Hitoyoshi Kumagawa River Descent and Castle Town Course

Hitoyoshi, in southern Kumamoto, is a castle town along the Kumagawa, one of Japan's three swiftest rivers. The thrill of the river descent, and the calm of relaxing at graceful hot springs and the castle. The essence of this course is savoring both movement and stillness in a single day. Strolling the historic streets at an easy pace wraps you in a nostalgic sense of travel.

Course Route

9:30 Start the Kumagawa river descent Begin with Hitoyoshi's highlight, the Kumagawa river descent. Board a boat and enjoy the thrill of running the rapids and the scenery looking up from the water. The spray and the drama draw cheers.

11:00 After landing, stroll the castle town Once ashore, head into the Hitoyoshi castle town. Walk streets lined with old shops and storehouses and feel the town's history.

12:00 Lunch with local cuisine Hitoyoshi is also known as a home of Kuma shochu. Fuel up for your trip with regional dishes made from local ingredients.

13:30 On to the Hitoyoshi Castle ruins Visit the Hitoyoshi Castle ruins that remain along the Kumagawa. From the stone walls you can look out over the town and river. Walk slowly while imagining the past.

15:00 Stop at a hot spring to finish End with a soak at a Hitoyoshi hot spring to wash away the fatigue of travel. Sinking into the smooth waters relaxes you to the core.

Highlights

The river descent stars the boatman's skilled handling and the thrill of the rapids. The riverside scenery also shifts with the seasons. The stone walls of the Hitoyoshi Castle ruins and the old buildings of the castle town convey this land's history. The fine Hitoyoshi hot springs are perfect for closing your journey.

Access and Tips

Hitoyoshi can be reached by expressway or railway. The sights in town cluster within walking distance. The river descent may change operation depending on weather and river conditions, so checking in advance brings peace of mind.

A Quick Tip

Spray can reach you on the descent, so clothes that can get wet or a change of clothes are reassuring. Hunting for souvenirs unique to this shochu country is one of the trip's pleasures too.