'''Yatsushiro''' (____) [http://www.city.yatsushiro.kumamoto.jp] is a city in Kumamoto (prefecture), Kyushu, Japan.

Understand

Yatsushiro is the second biggest city in Kumamoto prefecture and Japan's largest producer of the ''igusa'' grass used to make ''tatami'' mats.

Get in

'''Yatsushiro station''' is the terminating stop on the '''JR Kagoshima Line''' from Hakata in Fukuoka, and on the '''Hisatsu Orange Railway'''.

'''Shin-Yatsushiro station''', to the northeast, is served by both the JR Kagoshima Line, and the new section of the '''Kyushu Shinkansen''' to Kagoshima.

From Fukuoka, take the ''Relay Tsubame'' Limited Express train to Shin-Yatsushiro, or the ''Ariake'' Limited Express to Kumamoto, and change to a local train. You will generally need to wait about 15 minutes after arriving to pick up the local train for Yatsushiro. The trip takes 2 hours via the ''Relay Tsubame'' and 2 1/4 hours via the ''Ariake'' at a cost of ¥4900 and ¥4600, respectively. The general waiting time to pick up the local train is 10 to 15 minutes.

If you are going from Kumamoto, you can take a regular local train (40 minutes; ¥720).

All of these trips are covered under the Japan Rail Pass.

See

  • '''Yatsushiro Castle''', [http://www4.airnet.ne.jp/kmimu/castle/kyusyu/yasiro_ll6.html]. Ruins of the castle are located in the center of the city, Kuma-river's torrent
  • :* '''Shohinken''' - Within the old castle grounds is the Shohinken Tea House, built in 1688 by the Matsui clan. When built, it was on the shore of Yatsushiro Bay. Now it is well inland. It contains a small museum of Matsui relics as well as a small stroll garden. In May, ''Higo Irises'' are in bloom.

    Do

  • '''Myou-Kenn-Sai''', [http://www.myouken.com/index2.htm]. This is a really exciting autumn festival on Labor Thanksgiving Day(November 23).
  • '''Hinagu hot spring''', near Kyushu-Orange-railway Hinagu station. Simple spa and carbonic acid hydrogen spa. 40~50 Degrees Celsius. Said to be good for neuralgia and rheumatism.
  • Buy

  • '''Jusco''' and '''Youme Town''' have recently opened in town, thus throttling any semblance of local flavor contained in the Yatsushiro shopping experience.
  • Enthusiasts of '''pottery''' can find three ''Kodayaki'' kilns in the area. It's noted for its blue-gray crackled glaze with white inlay. The oldest is the former "Sakai" family kiln. The most famous is the Agano kiln in Hinagu.
  • Eat

  • '''Chikuwa''', a type of fish sausage
  • '''Zabon''', a citrus fruit.
  • '''Basashi''', raw horsemeat served with soy and garlic.
  • '''Ayu''', a sweetfish from the Kuma River, is a local specialty.
  • '''Unagi''', eel, locally produced.
  • '''Karashi rincon''', lotus root stuffed with hot mustard, is famous in the area.
  • Drink

    Sleep

    Get out