
14/03/2025
One of the highlights of traveling is getting to know the local culture deeply rooted in the region. Kumamoto’s culture offers a rich variety of attractions, including religion, traditional crafts, hot springs, and shochu (a traditional Japanese distilled alcohol). There are many places where history and faith come to life, such as the agricultural festivals at A*o Shrine, the grand festival at Fujisaki Hachiman-gu Shrine, and the Sakitsu Village in Amakusa, which is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Traditional crafts include Higo-Zogan (metal inlay), spicy lotus root (Karashi-renkon), Higo-koryu tea ceremony, and Noh theater, all of which have a 400-year history alongside Kumamoto Castle. You can also experience the lives of people from that time at the “Yachiyoza” theater, which was built in 1930 as a place of entertainment for everyone. Touji (hot spring cures) at Tsuetate Onsen and Kuma shochu are also an important part of Kumamoto’s culture. As you explore Kumamoto, remember to appreciate the ancestors who helped preserve these cultural traditions, and take the time to rediscover the unique charm of this region.
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