Hitoyoshi | A Tribute to the Resilient Town: Sunflower Pavilion's Homemade Lunch, Kuma River Rafting, and a Guided Tour of Post-Disaster Recovery 053

Step into Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, and experience the changing seasons while leisurely drifting down the Kuma River. Listen to local mothers share their moving stories of rebuilding their homes after a flood at the dinner table, and savor the home-style flavors that embody the power of the land in every bite.
Region:
Departure / Meeting Point: 人吉市區或 JR 人吉站
Duration one day
Operating Period 2026-04-01 ~ 2027-03-31
Minimum Number of Participants 8 ~ 15 people
Price (per person)
Adult: ¥12,000
Child: ¥12,000
Age Restriction 6 歲以上(需家長陪同)

Itinerary Details

熊本縣人吉市向日葵亭媽媽味鄉土午餐|球磨川的悠然漂流

The Real Power at the Dining Table: Sunflower Pavilion

The 2020 floods plunged Renji into hardship, but the mothers at Sunflower Pavilion used their skills and resilience to rebuild their lives. This is not just a rustic meal, but a profound dialogue about life. The rice and vegetables, cooked with local ingredients, are simple yet full of emotion. Listening to them recount how they gradually regained their smiles, this feeling touches the heart more deeply than any fancy dish.

熊本縣人吉市向日葵亭媽媽味鄉土午餐|球磨川的悠然漂流

The premier clear stream in Kyushu: Kuma River Rafting

Kuma River rafting doesn’t emphasize thrills or excitement; instead, it guides you downstream in a picturesque way, guided by professional boatmen. During the approximately 60-minute journey, you’ll observe the landscape and local life on both banks from a water’s perspective. The distinct seasons—green in spring, cool in summer, vibrant in autumn, and austere in winter—reveal the most natural side of Hitoyoshi amidst the shimmering water.

Itinerary

The taste of restarting life

10:30
熊本縣人吉市向日葵亭媽媽味鄉土午餐|球磨川的悠然漂流

Meeting and City Tour

Meet at JR Hitoyoshi Station. The tour guide will give a brief introduction to the history of Hitoyoshi City and its reconstruction process in recent years, allowing you to experience the slow pace of this mountain town.

11:30
熊本縣人吉市向日葵亭媽媽味鄉土午餐|球磨川的悠然漂流

Sunflower Pavilion Country Lunch

Seating is by reservation only at the Sunflower Pavilion. While enjoying a hearty home-style meal, listen to a local mother share touching stories about her connection to the land and her life.

Pilgrimage to clear streams and slow living

13:15
熊本縣人吉市向日葵亭媽媽味鄉土午餐|球磨川的悠然漂流

Kumagawa River Rafting Experience

Proceed to the pier for safety briefing and to don life jackets. Embark on a 60-minute rafting trip, accompanied by the melodious voice of the guide at the bow. If you’ve purchased a package deal, you can enjoy delicious food and sake on board.

15:00
熊本縣人吉市向日葵亭媽媽味鄉土午餐|球磨川的悠然漂流

Freedom of wandering and returning to one's homeland

After arriving at the disembarkation point, you can freely purchase local specialties in Hitoyoshi (such as Kuma shochu) in the city, and embark on your journey home with heartwarming stories and scenery.

Important Information & Cancellation Policy

  • Important Notes: * Rafting is affected by water level, wind speed and rainfall. If there are safety concerns, a suspension of rafting will be initiated (the trip will be rescheduled to a smaller town or the date will be changed).

    • Please wear a life jacket and follow the instructions of the staff throughout the boat trip.

    • Please be sure to inform us of any dietary restrictions (such as vegetarianism or allergies) when registering.

  • Cancellation Policy:

    • Once a reservation is made, a 5% system cancellation fee will be charged if the reservation is cancelled due to personal reasons.

    • 7 days before departure: 30%

    • 3 days before departure: 50%

    • Previous day and current day: 100%

Inquiries about This Tour