Hitoyoshi is located in the mountainous basin of the Kyushu Mountain range. The Kuma River is one of the three fastest moving rivers in Japan. Hitoyoshi is known for natural hot springs and its old castle town. In addition to natural hot springs, the steam locomotive in Hitoyoshi, white-water rafting, ayu (sweetfish), Kuma Shochu and other attractions are appealing and original tourism. In 2015, all of the towns and villages within Kuma County, together with Hitoyoshi City, were granted national heritage status for 'Born from 700 years history of the local Sagara dynasty, authentic customs and new culture, the best community in Japan for cultural richness: Hitoyoshi Kuma.' Hitoyoshi is known as 'Little Kyoto'.