Explore the unique attractions and local cuisine of Ashikita Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu. Plan your unforgettable trip with INAKAdventure and experience the charm of Ashikita Town.
Main Tourist Attractions in Ashikita
In Ashikita Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu, there are attractions that you absolutely must visit.
Sightseeing Utase Boat
Utase Boat is a fishing vessel used for the unique Japanese utase net fishing, where one or more sails are parallel to the hull, and the boat is slid sideways by the wind while pulling a net to catch marine products.
In Ashikita Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, this utase net fishing was practiced from the Meiji era to the Showa era.
Utase boats are displayed in museums as rare boats in Japan, and in Ashikita Town, they are now preserved as tourist boats.
Sashiki Castel
Sashiki Castle, built in 1588, the year after Toyotomi Hideyoshi completed the pacification of Kyushu, is characterized by its stone walls.
However, following the proclamation of the “One Country, One Castle” law, Sashiki Castle faced the fate of being dismantled, with its stone walls torn down.
It is said that the main keep (tenshu) was relocated to Kumamoto Castle. In 1979, part of the stone walls was excavated, which led to the restoration of the stone walls.
Today, the site has been developed into Shiroyama Park at the Sashiki Castle Ruins, where visitors can appreciate this valuable historical site.
Streets of Sashiki
The post town formed below Sashiki Castle still retains some of its original appearance.
Even after Sashiki Castle was abandoned, it continued to support politics and economy as a trading town.
Today, it remains a precious street with buildings that quietly remind us of those times.
Ashikita Seaside Park
Ashikita Seaside Comprehensive Park features Roller Luge, a sport originating from New Zealand.
Roller Luge is a sport originating from New Zealand where participants ride a small vehicle with specialized wheels down a slope, experiencing speed and thrill while feeling a connection with nature.
The Ashikita Millennium Course features three tracks a family course for beginners, a standard course for intermediate riders, and a champion course for advanced riders. It is the only facility of its kind in Kyushu, boasting the longest distance in Japan.
The activity offers an adrenaline rush and a unique experience of gliding down natural slopes. It is environmentally friendly, with non-engine carts that do not emit exhaust gases.
Local Cuisine of Ashikita
Let us introduce the gourmet delights of Ashikita Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu.
Tanoura Gindachi
Tanoura Gindachi, a cutlassfish renowned in Ashikita Town, is famous for swimming upright in the sea. From summer to autumn, they are caught using single-hook fishing, and tourists can also enjoy fishing for them. Their taste is exceptional, making them a must-try delicacy for anyone visiting Ashikita Town.
Red leg (Ashiaka) shrimp
Ashiaka shrimps are characterized by their generous size, tenderness, and sweetness. They are delicious as sashimi, and they also transform into various dishes such as fried shrimp and tempura. This specialty of Ashikita Town is loved by both locals and tourists alike.
Dekopon (Shiranui)
Dekopon (Shiranui) is a citrus fruit created by crossing Ponkan and Kiyomi oranges. It is characterized by its protruding top and is popular for its sweet and juicy flavor. While it is delicious when eaten as is, you can also enjoy its refreshing taste in juice or sorbet.
Ashikita's Hot Springs
Ashikita Town in Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu, boasts numerous hot spring spots. Among them, we would like to introduce a local onsen center that is particularly convenient for day trips.
Yunoura Onsen
Yunoura Onsen Center is a bathing facility built in 1955 at Yunoura Onsen, which boasts a history of over 1,300 years. It is frequently visited by locals. The wooden bathtubs and the interior of the facility create a soothing atmosphere.
Ohno Onsen
You can enjoy a variety of baths, including a large bathhouse made entirely of cypress, a rock-built open-air bath, a sauna, a waterfall bath, a Goemon bath, and a cypress bath. Additionally, there are three types of family baths available to suit your preferences.
The adjacent dining area is popular for its lunch buffet, featuring over 20 kinds of side dishes along with rice cooked in a traditional pot and local chicken rice.
Furthermore, the on-site farmers’ market showcases and sells specialties from Ashikita Town.
At INAKAdventure, we support you from the planning stage to make your trip to Ashikita Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, an unforgettable experience. Please feel free to consult with us today.