Atsuko(｡•̀ᴗ-)و ̑̑✧ Joe asked for the location of the Papaya and Watermelon Market, so here is some additional information. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/kmQ3HQKExNLdzKpc/
Hitoyoshi Super Kid is here. https://maps.app.goo.gl/ti8kBKV4qF5TaTpV9 There were yellow papayas and green papayas this morning too. White strawberries, boiled (scrubbed) bamboo shoots, yuzu miso (It is delicious to eat cucumber and cabbage dipped in this miso.) and yuzu pepper are also recommended. The best recommendation is onigiri wrapped in pickled takana (instead of nori). These are really tasty. I want people who like the taste of spring takana to try it.
By the way, when you go to Hitoyoshi from Kumamoto city, do you know that you will lose money if you go directly to Hitoyoshi by Highway? Now, from Yasushiro to Hitoyoshi is ‘‘Free of charge’’. Therefore, when you go to Hitoyoshi from Kumamoto, it is a hassle, but you go from Kumamoto City to the Yatsushiro Interchange, exit the Yatsushiro Interchange onto a public road, and from the public road again enter the Yatsushiro Interchange to go to Hitoyoshi. That alone will cost you more than 1000 yen less. 2350 yen becomes 1310 yen. ONLY the motorway toll between Yatsushiro and Hitoyoshi is free.
Meanwhile, the watermelon market in Mashiki is here. https://maps.app.goo.gl/pV1wkWRCb3ZD4McP8 On Tuesday this week, several foreign visitors came, and they were all happy to see international guests. Unfortunately, due to the rain, they could not harvest the watermelons and could not sell them, but they are all waiting for the next chance. The local ladies and gentlemen of Mashiki do not speak English, but they welcome foreigners. Please make friends with them and get tea, sweets, tastings and souvenirs.