The shrine is small, but the atmosphere is very quiet. You can see the main keep of Kumamoto Castle directly, and the view is really nice. A lot of people stop to take a quick photo and pray for good luck, then head out.
It’s mainly to commemorate Kato Kiyomasa, so it’ll resonate more if you’re into history.
Kato Shrine at Kumamoto Castle | Review by Tina Lai
Other Reviews by Tina Lai
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Kuroyuri
Founded in 1953, Kuroyuri is a long-established eatery where you can enjoy Kanazawa-style oden, Kaga regional cuisine, and local sake. It is conveniently located inside Kanazawa Hyakubangai Anto, directly connected to Kanazawa Station.
The vibe inside feels very Showa-era. It’s not a big place, and when it’s crowded it can feel a bit tight, but that actually adds to the local izakaya feel.
Service isn’t especially warm, but they do what they need to do—nothing to complain about. -
Kujukushima (Kisakata)
A scenic spot where 103 islets of all sizes appear to float in the rural landscape spreading out at the foot of Mt. Chokai. Long ago, islands dotted a shallow lagoon, and the area was praised as “Matsushima of the East, Kisakata of the West”-a stunning view that even captivated Matsuo Basho. In 1804, a major earthquake estimated at magnitude 7 uplifted the surrounding land by Approx. 2 m, turning it into tidal flats (land) and creating the landscape seen today.
So visually soothing—like a jigsaw-puzzle landscape brought to life.
When the weather’s nice, the whole sea sparkles. Totally worth taking photos. -
Manza Onsen Ski Resort
Manza Onsen Ski Resort is located in the mountains at an elevation of 1,800 meters. Renowned for its excellent powder snow, it is affectionately called “Manza, the Powder Snow Paradise.” The resort has 14 courses in total, with many gentle slopes suited for beginners and intermediate skiers-ideal for practice and stepping up your skills.
The snow quality is great and it's not too crowded, making it ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers. After skiing, you can soak in the hot springs—so relaxing!