Kikuchi Gorge
14/05/2026 / Last updated : 14/05/2026 d.d Hiking / Walking

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 […]
Unzen Fugen-dake
25/02/2025 / Last updated : 25/02/2025 d.d Scenic Drive / Spots

Unzen Nita Toge　雲仙仁田峠

November 27th. 2024 Michi no eki Ariake Perhaps 7 or 8 overnight visitors at michi no eki Ariake. The facilities are adequate but very draughty being open to the elements on both sides. But it does have a pleasant Onsen. It is an OK place. The weather which has been very kind on this trip has taken a dramatic turn for the worse. Very changeable with brief periods of sunshine and torrential showers. It is also very windy. Shimatetsu Ferry We take the usually sedate ferry, from Amakusa Oniike port to Shimabaru Kuchinotsu, that today pitches and plunges quite alarmingly, spray bursting over the bows. ＊Shimatetsu ferry ; 500 yen […]
Aoi Aso Jinjya
23/02/2025 / Last updated : 23/02/2025 d.d Temple / Shrine

Aoi Aso jinja　青井阿蘇神社

November 26th. 2024 Michi no eki Nishiki The covered walkway to the toilets at michi no eki Nishiki proved invaluable as torrential rain hit during the night. The toilets themselves are very new and modern with what appears to be a new michi no eki standard. We have noted the same pattern in newly refurbished toilets elsewhere. There are specific toilets for children and baby changing rooms. Admirable, but a massive use of space that limits other areas. Aoi Aso Shrine We set off in the rain to Aoi Aso Jinja. This is an interesting shrine and one of the national treasures in Kyushu, apparently. The main buildings are very […]
19/01/2025 / Last updated : 19/01/2025 d.d Scenic Drive / Spots

Ameushi Waterfall and Bamboo Lantern Festival　黄牛の滝、竹楽

November 17th. 2024 Michi no eki Kugino Wake in michi no eki Kugino. The morning reveals an unbelievable number of overnight stay vehicles. The car park here can accommodate 230 to 250 cars and it must be almost full. Camping cars seem to have taken over from the Hi-ace van as the vehicle of choice. The number of dogs is also astounding till we discover the the michi no eki is the venue for a dog festival. We spend a lot of time absorbed in the dog run. The interactions between the various individuals is very interesting. Lots of dogs from the odd mutt and Shiba to Old English Sheepdogs, […]
Nabekama waterfall
17/01/2025 / Last updated : 18/01/2025 d.d Hiking / Walking

Shimojo Ginko tree and Aso Oguni　下城の大銀杏と阿蘇小国

November 16th. 2024 Michi no eki Oguni　道の駅小国 Wake early in michi no eki Oguni. Very damp and misty morning, very warm too. We were too hot during the night. Michi no eki Oguni we have visited many times but this was the first time to overnight. The parking adjacent to the toilets is limited for such a popular spot. Most of it given over to spaces for large vehicles. However we note an increase in the number of camper vans, especially the oversized ones. The toilets are modern and clean, though rather too small for the amount of traffic. No rubbish bins are provided except for cans and pet bottles. […]
12/07/2024 / Last updated : 12/07/2024 d.d Hiking / Walking

Shiramizu and Harajiri waterfall　白水の滝、原尻の滝

March 27th. 2024 Aso　阿蘇 Leaving Minami Aso michi no eki Kugino, we set off for Mt. Aso itself. In recent years, sadly, it has not been possible to approach the active crater and peer into the bubbling cauldron. At the topmost car park, still some distance from the crater, the buildings are deserted and derelict. There is still an amazing landscape all around but nothing to the spectacle we could wonder at some years ago. That said, the colour of the dead grasses, bushes in nascent bud, the seams of soil and ash black, orange and red are wonderful. We did not visit Kusasenri this time, but there is good […]
A view of Aso area
12/07/2024 / Last updated : 12/07/2024 d.d Scenic Drive / Spots

Scenic Drive R. 442 from Yame to Aso　八女から阿蘇へ

March 26, 2024 A leisurely start to this trip – the first for a year – in that we don’t leave until around mid-day. It is cold, windy and there is persistent drizzle. Soon, before we hit the highway, we stop for lunch at Ohsho. This gyoza chain had it’s origins in Kansai and I remember it as very down market, tin tables, plastic table covers and the staff skating in white gum boots on the greasy floor. It has cleaned up it’s act and is now a very reasonable lunch spot. Cost/performance excellent and the menu extends beyond gyoza and ramen. Cherry blossoms at Hyugami Dam　日向神ダム Soon we are […]
michi no eki Kugino
20/03/2023 / Last updated : 03/11/2024 d.d Hiking / Walking

Mt. Aso Eboshidake, butterflies and a frog　阿蘇烏帽子岳

Nov. 1st. 2022, Nakatosa michi no eki Nakatosa michi no eki proves to be a fine place to stay. It is flat, has good modern facilities, a dog run, provides plenty of rubbish bins and clearly marked evacuation routes in case of a tsunami. This being the Pacific coast of Koichi, something to keep in mind. It is adjacent to a small port, busy with fishing boats unloading. Misaki to Saganoseki Ferry There was a little light rain in the night but by the time we set off for the ferry port at Misaki this has stopped. We follow last night’s baffling road of wide metalled road, tunnels and narrow […]