Bamboo is so tough that pandas spend 16 hours to digest it. It also grows exponentially fast such that it is used as a metaphor for late bloomers.

Both traits are effectively leveraged by Kumamoto craftsmen. Look at how they inject their airport with a compelling dose of local flavour.

You gotta love them for thoughtfully carving an airplane motif out of bamboo.

Bamboo carving is a well-cherished art in Kumamoto. Every year, dedicated locals work together to bring a visually stunning spectacle to dazzle your eyes. Interesting carvings on bamboo are showcased during the Mizuakari Festival every year.

As you can see from my photos, Tsuboi River - the moat surrounding Kumamoto Castle - is filled with dozens of floating bamboo lanterns. These lanterns lend a calming, charming air to the atmosphere, making the already appealing autumn even more attractive.