【Minamiaso】 Memories Connecting to the Future. Learn with Aso’s Majestic Nature at the “Kumamoto Earthquake Museum KIOKU”

Hello! This is Aso Kanko Taxi , your guide to the charms of Kumamoto. This time, we would like to introduce the “Kumamoto Earthquake Museum KIOKU,” located in Minamiaso Village, surrounded by the rich nature of Aso. It is about a 40-minute drive from Aso Kumamoto Airport.

In April 2016, Kumamoto was struck by two severe earthquakes with a maximum seismic intensity of 7, causing immense damage. Years have passed since then, and amid the strong progress of recovery, this museum was born to connect those experiences and lessons to the future.

Hearing the words “Earthquake Museum” might make some people a bit hesitant to visit. However, this is not just a place to look back on sad memories of the past. It is a space filled with a positive and warm message, where you can simultaneously feel the resilience of Aso’s beautiful nature and the steps taken by the people living there toward recovery.

Whether you are an adult or a child, if you visit Kumamoto, this is a place we highly recommend. Let us introduce the charms and highlights of KIOKU!

 

Beautiful Architecture Blending with Nature, and the Energy of the Earth

Upon arriving at the site, the first thing that catches your eye is a beautiful building with a curved roof that seems to blend seamlessly into the majestic landscape of Minamiaso. Designed to integrate with the surrounding gentle hills, this museum looks stunning against the blue sky and fresh greenery. The open location, which makes you want to take a deep breath, is also one of its great appeals.

In fact, KIOKU was built as a facility for the “Kumamoto Artpolis,” a Kumamoto Prefecture project aimed at creating outstanding architecture that will become cultural assets for future generations. In 2024, it received the “2023 JIA Grand Prix” from the Japan Institute of Architects, making it highly acclaimed as a work of architecture. The beautiful spatial design harmonizing with the natural landscape is itself a major highlight.

In the outdoor area, the surface faults that appeared during the 2016 earthquakes are preserved and exhibited exactly as they were at the time. When you actually see the deep fissures running right next to the beautifully maintained walkways, you will be amazed by their scale and the traces of the moving earth. You can feel the immense energy of the earth directly, realizing that “the planet we live on is truly alive.”

Memories Told by “Objects” and Aso Beyond the Window

As you step inside, you will find the permanent exhibition titled “The Kumamoto Earthquakes Told by Objects and Photographs.” Here, you will find a crushed red car caught in a landslide, a clock that stopped precisely at the time the earthquake struck, and the blue road sign of the collapsed former Aso Ohashi Bridge. Even without lengthy verbal explanations, these exhibited “objects” quietly and vividly tell the story of the tremendous shaking and the scale of the damage. By facing each exhibit, you will naturally be able to reflect on the situation at that time.

As you proceed further into the exhibition room, a panoramic space opens up with a large glass window offering a view of the current, beautiful mountains of Aso. In the foreground sits a huge diorama depicting the caldera terrain unique to Aso, allowing you to compare it with the actual scenery. Nature sometimes presents itself as a great threat, but at the same time, it provides us with immeasurable blessings such as rich water, hot springs, and beautiful landscapes. The space is wonderfully and symbolically designed to allow visitors to quietly reflect on both of these aspects.

“Former Tokai University Building 1” Preserving Earthquake Memories As They Are, and the Robin Statue

After enjoying the panoramic space in the exhibition room, be sure to visit the adjacent outdoor preservation area. Here lies the remains of the “Former Tokai University Aso Campus,” which preserves the threat of the earthquake exactly as it was. What is particularly overwhelming is the “Former Tokai University Building 1,” which was directly hit by the surface earthquake fault. Looking closely at the deeply cracked and shifted surface fault and the building distorted from its base by that tremendous energy, the terrifying power of nature becomes even more real.

Also located in this former campus area is a bronze statue of “Nico Robin,” a character from the popular anime “ONE PIECE,” erected as part of the Kumamoto Revival Project. Robin’s character as an archaeologist who seeks history and passes memories of the past to the future perfectly embodies the philosophy of this museum. Standing dignified against the beautiful mountains of Aso, the Robin statue has become a popular spot that teaches us the strength to move toward recovery.

Steps Towards Recovery and Energizing Exhibits!

Furthermore, inside the main building, there is an exhibition corner introducing the energetic figure of “Kumamon,” who continues to be active as a symbol of Kumamoto’s recovery, as well as detailed efforts of the “ONE PIECE Kumamoto Recovery Project.” This area allows you to feel the path the people of Kumamoto have taken, holding hands and moving forward strongly together since the earthquake. The powerful message painted on the wall, “Ganbaruken! Kumamotoken!” (We’ll do our best! Kumamoto Prefecture!), and the records of warm support from the Straw Hat Pirates will give courage and energy to the visitors as well.

Aso Kanko Taxi Special! A Professional’s Quick Tip

It is safe to estimate about 1 hour for the tour, especially when including the outdoor fault exhibition and the former Tokai University campus area. Since you will be walking a fair distance around the site, we highly recommend wearing comfortable shoes such as sneakers!

Also, the route passing over the newly rebuilt “Shin-Aso Ohashi Bridge” on the way from Kumamoto City or the airport to KIOKU is a must-see. The contrast between the deeply gouged valley and the new bridge can be enjoyed from the car window. If you leave the guiding to us Aso Kanko Taxi  drivers, you can fully enjoy the scenery without worrying about driving. We will guide you with realistic episodes unique to local drivers who travel these roads every day, sharing stories about the road conditions at the time and the newly reborn landscapes after the recovery!

Places to Stop By! A Little Info on the Surrounding Area

Shin-Aso Ohashi Viewpoint Yomyur About a 5-minute drive from KIOKU. This is a rest and observation spot at the foot of the “Shin-Aso Ohashi Bridge,” a symbol of creative reconstruction opened in 2021. You can look down closely at the new bridge spanning the deep valley and the dynamic scenery of Aso. We recommend taking a break while eating the cute, highly talked-about “Ribbon Soft Serve” made with Aso milk at the soft serve specialty shop “kibaco” located inside the facility!

Sugaru-kuzure Monument Viewpoint This viewpoint is located just a short drive from Yomyur. You can view from the opposite bank the site where a massive landslide (Sugaru-kuzure) occurred during the 2016 earthquake, causing the collapse of the former Aso Ohashi Bridge. Standing at this spot in conjunction with the exhibits at KIOKU is a highly significant experience that allows you to more deeply realize the threat of nature and the strong steps toward recovery.

Experience Kumamoto More Freely.

The Minamiaso area is full of highlights—nature, learning, and spectacular views—so much that you cannot see it all in one day! “Take your time learning at KIOKU” or “tour the spectacular views around Shin-Aso Ohashi Bridge and then go eat delicious Akaushi beef!”—Aso Kanko Taxi (Sightseeing Taxi)’s sightseeing taxis allow for flexible planning tailored to your specific preferences and requests.

Why not set out on your very own special Kumamoto trip, rather than a package tour with fixed times and routes? If you are unsure about which route is best, please feel free to consult with Aso Kanko Taxi . We, who know Kumamoto inside out, will help you create the best trip possible!

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Click here for Aso Kanko Taxi (Sightseeing Taxi)’s sightseeing taxi and travel plans 

https://asokankou.com/taxi.html