What Does Japanese Raw Horse Sashimi Taste Like?

I've seen many places claim to have the best view in Japan, but they all feel insignificant compared to Mount Aso. It's the largest active volcano in Japan and one of the largest on the planet. The Aso Caldera covers a huge area with a 75-mile circumference and five peaks. It's like being in Hyrule from Zelda, inspiring Japanese game designers. While beautiful, there's a sinister undertone, especially looking at Mount Neko. One crater is a popular tourist spot, but check in advance as it often closes due to high carbon and sulfur dioxide levels.

I can't decide if this looks like Teletubby Land, a Smurf village, or Bedrock from The Flintstones, but it's quite a sight: 480 polystyrene domes. This is Aso Farm Village, a resort town of hundreds of domes. It gained national prominence after the 2016 earthquake because not a single dome was damaged due to their sturdy design. Each home is 7 meters in diameter with 40 square meters of space, en suite bathrooms, and air conditioning. I'd quite like to stay here for one or two nights; it looks fun, though the domes are close together, so privacy might be a concern with thin walls. I found Royal 74, which has a very large, elaborate Japanese-style garden.

When you say Kumamoto to any Japanese person, raw horse meat, or basashi, is the dish that comes to mind. It's a taboo meal in the U.K. and U.S., but widely eaten across Europe and Asia. I've tried horse meat barbecue before, but this is raw. It's also called sakuraniku, or cherry blossom meat, because it's pink. To most of the world, raw horse meat is unthinkable, but it's actually quite good, high in protein, and low in calories. The fat has a low melting point and a sweet flavor, making it really nice raw. If you close your eyes, it tastes a bit like tuna, which is my favorite fish. We had three different cuts, but I'm not keen on the white stuff, the horse mane, as it's a bit tough and chewy. It's served cold, so it comes with things like garlic and onions to spice it up. If barbecued, it tastes better than beef. I'd give it an 8/10; highly recommended. I eat it maybe 3-4 times a year at most.

This is Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan's three main castles. It looks like it's been in a battle, with collapsed walls and a crumbling tower, all damaged by the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake. Visitors can't go inside until 2021 when reconstruction is completed. I'd argue that witnessing the destruction gives it a unique edge; it's a powerful sight. Unlike other Japanese castles renovated to perfection, there's something beautiful and organic about the crumbled walls and collapsed tower. It shows that this invincible structure isn't so invincible after all. It's an architectural marvel best experienced from afar and appreciated from the grounds, which are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the incredible architecture.