5 Unique Things You Can Do In Kumamoto

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. Which is an awesome thing because Kumamoto is home to Kumamoto Castle and Mount Aso, which is one of Japan's top three castles and has the world's largest caldera respectively! Aside from these magnificent marvels, Kumamoto also makes for a unique travel destination, for it offers eager travellers five distinctive experiences that cannot be replicated anywhere in Japan. Put Kumamoto on your travel bucket list and satisfy your wanderlust with these five sensational experiences!  

Climb Your Limits At 3,333 Stone Stairs     Being a mountainous country, Japan boasts numerous mountains with picturesque views and challenging climbing trails, of which Mount Fuji rules supreme. But what about climbing up a stone staircase that is tantalizingly named "3,333 stone stairs"? Located in Misato City, this number one stone staircase not only provides spellbinding views of romantically misty mountains, it also offers a dignified and Zen-like ambience with its many stone markers displaying exquisite calligraphy. To add to the fun, join the climbing festival every November where you will be encouraged by lots of 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? If not, 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 three 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" complemented with azure blue skies 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 many intricately decorated tiles that were actual product commercials from the early 20th century. These tiles span areas across food and household products, among others. What an authentic way to experience a slice of Japanese culture and heritage! 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 the use of 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 and warmth 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 such an array of bold colors and loud noises assaulting your senses, you will definitely be captivated by the dynamism of Yatsushiro people. Just try to get bitten by the Shishi so that good luck will befall you!   Kumamoto just has a plethora of attractions to intrigue the traveller: fascinating local festivals, culturally rich places of interest and gegarious warm people. Be prepared for a charismatic side of Japan that you have never seen before. Don't forget to get your camera ready to record down all your discoveries for all posterity!