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.

I am in Ebino City, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. This is a view of the Kirishima mountain range from the Ebino Service Area on the expressway. Date:2024/9/30 　 Location: : https://maps.app.goo.gl/uBu3guLZgPixcuvN7 On September 30, rice harvesting had begun in the rice paddies. Combines were harvesting the rice. Two weeks later, I visited the same place. The sky over the Kirishima mountain range was a beautiful October autumn sky. Date:2024/10/13 Rice harvesting was finished. Looking closely, I saw that the dry rice straw was being collected. You can also see the harvested rice being hung out to dry. I hear that rice that has been dried over the rack is very tasty. This scene, often seen in the Japanese countryside, reminds us strongly of the arrival of autumn.

An hour's drive from Kumamoto City brought us to Bansho, famous for its terraced rice paddies and cluster amaryllis. Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/93WBg5szyA2HdA4L6 Rice harvesting in the terraced rice paddies was almost finished and the harvested rice was hung to dry. The well-maintained cluster amaryllis were very beautiful. The surroundings were recorded on video.  The hot summer was finally over and autumn had arrived in the satoyama. Grasshoppers seem to feel good in the pleasant temperatures.

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.