This is the second article in our Hitoyoshi-Kuma series. While our first article introduced the geography, history, and cultural background of the region, this one focuses on what to do—highlighting must-visit scenic spots and exciting activities. Strap in.

Scenic Points of Hitoyoshi-Kuma

Kyusendo Cave (球泉洞): Explore Beneath the Earth

Located in Kuma Village, Kyusendo Cave is Kyushu’s longest limestone cave and one of Japan’s largest, stretching 4,800 meters (with 800 meters open to the public). Formed over 300 million years, the cave features impressive stalactites, natural bridges, and underground rock formations.

Beyond its cool, year-round temperature (16°C) and stunning rock formations, the cave also offers unique experiences:

• Guided “Family Exploration” Tours – Venture 200 meters deeper into the cave with a helmet and headlamp.
• Shochu Aging Storage – Store Kuma Shochu underground for up to 20 years, taking advantage of the cave’s stable climate.

One of the destinations to be severely impacted by the July 2020 floods, Kyusendo reopened in April 2022, with new and improved facilities and souvenir shops, making it a symbol of resilience in the region.

Terraced Rice Fields: Oninoukichi (鬼ノ口棚田) and Matsutani (松谷棚田)

A “Top 100 Terraced Rice Field” in Japan, Oninokuchi lies along a tributary of the Kuma River. Dating back to the Edo period, these terraces, with their 100-meter elevation difference and 68 stone-walled tiers, highlight both agricultural ingenuity and craftsmanship.

There are also the Matsutani Rice Terraces which offer stunning panoramic views across a mountain slope. The fields are shaped irregularly and scattered with boulders and towering cedar trees.

Ichifusa Dam (市房ダム)

Built in 1960, Ichifusa Dam is a popular sakura (cherry blossom) viewing spot, surrounded by 20,000 cherry trees that bloom in spring. The dam’s lake also features a fountain—visitors can even activate a 10-minute water show for ¥500, adding a touch of whimsy to the serene landscape.

Nuno Falls (布の滝)

Often described as resembling a silk curtain, Nuno Falls is at its most enchanting in early summer, when it’s framed by blooming hydrangeas. For adventure seekers, local guides offer canyoning experiences, letting visitors slide down natural rock slopes and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of Hitoyoshi-Kuma’s landscapes. For more info, see the Council For Tourism Advancement in Hitoyoshi-Kuma’s page here.

Kajiyamachi (鍛冶屋町通り): A Walk Through History

Kajiya-machi is one of Hitoyoshi’s most atmospheric districts, where cobblestone streets and narrow townhouses preserve the look and feel of the old castle town. During the era of the Sagara domain, the area was a hub of blacksmithing, producing everything from swords and firearms to agricultural tools. While only one blacksmith remains today, the street remains home to many local businesses including a miso and soy sauce brewery, tea shops, cafés, and restaurants.

Kamata Brewery: Miso & Soy Sauce with History

Established in 1931, Kamata Brewery (釜田醸造所 みそ·しょうゆ蔵) is Hitoyoshi’s only miso and soy sauce producer using natural moromi fermentation. The brewery operates from a 1930s Taisho-era building with a long and narrow structure leading from the main street, and visitors can walk through the 100-meter-long production facility.

What to Expect:
✔ Free tours showcasing traditional fermentation methods.
✔ Tastings of miso pickles, tsukudani, and tea.
✔ Seasonal displays, including a hina doll collection in February and March.

📍 Location: 45 Kajiya-machi, Hitoyoshi City [Google Maps]
🌐 Website: www.marukama.co.jp]

Tateyama Shoten: A Legacy of Hitoyoshi Tea

Founded in 1877, Tateyama Shoten (立山商店) is a historic tea shop and café preserving traditional brewing methods. Set in a charming traditional machiya townhouse with a Japanese garden, it offers both tea tastings and cultural experiences.

What to Expect:
✔ Matcha & Green Tea Tastings – Enjoy expertly brewed tea with seasonal sweets.
✔ Tea-based Desserts – Try bancha pudding, zenzai (sweet red bean soup), and more.
✔ Cultural Experiences – Tea ceremonies, kimono dressing, and ikebana (flower arrangement) lessons (reservations required).

📍 Location: 43 Kajiya-machi, Hitoyoshi City [Google Maps]
🌐 Website: www.tateyamasyoten.com

Whether you’re a food lover, tea enthusiast, or cultural explorer, these two spots offer a deep dive into Hitoyoshi’s rich traditions. Don’t miss them!

Historical Landmarks

Many historical spots dot the landscape—old castle grounds, countless shrines, and temples, each with its own story to tell. We could go on for quite a while, but in the interest of time (and your attention span), we’ll keep it brief. Here are just a few highlights, starting with the castle ruins.

Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins (人吉城跡): A Fortress Shaped by Water

Once the Sagara clan’s stronghold for 700 years, Hitoyoshi Castle made clever use of the Kuma river as a natural moat—which worked well until the river occasionally decided to reclaim the place. You can still see the stone walls looming over parts of the Kuma River if you join in some of the boat cruises or rafting activities.

Though most of the castle was dismantled during the Meiji Restoration (1871), the imposing stone walls remain, along with a few reconstructed features. Key spots to check out:

🔹 Oshimo Gate Ruins (御下門跡) – The former main entrance, particularly scenic in autumn.
🔹 Mizunote Gate Ruins (水ノ手門跡) – A riverside gate once used for transporting goods.
🔹 Hanedashi Stone Walls (はね出しの石垣) – Unusual protruding walls designed to frustrate attackers.

Even without its original towers, the 216,000-square-meter site offers sweeping city views and cherry blossoms in spring, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in history—or just a good walk with a view.

Aoi Aso Shrine (青井阿蘇神社): A National Treasure in the Heart of Hitoyoshi

One of Hitoyoshi’s most revered shrines, Aoi Aso Shrine dates back to 806, when deities from Aso Shrine were enshrined here to protect the region. Under the Sagara clan, it became a center of faith and prosperity, earning the affectionate nickname “Aoi-san” among locals.

What makes it special?

✔ National Treasure Status – Designated in 2008, it was Kumamoto’s first National Treasure, famed for its steep thatched roof—a rarity in Japan.
✔ Unique Architecture – A fusion of Zen and Momoyama styles, featuring gold crests, intricate carvings, and rare oni masks on the grand entrance gate.
✔ Okunchi Festival (Oct 3–11) – The region’s largest festival, featuring Kuma Kagura sacred dances, a 2,000-person procession, and lion mask blessings (getting “bitten” is said to bring good fortune).

Activities: Get Moving in Hitoyoshi-Kuma

From gentle river cruises to adrenaline-pumping leaps, Hitoyoshi-Kuma offers no shortage of ways to experience the region’s landscapes. Whether you’re after scenic serenity or full-throttle adventure, here’s what’s on offer.

Kuma River Boat Tours: A Century-Old Tradition

Drifting down the Kuma River has been a tradition for over 100 years. Today, boatmen skillfully navigate passengers from Hitoyoshi Pier to Sagara Town, offering a 30-minute journey through stunning seasonal landscapes. Keep an eye out for Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins and the river’s crystal-clear waters, where sweetfish dart beneath the surface.
✔ See the official Kawakudari Website here: https://www.kumagawa.co.jp/en/
✔ Google Maps to departure point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SF17i5ALMSLFe79X9

Rafting: Ride the Rapids

For those who prefer even more splash, whitewater rafting on the Kuma River offers high-speed thrills. The river’s power makes it one of Japan’s top rafting destinations, and expert guides ensure the experience is both exhilarating and safe, even for beginners. While there are in fact a great number of companies dotted along the river basin that provide rafting experiences, the Kawakudari service based out of Hassenba is a good place to start:
✔ See the official Kawakudari Website here: https://www.kumagawa.co.jp/en/
✔ Google Maps to departure point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SF17i5ALMSLFe79X9

Unleash Your Inner Samurai: Hyoho Taisharyu Swordsmanship

If whitewater isn’t your thing, maybe swordplay is. Hyoho Taisharyu is one of western Japan’s oldest samurai schools, offering private training sessions where you can learn the fundamentals of traditional swordsmanship—in full hakama attire, no less.

✔ 1-hour & 2-hour sessions (starting at ¥58,500 for two people)
✔ Taught by a skilled practitioner
✔ Discounts for guests staying at Ryokan Ayunosato

For more details and booking check the regional tourism council’s website here: https://hitoyoshikuma-guide.com/en/unleash_your_samurai/

Itsuki Bungee Jump: 66 Meters of Pure Adrenaline

If a quiet samurai stance isn’t thrilling enough, how about jumping off a 66-meter bridge? The Itsuki Bungee Jump sends daredevils plummeting toward the emerald-green Kawabe River, one of Japan’s cleanest waterways. If conditions are just right, you might even skim the water on the way down.

✔ Height: 66 meters
✔ Age Limit: 15+
✔ Weight Requirement: 40–105 kg
✔ Location: 45 min by car from Hitoyoshi I.C.

Do you dare to take the plunge?

Discover Hitoyoshi on Two Wheels

For a more relaxed way to explore, cycling is a great way to see the town at your own pace. Pedal through historic streets, past riverside scenery, and into quiet neighborhoods where local life unfolds in real-time. Unlike driving, you won’t miss the little details that make Hitoyoshi special.

While rental bicycles are available at places like the rafting hub Hassenba mentioned above, there are also guided e-bike tours developed specifically for overseas visitors complete with farm-to-table cooking experiences, shochu distillery tours, tea planation visits and more.

Check the local tourism council’s page here on “Kuma Valley E-Bike Adventures: Pedal Through History and Flavor“.

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Whether you prefer wandering through old castle ruins, drifting down the river, or testing your nerve on a bungee jump, Hitoyoshi-Kuma has plenty to keep you occupied. The mix of history, nature, and long-standing traditions makes for a place that doesn’t fit neatly into any single category—though that’s part of its charm.

For more on what makes this region worth a look, check out the rest of the Hitoyoshi-Kuma series:

🔹Hitoyoshi-Kuma Complete Guide: A Valley 700 Years in the Making – A broad look at the area’s history and geography.
🔹10 Onsen in the Kuma Valley – Where to soak in the region’s onsen culture.
🔹Kuma Shochu: The Spirit of the Valley – Everything you need to know about the local rice shochu tradition.
🔹Vegan in the Kuma Valley: A Rural Shift Toward Plant-Based Cuisine – A look at the region’s unexpected embrace of plant-based food.

Plenty more could be said, but you get the idea. Leave a comment and let us know what you think, or if you need any additional information, we will be happy to chime in with more details!