Takamori

Takamori-machi is located on the northeastern part of Kumamoto prefecture, in the center of Kyushu. It’s bordered on the east by Oita prefecture and on the south by Miyazaki prefecture. Gairinzan, which is said to be the best caldera in the world, and volcanoes called Aso Gogaku inside of the caldera create the magnificent landscape of Aso.

Mt.Aso is a symbol of “Hinokuni (The Land of Fire)” Kumamoto prefecture and a generic name for Aso Gogaku which is consist of five mountain ranges such as Takadake, Nekodake, Nakadake and others, including Gairinzan around the crater source. Gairinzan is the world’s largest class volcano that is 25km north-south, 18km east-west and 128 km circumferential distance. It is a town with about 50,000 people living in the crater floor, consisting of three municipalities, Aso City, Takamori-town, and Minami Aso Village.
Takamori-machi with a population of about 6,600 people, which is located on the southern part of Mt.Aso. The town is divided into four areas, Takamori, Shikimi, Kusakabe and Nojiri, and each area creates the characteristic culture.
“Nekodake” which is one of Aso Gogaku can be said to be a symbol of the town. And there is the underflow water of Mt.Aso and the affluent spring water springing up from the ground. It is the grace of this natural dam that has supported rich food culture of “water blessed town” Takamori, such as sake, miso, soy sauce, and others.
In Takamori-machi, many place names related to myths and folktales remain, and it is also known as a power spot dotted with shrines and huge cedars. Kusakabe Yoshimi Shrine is one of “Nihon Sandai Kudari Miya (Three Major Descent Shrine in Japan)”, rare even in Japan, the visitors can reach the main shrine after passing through the torii and going down the stairs. “Ugetoiwa” behind Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine's ground is a huge rock of more than 10m vertically and horizontally having a large air hole, and is said to have a benefit in “praying for passing the exam / praying for victory” as “a symbol that can surely overcome any difficulties”.
They joined the “The Most Beautiful Villages in Japan” union in October 2013. Registered regional resources are vast grasslands that have been maintained and managed by “Noyaki (burning off a field)” by people's hands for over 1000 years. And, “Spring Water Tunnel” which emits 32 tons of water per minute. Also, a summer tradition, “Fuchinsai (Wind Town Festival)”. It is a traditional event which has been held for 260 years in Takamori-machi where is a topography that strong wind blows through as a festival to quell the wind and to pray for the productiveness of grain.

Interviewed in January, 2017