ink paintings, tea ceremonies and the world of Zen, and wrote his Gorin-no-sho, The Book of Five Rings, in Reigando Cave.

Hiroshi
Hiroshi is a famous comedian who was born in Kumamoto.
He got his fame with his own signature gag, "Hiroshi Desu...". He also had published his books in some ago.