Exploring Kumamoto, Japan

In the autumn of 2024, we went to Kirishima Hot Springs Village, located 600 meters above sea level in Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. In mid-November, we expected to see the leaves all over, but we were wrong. The autumn leaves were not yet in full bloom. We stayed at Komatsu, a Traditional Japanese Hotel. Hotel Location:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/PYWTY6hB9AduuXHS8 With only six rooms, the hot spring hotel had a relaxed atmosphere. The room was equipped with both an indoor and outdoor hot spring bath, so we could enjoy the hot spring without worrying about who or what time it was. Since the inn is located in a hot spring resort in the mountains, the cuisine consisted mainly of wild vegetables and river fish. All were delicious. And the plates used were all wonderful. We enjoyed the dinner while enjoying the plates as well. The best dish for me was the appetizer. We made a video with the hot springs and food at the hotel.

There is an exchange facility called “Moe-no-Sato” in Nishihara Village, Kumamoto Prefecture, about a 10-minute drive from Kumamoto Airport. A cosmos festival is held here from late September to November, and my wife and I went there in early November. Location:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/pRp2bgiUYk3jBrYh8 The cosmos were beautiful against the backdrop of the meadow. Scarecrows greet you in the cosmos field. Scarecrows made by children in the vicinity were also on display. The scarecrows seemed to be a popular photo spot for tourists. The most popular spot for taking pictures was the spot in the next photo.  Below is a collection of cosmos photos taken on this day. The weather was fine and the cosmos were very beautiful. I plan to visit Moe-no-sato again next year when the cosmos are at their best. I recommend visiting Moe-no-sato in April and May, when the grasslands are being reforested after they are burned in the field, except in the fall.

In early November, We went to Aso to see the autumn leaves. Our destination was Oguni Town, Aso County in Japan. There was no sign of autumn leaves as we entered the mountains, and we had given up on seeing them for a while. On the way to Kamitsue-cho, Oita Prefecture, we were able to see the autumn leaves on some trees. Location:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/NMF1M4L8yZUBA6Wm7 As we drove away we noticed a waterfall nearby. we had heard the name “Nabegataki Fall” a lot. Location： https://maps.app.goo.gl/NMF1M4L8yZUBA6Wm7 Nabegataki Fall is a rare waterfall where visitors can walk behind the falls.  However, it was a bit chilly around the falls in November when we visited. WeI gave up trying to walk behind the waterfall to get to the other side while splashing in the water. Location:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/fSCeQmeRHyARaVpa6 Our next stop was the large ginkgo tree in Shimojo. Every year at this time we go out to see this ginkgo tree. The ginkgo tree is said to be over 1,...

JR trains cross the Iseri River, which runs through Kumamoto City, Japan, twice. The following video shows the train crossing the first of these bridges.   Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yBevYusfFMNTepx26 Green rice fields spread out beside the railroad tracks.  Even though it is autumn, the green spreading rice fields are a strange sight. The rice fields have been harvested for some time now. During this time, new ears were growing from the rice stumps. Rice fields covered with rice growing from stumps are said to be called “hitsuji-da” in Japanese. "Hitsuji-da" is a haiku term for autumn. The rice fields, which were golden in autumn, turn all green as late autumn approaches.  It is almost as if the season has returned to early summer.