Kumamoto Castle is known for being one of the three great castles in Japan. Also known as Ginkgo Castle, the castle was built by Kato Kiyomasa in 1607. The castle's grounds cover about 980,000m², with the outer circumference being about 9 kilometers (at the time of construction). The castle is made up of curving stone walls, a castle keep consisting of 3 towers, 49 turrets, 18 turret gates, and 29 castle gates.

The main keep was destroyed in a fire during a civil war in 1877. The current keep was rebuilt by Kumamoto City in 1960.
The castle grounds are home to 800 cherry blossom trees of 3 different species: wild cherry blossoms, Higo cherry blossoms and Yoshino cherry blossoms. When these trees are in full bloom the castle park remains open at night and attracts over 100,000 visitors who come to see the beautiful flowers.

“Sakurayu” is originated from the history that the first lord of Higo Hosokawa clan loved Yamaga Onsen and built it as place to rest.
It was demolished in 1973 but rebuilt to make the hope of citizens realize in 2012. It adopted Edo period style and became the biggest wooden Onsen facility.
The water quality is simple alkaline hot spring, and it features smooth and comfortable lukewarm water.

Yachiyoza is a historical play house, designated as national important property, built in 1910. The roof truss adopted Western style in the upper part of the girder, so the playhouse is mixed of Japanese and Western style. When you visit on no performance day, it is possible to look around the inside of the building.
The wooden building shows you the style of Kabuki in the Edo period such as Mawari-butai, a revolving stage and Hanamichi, runway.
Yumekogura Museum, located opposite to Yachiyoza, was constructed in 1887. A warehouse was reused as a museum, and then it displays costumes and over 150 items that were used at the performance of Yachiyoza. You will find a miniature model of Yachiyoza, a commemorative tour pass, flyer, a projector, a book of construction records, financial statements, and performance records.

Kikuchi Keikoku (Kikuchi Gorge) is a 4km long gorge located in Aso Kuju National Park. The water runs from the outer rim of the Aso Crater. It is also known as Kikuchi Suigen (water source), and was selected as one of the 100 best waters in Japan. The water is cold in summer at a temperature of around 13 degrees, making the gorge a perfect summer retreat. A lot of visitors also come here to enjoy birdwatching as it’s possible to observe over 50 species of wild birds in the Forest Square and the Wild Bird Square. There are many walking trails.
Parking spaces inside the entrance gate are available upon presentation of a physical disability certificate.

Milk Road is a 45-kilometer route that winds through the Aso glassland.

Daikanbo is in the northeast of the Uchinomaki Onsen area and is on the edge of the outer rim of the Aso caldera.

Daikanbo offers the best 360-degree panoramic view in Aso. Here, you can see the Five Peaks of Aso, as well as the Kuju Mountain Range.
The Five Peaks of Aso, as seen from Daikanbo, are said to resemble a Buddha lying down. During the fall and winter months it may be possible to see a phenomenon known as "Unkai" in Japanese, where the clouds are low and the peaks appear to rise from a sea of clouds. 

Daikanbo viewing point also has a souvenir shop and restaurant, and is also popular for stargazing at night.
 

Kurokawa Onsen, at an elevation of 700meters, is renowned as one of the most popular hot spring spots in Japan. Each Onsen Ryokan(inns) has different attractive open-air bath, Rotenburo.
You can purchase “Tegata”, a wooden pass, as bath charges for 3 different open-air baths you chose.
When strolling around, “Yurutto coupon” is recommended. It is 500 yen, a book of 6 coupons, and it is available at shops which sell sweets and croquettes. The coupon and “Tegata” can be purchased at Kazenoya, a Tourism Center.

This is only 5 minutes from Sakamoto Zenzo Museum of Art by car.

A coalition of willing locals have been preserving with every minimal amount of human elements added to this ”place of serenity” as well as the trail leading up to the this cataract. The scene of it during spring season is especially magnificent because of its wide width (9 meters in height, 20 meters in width). It’s only a 5-minute drive from Sakamoto Zenzo Museum of Art.

※ The light-up show shining lights from the back of the Falls will take place during Japan’s Golden Week in early May.

 Oshitoishi, located near Mazeno Gorge in Minami-Oguni town, is said to have been a place of prayer for ancient people.

Several stones are placed artificially, such as the pyramid-shaped "giant rock", the "Kagamiishi" engraved with Sumerian letters, and the "scissors stone" that is said to have used as a sundial.

In addition, each stone has a magnetic force, and the needle of compass is affected by the stones. You can experience the power of nature with the spectacular 360-degree panoramic view.

This shop is directly managed by "Abe Ranch" that handcrafts "ASO MILK", a milk that has received the highest score of 3 stars by the Superior Taste Award. You will find a coffee shop, a pastry workshop, a cheese workshop, a restaurant and a rose garden on the expansive grounds. Starting with local specialties, you can also taste cheese, pizza, pasta and desserts made with plenty of Aso Milk.
The Rose Garden, with about 4,000 roses of about 750 varieties , is also worth seeing. During the season, precious roses such as English roses and modern roses bloom beautifully.

Aso Shrine is said to have a history of around 2500 years. When you go through Miyaji in Ichinomiya Town of Aso City, a large tower gate will leap out at you. Twelve deities starting with Takeiwatatsu-no-mikoto who is said to be the first pioneer of Aso and a grandchild of the Emperor Jinmu are enshrined there. Until before the Second World War it was the only state-supported shrine in Kumamoto Prefecture. There are 461 shrines with the divided spirits throughout the prefecture, and some are even in Kanto and Tohoku regions. The approach runs parallel to the shrine. A wooden sword which an image of a dragon was carved on the hilt is enshrined on the tower gate. Tradition says a dragon, an incarnation of Takeiwatatsu-no-mikoto, eradicates calamities if you go through the gate. The set of agricultural rituals performed at the shrine like Onda and Tanomi Festivals was designated as a nation’s significant intangible folk cultural asset in 1982.

Mizuki means a fountain, and there are springs called Mizuki on Ichinomiya Monzen Shopping Street. The water is prized as delicious, mellow consecrated spring water and worshiped as water which gives perpetual youth and longevity. Inhabitants in Ichinomiya have appreciated the consecrated water daily and lived with it. Because they thought more people should drink the beautiful water, they have built 14 wooden or stone fountains since around 10 years ago and let people who pass by drink the water.

Besides, because most of the fountains are located along Nakamachi Street near the approach of Aso Shrine, a stroll can be also enjoyed. During the tour of fountains, tourists can take a break at a traditional store or a coffee shop as well.

Hanabishi is a restaurant on the Monzenmachi street near Aso Shirne, offerring Aso's local cuisine and Western dishes.
The interior is coordinated with elegant antique furnitures.
They offer a variety of Akaushi beef dishes, such as gyukatsuju, a bed of rice topped with beef cutlet, and sukiyaki set meal.

Located in front of Aso Gogaku, the Five Mountains of Aso, this roadside station acts as visitors’ place to rest, gain information. In the premise, you can buy local specialties, dine, and take a rest in the room. Moreover, information transmission is useful for visitors. Tourism guide on PC, walking tours with volunteer guide, guide in English are available.