Kuma Village 球磨村

Underground and on the water

 

In the south-west of Kumamoto prefecture, the small mountain village of Kuma, with its striking natural beauty, takes you for a day or a weekend both underground and on the water. !

 

 

A secular landscape

This rural territory, crossed by the waters of the Kuma-gawa river, still has the original landscapes of the Edo period . This hitherto immutable setting is made up of orchards and rice terraces.

Presenting itself to the visitor on the gentle slopes of the village, this natural heritage with a strong cultural dimension is one of the major assets of Kuma-mura.

To read: The 1000 rice fields of Maruyama Senmaida

 

satoyama-matsuri-kuma

Illuminated rice fields during satoyama matsuri

http://go-kuma.com

 

Along the water

The Kuma-gawa, one of the three fastest rivers in Japan , is a magnificent playground for lovers of sports and thrills. A short descent of rapids in rafting, do you like it? Two courses are offered: the "seiryu" for a discovery of the raft, an 8 km course between Hitoyoshi and Kuma and lasting 90 minutes or the "kyuryu" for a sporty descent of 10 km linking Watari to the Kyūsendō cave . To live the thrilling adventure of "Kyuryu", remember to book in advance because it is only open from April to the end of October.

In rafting, some will prefer the kumagawa kudari . It must be said that this large traditional wooden boat, masterfully maneuvered by skilled boatmen, has the charm of yesteryear. Narrow and flat-bottomed, these boats have been used since the Edo period to transport people and goods. This use ended in 1908 following the establishment of a rail link serving the region, confining the kumagawa kudari to the role of tourist attractions.

See also: Seven Stars, Kyushu's luxury train

 

Carte Kuma
Guide Kuma
Guide Kuma

Kuma Guide

Guide Kuma

 

From cave to cave

Northwest of Kuma, not far from the river, the newlyweds go to Kumanoza-jinja to be granted a divine blessing. This small sanctuary founded in 1427 has the particularity of being located at the entrance of the Konose cave. 7 meters high, 45 meters long and 70 meters deep, the limestone cave is a formation dating from the Mesozoic era (251 to 65.5 million years), designated as a natural treasure of the prefecture. At the entrance to this picturesque place, sacred water, believed to be able to give you eternal life, flows from a fountain.

A second cave is the pride of the small village.

 

kumanozo-jinja

The kumanozo-jinja is located at the entrance of the cave

http://johkasou.jp

grotte-kyusendo-chemin

Explore Kyusendo Cave

Wikimedia

Kyusendo‐Spirale

Shochu stored in Kyusendo Cave

Babi Hijau


Address, timetable & access

Our tours in Kumamoto

  • Duration : 21 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan, Osaka, Kobe, Takachiho, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Miyajima
  • Included : English-speaking tour leader, 3*/4* Hotels & Ryokan, Hotel temple, Visits & meals
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