Scenic Japan from the Water

Because inlet of Matsushima-Wan floats like Ougi from the mountaintop in a certain highland behind sokansan and is seen, it is called Oogiya.

It is a high peak almost in the center of Miyatojima, which is in the opposite shore of Matsushima, and has a great 360 degree view including the fierce Sagakei and the calm Matsushima-wan.

photo by HAKONE ZENZAN

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.

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.

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

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