Kumamoto/Miyagi, Aug 17 (ANI): Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan suffered from earthquake in April which destroyed much of its infrastructure. But, the disaster fails to destroy its citizens' determination to recover. Repair work on the iconic Kumamoto Castle was accelerated by not only dedicated staff and citizens but also an outpouring of support from abroad. Today, the castle is well on the way to full restoration. After restoration, the tourists are back to witness grandeur of the castle. In June, night illumination of Kumamoto Castle was started again, making the castle a beacon of hope for Kumamoto's citizens. Kumamoto is its historical significance. It boasts many churches which are ready to join as World Heritage sites. Already recovered from the effects of the earthquake, the churches are once again a popular tourist attraction. Kumamoto enjoys not only cultural riches but also natural ones. The Kuma River offers not only rafting but also sightseeing boats from which to watch the scenery go by, making it a popular destination for all ages. Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, which is located in Beppu City, also suffered from the April earthquake. Among the 5,700 students attending this campus are, 2,600 international students from 80 countries. Despite directly experiencing the earthquake in April, these students continue to enjoy life in Oita and their eagerness to study has not flagged. Oita Prefecture has the largest number of hot springs in Japan. Beppu in particular is one of Japan's best known hot spring towns, drawing many tourists from abroad who seek to enjoy the uniqueness of Japan. Oita offers rich and uniquely Japanese cultural experiences outside of hot springs as well. In the south of the prefecture, the castle town of Kitsuki preserves the atmosphere of the Edo period. Visitors can borrow a kimono for four hours and stroll around the town. This both helps enhance the Edo atmosphere and allow visitors to enjoy Japanese tradition. Kesennuma in Miyagi Prefecture was also hit hard by the major earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. Most of the town was swept away by tsunami. But the people here today are trying to reconstruct their daily lives of coexistence with seas. Some companies are progressing actively toward reconstruction by exporting. The people living here value not only the sea but all of nature. It is this very attitude that allows them to live in harmony with the ocean. The people living here were greatly affected by the tsunami, but they are overcoming a range of difficulties as they progress toward reconstruction.
