Kumamoto Prefecture｜Life and Nature Nurtured by the Land of Aso

 

Located in the center of Kyushu, Kumamoto Prefecture is a region rich in nature, home to the vast caldera of Mount Aso and abundant clear water.

 

The expansive grasslands and outer rim mountains of the Aso region offer some of Japan’s most striking natural scenery, where visitors can experience the grandeur of the landscape through hiking and scenic drives. The fertile volcanic soil and plentiful spring water create ideal conditions for agriculture and livestock farming, supporting the production of local specialties such as watermelon, tomatoes, and Akaushi (red Wagyu beef).

 

In the prefectural capital, Kumamoto City, stands the iconic Kumamoto Castle.

Built by the feudal lord Kato Kiyomasa, the castle is regarded as one of Japan’s finest and now serves as a symbol of resilience and recovery following the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake.

 

To the west, the Amakusa Islands form a picturesque coastal area known for its Christian heritage, preserved in historic churches, and for nature experiences such as dolphin watching. From mountainous terrain to island seascapes, Kumamoto offers a wide range of landscapes and cultural traditions across its regions.

 

Life in Kumamoto is deeply connected to the land of Aso, where the natural environment continues to shape both livelihoods and culture.

 

 

 Prefectural capital 

• Kumamoto City

 

Major Cities

• Kumamoto city
• Yatsushiro city
• Amakusa city

 

Population

• Approximately 1.7 million

 

Major Tourist Attractions and Events

• Kumamoto Castle
• Mount Aso
• Amakusa Gokyo (Amakusa Five Bridges)
• Kurokawa Onsen
   

 

• Raw horse meat, a delicacy often enjoyed with soy sauce and garlic or ginger.
• Lotus root filled with spicy mustard.

 

• Higo-zōgan – Higo inlay metalwork
• Kawajiri Hamono: Traditional handcrafted blades from Kawajiri, Kumamoto.

⇒ Read Posts about Kumamoto