Cruise down Kumagawa River
Hitoyoshi Kuma is a region with a wealth of nature, where the Kuma River, one of Japan’s three swiftest flowing rivers, flows through the middle of a perfect basin surrounded by mountains. The Kumagawa River runs through the former castle town of Hitoyoshi, which until the mid-19th century was a bustling lumber port. Sometimes called Kyushu's "Little Kyoto," the town is nowadays known for its river boat cruises, Kyushu's largest limestone caves, local distillery, and castle ruins.
Old-fashioned wooden boat cruises on the Kumagawa River are the main draw for Japanese and international tourists to Hitoyoshi. With both slow, leisurely cruises and fast, adventure courses to choose from, a day on the river offers something for everyone. You can even get the white-knuckle experience with rafting options available in the summer. Whenever you go, the river is a picturesque place to visit and a photogenic backdrop for holiday snaps.
The Kuma River, one of Japan’s three swiftest flowing rivers, flows down the middle of a basin surrounded by the Kyushu Mountains. From autumn to winter, a mist lies over the area from late at night to early morning, creating dreamlike scenery. In spring, there are cherry blossoms, in summer, clear water, in fall, the turning of the leaves, in winter, mist as well as snow on the mountains. A different side of nature can be seen each season. Also, Mt. Ichifusa, the highest mountain in the Hitoyoshi Kuma area, has 1,000-year-old high-quality cedars called “Ichifusa cedars.” Recently, it has become a spot where people can do trekking and forest therapy, and there are mountains all over the area where mountain climbing is possible.
Kyushu is renowned for its shochu, a spirit typically distilled from sweet potato, barley, rice or black sugar. Hitoyoshi is no exception; the town is home to 28 breweries, with Sengetsu Shuzo Distillery being one of the most famous. The liquor brewed here, Kuma Shochu, makes a great souvenir to take home.
Old-fashioned wooden boat cruises on the Kumagawa River are the main draw for Japanese and international tourists to Hitoyoshi. With both slow, leisurely cruises and fast, adventure courses to choose from, a day on the river offers something for everyone. You can even get the white-knuckle experience with rafting options available in the summer. Whenever you go, the river is a picturesque place to visit and a photogenic backdrop for holiday snaps.
The Kuma River, one of Japan’s three swiftest flowing rivers, flows down the middle of a basin surrounded by the Kyushu Mountains. From autumn to winter, a mist lies over the area from late at night to early morning, creating dreamlike scenery. In spring, there are cherry blossoms, in summer, clear water, in fall, the turning of the leaves, in winter, mist as well as snow on the mountains. A different side of nature can be seen each season. Also, Mt. Ichifusa, the highest mountain in the Hitoyoshi Kuma area, has 1,000-year-old high-quality cedars called “Ichifusa cedars.” Recently, it has become a spot where people can do trekking and forest therapy, and there are mountains all over the area where mountain climbing is possible.
Kyushu is renowned for its shochu, a spirit typically distilled from sweet potato, barley, rice or black sugar. Hitoyoshi is no exception; the town is home to 28 breweries, with Sengetsu Shuzo Distillery being one of the most famous. The liquor brewed here, Kuma Shochu, makes a great souvenir to take home.
