Kuju Mountains

A highland flower park facing the Kuju mountains, with planted displays that change through the open season. Spring fields and early-summer flowers give way to green kochia, globe amaranth, celosia, marigolds and salvia around late summer and early autumn.

Kurokawa Onsen is a notable visitor destination in Kumamoto Prefecture. Check the official local source for current access, hours, closures and seasonal conditions.

A panoramic viewpoint on the northern rim of the Aso caldera, looking across farmland toward the five peaks of Aso. Summer brings green grasslands, while autumn can bring silver pampas grass and a weather-dependent sea of clouds.

One of Japan's oldest shrines, in the Aso caldera; its gate and halls are being restored after the 2016 earthquake.

A broad curtain-like waterfall in Oguni formed over Aso lava terrain, with a sheltered space behind the falling water. Admission requires an advance online reservation, and wet stone surfaces can be slippery even in fair weather.

A compact lakeside walk at Yufuin where autumn colour and cool-season morning mist create a distinctive late-autumn scene. Arrive early for a quieter circuit and check local conditions because mist is weather dependent.

Mount Aso and Aso Caldera is a notable visitor destination in Kumamoto Prefecture. Check the official local source for current access, hours, closures and seasonal conditions.

A forest shrine in Takamori whose steep stone approach passes rows of moss-covered lanterns beneath tall cedar trees. Beyond the worship hall a path climbs to Ugeto-iwa, a large wind-eroded opening in the rock associated with local legend.