Kikuchi City was relaunched in 2005 as the new Kikuchi City, formed by the merger of one city and three towns. Located in northeastern Kumamoto Prefecture, the city is blessed with abundant nature thanks to the Kikuchi River and the Goshi River, which flow from the outer rim of Mount Aso. The Kikuchi Valley, through which the Kikuchi River flows, has been selected as one of Japan's 100 famous waters. With an average summer temperature of just 13 degrees Celsius, the area is a popular summer resort, attracting many tourists. Long known as a grain-producing region, the city flourished as Kumamoto's largest rice shipping port. In addition to the Kikuchi Valley, other tourist attractions include Kikuchi Onsen and Kikuchi Shrine, and many visitors flock to see the beautiful natural scenery of Kikuchi City. Cosmos flowers grow along the Kikuchi River bank for a distance of 4 km, attracting many visitors during their peak season.