Daikanbo | Review by BobbyJenny

When visiting Kumamoto, of course you have to stop by Kumamoto Castle, which has deep ties to Kato Kiyomasa. From a distance, the imposing castle walls and towering main keep are an impressive sight, giving you a sense of this famous castle's rich history.

Strolling through the castle grounds, you can see sturdy stone walls and historic buildings. Walking slowly along the castle ruins, you can also imagine the ingenuity that went into its construction.

The last time I came, it was closed because of toxic gas from an eruption. I was really looking forward to finally seeing the Nakadake Crater on this visit to Aso, but unexpectedly, I couldn't go because there had been an accident at the time. In the end, I could only stand at the Kusasenri observation deck and view Nakadake Crater from a distance.

Although I missed out on experiencing the impact of the volcanic landscape up close, I could still see the magnificent scenery of Mt. Aso from afar. The vast grasslands and surrounding mountains complemented each other, giving me a sense of the grandeur of nature.

At Fuji Safari Park, you can drive your own car through the park and see the animals up close. It’s very different from visiting a typical zoo and was quite a novel experience.

Along the way, we saw lions, zebras, giraffes, and other animals roaming freely. They seemed to be living pretty well, and since their movements weren’t restricted, there were lots of fun and unexpected moments. We arrived a little late this time and missed the Jungle Bus, which was a bit disappointing. If I have another chance to visit, I’d like to enter earlier and take the Jungle Bus to experience the fun of observing the animals from even closer.