• Yatsushiro Castle — Ruins of the castle are located in the center of the city, by the torrent of the Kuma River — Directions: 30 minutes walk west from Yatsushiro Station, or 10 minutes and ¥150 by bus to Yatsushiro-Shiyakusho-mae — Website: http://www4.airnet.ne.jp/kmimu/castle/kyusyu/yasiro_ll6.html
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.
• 777 Steps — Visible from National Route 3 are 777 steps leading up the mountain. With markers detailing your progress up and rest benches and gazebos along the way, the stone steps are a good place to get some exercise and be rewarded at the top with a great view of the city. — Directions: Higashikata Natural Park, at the intersection of National Route 3 and the Rinkō Line, just south of Yatsushiro Interchange
Do
• Myou-Kenn-Sai — This is a really exciting autumn festival on Labor Thanksgiving Day (November 23). — Website: http://www.myouken.com/index2.htm
Hinagu hot spring (25 minutes and ¥200 by bus from Yatsushiro Station or Yatsushiro-Shiyakusho-mae, or 11 minutes and ¥340 on the Hisatsu Orange Railway to Hinagu-Onsen station, then 10 minutes walk.) Simple spa and carbonic acid hydrogen spa. 40~50 Degrees Celsius. Said to be good for neuralgia and rheumatism.
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 rencon, lotus root stuffed with hot mustard, is famous in the area.
Drink
• Nightlife Alley — Located alongside the city's shopping arcade, this main road hosts Shidax, many bars, and snack bars. Smaller roads branch from the Alley, letting you explore even more bars.
Buy
Jusco and Youme Town are both in the city, providing shopping centers of various stores and restaurants.
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.
Understand
Yatsushiro is the second biggest city in Kumamoto prefecture and Japan's largest producer of the igusa grass used to make tatami mats.
