Temples / Shrines

Located in the center of the southern Kyushu island of Japan, Kumamoto is known for its gorgeous scenery. There is certainly no shortage of fantastic days out during the summer months here, from picturesque hikes to relaxing boat trips to festival fun. Much has been written about famed attractions such as Mount Aso, Kumamoto Castle, and Suizenji Gardens. Here is a small selection of a few other less obvious summer days out in Kumamoto. Kurokawa Onsen One of Japan’s most attractive hot spring towns, Kurokawa Onsen, sits within the Kuju mountain range about 20 km north of Mount Aso. The town has been well-preserved for the last 300 years, with a river flowing through the valley and ancient streets lined with wooden buildings, ryokan (inns), bathhouses, shrines, and bridges. Kurokawa is known for its luscious outdoor baths (rotenburo). If you buy a wooden pass for 1,300 yen, you can slip on a robe and sandals and enter three of the baths. If you want to turn your day into an overnight stay, plenty of accommodation is available. Website: https://www.kurokawaonsen.or.jp/eng_new/ Dolphin Watching in Amakusa Swimming with dolphins is something on many people’s bucket lists. Boating alongside dolphins surely has to be…