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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Fall Foliage in Gokanosho
Southern Kumamoto's mountains are ablaze in autumn

By Mandy Bartok
Community writer
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Kim Bergström
6 years ago
The best kind of best kept secret!!
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