As described in many travel journals,Hitoyoshi city is "The Little Kyoto in Kyushu", blessed with abundant nature. Its cultual property, temples, shrine and historical spots attract many people. Hitoyoshi City is located in the south of Kumamoto Prefecture and is bordered by Kagoshima and Miyazaki Prefectures. It's within easy access of Kumamoto, Kagoshima and Miyazaki, the major cities of southern Kyushu. Hitoyoshi is in the Hitoyoshi Basin, surrounded by the Kyushu mountains. The Kuma River, which is famous for being one of the three greatest rapids in Japan flows through the city from east to west.