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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Gion’s Great Hinoki in Gokasecho, Miyazaki Prefecture
This hinoki was hidden from public view for a long time but came to attention during Gokasecho’s “Search for Local Treasures” in 2000.
Its large trunk splits into eight distinctive branches partway up, creating a striking shape.
Located inside an old cemetery, it is believed to have been planted as a guardian tree.
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Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Sightseeing Spot: Gion Shrine
Gion Shrine was founded around the 16th year of Emperor Kinmei’s reign (around 525 AD) when an epidemic swept the Chihogō area in central Kyushu. It was established in Kuraoka, at the heart of the region, as a protector deity prayed to for the removal of disease and misfortune.
Locals affectionately call it “Gion-san.”
On the shrine grounds stands a zelkova tree said to have been planted by Nasu Daihachiro and Munemasa when they visited in Genkyu 2 (1205). Designated a town natural monument, this giant tree is about 37 meters tall and has an estimated age of roughly 800 years.
Deities enshrined: Sobo no Kami / Susanoo no Mikoto, Izanami no Mikoto, Oonamuchi no Mikoto, Kushinadahime no Mikoto, Itsuse no Mikoto, Somin Shorai, Kotan Shorai, Tenman Tenjin, Ashinazuchi no Kami, Tenazuchi no Kami, Inari Daimyojin
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Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Sightseeing Spot: Furuto-no Shrine
The founding date is unknown.
According to shrine tradition, when the loyal retainer Shibahara Matazaburo Nyudo Shotora of the Yoshino court moved from Shibahara in Osekata Village to Kuwanochi Yokodori, he is said to have brought the three deities of Kumano that had been worshipped in Shibahara to this site.
Since ancient times the shrine has been revered as the Shrine of the Fire God. When a parishioner’s house faced fire, mysterious sounds would reportedly arise within the shrine to warn of it, and the parishioners would stay at the shrine to perform rituals to avert the fire.
On the grounds stand three giant cedar trees about 580 years old and over 30 meters tall, designated as town natural monuments. A kaya tree likewise designated as a town natural monument is a giant estimated at about 600 years old and 34 meters tall.
Spring Festival: Early April
Grand Annual Festival: September 23
Night Kagura: Early January
Deities enshrined: Izanagi no Mikoto, Izanami no Mikoto, Kagutsuchi no Mikoto, with Fujiwara no Michizane also enshrined.
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Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Tourist Spot: Uge Falls
There is a legend about Uge Falls.
“Long ago, when people hosted celebrations or received guests, they would ask the waterfall pool, ‘Please lend me a bowl,’ and by the next morning a bowl would be floating in the pool. Once, someone returned a bowl with a piece missing, and the gods became angry and stopped lending bowls.”
To protect the water of Uge Falls, a water deity is enshrined at the foot of the falls. The site has been cherished by previous generations as an important water source for Ohara Iseki Park and the Mikasa Sakamoto district, and it continues to be carefully preserved.
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Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Tourist Spot: Akebono azalea
On Mt. Futagami, which sits on the border between Gokasecho and Takachiho, you can see Akebono azalea from around mid-April each year.
Mt. Futagami has two peaks, Otodake and Onnadake, and the Akebono azalea that is relatively easy to see grows on Onnadake.
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Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Tourist Spot: Shimonohara Terraced Rice Fields
The Shimonohara terraced rice fields are among the largest in Gokase, and such an extensive set of rice terraces carved into a mountain valley is rare. The embankments form graceful curves that create a magnificent terraced landscape.
In the Uchino-kuchi district of Shimonohara, a siphon—an important irrigation structure—exists in three places, and the first siphon was built in the Taisho era.
Although only the bridge piers remain today, a siphon erected near the entrance commemorates the Shimonohara terraces and the great achievements of those who came before.
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Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Tourist Spot: Torinusu Rice Terrace
Torinusu Rice Terrace features rice terraces that spread in two directions, offering a panoramic view over the village to the east and west that is well worth seeing.
There is a bust of Togoro Goto, a pioneer who opened three irrigation channels at Josenji Temple, and information indicates that Torinusu Rice Terrace is located nearby.
A branch irrigation channel from Torinusu Rice Terrace receives drainage from the mountainside, helping to protect farmland, roads (National Route 503) and other public facilities downstream. The terraces also collect water, contributing to flood prevention.
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Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Sightseeing Spot: Hikage Rice Terraces
The water for the Hikage rice terraces comes from the spring water of Myoken Shrine in Kuraoka.
The spring at Myoken Shrine is so popular that people come from other prefectures to collect it, and it is famous as a local tourist attraction.
Behind the Hikage rice terraces stands Gion-yama, said to be the birthplace of Kyushu, creating a scenic harmony with the village and the mountain. The area also hosts events such as Gokase Highland Ski Resort activities, the Gion Shrine Festival, and the Myoken Shrine Grand Festival, and the community is working to revitalize the village by making the most of its landscape.
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Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Sightseeing Spot: Shirataki
Shirataki is a 60-meter waterfall located at an elevation of 900 meters.
As its name suggests, the waterfall’s striking beauty comes from a sheer cliff over which a white sheet of water seems to hang.
The contrast with autumn foliage is particularly stunning, drawing many photographers and visitors.
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Miyazaki Prefecture Gokasecho Tourist Spot: Unoko Falls
Unoko Falls features a 20-meter drop and a plunge pool covering 5,000 square meters.
Surrounded by dramatic columnar jointing rock formations, the magnificent falls overwhelm any onlooker.
A riverside trail from the Mitsukawa Iwagami area brings visitors close enough to feel the waterfall’s power, and
a viewpoint on the opposite bank offers a full view of the falls and plunge pool, revealing different moods through the seasons.
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