Photograph provided by Kumamoto Prefecture, Department of Commerce, Tourism and Labor, Tourism and Economic Exchange Bureau, Tourism Products Division, 熊本県 商工観光労働部（観光経済交流局）観光物産課
KUMAMOTO PREFECTURE
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Kumamoto is perhaps most recognised for its adorable mascot, Kumamon and Kumamoto castle, which is now undergoing post-earthquake repairs. While great food can be found all around Kumamoto city, do allocate time to discover the rest of the prefecture, especially the quaint onsen towns and the majestic Mt. Aso.
Kurokawa Onsen
Basashi Adventurous food-lovers have to try basashi, (馬刺し, raw horse meat). Because of its pink colour, horse meat itself is sometimes referred to as sakura niku (桜肉). Kumamoto’s signature meat is usually enjoyed with grated ginger, garlic and soy sauce. Horse oil is also simultaneously extracted from parts of the horse such as the mane for use in cosmetics.
Chosen Ame (Korean candy)
蘇 阿 燕 A modern twist on the Taipinen
Taipinen A celebratory dish with roots in Fujian China, this healthy but tasty vermicelli soup is in fact an original Kumamoto creation. It is cooked in chicken stock and garnished with an assortment of toppings like meat and vegetables.
Mt. Aso Located at the centre of the Aso-Kuju National Park, the mountain has an outer rim of 128 kilometres. It has several active volcanic peaks including Mt. Nakadake. The crater is often closed off because of poisonous sulphuric gases, but visitors can enjoy the magnificent scenery found at the foot of the mountain.
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Soft and chewy candies made from glutinous rice, syrup and sugar, Chosen Ame is eagerly consumed by children and adults alike. Originally named 長生飴 , it was eaten by troops who were sent to Korea and was renamed 朝鮮飴 as it shares the same pronunciation.
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A charming river runs through this well-preserved town that is free of hotel chains and gaudy advertisements. Visitors staying in the ryokans (旅館 , traditional Japanese inn) can purchase a onsen tegata (温泉手形, onsen wooden passport) which grants them to access different outdoor baths.
Two powerful earthquakes have caused significant damages in and around Kumamoto Prefecture, with resulting landslides destroying local communities. While recovery efforts are going strong, serious challenges remain. Visit Kumamoto today; your strength can cheer them up and remain a continual source of support. Visit www.pref.kumamoto.jp/kiji_15456.html For more information on how you can help disaster victims. WAttention Singapore | From top to bottom: Sendantodoro Falls, Statue of Ebisu (Japanese God), Amakusa Baramon Kite, Shisui Koshi (Confucius) Park, Mandako (old coal mine), Cat Mikuji, Kuma Shochu Maker, Futamata Bridge, Senomoto Highlands, Hikoishi top, SL Hitoyoshi Train
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