Kikuchi / KumamotoDiscover hot springs and a spectacular gorge in the rural heart of Kyushu

Hoshinosato, an organic farm set in a quiet, rural part of Kikuchi City, offers guests a variety of seasonal activities, including organic farming, vegetable harvesting, cooking classes, horse care, and horse riding. While there, take the opportunity to learn about traditional bamboo and straw crafts. You can even make your own straw horses, bamboo lanterns, and various other items.

The host mother's cooking is one of the highlights at Hoshinosato. Her specialty is home-made Japanese pickles made from organic vegetables. Try the wide variety of pickle types on offer and find your favorite. The hosts' son, meanwhile, is a former top jockey who cares for the family horse. Ask him about the possibility of learning to ride and watch his face light up.

The family makes you feel part of their everyday life. And, while their farmstead home might not be as fancy as a five-star hotel, the warmth and welcome they extend is unforgettable.

Souzugawa offers private accommodation in a 100-year old building in the tranquil Kikuchi River basin. The two guest rooms can accommodate up to five people, limited to one group per day. Although host family members don't speak English, they use translation devices to converse with their many international guests, helping them feel at home. The host mother's home-cooking is superb, and the meals are all made with healthy, locally sourced ingredients.

If you fancy trying your hand at cooking, the host mother will happily teach you how to rustle up authentic dishes, including her mouthwatering, sweet potato-based ohimesan dango jiru (dumpling soup).

The host father, meanwhile, has extensive knowledge of local history and can guide you to the impressive Ryumon Dam and various points of interest along the beautiful Souzu River, including a natural spring and a traditional Japanese garden in a temple. While in the area, take the time to chat with the friendly local rice farmers and - depending on the season - have a go at harvesting vegetables.

Souzugawa offers unforgettable hospitality in a delightful and vibrant natural setting: The hosts do their utmost to ensure you enjoy your stay, which is far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern-day life.

Make the time to visit Kikuchi gorge, about 25 minutes by car from Kikuchi City. The river's clear waters run through the gorge, which is known for its resorts and spectacular autumn leaves. In 1985, Japan's environment ministry picked the gorge one of the country's "100 Remarkable Water Sources." Waterfalls in the gorge figure among Japan's top 100 waterfalls and rapids, too. The area has an altitude of 500-800 meters, covers some 1,200 hectares, and is home to around 20 species of evergreen tree, including fir and hemlock, as well as broadleaf specimens, such as elm. For fans of geology, Mt. Aso - Japan's largest active volcano - is within easy reach, too.

Kikuchi River is beautiful, and it can look particularly inviting during the summer months. Its waters are treacherous, however, so fight the urge to take a dip. As a safer alternative, try a healthy and refreshing woodland amble, such as the one-kilometer forest-bathing stroll (30 minutes), or the two-kilometer "negative-ion therapy" walk (one hour) with some English signage. You can pick up an English brochure at the park office, which is open from April to November. The tourist season lasts year-round.