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
-
![Enjoy Toba: More Than Just a Seaside Retreat]( "Enjoy Toba: More Than Just a Seaside Retreat")
1Enjoy Toba: More Than Just a Seaside Retreat
Mie - Sponsored -
![Aichi Awaits: Seven Authentic Experiences Beyond Nagoya]( "Aichi Awaits: Seven Authentic Experiences Beyond Nagoya")
2Aichi Awaits: Seven Authentic Experiences Beyond Nagoya
Aichi - Sponsored -
![Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road]( "Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road")
3Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road
Chiba -
![Unique Eco-Tourism Experience at Tottori Sand Dunes]( "Unique Eco-Tourism Experience at Tottori Sand Dunes")
4Unique Eco-Tourism Experience at Tottori Sand Dunes
Tottori -
![25 Authentic Activities in Minobu]( "25 Authentic Activities in Minobu")
525 Authentic Activities in Minobu
Yamanashi - Sponsored -
![Japan Is One of Emirates' Top Summer Searches]( "Japan Is One of Emirates' Top Summer Searches")
6Japan Is One of Emirates' Top Summer Searches
Planning -
![70 Nations, One Amazing Meal]( "70 Nations, One Amazing Meal")
770 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
![Osaka Noh Festa]( "Osaka Noh Festa")
8Osaka Noh Festa
Osaka - Sponsored -
![I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation]( "I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation")
9I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
![Volcano-hopping in Kyushu]( "Volcano-hopping in Kyushu")
10Volcano-hopping in Kyushu
Activities
-
![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 -
![July Grand Sumo Tournament (Nagoya)]( "July Grand Sumo Tournament (Nagoya)")
3July Grand Sumo Tournament (Nagoya)
Aichi -
![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 -
![Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri]( "Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri")
6Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri
Tokyo -
![Kamakura Fireworks]( "Kamakura Fireworks")
7Kamakura Fireworks
Kanagawa -
![Japanese Urban Legends]( "Japanese Urban Legends")
8Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
![Iwatayama Monkey Park]( "Iwatayama Monkey Park")
9Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
![Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition]( "Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition")
10Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition
Tokyo
