August

As a port city with several waterways, Kumamoto offers up a few different boating opportunities. These include gentle cruises along local rivers and lakes, as well as ferry trips that take you further afield. Here’s a selection of what you can find in the prefecture. Boating Along the Kuma River The Kuma River is the longest in the Kyushu region, 115 km long and leading out to the Yatsushiro Sea. It’s also a fast-flowing river, considered to be one of the three most rapid rivers in all of Japan. There are several different boating experiences to be had along the river, most of them setting off from Hitoyoshi in the Kumamoto prefecture. These range from gentle cruises that take you past beautiful landscapes to thrilling rides, such as white-water rafting during the peak season (April-October). You can also visit Hassenba complex that includes the Kyushu Pancake Café. Boating trips are mostly within the 2,000 – 3,000 yen range. Rowing Along the Takachiho Gorge Takachiho Gorge offers some of Kyushu’s most beautiful natural scenery, a 7 km stretch running alongside the Gokase River between Kumamoto and Miyazaki prefectures. One of the best ways to experience the scenic wonders, which include the…