Also known as the "Frog Temple," Nyoirinji Temple is home to approximately 10,000 frog figurines and objects, making it a fun and open temple that anyone can visit.

Kumamoto Castle has been an important stage in various aspects of Japanese history for 400 years, and since its construction it has attracted many people and is a spiritual anchor for the people of Kumamoto. There are many events throughout the year. At Josaien, located at the foot of the castle, there are restaurants and souvenir shops lined up, so you can enjoy eating and shopping. Kumamon is the mascot that represents Kumamoto.

Summer is hot, so instead of visiting Kumamoto Castle, we'll head to Aso Kusasenri. Kusasenrigahama, located at an altitude of about 1,100m, is a great location from which you can see the horses leisurely grazing and the dynamic crater of Aso-Nakadake, spewing smoke. In summer, the area is bright with vibrant greenery and cool to spend time in. We also recommend Kusasenrigahama Parking Lot, where you'll find the Aso Volcano Museum, cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, and more.

Built in 1910, the Yachiyoza playhouse is a designated National Important Cultural Property of Japan. Travel back 100 years in time and explore Japan's unique culture, art and architecture. The area where Yachiyoza is located is also home to the Yamaga Onsen region. Relax after a long day with a soak in Sakura no Yu, a natural free-flowing hot spring built in 1640.

Affectionately known as the "Frog Temple," Nyoirinji Temple is a power spot that is said to bring good fortune in terms of road safety, longevity, and financial luck, with prayers such as "safe return," "return of energy," and "return of money" that began when the temple's chief priest bought a frog figurine during a trip to China.

In the temple grounds, you can enjoy the changing seasons with cherry blossoms, fresh green leaves, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, and autumn leaves, and in the summer, the temple hosts the "Wind Chime Festival," where thousands of wind chimes are displayed, creating a fantastical landscape.

In 1607, Kato Kiyomasa used the most advanced technology and labor of the time to complete the famous Kumamoto Castle on a plateau known as Chausuyama. Since then, Kumamoto Castle has played an important role in various historical events in Japan over the past 400 years. Enjoy the 400-year history of Kumamoto Castle as it unfolds with the protagonists of historical dramas that have made their mark on history, from Kato Kiyomasa to the Hosokawa clan, Miyamoto Musashi, and Tani Kanjo. Kumamoto Castle sustained major damage in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake. Due to strong requests from the people of Kumamoto Prefecture, we are restoring the castle using donations from many people. Enjoy your own lunch at Sakura-no-Baba "Josaien" at the foot of Kumamoto Castle. Sakura-no-Kouji is home to a large selection of Kumamoto's representative gourmet foods. Please enjoy the horse meat dishes and Kumamoto ramen that can only be found here.

The Aso Volcano Museum is an amusement space where you can learn about the origins of Mt. Aso, an active volcano with the world's largest caldera, and the lives of people who coexist with the volcano. Please feel free to explore the Mt. Aso Visitor Center on the first floor, an exhibition facility that comprehensively introduces the charms of Mt. Aso and nature. Multilingual audio commentary is also available for your enjoyment. The first floor of the "New Kusasenri" building is a cafe, and the second floor is a large restaurant. At the restaurant on the second floor, you can enjoy delicious local cuisine while looking out at the smoking Mt. Aso and the sparkling green of Aso Kusasenri Beach. Please pay at the ticket machine first, take a number, sit down and wait. The number will be displayed on the bulletin board.

Yachiyoza is a playhouse built in 1910 (Meiji 43), which became a movie theater in the Showa era, but the number of audiences dropped with the spread of television, and it closed down. It was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and restoration work took more than 30 years, and it has continued to function as a modern playhouse since 2001. If you pass through the "Kidoguchi" (doorway) with your guide, you will feel as if you have traveled back in time 100 years. Please take a seat in the "Masuseki" (box seat) and look around the stage and surrounding area. Please feel free to stroll around Yachiyoza Street. There is also a free foot bath. If you like hot springs, please bring a towel, face wash, shampoo, etc. with you. You can enjoy the natural hot spring "Sakura no Yu" during your free time.