2025 Uto Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

#tripmemory2022 Shiranui Roadside Station Shiranui is said to be the birthplace of Dekopon 🍊 There are also hot spring facilities and restaurants. The parking lot was also spacious. I rang the Bell of Happiness and was surprised by the sound it made 😳 ⁣ #BellOfHappiness 🗾1910-1 Nagao, Shiranui-cho, Uki-shi, Kumamoto Prefecture 🅿️Free parking available⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #Kumamoto #Shiranui #ShiranuiRoadsideStation #BirthplaceofDekopon

#tripmemory2022 We stopped off on the way to Amakusa. After getting off at Matsubashi IC in the afternoon, we started thinking about what to eat as usual, and decided to eat ramen in Kumamoto🍜⁣ so we went into this ramen shop🍜 We were imagining a rich ramen, but the ramen in the menu looked light, so we both ordered champon😋⁣ The soup is tonkotsu-based, but it's light⁣ 650 yen for a single dish⁣ A reasonable 950 yen for a set meal⁣ The hormone set meal was apparently delicious😋⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #YokozunaRamen⁣ 🗾642-8 Nagasaki, Shiranui-cho, Uki-shi, Kumamoto Prefecture ⁣ 🅿️Free parking available⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #Kumamoto #Shiranui

#cityplaybook #localguides Location Tag: Sumiyoshi Nature Park, Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan #SumiyoshiNaturePark #UtoJapan #HiddenJapan #HydrangeaSeason #CoastalViews #JapanTravel #ShrineWalks #ScenicJapan #PeacefulPlaces #NatureInJapan Tucked along the coast of Uto in Kumamoto Prefecture, Sumiyoshi Nature Park is a serene destination that blends natural beauty, historical depth, and cultural elegance into one unforgettable experience. The park is most magical in late May to early June, when more than 2,000 vibrant hydrangeas bloom in a stunning array of purples, blues, and pinks. Each path feels like a painted garden walk—especially during the annual Hydrangea Mandolin Concert, where music floats through the blossoms. Looking out over the Ariake Sea, Sumiyoshi Park offers sweeping ocean views, with Fengliu Island in the distance—a coastal silhouette sometimes called the “Mount Saint-Michel of Uto.” At sunset, the sea and sky meet in a soft golden glow, making this a perfect place to reflect or take photos. The park’s charm deepens with heritage. Sumiyoshi Shrine, elevated on a hill, has long been revered by locals. The nearby Meiji-era lighthouse adds a nostalgic touch, once guiding sailors along this very coast. A thoughtful monument honors Kathleen Drew-Baker, whose marine research revolutionized seaweed farming. Every April 14th, a festival celebrates her legacy—making Sumiyoshi one of the few parks in Japan where science, nature, and tradition meet. Easily accessible by train or bus, Sumiyoshi Nature Park offers free entry, peaceful walking trails, and a quiet escape from the busy world. If you’re craving a calm corner of Japan filled with flowers, folklore, and sea breezes, this coastal gem awaits.

#cityplaybook #attractive Discover the charm of Sumiyoshi Nature Park in Uto City, Kumamoto – a peaceful retreat known for its coastal views, vibrant hydrangeas, and historical charm. In early summer, the park bursts into color with over 2,000 blooming hydrangea plants, making it a favorite spot for nature lovers and photographers. The Sumiyoshi Shrine, set amidst ancient trees, offers scenic views of the Ariake Sea and a tranquil space for reflection. Nearby, the historic Sumiyoshi Lighthouse adds to the park’s nostalgic ambiance, standing as a tribute to Japan’s maritime past. Well-kept walking paths guide you through lush greenery and past panoramic viewpoints, making it a relaxing spot for strolls and quiet picnics. Free to enter and easily accessible by train or bus, it’s an ideal day trip destination. #SumiyoshiNaturePark #KumamotoViews #HydrangeaSeason #JapanNatureSpots #AriakeSea #HiddenJapan #ShrinesAndScenery #UtoCityGem

#KumamotoPrefecture #TateokaNaturalPark #CherryBlossomsInFullBloom I searched for recommended cherry blossom spots in Kumamoto and went there. It is located about 40 minutes by car from Kumamoto Station. I arrived around 9:50. There was a guide at the parking lot, and the sky was conspicuous. The food stalls were also preparing, so there were few people, and a few people were enjoying fishing for crucian carp in the pond. I personally prefer to enjoy the cherry blossoms at a leisurely pace when there are few people, rather than enjoying them in a crowd, so I was lucky. The cherry blossoms were about 80% or 90% in bloom. The cherry blossoms were different from the site that introduced them, and I was expecting pink, but the color was whitish. I came all the way to Kumamoto, but there was a big gap between the site and the actual cherry blossoms... I wonder if I should have seen the cherry blossoms in my hometown? But I ate some delicious food along the way, so it's fine. If you ask me if I'll go again, I won't. That's the kind of place it is.

Be sure to visit the calm and peaceful area in Uto, Kumamoto. There is a seaweed speciality shop beside and has huge varieties of seaweeds to buy.

One of the bronze statues of the anime One Piece that are installed all over Kumamoto Prefecture! Jinbei statue‼️ It is installed in a place called Nagabeda Kaitoko Road, where the sunset is very beautiful. It is easy to stop by while driving, and you can gaze at the sea and take photos📷. There is also a cafe on the premises, so you can buy souvenirs and have a snack, so please go there😊 I recommend accessing by car🚗 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: Cafe, snacks available, great at dusk 📍Location: Nagabeda, Sumiyoshi-cho, Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture About 24 minutes walk from Sumiyoshi (Kumamoto Prefecture) Station exit About 34 minutes walk from Higonagahama Station exit 💞Reason for recommendation: A place that is irresistible for One Piece fans You can enjoy the scenery and relax #KumamotoOnePieceStatue #KumamotoTourism #KumamotoDrive #JinbeiStatue #KumamotoCafe

Nagabeda Seaside Road in Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. There is a parking lot, toilets, a shop, etc. It is a mysterious spot where electric poles continue into the sea at high tide, and a road appears at low tide. We recommend checking the high and low tide times before your visit. There is also a statue of Jinbe from One Piece!

I went on a trip to Kumamoto to see the bronze statues of One Piece! The statues were erected as part of the reconstruction efforts at various tourist spots, near souvenir shops, and inside the Kumamoto Earthquake Museum, so I was able to visit spots I had never been to before! Near the Kumamoto Earthquake Museum, where Robin's statue is, is the "former Tokai University Aso Campus." After the glass broke, the building was still leaning and cracked, giving a renewed sense of the horror of the earthquake. My trip to Kumamoto was a really good one. I'll be going to see the One Piece statues soon, which I haven't been to yet!

📍Location: Uto City, Kumamoto🇯🇵 Osabeta Kaitoko Road (3125-1 Sumiyoshicho, Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, 869-0401) 🕰️Opening hours: 24 hours 💰Price per person: Free We recommend checking the sunset time before you go! And only at low tide, a path like the one in the photo appears and you can walk on it. If you go by train, it's about 2km from JR Sumiyoshi Station🏃🏻♂️ If you go by car, you can park in a nearby parking lot🚗 It's a great spot for scenery lovers. #0yentravel2025February #Kumamototourism #Kumamototrip

Okoshiki Beach in Uto City is a spectacular spot characterized by the beautiful sand ripples that spread out at low tide🏝️ Especially at dusk, the orange light reflects off the sand ripples, creating a fantastic landscape🌅✨ We recommend checking the low tide times in advance when visiting! The view from the observation deck is also beautiful, making it perfect for those who want to take photogenic photos~📸 [Opening hours] Open 24 hours [Access] Approximately 20 minutes by car from JR Uto Station [Notes] Be sure to check the low tide times! #0yentravelFebruary2025 #OkoshikiBeach #KumamotoTourism #SunsetSpot #Photogenic #SandRipples

#newyearnewtrip I love the concept of dining at a conveyor belt sushi joint because there is little human interaction. There are no servers that will interrupt you, as you eat and enjoy your meal or no servers that keeps coming by your table to bring you your dishes. For a good conveyor belt sushi joint, my favourite has got to be Hamazushi because their food is fresh and I love how clean and modern the restaurant is. They have an extensive menu with different types of sushi to choose from, not just the basic ones. The price here is also pretty reasonable. Food is delivered fast on the conveyor belt when ordered and what's best is that there are 5 different sushi dipping sauce for your use and free refillable green tea. Love it here at Hamazushi!

It is located in the Ariake Sea, which has the largest altitude difference in Japan. Therefore, at low tide, there are concrete roads leading to the offshore seaweed farming nets. At high tide, only telephone poles can be seen sticking out of the sea, or the blue sky is reflected in the calm sea. On a clear day, you can take fantastic photos, which is highly recommended. When taking photos or walking, be especially careful not to interfere with local fishery-related people using the road. #ChristmasGreatPlaces2024

In addition to Kumamoto Prefecture being famous for its black bears, there are also many places and important places for us to follow in its footsteps, such as One Piece statues in various towns in Kumamoto Prefecture for us to follow in its footsteps.

#September2024 Okadake Park is an oasis hidden in the city's highlands, allowing people to find a tranquility amidst the busy urban life. The natural environment here forms a sharp contrast with the hustle and bustle of the city. 🌼✨ The park features several trails perfect for walking, jogging or cycling, allowing visitors to relax in this urban oasis. Along the way, you can see birds singing on the branches from time to time, and the fresh air makes people feel refreshed, as if they are in the embrace of nature. 🐦🚴♀️ The observation deck of Okadake Park is also a highlight, from which you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire city, especially at dusk, when the sun sets and the city lights gradually light up, forming a magnificent picture that is amazing. 🌇📸

#AdventurousTraveler 💞Recommended reason: As a person who loves nature, I highly recommend everyone to visit Okadake Park. Located in the mountains, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with fresh and pleasant air, it is undoubtedly an ideal spiritual paradise. Climb to the top of the mountain, breathe the fresh mountain air, and feel the freedom of nature, and you will instantly relax. Whether you are strolling slowly along the forest trails or admiring the beautiful scenery of mountains and waters in the distance from the observation deck, being there can make people temporarily forget the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the unfettered nature. I believe that as long as you come here, you will be impressed by this vibrant land and have an unforgettable relaxing time. 🏖️Environment: Speaking of the overall scenery of Okadake Park, it is truly amazing. There are picturesque landscapes here, as if you have walked into a moving landscape painting. The winding path goes up the mountain, surrounded by lush green trees on both sides, like a green "passageway". Climb up to the observation deck and look out over the lush green mountains and the occasional clear lake, making you feel like you are in a fairyland. Walking in it, feeling the breeze on your face and listening to the gurgling of the spring water, your soul seems to become extremely peaceful and comfortable. This is undoubtedly a natural paradise where people will linger. In addition to the beautiful natural scenery, Okadake Park also has many wildlife sanctuaries, providing visitors with the opportunity to get in touch with nature firsthand. Under the guidance of a tour guide, visitors can carefully observe various birds and insects and feel the rich vitality of nature. This is not only a rare educational experience, but also an unforgettable experience of integrating into nature. Coming here again will surely leave you with a deeper impression of this magical natural treasure. Okadake Park is an excellent natural paradise that combines natural scenery and wildlife. Whether you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and seek a moment of spiritual purity, or look forward to personal contact with the mysteries of nature, you can reap unexpected rewards here. Come with me and explore this magical land! I believe it will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Okoshiki Beach Observation Point 869-3174 Toguchi-cho, Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture About an hour by car from Kumamoto Station There is parking for about 10 cars. The road up to here is very narrow, and it is difficult to get there if there is an oncoming vehicle, so a small car is recommended, but the view is quite spectacular, so if you want to see the tidal flats, I definitely recommend coming up here. This is a highly recommended place. This scenic spot has been selected as one of Japan's 100 Best Beaches and 100 Best Sunsets. Beautiful arch-shaped sand patterns appear on the sandy beach at low tide, and it seems to be very beautiful when the tidal flats and the sunset overlap. Please visit during low tide. Nagabeta Seaside Road 3125-1 Sumiyoshi-cho, Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, 869-0401 About an hour by car from Kumamoto Station Free parking There is a seaside road where cars can enter the sea. This road is a work road used by fishermen for seaweed cultivation, so it is open to the public. At low tide, you can walk along the road for about 1 kilometer. There is a statue of Jinbe, a character from One Piece. Please be sure to visit during low tide. #Travelwithme #Kumamoto #KumamotoTourism

This place is far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The scenery is like a painting. It is also a sunset check-in place. When we arrived at around 3 o'clock, it was low tide, so we could walk along the low tide road. At 6 o'clock, the sun began to set. This salted egg yolk and this road in the middle of the sea are undoubtedly the best time to take pictures. If you like to watch the sunset, you might as well come here to have a look. There is also a souvenir shop next to it. You can go in and have a look before sunset. Negabeta Seabed Road 📍3125-1 Sumiyoshimachi, Uto, Kumamoto 869-0401, Japan 🚗Take the train from Kumamoto Station Platform 5 for 45 minutes and get off the train. Walk for another five minutes to arrive. 📌If you take the bus, you need to pay attention to the bus schedule. When I took the bus, it seemed to be around 7:20. #Sign up for June hotel test sleeper

Cherry blossom season in Japan is always a feeling that makes you eager to enjoy relaxing moments with friends and relatives. Grilling meat and watching flowers with brothers and sisters and friends, Enjoy it.! #sakura

\\Tourist Spots// Okoshiki Beach, with its spectacular views of the Ariake Sea, is a scenic spot that has been selected as one of Japan's "100 Best Beaches" and "100 Best Sunsets in Japan." The collaboration of the sunset and the sand patterns was simply beautiful. At low tide during spring tides, the sand patterns become longer, making for an even more spectacular view. If you go by car, please be careful as you will have to drive through narrow tangerine fields. 〈How to get there〉 About a 15-minute walk from JR Amada Station on the Misumi Line Information current as of August 2022. #Spectacular views #Like overseas #Outdoors #Kumamoto #Summer weekend trip