Although I could have chosen many more, in this piece, I profile five gardens from all across Kyushu for a diverse yet uniquely southwestern Japanese botanical experience.

Fujisaki Hachimangu is probably the most important shrine in Kumamoto and has a long rich history. It is closely linked to famous Japanese samurai such as Kato Kiyomasa and the Hosokawa family. In Autumn, the shrine is host to a fantastic four-day festival ending on Sunday with a horse parade through the city.

You can enjoy the many hot springs (温泉 or onsen), some are even outside (called rotenburo 露天風呂), just by the river. You can walk around the town, which is very picturesque, and try delicious food.

Anyone visiting Japan cannot help but notice the colourful characters used to promote or identify everything from businesses and products, to services and regions.

As a tourist who wants to discover the north part of Kyushu Island and experience with JR Limited Trains only for Kyushu, the JR north Kyushu Pass can be the best choice for you.

Kumamoto Prefecture, located in the centre of Kyushu, is a beautiful and rural location for a quiet trip out of the city and into the mountains.

Tsujunkyo Bridge is Japan's largest stone aqueduct used to convey water.

Kumamoto Prefecture is famous for hot springs. Kurokawa Onsen is one of the most popular hot spring resorts with a variety of ryokan (a Japanese-style hotel with onsen) to choose from.

This is a prefecture which is rapidly gaining its popularity due to its official mascot, “Kumamon.”