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

By Mandy Bartok
Community writer
Explore nearby
Join the discussion
Kim Bergström
6 years ago
The best kind of best kept secret!!
1 comment in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
A Guide to Tono City and Hanamaki City
Iwate - Sponsored -
2
KAMENOI HOTEL ASO PARK RESORT
Kumamoto - Sponsored -
3
Discover Japan's Allure With a Tokyo Cruise
Article - Sponsored -
4
Lookout Points in Hida and Takayama
Activities -
5
Hida Mori no Megumi
Gifu -
6
Time Traveling on the Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail
Ibaraki - Sponsored -
7
Spend the Day in Sapporo: Japan’s Northern Metropolis
Hokkaido - Sponsored -
8
Yatsusankan Ryokan
Gifu -
9
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo’s New Executive Lounge and “The Pagoda in the Clouds”
Tokyo - Sponsored -
10
Miyoko Schinner’s Vegan Japan Tour
Culture
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
March Grand Sumo Tournament (Osaka)
Osaka -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
Shizuoka -
6
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
9
Wonder Festival
Chiba -
10
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Hokkaido