{"id":99089,"date":"2023-03-09T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-09T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=99089"},"modified":"2025-01-19T10:50:17","modified_gmt":"2025-01-19T01:50:17","slug":"hitoyoshi-kuma-area-bicycle-local-cuisine-vegetarians-vegans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/hitoyoshi-kuma-area-bicycle-local-cuisine-vegetarians-vegans\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring Hitoyoshi Kuma by Bicycle and Trying Local Cuisine Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\n
Surrounded by the mountains of southern\u00a0Kyushu<\/a>, the\u00a0Hitoyoshi Kuma Area<\/a> in Kumamoto Prefecture\u00a0is blessed with a stunning landscape, a centuries-old history, and a local community welcoming guests with their warm hospitality. Located in the Hitoyoshi basin of the Kyushu mountains, the area was not only recognized as \u201cJapan\u2019s Richest Hidden Village<\/strong>\u201d in 2015, but it can also look back on about 700 years of the Sagara Dynasty history, which makes it possible for visitors to discover national heritages that remain here until today. Steeped in Feng Shui and prayer traditions, this area is known for its purification practices.<\/p>\n\n Furthermore, the local chefs and community of the area have made it their mission to offer vegan-friendly cuisine. Therefore, visitors with dietary restrictions, such as vegetarians and vegans<\/a>, can enjoy the local cuisine with seasonal ingredients of the Hitoyoshi Kuma area and participate in local cooking classes.<\/p>\n\n The best way to explore this area is by bicycle.\u00a0Find out more about the possible bicycle tours of the Hitoyoshi Kuma area<\/a>, and join us on a tour through the local community. Let\u2019s visit historical places, try out local food, and get in touch with locals!<\/p>\n\n Table of Contents<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Famous for hot springs and river adventures, the area of Hitoyoshi Kuma was hit by an unprecedented torrential rainstorm in July 2020. It is believed that this kind of natural disaster occurs only once a century. As a result of the rainstorm, the Kuma River, a popular tourist spot and one of Japan\u2019s three greatest rapids, overflowed and caused extensive damage to the area, affecting the lives of many residents.<\/p>\n\n But with the unbreakable spirit of the local communities, the Hitoyoshi Kuma Area could overcome this disaster and is nowadays welcoming tourists from all over the world. As of March 2022, the central part of the area has been reconstructed, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful river scenery again.<\/p>\n\n The Hitoyoshi Kuma area aims to improve food diversity as part of efforts to improve the reception of travelers, making this area, with its local cuisine, suitable for vegetarians and vegans, who can enjoy a variety of dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n The Aoi Aso Shrine (\u9752\u4e95\u963f\u8607\u795e\u793e, Aoi Aso Jinja), believed to have been built in 806 and regarded as the land\u2019s protector by the people of the Kuma district, was designated a National Treasure in 2008. It is the first Important Cultural Property in Kumamoto Prefecture that received the status of a National Treasure. Furthermore, the Aoi Aso Shrine serves as a representative example of approximately 90% of the national and prefectural buildings designated as shrines and temples in the Kuma region.<\/p>\n\n\n During the tour, visitors will get the opportunity to hear more about the history of the shrine from a priest and listen to a priest\u2019s prayers. Also, you can take a close-up look at the magnificent\u00a0kayabuki<\/em>\u00a0thatched-roofed building<\/a>. The structure boasts a unique design inherited from the Hitoyoshi Kuma Area, such as the technique of using red lacquer on the braid and surfaces of the members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hitoyoshi Kuma Area: From A Once-In-A-Century Event to a Welcoming Spot For Tourists, Vegetarians, and Vegans<\/h2>\n\n
Aoi Aso Shrine: A Historical Tour Through the Hitoyoshi Kuma Area<\/h2>\n\n