Yatsushiro: Tatami Rush Grass and Limestone Production Area — A Leading Agriculture and Industry City of Kyushu

Yatsushiro: A Kumamoto Castle Town Known Worldwide for Rush Grass and Tatami Production

Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is Kumamoto's second city spreading across the Yatsushiro plain. Approximately 90% of Japan's rush grass and tatami facing is produced in the lower Kuma River basin centered on Yatsushiro, known domestically and internationally as the "town of rush grass."

Rush Grass Industry Culture

Yatsushiro's rush grass and tatami industry is a traditional industry continuing from the Edo period. Developed under Hosokawa domain encouragement, many farming households still engage in rush grass cultivation and processing today. "Rush Grass and Tatami Culture Center" in Yatsushiro City allows learning from rush grass cultivation to tatami manufacturing.

Myoken Festival (Yatsushiro Shrine Grand Festival)

"Grand Festival of Yatsushiro Shrine (Myoken-gu)" held annually on November 22–23 is known as "Myoken Festival," famous for the "kame-ja procession (turtle-snake procession)." The festival ceremony where large turtle and snake floats march through the streets is registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (as "Furyodori").

Yatsushiro Castle Ruins and Mugishima Castle

Yatsushiro Castle (Matsue Castle) is a water castle built in 1620, now a citizens' park as "Yatsushiro Castle Ruins." Popular as a cherry blossom viewing spot during cherry blossom season.

Access

Nearest station is JR Kagoshima Main Line "Yatsushiro Station." Approximately 35 minutes by rapid train from JR Kumamoto Station.