Local Guide
The 8 Autumn Foliage Spots to Enjoy in Aso Area in 2025

The Aso area boasts one of the world's largest calderas, centered on the Aso Gogaku (Five Aso Mountains), including its crater, and the outer rim mountains that surround it. In this area of magnificent nature, grasslands are covered with silver grass in autumn, as well as valleys, waterfalls, historic sites, and giant trees, offering a variety of views of autumn foliage. Please be sure to enjoy the spectacular scenery that is only available during this season.

 

A variety of spectacular autumn foliage, including mountain streams and panoramic views

The view from
The view from "Koibito-tachi no Oka Hiranodai Kogen Observation Hill" in the forest of clear streams. The panoramic view of the autumn leaves and the grassland yellowed with silver grass is breathtaking. ©️Minami-Oguni Town

On the way from Kurokawa hot spring to Senomoto Kogen, this nature park stretches over hills at an altitude of 800 to 1,000 meters. The approximately 80-hectare site is divided into eight areas, including a mountain stream, a cold spring area "Suzume Jigoku" (sparrow hell), terrestrial trees, and grasslands. The promenade is a popular spot for strolling and forest bathing, as visitors can enjoy the scenery of each of the four seasons.

In autumn, the "Autumn Foliage Forest" area turns bright red in contrast with the mountain stream, and from the observatory up the hill, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the red-colored leaves and the Aso/Kusumi mountain range.

Autumn foliage season] Usually from mid-October to late November.
Autumn foliage viewing season] Usually in early November
Tree species】Momiji, sawtooth oak, etc.

Local Guide Comment
Direction is convenient by car, as there is a parking lot at the entrance of the boardwalk. The boardwalk has poor footing in some places, so it is better to wear comfortable clothing. The Suzume Jigoku area is recommended because it is densely packed with strange rocks and offers a mysterious view.
©️Minami-Oguni Town
©️Minami-Oguni Town
Seiryu Forest
  • Address Minami-Oguni Town, Aso County, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approximately 60 minutes by car from JR Aso Station
  • Direction From Aso Station, take the Sanko Bus bound for Jetate, get off at Minami-Oguni Town Hall, walk 1 minute from Minami-Oguni Noukyo-mae, take the Oguni-go Gurutto Bus, get off at Shirakawa Iriguchi, and walk about 30 minutes.
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 0967-42-1444（Minami-Oguni Tourist Association)
  • Parking Free of charge

The "Secret Gorge" is open for a limited time only in autumn and spring.

A promenade is maintained to the waterfall, but the valley is almost untouched by the scenery.
A promenade is maintained to the waterfall, but the valley is almost untouched by the scenery.

Located along Magenomi Mystery Road, the headwaters of the Chikugo River flow through this valley. It is known as a "secret valley" that is only open to the public during the spring fresh green and fall foliage seasons, and is usually scheduled to be open to the public in fall from late October to early November.

Entering the boardwalk from the parking lot, one is confronted with a pristine landscape of clear water flowing over a large rock face and lush broadleaf trees. The view of the canyon, where the trees and rock surfaces are covered with autumn leaves, is breathtaking. The final destination is Mageno Falls, which is reached after a 500-meter walk. A small waterfall with a drop of about 6 meters amidst the autumn leaves cascades down the rocks, creating an unexplored photo spot with an atmosphere of seclusion.

Autumn foliage season] Usually from late October to mid-November.
Best time to view autumn foliage: Usually early November.
Kind of trees】Momiji, sawtooth oak, goby, etc.

Local Guide Comment
It is about a 5-minute walk from the Parking to Mageno Falls. Near the falls, there is a danger of slipping on wet rocks, so shoes that are easy to walk in and non-slip, and clothes that are comfortable even if your feet get wet are recommended.
Mageno Valley
  • Address Nakahara, Minami-Oguni Town, Aso County, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approximately 40 minutes from JR Aso Station by car
  • Admission Fee 200 yen per person as an environmental conservation fee
  • TEL 0967-42-1444 （Minami-Oguni Town Tourist Association)
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Open from late October to early November in autumn, and around Golden Week in spring.

Giant ginkgo trees, said to be more than 1,000 years old, turn golden colors.

The largest ginkgo tree in Kumamoto Prefecture. The ground is covered with a carpet of yellow.
The largest ginkgo tree in Kumamoto Prefecture. The ground is covered with a carpet of yellow.

A giant ginkgo tree with a trunk circumference of about 12 meters and a height of about 25 meters rises along Route 212 in Ogunimachi, a town of hot springs and cedar trees. The tree is said to be over 1,000 years old and is designated as a national natural monument.

The tree is illuminated at night from mid-October to early November, creating an even more fantastic sight. The leaves of this large ginkgo tree are said to be a power spot, and are known as "Chichikobu-san" (meaning "little ginkgo" in Japanese), because women with low milk supply are told to drink an infusion of the bark to improve their milk supply.

The autumn foliage season is usually from mid-October to mid-November.
Autumn foliage viewing time】Late October to early November every year
Kind of tree】Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Local Guide Comment
The lighting up time is from 18:00 to 22:00 (tentative). Please check the Oguni Town Hall website for detailed information on the lighting-up time and date before you go.
Large ginkgo in Shimojo
  • Address Oguni-cho, Aso-gun, Kumamoto MAP
  • Direction Approximately 40 minutes from JR Aso Station by car
  • Direction From Aso Station, take the Sanko Bus bound for Jetate, get off at Shimojo (Aso) Bus Stop, and walk about 1 minute.
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 0967-46-2113（Oguni Town Information Section)
  • Parking Free of charge

Beautiful autumn foliage in the garden, which even the feudal lords of the Edo period loved.

View of the pond and garden from the approach to Hayataka Tenmangu Shrine. The trees are reflected beautifully in the clear spring-fed pond. Garden with seasonal beauty
View of the pond and garden from the approach to Hayataka Tenmangu Shrine. The trees are reflected beautifully in the clear spring-fed pond. Garden with seasonal beauty

This historic site is located along the Bungo Kaido Road connecting Higo (Kumamoto) and Bungo (Oita). This place was endorsed by the Hosokawa clan as a rest stop (ochaya) for the Edo period (1603-1867) when the shoguns would visit the area on their way to and from work. The beautiful garden, where Kaishu Katsu wrote, "The bottom of the garden flows all over the mountain spring," still remains.

In the garden, there is a pond fed by spring water from the northern outer rim of the mountain, and during the season of autumn leaves, the autumn leaves are reflected on the surface of the water, giving the garden a picturesque beauty. The pond and the garden can be viewed from the approach to the Hayataka Tenmangu Shrine next door (the garden grounds are not accessible).

Autumn foliage season: Usually from early October to late October.
Autumn foliage viewing time] Usually in early November.
Kind of trees】Momiji, etc.

Local Guide Comment
It is also recommended to take a stroll and feel the historical atmosphere, as there is "Stone Pavement of the Sankin Koryo Era" where stone pavement from the Sankin Koryo Era remains about 5 minutes away by car, and "Stone Pavement of Niju-Toge", a roadway built by Kiyomasa Kato about 10 minutes away by car.
Matouseki Ochaya Site
  • Address Matoseki, Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Aso Station.
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 0967-22-3174（Aso City Tourism Division)
  • Parking Free of charge

Mysterious autumn leaves at a water source surrounded by virgin forest

Autumn leaves projected on the surface of the water create a mysterious view
Autumn leaves projected on the surface of the water create a mysterious view

This water source is located in Ubuyama Village, an area in the outer rim of Aso at an altitude of around 1,000 meters, and is a popular spot for viewing the autumn leaves. The tranquil scenery of the pond, which has a constant temperature of 13.5°C and a flow of 30 tons of water per minute, standing still in the midst of an untouched virgin forest is an attractive sight.

During the fall foliage season, the pond reflects the red and yellow colors of the trees, creating a mysterious upside-down foliage scene that is very photogenic. Along the promenade leading to the pond, you can feel the power of nature as the spring water streams through the primeval forest. The trail to the pond is also in a primeval forest, with a spring-fed stream flowing along the way.

Autumn foliage season] Usually from late October to early November.
Best time to view autumn foliage: Usually early November.
Kind of trees】Momiji, Kashikawa, Kunugi, etc.

Local Guide Comment
There is a water pump next to the parking lot, so be sure to taste the soft, smooth, subterranean water. From the parking lot, walk along the trail for about 560 meters to the pond. It is better to wear comfortable walking shoes as the footing around the pond is not good in some places.
Yamabuki Water Source
  • Address Sanzan Village, Aso County, Kumamoto Prefecture Sanzan MAP
  • Direction Approximately 40 minutes from JR Aso Station by car
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 0967-25-2211（Sanzan Village Planning and Promotion Division)
  • Parking Free of charge

Contrast between the fantastic waterfall and autumn leaves deep in the village

A beautiful waterfall appears in a quiet forest surrounded by moss
A beautiful waterfall appears in a quiet forest surrounded by moss

The waterfall is located in the mountainous Nishihara Village at the western foot of the southern outer rim of Aso. It is a beautiful and pure waterfall with a drop of about 20 meters from the rock surface, falling like a single white thread.

In autumn, the red and yellow autumn leaves, the white waterfall, and moss-covered rocks create a picturesque scene, making it a popular spot for viewing the autumn foliage. It is also known as "Yorihime no Taki" (Princess Yorihime's Waterfall), a power spot with a legend of a tragic love story.

Autumn foliage season] Usually from mid-November to late November.
Best time to view autumn foliage: Usually mid-November.
Kind of trees】Momiji, etc.

Local Guide Comment
It takes about 7 to 8 minutes from the parking lot to reach the pond. The "Shiraito Rock" in front of the waterfall is another power spot where it is said that you can take in the power of the waterfall with your whole body.
Shiraito Falls
  • Address 3460 Oaza-Kawahara, Nishihara-mura, Aso-gun, Kumamoto MAP
  • Direction Approx. 15 min. by car from Aso Kumamoto Airport
  • Admission Fee Cleaning fee 100 yen
  • TEL 096-279-1136（Nishihara Village Tourist Association)
  • Parking Free of charge

Enjoy the autumn foliage from the highest suspension bridge in Japan as if you were walking in the air

If you climb up to the observatory from the northern area, you can see the entire bridge, autumn leaves, and the Kujyu mountain range all at once. ©️Kuju
If you climb up to the observatory from the northern area, you can see the entire bridge, autumn leaves, and the Kujyu mountain range all at once. ©️Kuju "Dream" Suspension Bridge Management Center

The suspension bridge spans an elevation of 777 m in Kokonoe Town, Oita Prefecture, northwest of the Aso area. With a height of 173 m and a total length of 390 m, it is "the tallest in Japan" exclusively for pedestrian walkways.

During the fall foliage season, the surrounding Narukogawa Canyon and Kukenkei Creek are covered with autumn leaves, and visitors can enjoy a walk in the air above them. The view of the 83-meter "Shindo Falls" seen from the suspension bridge, the Naruko River flowing directly below, and the Kujyu mountain range in the distance is also breathtaking. Near the center of the bridge, there is a point where you can see through the water to the bottom of your feet, providing a thrilling experience (limited time only).

Autumn foliage season] Usually from late October to mid-November
Autumn foliage viewing time] Usually in early November
Tree species】Yama-momiji (Japanese maple), Itaya maple, horse chestnut, zelkova, etc.

Local Guide Comment
There are two entrances to the bridge, one on the west side in the "Nakamura Area" and the other on the east side in the "Kitagata Area. Each has its own stores and Dining Area, so please enjoy them along with the spectacular view.
Kokonoe "Dream" Suspension Bridge
  • Address 1208 Ooaza Tano, Kokonoe-cho, Kusu-gun, Oita MAP
  • Direction Approximately 25 min. by car from Kokonoe IC on Oita Expressway
  • Business hours Jan-Jun, Nov-Dec 8:30-17:00
    July-October: 8:30-18:00
    Admission tickets are sold until 30 minutes before the close of business.
  • Closed No admission (admission may be restricted due to inclement weather, etc.)
  • Admission Fee Adults (junior high school students and older): 500 yen, elementary school students: 200 yen, children under elementary school age: free
  • TEL 0973-73-3800（Kuju "Dream" Suspension Bridge Management Center)
  • Parking Free of charge

The spectacular scenery, known as the "Grand Canyon of Kyushu

A rare U-shaped gorge in Japan
A rare U-shaped gorge in Japan

Located in Yamato Town on the south side of the outer rim of Aso, it is one of the best places in Kumamoto for viewing the autumn leaves. It is said to have been created by the great eruption of Aso, and the canyon with its 10-km-long cliffs that rise to a height of approximately 200 m offers a magnificent view that has been called the "Grand Canyon of Kyushu.

From the Nagasakihana Observatory, which commands a panoramic view of the canyon, visitors can enjoy the contrast between the valley filled with autumn leaves, the beautiful Gokase River, and the Kuwanouchi Dam. The "Funanokuchi Suigen (Funanokuchi Water Source)" located down the promenade from the observation point is also one of the best-kept autumn foliage spots.

Autumn foliage season] Usually from early November to late November.
Autumn foliage viewing time] Usually in mid-November.
Types of trees】Momiji, maple, zelkova, etc.

Local Guide Comment
It is a short walk from the Parking to the observation deck, so it is recommended as a spot to casually enjoy the autumn foliage.
Suyo Gorge
  • Address Nagasaki, Yamato Town, Kamimashiki-gun, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approximately 60 minutes by car from the Yamato Nakajima-Nishi IC of the Kyushu Chuo Expressway.
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 0967-83-1111（Soyo Branch Office, Yamato Town Hall)
  • Parking Free of charge
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.