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There are great many things to do in Japan, and so are in Yamaga.
Nestled in the heart of Kumamoto prefecture lies the charming town of Yamaga, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Like a softly glowing lantern, Yamaga illuminates the senses with its timeless charm and cultural treasures.
From exploring the magnificent Yamaga Lantern Museum to strolling the picturesque streets, Yamaga offers visitors a rich glimpse into Japan’s storied past.
So come and experience the true essence of Japan in Yamaga, where history and beauty meet.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Yamaga:
1. Yamaga Lantern Dance Museum
The Yamaga Lantern Dance Museum is a cultural institution in Yamaga City, Japan, that is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the traditional lantern dance.
What to see or do: Visitors can see various displays that explain the history and significance of the Yamaga Lantern Dance, including its origins as a religious ritual and its evolution into a popular local festival.
There are also video presentations and interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience the dance, costumes, and music of the festival.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the museum is the opportunity to try on a traditional lantern dance costume and participate in a mini performance with an instructor.
This provides an immersive experience and a chance to feel the energy and excitement of the festival.
Insider travel tips: – Check the museum’s schedule in advance to see if there are any special events or performances happening during your visit.
2. Higo-Hosokawa Garden
Higo-Hosokawa Garden is a traditional Japanese garden located in Yamaga, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. It was constructed over 300 years ago by the Hosokawa family.
What to see or do: Visitors can stroll through the garden’s various paths and admire the meticulously maintained gardens, which include a large pond, waterfall, and many different species of plants and trees.
The garden also features a traditional tea house where visitors can enjoy matcha tea and traditional Japanese sweets.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the garden’s famous scenic spots, including the Moon-viewing Pavilion, the “Dry Landscape” garden, and the stunning maple trees in the autumn months.
Insider travel tips: Visit the garden in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and catch the best light for photos.
3. Tsunagi Onsen
Tsunagi Onsen is a traditional Japanese hot spring town located in Yamaga, Kumamoto Prefecture.
What to see or do: Visitors to Tsunagi Onsen can enjoy soaking in the natural outdoor hot springs that provide beautiful mountain views. The hot springs are known for their rich mineral content and restorative properties.
You can also explore the small town and visit local shops selling crafts, sweets, and souvenirs.
Don’t miss: The main attraction of Tsunagi Onsen is the open-air foot bath located in the center of the town. This foot bath is fed by natural hot springs and is completely free for visitors.
Another must-see attraction is the Yamaga Lantern Festival which takes place in August and features over 20,000 lanterns lining the streets of the town.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to bring a towel and swimsuit if you plan on visiting the hot springs. Some of the hot springs may have specific times for men and women, so be sure to check before entering.
Be sure to try the local specialty food, “onsen tamago” or hot spring boiled eggs. Lastly, visit during the offseason to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
4. Yamaga Onsen
Yamaga Onsen is a traditional hot spring resort town located in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its natural hot springs and historic atmosphere.
What to see or do: – Soak in the hot springs at one of the many ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) in the town.
Don’t miss: – The Yamaga Toro Matsuri, one of Japan’s most unique festivals where giant paper lanterns are paraded through the town streets.
Insider travel tips: – Yamaga Onsen is a great day-trip destination from nearby Kumamoto City.
5. Yamaga Castle Ruins Park
A historical site located in Yamaga city, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can walk around the ruins of the castle’s walls, moat, and gates. The park also offers a view of the surrounding mountains and the city.
Don’t miss: The restored Seiryu-en garden, located within the park, which features a pond, waterfall, and traditional Japanese landscaping.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit is during the spring cherry blossom season or in the fall when the leaves change. The park is free to enter and easily accessible by public transportation.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water as there are many steep stairs to climb.
6. Yamaga City Kami-Kumamoto Hanshin Earthquake Memorial Museum
Yamaga City Kami-Kumamoto Hanshin Earthquake Memorial Museum is a museum constructed in honor of those who lost their lives in the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake.
What to see or do: Visitors can learn about the earthquake and its disastrous effects on the city of Kobe.
The museum has various exhibits and displays that showcase the earthquake’s impact, ranging from photos and artifacts to short films and simulations.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the museum is the immersive earthquake simulation experience, which is a must-try for all visitors.
It uses audio and visual effects to re-create the earthquake’s intensity, giving visitors a taste of what the disaster felt like.
Insider travel tips: Plan to spend at least an hour exploring the museum and giving yourself enough time to take in all the exhibits and the earthquake simulation.
If you’re traveling with children, make sure they are prepared for the simulation and not easily frightened.
If you’re not fluent in Japanese, consider hiring a guide or using an audio guide to help navigate the museum’s displays and information.
7. Yamaga Hot Air Balloon Museum
Yamaga Hot Air Balloon Museum is dedicated to the history and science of hot air ballooning.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s collection of hot air balloons from around the world and learn about the physics that make them soar.
There are also interactive exhibits where you can design and launch your own virtual balloon.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the museum’s impressive gallery of hot air balloon art, including paintings and sculptures from local and international artists.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is located in Yamaga, a charming town in the Kumamoto Prefecture that’s known for its hot springs and traditional crafts.
8. Yamaga City Folk Museum
The Yamaga City Folk Museum is a well-curated museum that showcases the rich history and traditional culture of Yamaga City in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the exhibits that feature various aspects of the city’s past, including local crafts, folk toys, agricultural tools, and traditional festivals.
You can also find fascinating displays of ancient pottery pieces and stunning handicrafts.
Don’t miss: Make sure to take a look at the stunning Hinamatsuri (Japanese Doll Festival) display during the spring festival season. It features over 3,000 dolls from around the city and is an incredible sight to see.
Insider travel tips: If you’re interested in traditional crafts, try your hand at making your unique piece under the guidance of skilled artisans at the Yamaga Lantern Workshop.
You can create a beautiful lantern that will make a perfect souvenir of your visit!
9. Yamaga Soko Sato
Yamaga Soko Sato is a historical preservation district located in Yamaga City, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore traditional Japanese architecture and design, including a number of restored and preserved warehouses and buildings, dating back to the Edo period.
You can also try your hand at traditional handicrafts, such as making washi paper or trying on a yukata (Japanese summer kimono) for a fun photo opportunity.
Don’t miss: The highlight of Yamaga Soko Sato is the impressive display of lanterns hung throughout the streets during the yearly summer festival.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to take part in the local custom of “shio-dashi”, where you sprinkle salt on the streets as a symbol of purification before the festival.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as the streets are quite narrow and uneven. It’s also recommended to arrive early in the day to avoid larger crowds.
10. Yamaga Machinaka Hot Spring Street
Yamaga Machinaka Hot Spring Street is a charming and picturesque street lined with foot spas and outdoor hot spring baths in the center of Yamaga City in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a relaxing foot bath while strolling through the street, admiring the old-fashioned architecture, and soaking in the soothing hot spring waters at various outdoor bathhouses.
The street also features shops selling local crafts and souvenirs, as well as restaurants serving traditional Japanese cuisine.
Don’t miss: Make sure to visit the Yamaga Lantern Museum, located at the center of the hot spring street, which showcases the intricate and colorful lanterns used in the Yamaga Lantern Festival, held every August.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit is in the early morning or evening to avoid the crowds.
11. Yamaga City Observatory
Yamaga City Observatory is a stargazing facility located in Yamaga, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can observe the celestial bodies through the observatory’s powerful telescope. The facility offers various programs such as starry sky observation, solar observation during the day, and astronomical observation classes.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the stunning view of the starry sky, especially during the annual Perseid meteor shower in August.
Insider travel tips: – The observatory has English-speaking staff who can provide information about the celestial bodies and the observatory’s programs.
12. Yamaga Eisa Festival
The Yamaga Eisa Festival is an annual summer festival held in Yamaga, Kumamoto, Japan, where teams of performers put on energetic and dynamic dance performances to the beat of traditional taiko drums.
What to see or do: Experience the excitement and energy of the festival by watching the colorful and lively dance performances, complete with intricate choreography and traditional costumes.
Don’t miss: Be sure to catch the special finale of the festival, where all the performing teams come together for a grand performance that is truly not to be missed.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to grab a good viewing spot, as the streets can get quite crowded during peak hours.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, consider joining one of the performing teams to experience the festival from a whole new perspective.
13. Joso Shrine
Joso Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Yamaga, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can see the Japanese architecture and the beautiful red torii gate that welcomes them to the shrine. People can pay their respects to the many deities worshipped here or take a peaceful walk through the serene gardens.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the stunning traditional Japanese architecture of the shrine’s buildings amidst the peaceful forested area.
Insider travel tips: The shrine is open throughout the year, and visitors can enjoy seasonal festivities, such as the annual lantern festival in August.
Engage in Omikuji, a Japanese fortune-telling practice, by drawing a paper strip from the box near the entrance.
The shrine is located in the city of Yamaga, so be sure to explore the town’s other sights on your visit.
14. Furuyu Onsen
Furuyu Onsen is a Japanese hot spring town located in Yamaga, Kumamoto Prefecture.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy multiple hot spring baths, saunas, and traditional Japanese gardens.
The town is also known for its art museum, which houses works by local artists, as well as a cultural center that offers classes in traditional Japanese crafts like pottery and calligraphy.
Don’t miss: The historic Furuyu Bridge, which spans the Yamaga River and offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery. Additionally, be sure to try the local specialty dish, basashi, which is sliced horsemeat served raw.
Insider travel tips: If you’re looking for a more private hot spring experience, consider staying at one of the town’s traditional ryokan (Japanese inns).
Also, be aware that many of the baths are separated by gender and require complete nudity.