The Land’s Memory of Two Millenia of Rice Farming
During the Edo period, the town of Yamaga prospered, with the Buzen Kaido as its main street. The remnants of that era are still visible today, and visitors can enjoy feeling like they've stepped back in time to a different era. There are lots of things to see, including the Komekomesoumon Tour and various seasonal events!
Established in 1910, the Yachiyoza Theater served as a theater for bringing liveliness into Yamaga. However, as patrons declined with the changing of eras, the theater once was on the verge of being destroyed, but through 30 years of reconstruction and revival projects by the citizens of Yamaga, today it has regained its former glory. On days with no performances, visitors may tour the inside of the theater (for a fee).
Kikuchi Castle is a castle built by the Yamato Court after they lost to the Silla-Tang; numerous such castles were built to prepare for an invasion of the Japanese islands. Kikuchi Castle in particular is said to have been a weapon/food supply point for the purpose of protecting Dazaifu. The nearby 'Onkosouseikan' is a museum facility where visitors can see exhibits and videos about the history of Kikuchi Castle. If you make a reservation 2 weeks in advance, you can have a volunteer guide accompany you to provide explanations.
Kikuchi Fukudon is a type of 'donburi' (rice bowl dish) that is "locally produced for local consumption." It uses only products produced in Kikuchi such as Kikuchi beef, pork, vegetables, rice, etc. The Himawari Shokudo provides varieties of fukudon such as "Sukisuki-donburi" and "Cube Steak Donburi." If you're craving something made in Kikuchi, be sure to give fukudon a try!
The Kikuchi Clan was active during Japan's medieval period, contributing greatly to the growth of rice farming in Kikuchi. There are numerous famous historic spots related to the "Kikuchi Clan" within the city of Kikuchi, and visitors can walk around and see them. This includes the "Kikuno Castle Ruins" and "Akahoshi Harbor" which were originally built by the clan founder Noritaka, as well as the "Shokan-ji/Kikuchi Gozan" that the 15th clan head Takemitsu fashioned after Kyoto and Kamakura. There is also the "Matsubayashi Noh Stage", which is dedicated to the art of "Kikuchi-no-Matsubayashi", an artform that has been in practice since Takemitsu's time.
A product promotion center featuring a bountiful collection of products, including Kikuchi's delicious rice, fresh farm products, hand-processed goods, local sake, sweets, and more.Items that you won't find anywhere else, like handmade Kikuchi rice gelato and tofu made with water from the Kikuchi Gorge! There's also a free footbath outside the promotion center, so it's a great spot for taking a break!
The Kikuchi Gorge is located in a corner of Aso Kuju National Park; this valley is one of Western Japan's most scenic locations, having even been selected for the '100 Best Waters of Japan.' Visitors to the valley can enjoy a variety of seasonal scenery: vibrant greenery in spring, clear streams that are even referred to as 'natural coolers' in summer, vivid autumn leaves, and a silvery white world of frozen trees in winter. Entry was previously prohibited due to the Kumamoto Earthquake, but as of March 24th 2018 it has been reopened.
The northern part of the prefecture is one of the leading hot springs areas, even in Western Japan. Several of these hot springs are alkaline springs that will make your skin smooth and glossy. The waters are sometimes referred to as 'bihada-no-yu', meaning 'water of beauty.'
Sometimes called the 'Seaside Great Wall of China', this is a reclamation project that was constructed in the mid-Meiji era. At present, 5.2km of its total length remains, and it has been nationally designated as an Important Cultural Property.
The Takase district prospered through shipping in the Edo era. Slanted stonework paths called 'tawara-korogashi' are still intact today. There are also remnants of stone bridges/walls and shops from the Edo era; Takase is a popular spot from May to June when the Hana Shoubu Matsuri is held.
Tamana's ramen is characterized by rich pork bone soup and medium-fine noodles to which burnt garlic is added. There are ~11 specialty ramen shops within Tamana City, all of which are highly rated! Tamana ramen souvenirs are also available.
This museum introduces visitors to the characteristics and development of Tamana through a variety of exhibits centered around the theme of "Tamana as it Developed with the River. Numerous items are exhibited inside, including cannon replicas, a restoration model of the Takase Ocha-ya (a teahouse), a model of the Ishinukiana Kannon Yokoana (an ancient gravesite), and more."
The Etafunayama Tomb was built with assets amassed through rice farming, and almost all of the items excavated from it have been designated as national treasures. Nearby, in the Higo Minkamura, numerous events are held, and you can experience overnight lodging in old residences, woodworking, and pottery (reservation required.)
※Paid guides are available for tomb tours.
Based on studies of the brewing process for 'Dassai', the Junmai Daiginjo 'Hana-no-ka Nagomi' is made wholly with locally produced rice, said to be a high-grade sake well-known all throughout Japan. How about a souvenir for someone you know who enjoys sake? (Sake cellar tours available as well (however, it may not be possible depending on time of year.) For more details, please inquire by phone.)
