Kikuchi Gorge

Kikuchi Gorge is a gorge in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, known for its beautiful scenery. It is a Nature Recreation Forest in a Category 1 Special Zone, often described as the pinnacle of gorge beauty. Its spring water is included in both the “100 Famous Waters” and the “100 Water Source Forests,” and it’s also selected among the “100 Forest Bathing Forests.” Highlights include Kakemaku Falls, Reimei Falls, Momiji-ga-se, Ryuga-fuchi, and Tengu Falls; in particular, Yonju-sanman Falls is included in Japan’s “100 Best Waterfalls.” The gorge is a valuable sightseeing spot where you can enjoy forest bathing in a relaxed atmosphere among forests, moss, and waterfalls, and it’s popular not only domestically but also with international visitors. Around the falls you can sometimes see rainbows in addition to negative ions, letting you feel nature’s grandeur. Because the flow can be fast and there are plunge pools, swimming is prohibited, so take care. It’s a recommended spot that shows different scenery each season. Access: about 30 minutes by taxi from the Civic Plaza; ride-share taxis and services like “Kikuchi Benri Car” are also available.