Kumamoto Prefecture
Kumamoto Prefecture, Prefecture in Kyushu, Japan
Description
Kumamoto is a prefecture on Kyushu island in southwestern Japan, covering about 2,860 square miles (7,400 square kilometers) from the active Mount Aso volcano to the coastline. Dense forests alternate with valleys where rice and vegetables grow.
History
The region was formerly called Higo Province and was renamed during the Meiji Restoration when it officially became a prefecture in 1871. This reorganization was part of a nationwide modernization of administrative systems.
Culture
The prefecture maintains traditional festivals throughout its cities, while Kumamoto Castle represents traditional Japanese military architecture with stone walls and multiple keeps.
Practical
The central position allows easy connections to other cities on Kyushu, with trains to Fukuoka in about 35 minutes and to Kagoshima in about 45 minutes. Local buses and rail lines reach towns and natural areas within the prefecture.
Did you know?
The Aso caldera within the prefecture is one of the largest volcanic craters in the world, measuring about 16 miles (25 kilometers) across and about 80 miles (128 kilometers) around. People live and farm fields directly inside this giant basin.
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Hashima Island
95.7 km
Kumamoto Castle
3.8 km
Huis Ten Bosch
95.1 km
Mount Aso
34.6 km
Mount Unzen
42.2 km
Peace Statue
82.1 km
Ōura Church
81.8 km
Glover Garden
81.9 km
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery
82.8 km
Aso Shrine
39.2 km
Urakami Cathedral
81.7 km
Nagasaki Holland Village
94.7 km
Tsūjun Bridge
26.5 km
Hara Castle
49 km
Aso Caldera
33.7 km
Fifth High School
3.3 km
Nagasaki Peace Park
82.2 km
Takachihokyo
53.3 km
Yūtoku Inari Shrine
67.1 km
Shimabara Castle
35 km
Heitate-jinja
38.6 km
Autopolis
35 km
Kuju Mountains
56.9 km
Takachiho Shrine
53.3 km
Megane Bridge
80.8 km
Kujūku Islands
114.5 km
Hario Radio Tower
97.5 km
Aso Bridge
25.4 km
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