There are two spring agricultural festivals in Kumamoto, one at the Agricultural Park in Koshi Machi (which is is intended more for major landscapers) and the other (intended more for casual gardeners) originally held on the left bank of Shirakawa near Kumamoto Station but which had wandered around a bit among very unpopular places due to river construction and bureaucratic inertia. However, this year sees the festival returned to its home for the first time in 12 years!. This festival is a required breath of spring in the most depressing month of February. Do not miss the piping hot bowls of horumon or skewers of oden and a bottle of beer in the prefabs next to the river, where you can watch the seagulls piping back and forth, avoiding the rough winter sea weather. There are long, surprisingly warm greenhouses full of seedlings, bonsai, flowers and other items that will get your sap flowing.
The festival starts tomorrow, February 1st. One 76-year old farmer who has exhibited at the festival for 45 years was quoted as saying, “I’m happy to have the atmosphere of Shirakawa back at the festival.” Definitely make it a plan to visit. Parking is available, but the tram is just as convenient. - William
