8. Eat Raw Horse

Kumamoto is known for the third largest castle in Japan, the Japanese traditional Suizenji Gardens and basashi – raw horse meat.

It is very thinly sliced and well marbled so it’s not too chewy. It’s served with soy sauce and ginger. You can also eat some of the shaved white onions with it for an added flavour burst.

If that isn’t enough, it’s often served with Kumamoto’s other famous dish: Karashirenkon. That’s lotus root (renkon) with the holes stuffed with mustard paste (karashi) guaranteed to clear your sinuses.

I ate basashi as a delicacy while attending a Japanese wedding. If I was told it was beef, I would have believed it. Rare steak lovers will enjoy it. Tourists can find it by keeping an eye open for signage with a horse’s head.

7. Rent a Dog»
6. Karaoke with Locals
5. Watch Sumo Wrestling
4. Stalk Geishas and Maiko in Kyoto
3. See Snow Monkeys Bathe in Hot Springs
2. Get Naked with Strangers
1. Attend a Penis Festival