Kikuchi Gorge

Nov. 14th 2025

Michi no Eki Kugino

Michi no eki Kugino is quiet overnight despite the large number of shachuhaku vehicles.

The morning brings more activity, as 4 buses arrive bringing in school parties. We take a wander around the place, there is a great deal of space, views of distant Aso and even a dog run.

We leave, it is time to visit Kikuchi Gorge.

 

Kikuchi Gorge

This, we find, is surprisingly busy by 10.00am on a Friday morning.

The gorge offers a couple of circular walks, the longer around an hour. There are some pretty falls and deep pools as you walk along the rushing river. The water level is clearly lower than is normal. The woods are towering and dark in the steep sided valley. 

There are some very large sugi/cypress trees and some very large trees with massive boles. These so impressed us and we checked the name but have sadly forgotten. A lot of thick vegetation and, in a damp hollow, we spot a very large, neon blue worm.

We took the longer route and had a picnic lunch in the rest area at the far end. The obento which we bought at michi no eki Kugino was very good.

Then opt to return the way we had come, rather than the circular route which appeared to take you back along the road.

A good walk.

＊Kikuchi Gorge ; 500 yen / adult (April to November)

Mazeno Gorge

From Kikuchi, on impulse, we decide to visit Mazeno Gorge as it is only open one month a year. There are numerous cars and a bus in the car park.

We pay our 600 yen and walk into the woods and up a hillside. Why this place is famous I have no idea. We pass one picturesque spot crowded with photographers. (There is a photo club contest underway, hence the bus, I think).

Up the grassy hill and along to a waterfall, best described as pathetic. Why a large number of people pay to walk around this spot I just don’t know. It is nice enough but so is my back garden.

On to Oguni michi no eki for our last night of this trip. This is busy on a Friday night. It has excellent toilets.