Kikuchi Gorge
Open by month
Partly closed in January: December to March: no staff on site and the visitor center is closed. Paths can be icy. New Year (Dec 29 – Jan 3): shorter hours or partly closed.
Partly closed in February: December to March: no staff on site and the visitor center is closed. Paths can be icy.
Partly closed in March: December to March: no staff on site and the visitor center is closed. Paths can be icy.
Open in April. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in May. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in June. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in July. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in August. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in September. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in October. No seasonal closure recorded.
Open in November — at its best. Autumn leaves.
Partly closed in December: December to March: no staff on site and the visitor center is closed. Paths can be icy. New Year (Dec 29 – Jan 3): shorter hours or partly closed.
Checked against the official site on 2026-10-12.
Clear spring water from Aso runs over falls and pools through broadleaf forest on the outer rim of the caldera. Easy walking paths line the stream.
100 Famous Waters of Japan; Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls
Nearby
- Daikanbo Lookout ≈ 30 min by car
- Kikuchi Castle Ruins (Kikuchijo) ≈ 40 min by car
- Kusasenri (Mt. Aso) ≈ 45 min by car
- Aso Shrine ≈ 45 min by car
- Nabegataki Falls ≈ 45 min by car
Travel times are rough estimates by car.
- Best time
- November — Autumn leaves
- Closed or limited
- December to March: no staff on site and the visitor center is closed. Paths can be icy.
- Getting there
- About 50 min by car from Ueki IC (about 1 h 30 min from Kumamoto Station)
Easier with a tour or car - Fee
- ¥500 (high school age and up)
- Good to know
- Entry is banned after earthquakes or heavy rain warnings. Check the official site first.
- Time needed
- 1 h 30 min
Checked against the official Japanese website on 2026-10-12. Report outdated info