Kumamoto

The city's signature landmark, Kumamoto Castle, is officially designated one of the top three original castles in Japan, and is most famous for its musha gaeshi curved stone walls, which offered maximum protection against attackers throughout the city's great history.

The castle is a great place to enjoy cherry blossom viewing (hanami), as is Suizenji Park - a group of traditional Japanese gardens which feature a miniature version of Mount Fuji and a teahouse brought all the way from the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Suizenji Park is a short tram ride out of the city and a nice place to relax and take in the beauty of a meticulous Japanese garden.

Other attractions in Kumamoto are its shrines and temples, the Hosokawa Samurai Residence, and Mount Kinpo - a mountain on the outskirts of town from which expansive views across the city and surrounding mountains can be enjoyed.

Legendary author and one of Japan's greatest swordsmen, Musashi Miyamoto, spent his last years of life in Kumamoto. It is said that he wrote his most famous work from the austere surroundings of Reigando Cave, now just outside the city centre, surrounded by tangerine trees.

Kumamoto is one of the few cities in Japan where the train station is not at the heart of the city. A short tram ride will see you in downtown Kumamoto and at the entrance to Shimotori and Kamitori shopping arcades. Filled with a great of array of restaurants, bars and shops, life in this relatively small city is 24/7 and there is always something to do.

If you want to get away from the urban hubbub, Kumamoto Prefecture has a lot to offer. Mount Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan and one of the largest calderas in the world, makes for a great day trip. It's even possible to take a short helicopter ride over the steaming cone for fantastic views of the area!

Meanwhile, for a relaxing ryokan stay, the renowned hot spring resort of Kurokawa Onsen is a fantastic choice - and the beautiful beaches of the nearby Amakusa islands are a well-kept secret well worth checking out. Few visitors to Japan make it this far down south, but for those who do Kumamoto has much to offer.