Due to the damage by the heavy rain in July 2020, the operation service is suspended until further notice.
Check the information on the website.

SL Hitoyoshi came back to us in 2009, the 100th anniversary of the JR Hisatsu line starting to run. The oldest steam locomotive has observation cars, a library, and a museum with classical interior.
It runs between Kumamoto and Hitoyoshi and takes about two and a half hours.(Please refer to the website about operation schedule) The sound of steam whistle and powerful driving wheels, the smoke blown in the wind are very touching.

It’s been told that this shrine was initially founded in 806 A.D. The present shrine pavilions were constructed between 1609 and 1613 under the order of the region lord, Nagatsune Sagara.
On June 9th, 2008, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology designated this, Hiyoshi City’s highly-esteemed, Aoi Aso Shrine and its five pavilions (the two-storied gate, the front shrine, the votive offering hall, the tower, and the main shrine) as the National Treasures of Japan.

It is the first Important Cultural Property in Kumamoto Prefecture to receive a National Treasure designation and is also the southernmost building to receive this title in the entire Japan. It is the fifth National Treasure designation in all of Kyushu, which Kyushu has received for the first time in 55 years.

Kuma region is home to 90% of all of the shrines and temples in Kumamoto with the title of Important Cultural Properties given by the Japanese government and/or the prefectural government: this is includes Aoi Aso Shrine, which is considered to be one of the main ones of that example.

【Summary】
Aoi Aso Shrine was founded in 806 A.D. and has been regarded as the protector of the land by the people of Kuma district. During the medieval times, the shrine became the guardian god of the Sagara clan (the ruling family of Hitoyoshi Castle) who constructed the present shrine pavilions in the early Edo period. The architecture is in the Momoyama style; coated in black, with a steep thatched roof, richly colored, and decorated with detailed engravings and intricate patterns. The main shrine, the votive offering hall, and the front shrine are all connected as well.

【Value as a National Treasure】
　① The pavilions of Aoi Aso Shrine were successively constructed during the Keicho Era with an unified design all throughout and at a high degree of perfection.
　② Each shrine pavilion reflects a relatively unique design developed during the medieval period in Kuma. Yet, they all portray each of their magnificence by utilizing the decorative styles and flairs from the Momoyama period. This method eventually became a textbook model for the modern shrine and temple constructions throughout Kuma region.

One of the main experience-based tourism in the Hitoyoshi/Kuma district is going down the Kuma River, which is famous as one of the 3 rapidest rivers in Japan.  There are 2 courses; the ”seiryu (clear stream) course,” going down the river from the dock in Hitoyoshi to the berth in Kuma Village, a total of 8km for 90min; and the ”kyuryu (rapid stream) course,” going down from the berth to just down of the Kyusendo Cave, a total of 10km for 90min (both courses require reservation).  The seiryu course is slow, and is planned to enjoy the lifestyle of waterfowls and fish, as well as wild mountain herbs from each season, operating all year round.  The kyuryu course is thrilling, dynamically going down the 5 major rapids, the boatman’s rowing techniques being the attraction point.  This course only operates for 7 months a year, from April to the end of October.  It is particularly popular on weekends, so please reserve well in advance. 

Yunoko Villa Española opened in 1970 on a hilltop looking over the Shiranuhi Sea in the ”Mediterranea of Kyushu”, the Minamata-Ashikita region. Featuring amenities include the followings: a sangria winery at ”Spain-kan”, a Spanish restaurant with lots of seafood menus from the Shiranuhi Sea at ”Valencia-kan”, a brewery/dining restaurant with original beer and various international dishes at ”Sevilla-kan”, an event space/a direct-import shop from Spain at ”Patio”, etc.

Sevilla-kan serves Spanish-style Chinese wonton dish called ”taipien”. During a fruitful season, harvesting is available for a small fee at the Asian pear garden (July to August), the vineyard (August to September), and at the tangerine garden (October to December). Events such as Spain Festival and Wine Festival are often held here as well.