The castle town of Kumamoto is situated in the center of Kyushu, about halfway between Shimonoseki and Kagoshima, or halfway between Nagasaki and Beppu.

Kumamoto Castle, established by famous feudal warlord, Kato Kiyomasa in the early 17th century, is one of the largest and most sophisticated castles in Japan. Other must-sees include Mt. Aso and its calderas, the Amakusa district with the Amakusa-Gokyo (five bridges), and picturesque Suizenji Park, which was laid under the supervision of three successive Hosokawa lords during the early Edo Period.

Last but not least, if you dare, a must-eat is the local basashi, raw horse meat.