Hitoyoshi: Aoi Aso Shrine and Kumano River Descent – A Day Cruising Through the 700-Year Castle Town of the Sagara Clan

In southern Kumamoto, experience a full day exploring Hitoyoshi, the castle town ruled by the Sagara clan for 700 years, traveling by train and river boat. In the morning, pay your respects at Aoi Aso Shrine (青井阿蘇神社), whose National Treasure thatched-roof shrine buildings are breathtaking, then enjoy the mini train and observation deck at Hitoyoshi Railway Museum MOZOCA Station 868 right in front of the station. For lunch, savor the fragrant eel rice bowl at Kamimura Eel Restaurant (上村うなぎ屋), a century-old establishment where lines of eager diners form daily. In the afternoon, experience the exhilarating thrill of descending the Kumano River (球磨川), one of Japan's three fastest rapids, aboard a wooden boat. Board from the stylish HASSENBASSENBASSENBASSENBASSENBAS dock and enjoy views of the castle town from water level. To cap off your journey, take a leisurely stroll through Kajiya-machi Street (鍛冶屋町通り), where blacksmith shops and miso and soy sauce warehouses still stand. Enjoy a full day experiencing Hitoyoshi, called the 'little Kyoto of Kyushu,' with all five senses.