The beautiful Nature landscape of the Aso Mountains Unfolds, and it is a mountain towns with a population of about 3,000 people (as of June 2024) with a high elevation overall.
Traditional agriculture is thriving, and in addition to delicious Rice and vegetables, "Gokase Wine" made from 100% Gokase grapes is also popular.
In winter Japan the southernmost natural snow ski resort offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Aso Mountains seen from and Slope.
We look forward to seeing you in Gokase Towns!
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Kuwanouchi Shrine Night Kagura & Kotono Shrine Night Kagura
From the evening of January 10 into the morning of January 11, the Kuwanouchi Shrine Night Kagura and the Kotono Shrine Night Kagura were safely offered again this year 👹
I can still hear the drumbeat pounding in the back of my ears and the clear, high sound of the flute ringing in my mind 😆
You could hear the dancers’ breathing, see children watching intently, and feel the atmosphere of kagura as locals and returnees to Gokase gathered together ✨
We were treated to another wonderful performance this year 🥰
This beautiful night was made possible by the preservation society members who trained diligently, the local women’s association who served warm meals and drinks through the night, and the officers and staff who worked tirelessly to ensure smooth operations.
The smiles of the visitors who return to this place each year exist because of the devoted support of these community members 👏
We would be happy to watch over this proud Gokase kagura tradition with you again next year and the year after 💕
Thank you very much to everyone who came from afar in the cold!
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Gokase Highland Ski Resort OPEN ✨
Today (12/19), the southernmost ski resort in Japan, Gokase Highland Ski Resort, opened ❄
An opening ceremony was held from 10:00, and skiers and snowboarders who had been eagerly awaiting this day attended 🎿🏂
The slopes are limited to about half their usual width, but the snowpack is solid 💡
As temperatures drop and more snow accumulates, the slopes should reach even better conditions 😊
Come and visit Gokase Highland Ski Resort this winter 😍⛄
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Kyushu’s snowy mountain and winter vistas are here! ❄️ Gokase Highland Ski Resort
Japan’s southernmost spot for supreme powder snow, Gokase Highland Ski Resort, opens on Friday, December 19th!
As shown in the video, nothing beats the exhilaration of carving under a blue sky and the breathtaking sight of the frost-covered trees—snow monsters—that leave you speechless🏔️✨
With runs designed for everyone from beginners to experts and a sweeping panorama visible from the slopes, Gokase Highland offers a unique appeal!!
Warm up your chilled body with the cozy dishes at the lodge🍜!
This winter, enjoy the ultimate snowy mountain experience at Gokase Highland Ski Resort⛄
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Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Whole-House Rental Guesthouse Shoya no Yakata
A whole-house rental tucked into the heart of Kuwanoe, surrounded by Gokase’s natural beauty 🌿
At certain seasons you can even see a breathtaking sea of clouds…👀✨
Time flows here at a relaxed pace…⌚
Enjoy a soothing satoyama stay that unwinds the mind ✨
You can make reservations conveniently via LINE ☺
<Contact>
Official LINE: lin.ee/4CTokHm
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoya_no_yakata/?hl=ja...
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A Few More Places to Enjoy Autumn Leaves 🍁
Today I drove toward the Kuraoka Area 🚘
The peak of the fall foliage seems to have passed, but the mountains around Gokase are now dyed in the deep, late-autumn colors. It’s truly the ‘‘last chance beauty’’ to behold 👀✨
In some spots vivid leaves still remain, and the ground is carpeted with fallen leaves, offering a scene full of atmosphere to enjoy 🍁✨
Why not bring a warm drink and come feel the quiet, beautiful end of autumn in Gokase?
With temperatures dropping sharply this weekend, this may be the final viewing, so please come soon 😆
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[Autumn Foliage Drive 🚘]
Today I went for a drive to hunt for the remaining autumn leaves as they’re dwindling 🚗
First stop was Josenji Temple 🍁
The maple trees around the temple showed a range of colors, and every view was beautiful ✨
Mt. Nijo, being higher in elevation, didn’t have great foliage this year 😅
Still, the lookout gave a sweeping view of the mountains; the wind was cold but it felt refreshing 😊
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Talents from Gokase Gathered! ✨
The "Yūhi no Sato Sakuhin-ten Exhibition" and the "Small Shimotsuki Festival in Sato," held on November 15 and 16, concluded to great success! Thank you so much to everyone who attended 😊
The venue, filled with impressive works mainly by local residents, shone with warm sensibility✨
Many people joined the hands-on sessions and created pieces that showcased their individuality 😆
It was a heartwarming event that brought together people of all ages, from children to adults 🥰
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Autumn leaves in Gokasecho🍁
The autumn colors in Gokasecho have suddenly deepened over the past few days🍁
The foliage in front of Shirataki Falls in Kuraoka District is not fully colored yet, but overall the area is at peak color✨
I also visited Myoken Shrine and other spots in Kuraoka District; the maples there still need a bit more time to peak💡
Some areas will continue to change color, but how about a drive to see Gokase’s autumn leaves this weekend?😊
⚠Notice⚠
The road to Shirataki is a forest road with poor conditions. There is little space for cars to pass. We do not recommend driving if you lack confidence, are in a large vehicle, or are driving a low-clearance car.
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Divine glow ✨
On the way back from photographing Shirataki Falls, the pampas grass lit by sunlight looked divine, so I took a picture 📷
You can see gleaming pampas grass around town right now 👀
The temperature swings between morning and evening have deepened the autumn colors 🍁
Peak foliage may still be a little way off, but you can already feel the autumn scenery and breeze beyond the leaves 🌰
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Gokase Town Fukushi Festival
This year’s Fukushi Festival was once again wrapped in warm energy! 🙌
The theme this year was “Spreading the Circle of Welfare to Tomorrow.”
True to its name, the welfare center venue was full of smiles and kindness pointing toward Gokase Town’s future 😊
The bazaar, which began at 10:00, was a huge hit 🔥
Many people gathered hunting for bargains, and lively circles of socializing spread throughout the venue 👚
We even saw lots of children carrying stuffed animals bigger than themselves 👀
A variety of stage performances were fantastic, offering entertainment for all ages and bringing the whole venue together in excitement 🔥
Through displays of welfare activities and the bazaar, this Fukushi Festival naturally fostered a spirit of mutual support 🥰
From the staff who helped run the event to local residents and student volunteers, people of all ages—from children to seniors—had a chance to shine 👏
The Fukushi Festival is a truly lovely event where you can feel Gokase’s circle of kindness spreading into tomorrow and beyond.
I already want to join this warm circle again next year ✨
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