This is the Hitoyoshi Onsen Artisan Produce Hall, which you should stop by after a trip to Aoi Aso Shrine. The steam rising from the side of the building is a welcome sign for visitors from near and far, being for the foot spa and an advertisement for the nearby Hitoyoshi hot spring. It is a wonderful space to relax, a place to soak tired or cold feet, and be invigorated by the naturally warm waters.
Suitably beatified, it is time to step inside the produce hall or Bussankan, where there are rows and rows full of local specialties, combining traditional folk art and crafts in form of Kijiuma and Hanatebako. The former used to be a ride on toy, being a pheasant on wheels, while the latter refers to a small keepsakes box drawn with brightly hued red Camellias.
A variety of food produce is also available here, such as Hitoyoshi tea and Kuma jochu, the latter being a rice-distilled spirit unique to the region.
Getting there
人吉インターから車で10分、又は人吉駅から徒歩で5分。青井阿蘇神社の近く。
Yui Yamaguchi @iyu.mura
Born & grew up in Kumamoto, Yui studied and worked in Osaka before immigrating to Australia. She lived in Adelaide and Sydney prior to moving to Brisbane. Her passion is reporting on the great things of Kumamoto and Japan to everyone around the world in a serious, interesting and funny way. Her f...
