7 Tourist Spots in Gokase Town! Explore a Town Full of History and Nature

Speaking of the northern part of Miyazaki Prefecture, Takachiho is famous as a tourist destination, right? But actually, the neighboring town called Gokase is also deeply rooted in history and full of nature, with plenty of sightseeing spots to enjoy. It's also close to Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, so it's possible to travel by car from Kumamoto to Gokase Town and Takachiho.
Gokase Town sits at an elevation of 620 meters, which means it’s hot in summer and cold in winter, with a big temperature difference throughout the year. Thanks to that, you can enjoy beautiful flowers in spring, stunning autumn leaves, and snow in the winter—a town rich in the colors of the four seasons. No matter which season you visit, there’s always something beautiful to see.

Now, let’s introduce some of Gokase Town’s best sightseeing spots!

1. Sangasho Shrine

First on the list of must-see spots in Gokase Town is Sangasho Shrine, located near Takachiho and known as "The Village of the Gods." The main deities enshrined here are Izanami no Mikoto and Izanagi no Mikoto, a male and female pair, making it a popular spot for prayers related to matchmaking and marital harmony. It's also believed to bring blessings for academic success and passing exams. A popular souvenir from Gokase is the "hippocampus amulet," said to aid memory and mental health.
Sangasho Shrine is renowned throughout Kyushu for its diverse architecture and intricate carvings. It's designated as one of Miyazaki Prefecture's tangible cultural properties. In spring, about 300 cherry blossom trees—including weeping cherry trees—bloom around the shrine grounds, transforming it into a colorful and picturesque sight. There's also an annual cherry blossom festival. Other flowers like the Tsukushi Rhododendron and Camellias are abundant here, boasting the largest scale in Western Japan. If you're planning a cherry blossom viewing in Gokase, make sure to visit Sangasho Shrine!

2. Unoko Falls

Unoko Falls is a 20-meter-high waterfall on a tributary of the Sangasho River that flows through Gokase Town. After the rain, the waterfall becomes even more powerful. The water is clear and beautiful, and in autumn, the surrounding area is adorned with vibrant fall colors, creating a magical atmosphere.
There’s a walking trail from Gokase-no-Sato Camp Village that leads close to the waterfall. Be cautious of steep slopes and moss along the way, and make sure to wear comfortable shoes. Unoko Falls is also famous as a “back-view waterfall,” where you can actually go behind the falls and see it from a rare angle. Often called a hidden gem, Unoko Falls is perfect for those who want to fully experience the wonders of nature in Gokase Town.

3. Yamame no Sato

Located along the clear waters of the Gokase River, Yamame no Sato is the first place in Japan to farm yamame trout. There’s a fishing pond nearby, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. It also has a hotel, so you can stay overnight. Their yamame trout dishes are delicious, and you can enjoy a healthy meal featuring mountain vegetables and river fish.
Yamame no Sato is also a base for various hiking and trekking courses, making it a great spot to explore the area. Not only can you enjoy the taste of yamame trout, but you can also fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Gokase’s changing seasons.

4. Shirataki Falls

Shirataki Falls, located on the Aratani River—the source of the Gokase River—boasts a height of 61 meters, three times taller than Unoko Falls. The water cascades down in multiple streams, living up to its name "White Waterfall." Shirataki Falls changes its appearance with each season, but the contrast with autumn foliage is particularly beautiful. If you’re lucky, even in Miyazaki’s mild climate, you might witness the waterfall turning into ice in winter.
If you drive along National Route 265 from Aso in Kumamoto towards Takachiho, you’ll see a sign for the falls. From there, you enter a forest road and drive uphill for a bit to reach the falls. Public transportation isn’t convenient here, so driving is recommended. In winter, the roads can be icy, so be careful when visiting Gokase’s frozen waterfalls.

5. Kuraoka Gion Shrine

The mountain called "Gion-yama," formed by tectonic activity, is deeply connected to the origins of Kyushu Island. It holds an ancient history so profound that fossils of trilobites and corals have been discovered there. Standing on this mountain is Kuraoka Gion Shrine, where Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Oonamuchi-no-Mikoto, and Izanami-no-Mikoto are enshrined. It’s believed to grant blessings for traffic safety and a bountiful harvest.
As you enter the shrine grounds, a sacred ginkgo tree towers above, turning bright yellow in autumn. Gion-yama is also known as a popular hiking course and is one of Gokase Town's favorite nature spots. You can enjoy both the historical charm of Kuraoka Gion Shrine and the beautiful surrounding nature, making it a highly recommended place to visit.

6. Ugeno Falls

Located about 20 minutes by car from Gokase Town Hall, Ugeno Falls is a 20-meter waterfall that flows from a tributary of the Gokase River. Water falls across the entire width of the river, beautifully balanced and well-regarded for its symmetry. It's a great spot to take a quick detour while on a sightseeing drive.
You can walk close to the basin of the waterfall, where you can really feel the power of the falling water. Nearby, there’s the "Obiraizumi Park," where you can park your car and take a leisurely walk to the falls. Along the way, you’ll find streams and a pleasant walking path, making it an enjoyable experience. It’s one of the must-visit tourist spots in Gokase Town.

7. Kiritachi-goe

Kiritachi-goe is a historic mountain trail connecting Mount Mukosaka and Mount Ogiyama. Legend has it that during the Battle of Dan-no-Ura, the defeated Taira clan escaped through this path to Shiiba. It’s also known as the escape route for the Satsuma army after their defeat in the Satsuma Rebellion, known as Japan's last civil war.
In 1995, the trail was restored as a trekking course. During the restoration, the rare "Kiritachi Yamazakura" and the "Phantom Waterfall" were discovered. Along the trail, you’ll find many highlights such as a fossil forest, rock caves, giant beech trees, virgin forests, and scenic hills.
This trekking course takes about 6 to 7 hours to complete. Access to both the starting and ending points is limited, so it’s not ideal for casual sightseeing. However, with proper preparation, it’s one of Gokase Town’s top recommended spots for serious hikers and nature lovers.

◎ Summary

Gokase Town may not be very well known as a tourist destination. However, since it’s located next to the popular tourist areas of Takachiho and Aso, it offers deep historical sites and stunning natural beauty. Especially for trekking and nature observation enthusiasts, Kiritachi-goe is a must-visit attraction.
When planning a trip through the heart of Kyushu, make sure to include Gokase Town in your itinerary!