Scenic Japan from the Water

This residence was built in 1871 to welcome American military veteran and educator Leroy Lansing Janes on his arrival in Kumamoto to head the Kumamoto Yogakko School.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

The Cherry Blossoms of Matsuhima

Sunset and cherry blossoms

Minato Festival

Minato Festival

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

Minato Festival