Spots in Kikuchi / Yamaga Area

  • Kikuchi Gorge
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    4.5
    156 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Kikuchishi Haru
    It is located approximately 50 minutes away from the Ueki Interchange on the Kyushu Expressway. This gorge stretches within the Aso-Kuju National Park, and is a scenic area that has been selected as one of the Top 100 Forested Valleys in Japan, the 100 elections of the waterfall in Japan and the Top 100 Famous Water. Also known as Kikuchi Suigen, the underground water of Mt. Asogairin, which flows between a broadleaf forest, creates various lakes and waterfalls of various sizes, creating a landscape filled with variety. The average water temperature in the summer is 13 degrees Celsius, so it is called a natural cooler and is popular as a summer resort area. You can enjoy fresh greenery in the spring, colorful leaves in the autumn and frosty flowers that bloom over the whole mountain in the winter.

    The blueish color from the water is very beautiful. It was so refreshing feeling the cool air from the waters.

  • Yachiyoza
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    4.5
    114 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Yamagashi Yamaga 1499
    Yachioyaza, one of Japan’s Important Cultural Properties, is a playhouse built in 1910. Since opening they have put on a variety of shows, but with the changing era the number of visitors fell and the place closed. However, thanks to the ardent fund-raising activities of groups both old and young, restoration took place over 30 years and it is now a working playhouse again. It is also possible to take a look behind the scenes of the theater, from the revolving stage to the theater basement.

    Yachiyoza is one of the old Japanese theaters still in use. Actually it was a reconstruction and the actual building has only 20 years of history. But it was so finely reconstructed that we can now...

  • Roadside Station Ozu
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    4.0
    78 Reviews
    Transportation
    Kumamoto Pref. Kikuchigunodumachi Hikinomizu 759
    This roadside station is in Ozu Town, Kikuchi County. Its specialty shop sells items from around the prefecture, as well as handicrafts, daily essentials, and women's clothes. Their popular taiyaki treats are made with sweet potatoes (the region grows the most in the prefecture). You can watch vendors make ikinari dango dumplings, a Kumamoto favorite, as well as spicy mustard filled lotus root. The restaurant serves fare like gyudon beef rice bowl, steak, and yakiniku (Japanese style barbecue) featuring the local Aka beef.

    空港近くにあるレンタカー営業所にクルマを返却する前に立ち寄ってみました。 近隣エリアにある道の駅の中では規模が大きく土産品・農産物・馬刺し・あか牛などが入手できます。ここに立ち寄れば熊本県内の土産品が揃ってました。 宿泊した際に貰った地域クーポンも使用できるのも魅力でした。 下手に空港内の店舗で土産を購入するのならここに立ち寄ることをお薦めします。

  • Roadside Station Shichijo Melon Dome
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    4.0
    76 Reviews
    Transportation
    Kumamoto Kikuchi-shi Shichijomachi Okada 306

    菊池市中心部から国道325号線を西に数km。国道沿いに、巨大なメロンが乗っている建物が見えてきました。それが、道の駅七城メロンドームでした。 このあたりはメロン栽培が盛んな地域のようです。立派なメロンはもちろん、メロンを使った商品もいろいろありました。七城メロン果汁を使ったメロンパンを購入し、メロン100%のジュースもいただいてみました。当然ですが、メロンパンもジュースも、メロン感がはんぱなか...

  • Kikuchi Shrine
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    4.0
    47 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Kikuchishi Waifu 1257
    This Shinto shrine is located in Kikuchi City. Founded in 1870, it honors three feudal lords of the Kikuchi clan who fought on the southern side during the period of the Northern and Southern dynasties (1336–1392) The Kikuchi Jinja History Museum on the precincts displays valuable items tied to the clan and other historical cultural assets. It's also a popular cherry blossom viewing spot and gets crowded in spring when they're in bloom.

    熊本県の北部にある菊池市。私たちは、小国町にある鍋ケ滝を後にして国道を南に走って菊池市の中心部に着きました。町の中心部近くにあったのが、菊池神社です。 菊池神社は、小高い丘全体に境内が広がっていました。私たちが小高い丘と思った場所は、かつて菊池城という中世の山城跡で、この地を治めていた菊池氏の本拠だったそうです。緑豊かな中に、お堂などが点在していました。

  • Roadside Station Kahoku (Ogurigo)
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    4.0
    46 Reviews
    Transportation
    Kumamoto Pref. Yamagashi Kahokumachiwano 4186-130
    This roadside station on National Route 3 sells fresh produce, rice, and jagadango potato dumplings when the potatoes are newly harvested. The eatery serves the local favorite known as dago dumpling soup, and their Mokuyu-kan has workshops in woodcraft and making stone oven-baked pizzas. You can also enjoy strolls through the natural surroundings as well as their family pool in the summer.

    道の駅鹿北小栗郷は、熊本県と福岡県の県境近くにある小栗峠のふもとにありました。 山の中の道の駅ですが、物産館とレストランがあり、「木工館」という体験施設もある、充実した施設を持つ道の駅でした。物産館では、季節の農産品が数多く並んでいるほか、店頭にはたくさんの鉢植えのお花も並んでいました。

  • Yamaga Lanterns Folk Crafts Museum
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    4.0
    54 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Yamagashi Yamaga 1606-2
    "A museum with a collection of beautiful Yamaga lanterns, a designated National Traditional Craft Product. The museum building, a Romanesque structure built in 1925, is designated a national Tangible Cultural Property. Yamaga lanterns are crafted using just Japanese washi paper and a small amount of glue making use of traditional techniques passed down since the distant Muromachi period. Due to their delicate subtlety, they have even been acclaimed as the pinnacle of Japanese washi paper crafts. The museum's renowned collection consists of numerous beautiful examples of Yamaga lanterns, including famous kintoro ""gold"" lanterns crafted in fanciful styles such as ""shinden-zukuri"" (""palatial"") and ""torikago"" (""birdcage""). Visitors can also watch live demonstrations of lanterns being made and make a mini lantern (advance reservation required)."

    This museum is located near Sakurayu. The building that houses the museum used to be a bank, and the building itself is worth taking a picture of. Beside displays of lanterns, there are many maquette...

  • Roadside Station Mizube Plaza Kamoto
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    4.0
    25 Reviews
    Transportation
    Kumamoto Pref. Yamagashi Kamotomachikajiya 1257
    This road station includes a natural hot spring where water gushes out at 90 liters per minute, overnight accommodation, and a restaurant which uses seasonal ingredients. One can try pizza and bread making, and with its oversized playground equipment it is a popular place to bring children. In spring and summer one can also try their hand at canoeing.

    菊池市にある道の駅七城メロンドームを後にした私たちは、国道を西に向かいました。2kmほどしか走っていないのに、またまた道の駅があったんです。それが、道の駅水辺プラザかもとでした。 こちらの道の駅にはいろんな施設があるので、道の駅内だけでたっぷりと楽しむことができそうです。特産品販売コーナーやレストランがあるのは当然ですが、音節施設があり、屋外の川辺では川遊びやカヌー体験、サイクリングやグラウン...

  • Kikuchi Grand Hotel
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    4.0
    33 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Kumamoto Pref. Kikuchishi Waifu 1144-2
    This hot spring hotel located in Kikuchi City in Mt. Aso's volcanic zone lets you dine on cuisine made with local produce while taking in the seasonal scenery of the Kikuchi Gorge. The hotel's abundant high-quality hot spring water is colorless, transparent, and alkaline. It has a unique feel and beautifying properties that improve the complexion. It's also thought to help alleviate nerve pain and fatigue.

    This onsen must have some great histories as it is big in a small city like Kikuchi. As with most Japanese establishments, it is clean and tidy even though you can see lack of regular maintenance in...

  • Anzu no Oka
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    4.0
    16 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kumamoto Pref. Yamagashi Kikukamachishimouchida 733
    "A park located in the center of Kikuka-machi, Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture. The Apurii farmer's market adjoins the parking area and sells vegetables picked in the area. Park facilities include a natural grass lawn and the ""Big Canyon"" playground. There are also activity centers such as a pressed flower classroom and traditional crafts classroom, and the park is visited by many locals and tourists to Kikuka-machi."

    ゴールデンウィーク最終日に訪問。朝イチで行ったせいかほぼ貸し切り。昼前には人が多くなっていたものの遊具が多く面積も広いためストレスなく子ども達と遊ぶことができました。駐車場もあり広場と近いため便利でした。

  • Shichijo Onsen Dome
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    4.0
    12 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Kumamoto Pref. Kikuchishi Shichijoumachihayashibaru 962-1
    This hot spring hotel in Kikuchi City welcomes guests who stop by just to use the baths. The spa has 12 kinds of baths, including a footbath and a reservable private family bath. The alkaline hot spring water is said to help relieve nerve pain, muscle soreness, and fatigue. The hotel also has facilities for sports training, seminars, banquets, and other functions.

    菊池市の旧七城町エリアにある施設です。温泉施設がメインですが、宿泊や宴会の瀬施設も整っているようです。 行ってみて、平日なのに人が多くてびっくりですが、よくできた施設だと思います。 ロビー周辺もゆったりしていて広く、温泉も広くて大人数が入っていても、混み合った感じはなく比較的ゆっくりと入れます。いろんな種類のお風呂があって、楽しめました。特にマイナスイオン浴はぬる湯でのんびりできました。露天には歩...

  • Kumamoto Prefectural Ancient Burial Mound Museum
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    4.0
    24 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kumamoto Pref. Yamagashi Kaoumachiwabaru 3085
    At this museum on the site of the Iwabaru Tumuli, you can see ruins from the Kikuchi River basin, excavated artifacts, and a 3D panoramic film of a replica of the area's decorative burial mounds. On Saturdays they hold workshops in the ancient ways like making bronze mirrors. You can also see the nearby Futagozuka Tumulus and the Tunnel Tomb Group.

    初めて行きましたが。コロナの影響でイベントは中止で、館内はほぼレプリカで残念でした。本物の古墳の見学もコロナのおかげで中止でした。

  • Spa Flora
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    4.0
    20 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Kumamoto Yamaga Hirayama 5235
    A one-day spa in Hirayama Onsen Resort, where the traditions date back as far as 1,300 years ago. The bathhouse is equipped with a large hinoki cypress bath with a hot spring water flowing from the source, a garden open-air bath with seasonal mountain views, a massage-type electric bath, a cascading bath, and a far-infrared sauna. The water used is a weakly alkaline, simple, weakly radioactive sulfur spring. It is famous as spring water for beautiful skin, for the water exfoliates the skin. In 2020, a cafe corner, souvenir shop, and farmers' market were newly opened. Also, the lymphatic massage in the facility can be easily enjoyed from as little as 20 minutes.

    閉館1時間ほど前におじゃましました。内湯大浴場は42度ほどの湯温でサウナ、水風呂、電気風呂、打たせ湯があり設備も充実しています。外には熱めの露天風呂とぬるめの小露天がありました。入浴料450円の平山温泉特有のとてもツルスベ感のするかけ流しのとても気持ち良い温泉でした。温泉の泉質はアルカリ性の単純硫黄・弱放射能温泉のようです。

  • Kumamoto Prefecture Agricultural Park “Country Park”
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    4.0
    9 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kumamoto Pref. Koushishi Sakae 3802-4
    This park holds a variety of programs including farming workshops and pizza making experiences using their stone oven near the West Gate of the facility. With areas like the Nobinobi Hiroba with its large central lawn and their Wanpaku Hiroba with its large playscape and ground golf course, it's a great spot to spend a fun-filled day in the midst of nature.

    久しぶりに行きました。広い公園内にバラの花などがあり、綺麗でした。 毎年、植木市や農業祭が開催されていて、楽しめます。天気が良ければイベントも中止にならないので、天気は運次第です。

  • Yamaga City Museum
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    4.0
    13 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kumamoto Yamaga Nabeta 2085
    This museum is a veritable condensation of the ancient romanticism of the Kikuchi River area. The museum displays a variety of historically valuable, ancient, and folk materials from the Kikuchi River region, such as tomoe interlocking comma-shaped copperware, of which there are only some 30 examples in existence; and the only stone knife-shaped ironware in the country. The museum was opened in 1978 as the prefecture's second ever museum. Maintained as part of the Higo Kodai no Mori park, the museum is also a 15-minute walk from Chibusan Ancient Tomb and Obusan Ancient Tomb, two famous decorated ancient tombs. Some of the museum's many highlights include a late Edo period home; and Otsubo Bridge, the country's second irrigation bridge, which have been moved to the museum grounds and restored.

    方保田東原遺跡の出土品等が展示されているのですが、展示室は仕方はないのですが、ちょっと古い感じで埃のような黴臭い感じです。

  • Kikuchi Sightseeing Product House
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    4.0
    12 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kumamoto Pref. Kikuchishi Waifu 1273-1
    A local specialty products market which carries an abundant selection of gifts and souvenirs, including fresh-picked vegetables; local liquors; popular confections; and Kikuchi specialty goods like rice paddy burdock and yacon tubers. Exclusive products such as gelatos made with Kikuchi rice and tofu made with water from Kikuchi Gorge are also well reviewed. The morning markets held every Sunday are attended by large numbers of people from within the city and beyond. Visitors are recommended to buy one of the many bento box lunches on offer and go for a picnic in the adjoining Kikuchi City Park.

    熊本県北部の町、菊池市。その中心部に、きくち観光物産館がありました。物産館の前には広い駐車場があり、横の方にはさらに広々とした広場もありました。広場には、勇ましい騎馬像がありました。この騎馬像は、かつての菊池のお殿様の像なんだそうです。 物産館には菊池市の特産品が並んだいますし、きれいなトイレもあるので、ここに車を停めて市内観光の拠点に利用するのもいいですよ。

  • Yamaga Dongurimura
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    4.0
    11 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Kumamoto Yamaga Kubaru 3905
    This hot spring resort looks up at majestically beautiful Fudo Rock. The resort has a natural hot spring bathhouse whose baths are supplied exclusively with free-flowing spring water, a farmers market, and a ground golf course. The resort's large outdoor bath is filled with water from a natural spring drawn up from 500 meters underground. The waters of this alkaline simple and mildly radioactive spring are renowned for treating nerve pain and muscle soreness, aiding recovery from fatigue, and promoting health. The resort is also replete with a special dog hot spring bathhouse with showers and dog-sized indoor baths. As long as they are open, they can be used freely at any time. There are also coin-operated dryers.

    脱衣所が暑い 暖房入ってないか?と聞いたが冷房ですとの回答。 せっかく温泉入ったのに汗かく! 目的のうさぎはいなかった。 もういないと言われました。 まあ、でも安くてよかったかな。

  • Tatsugashira Onsen
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    4.5
    10 Reviews
    Accommodations / Hot Spring
    Kumamoto Kikuchi-shi Shisuimachi Tashima 620-1
    This day-use hot spring bathhouse stands on the bank of the Goshi River. Here amidst tranquil pastoral scenery, customers can enjoy free-flowing spring water rich in carbonic acid. The bathhouse makes use of a hydrogen carbonate spring whose waters are so concentrated, they generate a pure white carbonic acid foam near the taps they come out of. The bathhouse makes no use of any additional waters whatsoever, ensuring customers can fully enjoy the spring's nutrients and minerals. The waters of the sodium hydrocarbonate/chloride spring have a powerful warmth retaining effect and leave the skin silky smooth, and many praise the spring for its beautifying properties. Note that as the bathhouse does not supply items such as shampoo and body soap, you must bring your own.

    熊本県菊池市、旧泗水町に近い場所にある日帰り温泉です。 炭酸土類泉がかけ流しで使われています。湯口で頭から浴びているおっちゃん達がいますが、湯は新鮮。炭酸の清涼感も良いです。

  • Roadside Station Kyokushi
    Transportation
    Kumamoto Pref. Kikuchishi Kyokushikawabe 1886
    This roadside station is in Kikuchi City. Its specialty shop sells locally produced agricultural products, including healthy Kyokushi brand beef with moderate marbling. Shokusaikan, its restaurant, offers yakiniku Japanese barbecue and a variety of other fare made with local produce. Customers can also enjoy their steak and hamburger steak meal sets.
  • Kikuchi Park
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Kumamoto Pref. Kikuchishi Wataru 493-2
    This is a well-known cherry blossom spot where 10,000 Yoshino cherry trees are in full bloom, located on a small hill overlooking Kikuchi City. During blossom season noteworthy sights include the hanging paper lanterns and illuminations. There is also an adventure playground, which makes this park popular with families.

Kumamoto Areas

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Kumamoto lies in the center of Kyushu, a calm prefecture perfect for easy strolls around the historic center and lazy evenings in the natural hot springs at Kurokawa Onsen. For a slightly more strenuous activity, head to Mount Aso, whose surrounding hills offer hiking opportunities aplenty with views over the active volcano.

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