When Kumamon - the mascot that was the pride and joy of Kumamoto Prefecture - was catapulted towards popularity the world over, interest in visiting Kumamoto surged among travellers. Indeed, Kumamoto makes for a unique destination as it offers eager travellers five distinctive experiences that cannot be replicated elsewhere in Japan. Satisfy your wanderlust with these sensational experiences!
Climb your limits at 3,333 stone stairs Being a mountainous country, Japan offers many mountains with picturesque views and challenging climbing trails, of which Mount Fuji rules supreme. But what about climbing a stone staircase that is named "3,333 stone stairs"? Located in Misato City, this number one stone staircase not only provides spellbinding views of romantically misty mountains, but it also offers a Zen-like ambience with its many stone markers displaying exqusite calligraphy. To add to the fun, join the climbing festival every November where you will be encouraged by local people cheering you on and even offering you local specialties during your climb!
See a "waterfall" at Tsujun Bridge Have you ever seen a bridge that gushes out water powerfully? Make your way to Yamato City, where a quaint old arch bridge called Tsujun Bridge will discharge water at 1pm from April to May and from August to November. Apparently, Tsujun Bridge comprises 3 stone aqueducts that transport tons of water every day to facilitate agricultural growth, so the water discharge is done to keep these aqueducts in tip-top condition. But, regardless of whether you are an architectural geek, surely taking selfies of yourself in front of this man-made waterfall is an interesting way to mark your trip!
Eye history at Yachiyoza Theatre Culture buffs will relish a visit to Yachiyoza Theatre, a century-old kabuki theatre that has been putting up performances since 1911. Stepping into the interior of Yachiyoza Theatre is a mind-blowing experience in itself because you can look up at the ceiling and see intricately decorated tiles that were actual product commercials from the early 20th century. These tiles span areas across food and household products. What an authentic way to experience a slice of Japanese culture! Another must-do at Yachiyoza Theatre is to check out the backstage and see for yourself how the kabuki stage is operated by humans turning a revolving turntable. Isn't this traditional way of moving the stage without technology charming?
Play with fire at Mount Aso Fancy having a ball of a time playing with fire? At Ichinomiya Aso Shrine, you can do this and more in March. A fire swinging festival called Hifuri Shinji is held in hopes for a bountiful harvest during the upcoming year. Alongside local villagers, you can set fire to a bale of hay and brandish it over your head. Guaranteed to be great fun, because who can resist the thrill of fire just when Kumamoto is beginning to make the transit into Spring? Just be sure to make ample space for yourself when you want to swing a blazing bale of hay so that you don't set yourself or others on fire by mistake! Watch the Myoken Festival Regarded as one of Kyushu's top three festivals, the Myoken Festival in Yatsushiro is an apt illustration of how the Japanese people preserve their religious practices in this modern age. Built around the belief that the god of Yatsushiro Shrine goes out to Shioya-hachiman Shrine for a visit, this festival features garish floats, a heart-stirring dance by 'Kida' (Yatsushiro's mythical turtle-dragon mythical animal) and energetic shishi (red Chinese lions). With an array of bold colours and loud noises assaulting your senses, you will be captivated by the dynamism of Yatsushiro people. Just try to get bitten by the shishi so that good luck will befall you. Kumamoto has a plethora of attrations to intrigue the traveller. Be prepared for a charismatic side of Japan so that you have never seen before.
