Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Experience: Footpaths A footpath refers to a route where you can walk while enjoying unspoiled nature, old townscapes, rice paddies and other pastoral scenery. Each footpath comes with a dedicated map, and directional signs are posted along the course, so you follow those as you walk. You can enjoy this footpath simply by following the map and signs, but its appeal is greatest on a guided tour. A local guide who knows the settlement’s history, culture and natural features will multiply the footpath’s interest many times over. <Fees> ・Adults (junior high school and older) ¥3,000 ・Elementary school students ¥2,000 *Operated for groups of two or more (elementary students must be accompanied by a guardian) <Booking> Gokase Nature School Postal code 882-1201 6452-Otsu Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture Phone: 0982-73-6366 ●Course Introductions● 1. Footpath: Gokasecho Miyano-hara District Miyano-hara is an old settlement dotted with many weeping cherry trees, led by a roughly 300-year-old shidarezakura at Josenji Temple. Sankasho Shrine, which has an inner sanctuary on Mt. Futagami—said to be the landing place of the heavenly grandson—features beautiful rhododendrons and the shrine building is adorned with superb carvings of hippocampi. The river is crossed by a stone-built megane (arch) bridge, and the course includes the “Bird’s Nest” terraced rice field selected among the Top 100 Terraced Rice Fields, stepped fields, bamboo groves and mixed woods—a sunny, peaceful route worthy of recognition as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage. We recommend walking here in spring when the cherry trees are in full bloom. <Schedule> 9:30–12:00 (about 2.5 hours) <Meeting place> Gokase Onsen Kijiya (9223 Hirokino, Sankasho, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture) <Notes> Footpath bento ¥700 and up (reservation required) ◎Special offer: discounted admission to Gokase Onsen Kijiya (Adults ¥500→¥300, Children ¥300→¥200) 2. Footpath: Gokasecho Kasabe District A small hamlet of about ten households located on the northern edge of Mount Gion-yama, considered the birthplace of the Gion tradition in Kyushu. The spring water that wells up from Gion-yama is true famous water. To make use of this water for community development, locals built a log-house pavilion from local cedar and named it Kasabe Water Station. The highlight is a giant hinoki cypress said to be 700–800 years old. It is nicknamed “God’s Hand” because it resembles a powerful man’s left hand, and it draws many visitors. <Meeting time> 9:30–12:00 (about 2.5 hours) <Meeting place> Kasabe Water Station (Kuraoka, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture) <Notes> Footpath bento ¥700 and up (reservation required) 3. Footpath: Gokasecho Kuwanonai District Kuwanonai is a village with spectacular views of Mt. Aso from anywhere and beautiful sunsets. With many tea fields, it traditionally produces pan-fried tea that has won imperial awards. Recently, black tea made from Japanese tea leaves has become popular, and the area also cultivates flowers, cherry tomatoes and grapes, and raises domestic black Wagyu cattle—farming and livestock remain the core industries. The cozy farm-stay program promoted by the Sunset Village Development Council is popular; students from across Asia visit on school trips. <Meeting time> 9:30–12:00 (about 2.5 hours) <Meeting place> Gokase Winery (4847-1 Kuwanonai, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture) <Notes> Footpath bento ¥700 and up (reservation required) 4. Footpath: Gokasecho Habu District Historically active in trade with Bungo Province (Oita Prefecture), this area once served as a logistics hub. Today it is the inner retreat of Kuwanonai, backed by steep terrain and Kyushu’s magnificent mountains, including Mt. Aso. Photographers and painters favor many spots here, and you can find quintessential rural scenery that feels truly countryside. The course has many ups and downs, offering a bit of a hiking experience. <Meeting time> 9:30–12:00 (about 2.5 hours) <Meeting place> Gokase Town Coexistence Welfare Facility (1514-5 Kuwanonai, Gokasecho, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture) <Notes> Footpath bento ¥700 and up (reservation required)