Kumamoto
Kumamoto, on the island of Kyushu, is a city known for its imposing castle and its proximity to Mount Aso, one of Japan's most famous active volcanoes, earning it the nickname "Land of Fire." With a strong samurai heritage and remarkable reconstruction following the 2016 earthquakes, the city combines history and resilience. Its cuisine is another major draw, with specialties such as basashi (horse meat), Kumamoto ramen with its mild garlic broth, and karashi renkon, a unique dish of stuffed and deep-fried lotus root.