Kumamoto

Kumamoto Prefecture has been called the "land of fire" because Mount Aso, an active volcano with a caldera (a large depression created by volcanic activity), creates a majestic landscape that raises plumes. Built by Kiyomasa Kato during the Sengoku period, Kumamoto Castle is characterized by a stone wall known as the Musha Return, which approaches the vertical the higher you go. In addition, Amakusa is known as a region with a history of hidden Christians, consisting of 120 or so islands. The food culture is also rich, with specialities such as horse stinging, hot pepper lotus, Kumamoto ramen, and the seafood of Amakusa. In addition, the production of watermelons, tomatoes and igusa is one of the top in the nation.