Exploring Kumamoto, Japan

I went to Kagoshima City today. I saw Sakurajima for the first time in half a year. The season is early autumn, but the clouds are still summer clouds and the temperature is over 30 degrees Celsius. It was very hot, however, the seaside looked a little different than in mid-summer. Many jellyfish are swimming leisurely and swaying. Looking toward Kinkowan Bay, a high-speed boat quickly crossed in front of Sakurajima. On the other hand, when I turned my eyes to the seashore in front of me, I saw jellyfish swimming in the water. It seemed to contrast artifacts with nature. It was a weekday morning, and two people who looked like tourists were taking a commemorative photo with Sakurajima in the background. Although Sakurajima is a strong risk for local disaster prevention, I thought it is still a first-class tourist resource.  

The amount of water in the rice paddies in the Kumamoto region of Japan is abundant. Autumn. The time for rice harvest is nearing. I went for a walk and came upon a rice paddy. In the days when rice was taxed, there are stories of farmers hiding their rice fields to avoid the tax. I thought this place might have been such a hidden rice field in the past. To my surprise, I saw what looked like a house in the bushes. It looks like a hideout in a fairy tale. From a distance, it looked like an empty house, but upon closer inspection, there was a car. I was even more surprised. It was amazing to find such scenery so close to the city. Wandering around is a continuous discovery of new things.

Kumamoto Yogakko, a school that promoted westen studies, opend in 1871 in Kumamoto City, Japan. An American, Mr. Janes, was invited to this school as a teacher and provided Western-style education to children in Kumamoto Prefecture.  This white building is the mansion of teacher Janes. Location: 32.789286, 130.734725 Janes' mansion was completely destroyed in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake.The current mansion was rebuilt in 2023. The new mansion was beautiful and looked even more beautiful in the setting sun. Beside the mansion is a stream with crystal clear spring water. The creek is illuminated and a walk around this area in the evening darkness is recommended. As the evening twilight began to fall, a walk around this area was very pleasant for me. The location of Jane's mansion is right in front of the Kumamoto City Tram “Shiritsu-taiikukan-mae”stop.