Following the Sound of Waterfalls: Kikuchi Gorge and Kikuchi Shrine Honoring the Kikuchi Clan

Drive north from Kumamoto City and exit at Ueki IC on the Kyushu Expressway to reach two notable sites in Kikuchi City: Kikuchi Gorge nestled in the forests of Aso’s outer rim mountains, and Kikuchi Shrine located in the Kumafu district downtown. From Ueki IC, it takes about 25 minutes by car to Kikuchi Shrine and about 50 minutes to Kikuchi Gorge.

Kikuchi Gorge reopened for visitors starting August 4, 2026. This year also brought changes to both the admission fees and parking arrangements.

Kikuchi Gorge (Hara, Kikuchi City)

Kikuchi Gorge is a natural recreational forest located on the northwest side of the Aso outer rim mountains. Spanning 1,193 hectares at an elevation of 500 to 800 meters, this forest is recognized as one of Japan’s Top 100 Famous Waters and Top 100 Waterfalls.
Kikuchi Gorge listing page

At the gorge entrance stands Kakehaku Waterfall. Walking further inside, you’ll encounter Reimei Waterfall, Tengu Waterfall with an 8-meter drop, Ryugafuchi Pond, and Shijusanman Waterfall. The Shijusanman Waterfall is one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls.

• Open season: April 1 to November 30 (annually). Outside this period, entry is possible but no staff are present.
• Opening hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Admission: 500 yen for high school students and above; free for junior high school students and younger. A 200-yen discount coupon valid at the Kikuchi Onsen day-use hot springs is included with the receipt.
• Parking: Free (First parking lot holds about 80 cars; second and central parking lots open only during busy periods)
• Access: About 50 minutes from Ueki IC by car / About 1 hour from Aso Kumamoto Airport
• Inquiries: 0968-27-0210 (Kikuchi Gorge Management Office)

Kikuchi Gorge may close during heavy rain warnings. On rainy days, it is advisable to check with the management office before visiting.

Evening Gorge Illumination

In 2026, the Kikuchi Tourism Association will hold a light-up event for 10 days between November 20 and December 6, on Fridays through Sundays and holidays. The dates are November 20–23, 27–29, and December 4–6, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. During these times, the gorge parking lots will be closed, and visitors can only access the gorge via shuttle buses departing from the Kikuchi City Furusato Sosei Citizens’ Plaza. Tickets are priced at 2,700 yen for high school students and above, and 1,500 yen for elementary and junior high students. These include round-trip shuttle bus fare and an onsen voucher. Payments are accepted via credit card or Apple Pay only.

Sources:

• Kikuchi Tourism Association “Breathtaking ‘Kikuchi Gorge’ – The Contrast of Stream and Forest” (Updated Oct 17, 2026; checked Oct 21, 2026)
• Kumamoto Prefecture Tourism Federation “Kikuchi Gorge” (Checked Oct 21, 2026)
• Kikuchi Tourism Association “Aso Kuju National Park Kikuchi Gorge Light-up Vol. 5” (Updated Nov 2, 2026; checked Nov 3, 2026)

Kikuchi Shrine (Kumafu, Kikuchi City)

Kikuchi Shrine was established in 1870 (Meiji 3). The Kikuchi clan flourished in the Kikuchi region for about 450 years from the late Heian period through the Sengoku period. The shrine enshrines the twelfth head Taketoki, the thirteenth head Take shige, and the fifteenth head Takemitsu as its main deities.
Kikuchi Shrine listing page

Within the shrine grounds is a history museum exhibiting ancient documents related to the Kikuchi clan, family codes, a thousand-spears collection, Noh theater costumes, and masks. The museum’s hours and admission fees are not listed on the prefectural tourism site, so it is recommended to call the shrine ahead for confirmation.

• Address: 1257 Kumafu, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture
• Parking: Available
• Access: About 25 minutes from Ueki IC by car / About 60 minutes from JR Kumamoto Station
• Inquiries: 0968-25-2549

Sources:

• Kumamoto Prefecture Tourism Federation “Kikuchi Shrine” (Checked Oct 21, 2026)
• Kikuchi Tourism Association “About the Kikuchi Clan and Their Swords” (Checked Oct 22, 2026)

Morning at the Gorge, Afternoon in Kumafu

The staff are present in the gorge only from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., so walking the gorge in the morning and visiting Kikuchi Shrine in Kumafu on the way back is a good schedule, allowing you to see both in daylight. The 200-yen discount voucher included with the gorge admission ticket can be used at day-use hot springs in Kikuchi Onsen.

If you need a place to rest on your return, there is a roadside station in the same city: Michi-no-Eki Shichijo Melon Dome.
Michi-no-Eki Shichijo Melon Dome listing page

Photo (Kikuchi Gorge): ©Kumamoto Prefecture Tourism Federation

(Information in this article is current as of October 21, 2026. Illumination details as of November 3, 2026.)