Cycling is additive. We decided we still needed to cycle some more!! Irene researched the town of Yamaga at the end of a 34-km cycle track from Kumamoto (the Yuka Family Road). Yamaga is famous for its kabuki theatre (the first to be built in Kyushu in 1910) which has undergone extensive renovation.
It was our last day and since we had to set aside time to pack up the bikes, we decided to take the train to Ueki station. There we found the path, a disused rail trail with a good tarmac surface. The ride was fine, winding though bamboo groves, rice fields and garden allotments. Unburdened by baggage, the bikes just flew.
Arriving at Yamaga, we found the Yachiyoza theatre and were in time for a guided visit as well as a short performance of traditional Japanese dance. The theatre is magnificent and adorned with decorative advertisements from sponsors of that period. Many famous Kabuki actors, including the present day celebrated onnagata Bandō Tamasaburō V have performed there.
That evening, we re-visited the local restaurant, Utanoki, from last night. Found our favourite 9-year-old Amakusa shochu and had the best squid ink spaghetti ever. The chef came out from the kitchen to accept our thanks.
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| The Yachiyoza theatre was built by local residents in 1910 |
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| Odori, a form of Japanese traditional dance from the Kabuki, was created in the Edo period |
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| The Yuka Cycling Road connecting Kumamoto and Yamaga is about 34km long. This was previously the rail track for the Yamaga Onsen train. |
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