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.
- 1 min read
Fall Foliage in Gokanosho
Southern Kumamoto's mountains are ablaze in autumn
Explore nearby
Join the discussion
Kim Bergström
7 years ago
The best kind of best kept secret!!
Top Articles
-
![A Relaxed Mix of Sightseeing, Dining, and Shopping in Kanonji]( "A Relaxed Mix of Sightseeing, Dining, and Shopping in Kanonji")
1A Relaxed Mix of Sightseeing, Dining, and Shopping in Kanonji
Kagawa - Sponsored -
![Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours]( "Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours")
2Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours
Culture -
![How to Handle Illness Or Injury While Traveling in Japan]( "How to Handle Illness Or Injury While Traveling in Japan")
3How to Handle Illness Or Injury While Traveling in Japan
Planning - Sponsored -
![Visiting Scenic Yanagawa On the Water’s Edge]( "Visiting Scenic Yanagawa On the Water’s Edge")
4Visiting Scenic Yanagawa On the Water’s Edge
Fukuoka - Sponsored -
![See Southern Japan with Kirishima As Your Gateway]( "See Southern Japan with Kirishima As Your Gateway")
5See Southern Japan with Kirishima As Your Gateway
Kagoshima - Sponsored -
![Ozu Castle Town: A Sustainable Destination in Japan]( "Ozu Castle Town: A Sustainable Destination in Japan")
6Ozu Castle Town: A Sustainable Destination in Japan
Ehime - Sponsored -
![A Snowy Retreat at Kamenoi Hotel Tazawako, Akita]( "A Snowy Retreat at Kamenoi Hotel Tazawako, Akita")
7A Snowy Retreat at Kamenoi Hotel Tazawako, Akita
Akita - Sponsored -
![Three Charms to Experience in Fukui: Zen, Taste & Adventure]( "Three Charms to Experience in Fukui: Zen, Taste & Adventure")
8Three Charms to Experience in Fukui: Zen, Taste & Adventure
Fukui - Sponsored -
![Adventure Travel For All In Chitose]( "Adventure Travel For All In Chitose")
9Adventure Travel For All In Chitose
Hokkaido -
![Aichi Prefecture: The Heart of Japan’s Umami Culture]( "Aichi Prefecture: The Heart of Japan’s Umami Culture")
10Aichi Prefecture: The Heart of Japan’s Umami Culture
Aichi - Sponsored
-
![Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan]( "Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan")
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
![Bad Bunny Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour]( "Bad Bunny Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour")
2Bad Bunny Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour
Tokyo -
![The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo]( "The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo")
3The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
![Guide to Suica Cards]( "Guide to Suica Cards")
4Guide to Suica Cards
Transportation -
![Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)]( "Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)")
5Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)
Culture -
![Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo]( "Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo")
6Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
![March Grand Sumo Tournament (Osaka)]( "March Grand Sumo Tournament (Osaka)")
7March Grand Sumo Tournament (Osaka)
Osaka -
![The History of Japan: Era by Era]( "The History of Japan: Era by Era")
8The History of Japan: Era by Era
Culture -
![Winter in Japan: Your Seasonal Guide]( "Winter in Japan: Your Seasonal Guide")
9Winter in Japan: Your Seasonal Guide
Planning -
![Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival]( "Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival")
10Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
Shizuoka
