Yatsushiro, Kumamoto


Yatsushiro is a city located in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan.

Geography

Located at the geographic center of Kyushu, Yatsushiro City is situated on the aptly named Yatsushiro Sea in between Kumamoto and Ashikita City.

History

On August 1, 2005, Yatsushiro absorbed the towns of Kagami and Senchō, and the villages of Izumi, Sakamoto and Tōyō to create the new and expanded city of Yatsushiro.
Yatsushiro ware traditionally comes from there.

Population

As of March 31, 2017, the city has an estimated population of 129,358 and a population density of 190 persons per km2. The total area is 680.59 km2. It is the second largest city in the prefecture after Kumamoto City.

Economy

Yatsushiro is known locally for several products and dishes. The banpeiyu fruit bears a resemblance to hugely oversized grapefruits. Karashi Renkon is a specialty which is a lotus root stuffed with a mustard-like sauce called karashi and coated with egg. Basashi is raw horse meat and is considered a delicacy within Japan. It is often served with onion and ginger. Basashi burgers can be found at hamburger restaurants.
The city's landmarks include the ruins of Yatsushiro Castle and the often overlooked port area that offers magnificent views of the nearby Amakusa islands, Yatsuhiro Sea, and the local paper factory.
A flight of 777 stairs into the nearby mountains is located at one end of the town and is a popular attraction. The lookout point provides a panoramic view of the town and the coastal areas.
Sights include Yatsushiro Gu, Yatsushiro Shrine, Mizushima Shrine, Gokanosho Suspension Bridges, and the Hinagu Onsen.
The main shopping area, the honmachi, is a covered arcade that runs for several city blocks. However, since the opening of two large malls nearby the area has been in decline.

Transportation

It has several train lines that run through it as well as a Shinkansen line. In addition, the Kyushu Expressway and Minamikyushu Expressway converges here. The Yatsushiro District is known for connecting the east part of Kumamoto Prefecture with the west part which connects to Miyazaki Prefecture.

Trains

Yatsushiro will host group matches at the 2019 World Women's Handball Championship.

Famous people