Yamaga
Yamaga (山鹿) is a small city in Kamoto district of Kumamoto prefecture.
Understand
Tourist information site
The local tourist association has a Japanese-only guide site with integrated machine translation.
Get in
Buses run from Kumamoto City, Ozu Town (via Kikuchi) and Setaka (in southern Fukuoka prefecture). All buses go to the Yamaga bus terminal. Kyushu Sanko is the main bus company.
Car is the most convenient way to visit Yamaga. From Kumamoto City drive north on Route 3. From Fukuoka, drive along the Kyushu Expressway, exit at Kikusui and follow signs to Yamaga.
The Kumamoto to Yamaga cycling path begins on the Iseri River behind Kumamoto castle and continues through Ueki Town, central Yamaga ending at the Yamaga museum and cycling terminal.
See
Yamaga Lantern Dance Festival - Yamaga Toro Matsuri, in Japanese, is held on the evenings of August 15th and 16th every year. One thousand women, dressed in yukata (cotton kimono) and wearing lanterns strapped on their heads, dance elegantly to traditional tunes.
Fudougan (不動岩, Immobility rock)- It is the rock of strange shape made from the metamorphic rock. The height is about 80 meters. It is said that the rock looks like someone's face. The rock is illuminated for a few days twice a year, at Obon in summer and in winter at New Year.
Yachiyo-za Kabuki Theater- Yachiyo-za is a traditional Kabuki theater built in 1910 and was designated as a National Important Property in 1988. Visitors are welcome to enjoy various performances, as well as just to take a look at the ambience.
Do
Onsen (Hot Water Gushing from Springs)- With its history of more than one thousand years, the smooth and clear water of Yamaga Hot Springs is highly evaluated in Japan.
Handball - watch Japan Handball League games Yamaga Culture and Sports Center The Omron team, based in Yamaga, is in the National Women's Handball League. Tickets are sold at the door, ¥1000 for adults, or ¥500 for children. There is a season pass for ¥3000.
Yamaga Toro Roman - Paper Lanterns & Traditional dance every Friday and Saturday night until 24 February lanterns along the street are lit from 17:30. Traditional Lantern Dance and Taiko Drum performance at Yachiyoza theater, starting at 20:30, doors open at 19:30, tickets cost ¥500.
Buy
Yamaga Lanterns — Yamaga lanterns are made of only Japanese paper and paste. Their complex structures achieved by the refined craftsmanship are amazing.
Kutami Shibu Uchiwa — Uchiwa is a Japanese traditional paper fan. They are not only of practical use on hot days in summer but also appreciated as art.