Ataka and Kurohashi Shell Mounds
Discover the Ataka-Kurohashi Shell Mounds in Kumamoto, a nationally designated historic site revealing 5,000 years of Jomon period life. Explore ancient pottery, burial rituals, and evidence of whale hunting in prehistoric Japan.
Sashiki Castle Ruins
Discover Sashiki Castle Ruins in Ashikita, Kumamoto – a National Historic Site built by master castle builder Kato Kiyomasa. Explore impressive restored stone walls, panoramic sea views, and fascinating Sengoku period history at this hidden gem.
Okichimozuku Habitat in Shizugawa
Visit the Shizugawa Okichimozu Habitat, a National Natural Monument in Minamioguni, Kumamoto. Discover this endangered crimson algae thriving in geothermal waters near Kurokawa Onsen, one of only three protected sites in Japan.
Futagoyama Stone Tool Manufacturing Ruins
Discover the Futagoyama Stone Tool Manufacturing Site in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan's only nationally designated historic site of a Jomon-period stone tool workshop. Learn about 3,000-year-old craftsmanship, ancient trade networks, and how to visit this remarkable archaeological treasure.
Odara Tomb
Discover Odara Kofun, a nationally designated historic site on the Uto Peninsula in Kumamoto Prefecture. This 6th-century decorated tomb features carved shields, quivers, and circle motifs on stone barriers overlooking the Ariake Sea.
Tatsutayama Yaekuchinashi Natural Area
Discover the Tatsutayama Double-Petaled Gardenia Habitat, a nationally designated Natural Monument in Kumamoto City. Learn about this rare wild gardenia, its botanical significance, and how to visit the lush forested hill where it grows.
Myokenura
Discover Myokenura, a nationally designated Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument on the west coast of Amakusa, Kumamoto. Explore towering sea cliffs, the iconic Elephant Rock, and Japan's first marine park with world-class diving.
Mount Ryugatake
Ryugatake, a 470-meter peak in Kamiamakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture, was designated as a National Scenic Beauty in 1936 for its extraordinary panoramic views. Known as 'Amakusa Fuji,' its summit offers sweeping vistas of the Shiranui Sea islands, Mount Aso, Kirishima, and Unzen. Home to the Myui Observatory — recognized for Japan's finest starry sky — and steeped in dragon deity legends, Ryugatake is a captivating destination for nature lovers and cultural travelers alike.
Sagara's Ira Tobikazura
Osmanthus in Asohara
Aso Kitamukidani Primeval Forest
Amida Cedar
Ishinukiana Kannon Cave
Ishinukinagi Cave Group
Idera Tomb
Iwahara Burial Mounds
Uto Castle Ruins
Eianji East Tumulus and Eianji West Tumulus
Edaana Kannon Tomb