Scenic Japan from the Water

Lake Ezu is actually made up of two smaller lakes, Kami-Ezu and Shimo-Ezu, that combine to a length of 2.5 kilometers, a perimeter of 6 kilometers.

A grave said to be that of famed swordsman Miyamoto Musashi is also located within the park grounds.

Kumamoto Castle is a hilltop Japanese castle located in Chūō-ku, Kumamoto in Kumamoto Prefecture.

The Meihachi Bridge was built by famed Meiji-era mason Hashimoto Kangoro, who also built the famous Tsujun and Reitai Bridges in Kumamoto.

Kumamoto Castle is a hilltop Japanese castle located in Chūō-ku, Kumamoto in Kumamoto Prefecture.

Tatsuda Nature Park, located on Mt. Tatsuda, is actually the site of the Taisho-ji temple ruins, the family temple of the Hosokawa clan who ruled over the Higo Domain.

The Nagabei wall (242m long) lying on the opposite side of the river makes for beautiful scenery while strolling down the path, and is the longest of the Kumamoto Castle walls.

This recently opened tourist spot features a number of interesting areas for visitors to Kumamoto to explore.

This park is a combination zoo and botanical garden, allowing visitors to enjoy both rare wildlife and beautiful plant life in one location.

The Cherry Blossoms of Matsuhima

Sunset and cherry blossoms

The fresh tuna (maguro) catch at Shiogama Port is one of the largest in the entire country.

Hojima Island