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Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens
A comprehensive amusement facility that includes a zoo, botanical garden, and amusement park. Spread out along the shores of Ezu Lake, where seasonal wild birds gather, it also offers easy access from central Kumamoto.
Getting there is pretty convenient. It’s a quick tram ride from Kumamoto Station.
There aren’t many people on weekdays, so it’s super easy to take photos and see the animals.
Mount Nantai (Nantaisan)
Rising on the north shore of Lake Chuzenji, Mount Nantai is a 2,486-meter peak selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. Since the monk Shodo Shonin first reached the summit in Ten’o 2 (782), it has been worshiped as a sacred mountain representing the Nikko Mountain Range. From the trailhead at an elevation of Approx. 1,200 meters, it takes 3.5-4 hours to reach the summit and 2.5-3 hours to descend, making it a popular day-hike spot.
Taking a cruise around the lake lets you enjoy the scenery from different angles and really feel Mount Nantai’s calm, majestic presence.
Odaiba Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty in Odaiba, standing against the backdrop of the Rainbow Bridge, symbolizes the friendship between Japan and France. Initially brought to Odaiba from Paris in 1998 as a temporary exhibit, the site continues to draw immense fandom to this day. With official permission from the city of Paris, it was permanently installed in 2000.
You can get amazing photos here with both the Rainbow Bridge and the Statue of Liberty in the frame. The shots turn out great!