Hitoyoshi, Regional commercial center in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan
Hitoyoshi is a town in Kumamoto Prefecture on Kyushu island and sits in a basin where several rivers meet. The setting of mountains and forests shapes the layout of streets and the connections between neighborhoods.
A samurai family ruled the region for centuries and left castles and shrines as traces of their authority. The town later grew into a trading center for timber and agricultural goods from the surrounding valleys.
The Aoi Aso Shrine represents Japanese architectural excellence with its thatched roofs and contains structures that span more than 1,200 years of history.
Visitors reach the town by regional train that runs through narrow valleys and over bridges and operates several times each day. A walk along the river connects the main points of interest and offers views of the surrounding hills.
The area is known for handmade paper lanterns that are crafted in small workshops using traditional methods. Visitors can watch the making process and see how bamboo and paper are shaped into glowing objects.
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