Kumamoto
Rich in nature with one of the largest calderas in the world of Mt. Aso
Kumamoto prefecture is located along the west coast of the island of Kyushu. Kumamoto is rich in nature with Mt. Aso that has one of the largest calderas in the world and forests that cover 60% of the prefecture. It boats a rare city in the world that supplies all water needs in the prefecture by ground water produced within the prefecture.
Kumamoto is also known for a grown place of Igusa, a water rush used for Tatami mats and 90% of tatami production is made in Kumamoto.
Mt. Aso is a symbol of Kumamoto prefecture with one of the world’s largest calderas and a circumference of over 100 kilometers. The caldera was created by four times of ancient eruption between 270,000 years ago and 90,000 years ago.
Kumamoto is known for hot spring resorts. Kurokawa Onsen is especially popular as the town has put efforts to keep a traditional atmosphere of a small town of hot springs and you can enjoy rotenburo, outdoor baths, in beautiful nature and traditional atmosphere.
Another popular place in Kumamoto is Kumamoto Castle built by Kato Kiyomasa, the local feudal lord, in the early 17th century.
Basashi - raw horse meat sashimi with soy sauce with grated garlic or ginger
Karashi renkon - fried lotus roots stuffed with the mixture of Japanese mustard and mugi miso
Kumamoto ramen - ramen known as think and strong noodles in a pork broth cooked with garlic oil
Ikinari dango - steamed dumplings made of slices of raw sweet potato and anko, red bean paste, wrapped in dough made from wheat flour
Higo Zogan, inlaid metal work, represents local product of Kumamoto (old name is Higo). It started in 17th century to decorate traditional swards and guns for samurai and its technique is used for accessories or interior ornaments nowadays.
Another popular metalwork in Kumamoto is Kawashiri cutting tools that date back to about 550 years ago. It is especially known for sharpened cooking knives made by special techniques. Higo temari, hand balls, is a folk art whose hand made techniques have passed down since 17th century. It used be used for a ball play.
Vegetable Broth
HOSHIKO Links Co., Ltd.
Healthy broth of vegetables locally grown in Kumamoto
With the top priority of delivering safety foods to people all over the world to make them healthy and happy, HOSHIKO is committed to making foods made of vegetables locally grown in Kumamoto. This broth is made of 8 kinds of vegetables, 2 kinds of mushrooms and soy pulp without using salt, flavor enhancer and yeast extract.