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
6 years ago
The best kind of best kept secret!!
Top Articles
-
![Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026]( "Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026")
1Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
![I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation]( "I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation")
2I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
![Marie's Farm]( "Marie's Farm")
3Marie's Farm
Niigata -
![70 Nations, One Amazing Meal]( "70 Nations, One Amazing Meal")
470 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
![Japan's Best Destinations for Doing Less]( "Japan's Best Destinations for Doing Less")
5Japan's Best Destinations for Doing Less
Planning -
![Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road]( "Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road")
6Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road
Chiba -
![Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters]( "Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters")
7Japan Pottery Tour: Hands-On Workshops & Artisan Encounters
Culture -
![Summer in Japan: Your Seasonal Guide]( "Summer in Japan: Your Seasonal Guide")
8Summer in Japan: Your Seasonal Guide
Culture -
![Tokyo Tops World's Best Workcation Cities for 2025]( "Tokyo Tops World's Best Workcation Cities for 2025")
9Tokyo Tops World's Best Workcation Cities for 2025
Planning -
![Azumino, Japan’s Peaceful Highland Getaway]( "Azumino, Japan’s Peaceful Highland Getaway")
10Azumino, Japan’s Peaceful Highland Getaway
Nagano - Sponsored
-
![Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan]( "Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan")
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
![Gion Matsuri]( "Gion Matsuri")
2Gion Matsuri
Kyoto -
![Edogawa Fireworks Festival]( "Edogawa Fireworks Festival")
3Edogawa Fireworks Festival
Tokyo -
![The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo]( "The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo")
4The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
![Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo]( "Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo")
5Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
![Tenjin Matsuri]( "Tenjin Matsuri")
6Tenjin Matsuri
Osaka -
![July Grand Sumo Tournament (Nagoya)]( "July Grand Sumo Tournament (Nagoya)")
7July Grand Sumo Tournament (Nagoya)
Aichi -
![Yodogawa Fireworks Festival]( "Yodogawa Fireworks Festival")
8Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Osaka -
![Lantern Festival at Chidorigafuchi]( "Lantern Festival at Chidorigafuchi")
9Lantern Festival at Chidorigafuchi
Tokyo -
![Kamakura Fireworks]( "Kamakura Fireworks")
10Kamakura Fireworks
Kanagawa
