Overview
Yatsushiro is the second largest city in Kumamoto prefecture and Japan's largest producer of igusa grass used to make tatami mats. The city offers castle ruins, a 17th-century tea house, nearby hot springs, and access to the scenic Kumamoto region.
Budget Travel · Day Trips · Food · History
Before you go
Attractions
Yatsushiro Castle ruins are free to visit, 30 minutes walk from the station. Shohinken tea house dates to 1688.
Food
Try basashi (raw horsemeat with soy and garlic), karashi renkon, and ayu sweetfish from the Kuma River.
Hot springs
Hinagu hot spring is 25 minutes by bus (¥200) or 11 minutes by train to Hinagu-Onsen station plus 10-minute walk.
Shopping
Jusco and Youme Town shopping centers offer modern retail. Kodayaki pottery kilns produce blue-gray crackled glaze.
Transport
Yatsushiro Station is on the Kyushu Shinkansen and JR Kagoshima Line. The Hisatsu Orange Railway serves Hinagu Onsen station.