Guide to Sightseeing in Arao city

Places of Interest

Ariake Sea

The Ariake Sea is one of the biggest tidelands in the world and the beach can be up to 3km wide when the tide is out. The Ariake Sea is home to delicious and nutritious seaweed and shellfish, two of which are fresh short-neck clams and pen shells, though the catch in these waters has decreased in recent years.

The red glow of the sunset over the Ariake Sea is one of the most beautiful sights of Arao.

Mt. Shodai Prefectural Park

Tokiwamansaku

On and around Mt. Shodai there are three walking paths, where visitors and locals can enjoy hiking and picnicking. This location is a perfect place to witness the dramatic difference that seasons make on nature and landscape in Japan. The beautiful trees of the cherry blossom and flowers of spring and summer transform to a burnt orange color in Autumn.

The Tokiwamansaku (designated as a Rare Wild Plant by Kumamoto prefecture) of China and India grow in only three areas of Japan, one of which is Mt. Shodai. These trees are at their most beautiful when they blossom in May.

From the peak, there is a beautiful view of the Ariake Sea, Mt. Unzen on the west and the caldera of Mt. Aso on the east.

Spa Resort Arao

Arao's luxurious spa resort consists of three adjoining theme parks, two hotels, an onsen spa and a restaurant. It takes 15 minutes by bus and 10 minutes by car from the JR Arao station. Greenland Ultraman Land Yayoi no yu (onsen spa)

The Manda shaft at Mitsui Miike Coal Mine

ex.Manda Shaft

At one time, Arao city was a prosperous coal mining city. The manda shaft was closed on the 1st of September 1951. The remains of this busy mine can still be seen today. The red brick layered house, and the digging machine (originally from Germany) are now designated as important National Cultural Assets.

The Birthplace of the Miyazaki Brothers

The restored birthplace of the Miyazaki brothers

Sunwen paid a visit to Miyazaki Family

The home and birthplace of the brothers is celebrated as a Place of Historical Interest by Kumamoto prefecture. The Miyazaki brothers made an important contribution to the China's Republican revolution and aided Sunwen in building a peaceful and safe China. There is a museum, the home of the brothers, an outhouse and a Japanese style garden.

details

Arao Horse Race Track

The horse race track is located by the seashore and was opened in 1928. The whole building is air conditioned. There are 10 races a day when races are held.

Arao Horse Race HP (Japanese only)

Festivals

Kokunzo san (Yotsuyama shrine) 13th February and 13th September

People attend this festival to worship the God of business, lovers matching and safe travel. On the day and night of this festival, the steep slope leading to the shrine is packed with food stalls, selling everything from Okonomiyaki(Japanese style pancakes), to fizzy drinks and ice-cream, all at reasonable prices. The path is lit with lanterns, creating a lovely backdrop to watch the locals enjoy the occasion and cuisine.

Arao Kouen Sai (near Arao City Mall) 1st Weekend of August

This occasion is to celebrate the city of Arao. To worship those characteristics that make Arao special; the mountain, the sea, the land and passion. To represent and celebrate these parts of Arao's history and culture, there is a parade of decorated floats and a group folk dance.

Nobara san (Nobarahachiman shrine) 15th October

With 700 years of history, this festival has been designated as The Kumamoto Prefecture and City Cultural Folk Treasure.

(Furyu)
A form of Shintoism originating in Japan to pray for the fundamental of daily life.
(Setsutou)
Setsutou was originally a military ceremony used to join groups of soldiers. The ceremony has since developed and is based on the safety and well being of one's family and health.

Tug of War between Arao city and Omuta city (Yotsuyama machi area) 2nd Saturday of October

The annual friendly tug of war with Arao's neighboring city Omuta uses a rope that has a diameter of 10cm and is 400m long

Accommodation

Hotel Verde
address: Midorigaoka, Araocity (next to Mitsui Green Land)
tel: 0968-66-3939

Hotel Blanca
address: 1308 Shimoide, Arao city
tel: 0968-66-1128

Hotel New Maruyoshi
address: 953 Manda, Arao city
tel: 0968-62-0957

Business Hotel Isuzu Sou
address: 2-8-6 Yotsuyama machi, Arao city
tel: 0968-63-2514

Business Hotel Ariake
address: 1560-1 Manda, Arao city
tel: 0968-62-1044

Auberge Otowa no Mori
add: 1522-2 Arao, Arao city
tel: 0968-64-1201

Useful numbers

Emergency numbers