Northern (Oguni) Area
Hot springs (Kurokawa, Tsuetate, Manganji), extensive grasslands, and a very ambitious and forward-looking architectural program in Oguni Town are highlights of this area.

Central Area
Of the five peaks (SEE STORY 1) around the circumference of what is claimed to be the world's largest caldera, Mt. Takadake is an active volcano. Attractions include: Ranches (Ubayama, El Patio, Aso Kanko, etc.) featuring horseback riding and other attractions, the Bear Park (300 bears from around the world and babies you can cuddle), an SL (Aso Boy) line (irregular schedule), a helicopter tour, the Sensuikyo Gorge (famous for its azaleas), and an entire village of pensions (Otohime Pension Village).

Southern Area
Mt. Tawara has just the right kind of stable winds, giving it the reputation as the prime place for paragliding in Japan. Soyokyo Gorge is also known as the "Grand Canyon of Kyushu." Kugino Village has two establishments where visitors can make buckwheat noodles, miso bean paste, tofu, wheat noodles, and the like.

Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto)
One of the very few Japanese castles remaining with original construction and one of the Three Famous Castles of the country.

Kumamoto City
The residents of this charming city have the reputation of not wanting to live elsewhere. Lovely Suizenji Park is one of the major scenic features.

Stone Bridges (entire prefecture)
The stone bridges of Kumamoto are examples of fine stonemasonry as well as beautiful structures. They are found mostly (27 examples) in the Midori River area.

Three-thousand Stone Steps (Chuo Town)
Try your stamina, test your leg muscles, and learn geology with the climb up the 3,333 steps, constructed of stone from throughout the world, including rare marbles.

Traditional House Tours (Hitoyoshi)
An intelligently designed visit to traditional brewers of spirits, miso, and soy sauce was well as fine old samurai houses and wonderful old storehouses.

Forestry Hall, Edison Hall, Bio Hall (Kuma Village)
This complex of fascinating domed structures on a mountainside is by the individualistic architect Goki Mozuna.

Crafts
Higo Inlay (Kumamoto)
Delicate gold and silver inlay in a black steel matrix.

Kawashiri and Hitoyoshi/Kuma cutlery (Kumamoto and Hitoyoshi)
Kitchen knives of the finest quality and other blade tools made by traditional methods.

Hitoyoshi/Kuma Woodwork (Hitoyoshi)
Traditional Japanese furniture, tea utensils, kitchen utensils, and similar objects finely crafted of wood.

Ceramics
A number of small, local kilns produce different, interesting wares: Shodai Ware (Kumamoto), Kodai Ware (Yatsushiro), Isshochi Ware (Kuma Village); Mizunohira Ware (Hondo), Maruo Ware (Hondo), etc.

Festivals

Jan. 15	Matobakai Festival (Nagasu Town) Part of the New Year observances, sacred arrows (hamaya) are the focus of this festival.
early Feb.	Hatsuuma Festival of Takahashi Inari Shrine (Kumamoto) The final observance of the traditional New Year season, this occurs on the year's first Day of the Horse.
Apr., 3rd weekend	Ushibuka Haiya Festival (Ushibuka) Said to be one of the liveliest festivals, this jolly observance is a dancing port festival.
Aug.	Hinokuni Festival (Kumamoto) Parades, street dancing, and fireworks are featured in this cheerful summer festival.
Aug. 15-17	Yamaga Lantern Festival (Yamaga) A festival featuring women dancing with the delicate Yamaga paper lanterns on their heads.
Sept. 11-15	Aki-no-Reitaisai (Kumamoto) Grand autumn festival of the city's Fujisaki Hachiman Shrine.
Oct. 9	Jinkosai Festival (Hitoyoshi) Sumo tournaments and other attractions are featured at this autumn festival of the Aoi Aso Shrine.
late Oct.	Country Gold (Kugino Village) A gala country music festival with international stars.
Nov. 23	Myokensai Festival (Yatsushiro) Parades and doings at the Yatsushiro Shrine.