Hello!
This time, me and my friends decided to go to Tamana-city（玉名市）.
It was again 1 day trip and our plan was like this.
1. Going to Hanashoubu matsuri (花菖蒲祭り irises festival)
2. Eating softy at Usagiya
3. Visiting Rengein tanjou temple(蓮華院誕生寺)
4. Capturing sunset at Nabematsubara shore(鍋松原海岸)
Tamana is located in the north part of Kumamoto and adjacent to southern Fukuoka and also Ariake sea.
People go to Tamana to enjoy the great natural hot springs and historical architectures.
When it comes to food, it’s famous for Tamana ramen.
It’s believed that this is the origin of Kumamoto ramen.
The characteristics of Tamana ramen is rich tonkotsu(pork soup), well-balanced noodle and golden brown garlic chips.
They create a great harmony and make a delicious bowl of ramen.
When I searched about Tamana, I found that there was an event which is Takaseurakawa hanashoubu matsuri（髙瀬裏川花しょうぶまつり: matsuri means festival）.
It is held from the end of May to the beginning of June near Takaseurakawa river and you can see beautiful irises along the river that length is about 700m.
During the time, they lighten up the venue and hold some events like outdoor concert.
The official website of Tamana city update often how much irises had bloomed so I recommend you check it in advance.
We went to Tamana on 3rd June.
It seemed like it was the best time.
Since we arrived there around 2 pm, there were so many people.
The opposite side of the venue, there is a huge parking area along the bank and some staffs guided us.
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
We also could see these flags which are for the Children’s day(こどもの日) on 5th May.
They were decorated for the event to add pomp.
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
Along the river, we could see these beautiful irises.
People enjoy admiring irises.
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
Some women were wearing kimono and enjoying photo shooting.
Photo credit : Tanima @tanima1990
Photo credit : Tanima @tanima1990
Children were running on the bridge and enjoying playing with their friends.
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
There is a bridge called ‘Megane bashi’. Megane means glasses in Japanese.
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
Since there are two round-shape tunnels, people call it like that.
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
My friend called this ‘Half megane’ since there is one tunnel!
After walking along the river, we decided to go to a cafe near the venue.
The name of the cafe is ‘Usagiya’ and they sell softy and many kinds of Kaitenyaki.
I wrote about it in the next article so please check and enjoy it!
【Information and links】
Tamana-city official website about Hanashoubu matsuri : http://www.city.tamana.lg.jp/q/aview/424/10277.html
Takaseurakawa（髙瀬裏川）
157-1, Takase, Tamana-City, Kumamoto-prefecture
熊本県玉名市髙瀬157-1