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
-
![Explore Hakodate’s Gourmet Food and Markets]( "Explore Hakodate’s Gourmet Food and Markets")
1Explore Hakodate’s Gourmet Food and Markets
Hokkaido - 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 -
![Izu Kogen: Japan’s Most Dog-Friendly Destination]( "Izu Kogen: Japan’s Most Dog-Friendly Destination")
3Izu Kogen: Japan’s Most Dog-Friendly Destination
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
![An All-Inclusive Osaka Escape With KAMENOI HOTEL TONDABAYASHI ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT]( "An All-Inclusive Osaka Escape With KAMENOI HOTEL TONDABAYASHI ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT")
4An All-Inclusive Osaka Escape With KAMENOI HOTEL TONDABAYASHI ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT
Osaka - Sponsored -
![Shopping in Ginza: 10 Unexpected Finds at Matsuya Ginza]( "Shopping in Ginza: 10 Unexpected Finds at Matsuya Ginza")
5Shopping in Ginza: 10 Unexpected Finds at Matsuya Ginza
Tokyo - Sponsored -
![Ultimate Fukuoka Food Guide: Hakata Ramen, Yatai Culture & Beyond]( "Ultimate Fukuoka Food Guide: Hakata Ramen, Yatai Culture & Beyond")
6Ultimate Fukuoka Food Guide: Hakata Ramen, Yatai Culture & Beyond
Fukuoka - Sponsored -
![Ozu Castle Town: A Sustainable Destination in Japan]( "Ozu Castle Town: A Sustainable Destination in Japan")
7Ozu Castle Town: A Sustainable Destination in Japan
Ehime - Sponsored -
![Kamenoi Hotel Aso: A Grand Nature Resort in Aso]( "Kamenoi Hotel Aso: A Grand Nature Resort in Aso")
8Kamenoi Hotel Aso: A Grand Nature Resort in Aso
Kumamoto - Sponsored -
![Nara Beyond the Crowds With Two Peaceful Retreats]( "Nara Beyond the Crowds With Two Peaceful Retreats")
9Nara Beyond the Crowds With Two Peaceful Retreats
Nara - Sponsored -
![A Spring and Summer Guide to Lake Tazawa, Complete with the Perfect Stay]( "A Spring and Summer Guide to Lake Tazawa, Complete with the Perfect Stay")
10A Spring and Summer Guide to Lake Tazawa, Complete with the Perfect Stay
Akita - Sponsored
-
![Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan]( "Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan")
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
![Guide to Suica Cards in Japan]( "Guide to Suica Cards in Japan")
2Guide to Suica Cards in Japan
Transportation -
![Akishinodera Temple]( "Akishinodera Temple")
3Akishinodera Temple
Nara -
![Tax-free Shopping in Japan: 2026 Changes]( "Tax-free Shopping in Japan: 2026 Changes")
4Tax-free Shopping in Japan: 2026 Changes
Planning -
![The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo]( "The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo")
5The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
![Punch the Monkey: Japan's Viral Baby Macaque]( "Punch the Monkey: Japan's Viral Baby Macaque")
6Punch the Monkey: Japan's Viral Baby Macaque
Chiba -
![May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)]( "May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)")
7May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
![Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo]( "Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo")
8Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
![Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)]( "Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)")
9Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)
Culture -
![Japanese Urban Legends]( "Japanese Urban Legends")
10Japanese Urban Legends
Culture
