Dec 10, 2013 - 1 min read

Fall Foliage in Gokanosho

Southern Kumamoto's mountains are ablaze in autumn

By Mandy Bartok

Community writer

A tree turns colors deep in the mountains of Gokanosho

Maple leaves ablaze

The mountains near the Umenoki Todoro waterfall

Peak season is from late October to mid-November

A view from the Umenoki Todoro Suspension Bridge

A fiery maple in Gokanosho

Gokanosho may well be one of Kyushu's best-kept secrets. This mountainous area - once a hideaway for the hunted Heike clan after the Battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185 - is reached only via extremely narrow and winding roads. It's worth braving the drive in the autumn, however, when Gokanosho's mountains become saturated with reds, oranges, and yellows. For two weekends in early November, a system of one-way roads is maintained to ease congestion in the mountain passes.

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Mandy Bartok

By Mandy Bartok

Community writer

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Kim Bergström

Kim Bergström 6 years ago

The best kind of best kept secret!!

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