Kikuchi Gorge

photo by 690 Noda · CC BY 3.0

photo by アラツク · CC BY-SA 4.0

Closed on 30 July 2026 because of the earthquake, reopened on 3 August: four days shut.

It is a gorge carved by the Kikuchi River in broadleaf woodland, with waterfalls, pools of clear water and maintained trails along the stream; it changes with the seasons, from wisteria in spring to autumn foliage. The earthquake of 28 July 2026 triggered an entry ban from 30 July, lifted on 3 August 2026: four days of closure, according to the official notices on the management site. Swimming is prohibited because of the current and the risk of falling into the waterfalls.

The gorge is in the municipality of Kikuchi, north of Kumamoto, in a stretch of forest where the Kikuchi River has cut into the volcanic rock of the Aso area. It is open to the public with staff on site from 1 April to 30 November, 8:30–17:00; outside this period you can enter, but with no one on duty. Admission costs 500 yen from high school upwards and goes towards trail maintenance and environmental protection; the car park is free. The area closes during heavy rain alerts. After the earthquake of 28 July 2026 entry was banned on 30 July and reopened on 3 August. Check for any new notices before your visit.

ℹ️ Open with staff from 1 April to 30 November, 8:30–17:00; out of season you can still get in, but it is unattended. Admission 500 yen (high school and up), free below that, free car park. Closes during weather alerts for heavy rain. ⚠️ It was closed from 30 July to 3 August 2026 because of the earthquake: the official page (kikuchikeikoku.com) is the source to check for new notices before a trip.

Sources: kikuchikeikoku.com

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