Mt. Takagi in Late Winter

Peaceful, grassy, mountainous terrain

By Tristan Scholze

Community writer

The Mt. Rakan crags and Mt. Takagi from above

The crags from the road, just past Bonjour Provence, a French restaurant

This is the southern edge of Aso's gigantic volcano caldera

A few scattered, lonely trees catch your eye

Grasses up close—only a few seeds left at the end of winter

Here are a few scenes you will see on the south side of Aso’s gigantic volcanic caldera in late winter. Brown is the dominant color at this time of year, with occasional patches of evergreens on carpeted hillsides and crinkly deep orange leaves still clinging to branches of scattered deciduous trees. Single-lane roads allow for a drive past the Mt. Rakan crags and up the face of Mt. Takagi, but you can also go for a pleasant stroll here. If you’re hungry afterwards, there’s an excellent French restaurant at the mountain’s forested base.

高城山—Takagiyama—Mt. Takagi

Was this article helpful?

Help us improve the site

Give Feedback

By Tristan Scholze

Community writer

Following Follow

Yui Yamaguchi 9 years ago

I feel cold as if I was there. Countryside in winter time in Kyushu looks so lonely and depressing - grey sky and brown grass and trees.

Tristan Scholze Photographer 9 years ago

Right, the winter colors lack the vibrance of summer. I think back on what a rare landscape this is though and how it changes with the seasons--it's really a special place!