Ikeyama Fountainhead

Hidden spring in the grassy highlands of the Aso region

By Mandy Bartok

Community writer

The bridge leading back to the spring itself

The area is incredibly peaceful and little visited, except by locals

In autumn, the maples here turn a spectacular shade of red

The spring, which has been supplying the Ubuyama community with fresh water for generations

More maples a bit downstream from the spring

Locals fill their water bottles with the spring's water

It's a bit of a surprise to come across the Ikeyama Fountainhead, hidden down a narrow lane that winds through the grassy highlands of the Ubuyama area north of Mt Aso. While Japanese silver grass covers most of the highland area in the autumn, this small pocket surrounding one of the area's pure water sources is ablaze with colorful maple trees. It's a popular spot in any season for locals to come and fill up their water jugs and it's worth popping a coin into the donation box to take away your own refreshing taste of the mountains.

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By Mandy Bartok

Community writer

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Jeradyne Cheong 9 years ago

The autumn colors are so beautiful!

Mandy Bartok Photographer 9 years ago

It was very surprising to me just how many beautiful autumn foliage spots there are in Kumamoto. Everyone always thinks of Kyoto for fall leaves, but it's pretty impressive here in Kyushu as well!

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