RV Park smart Gokase Winery

While viewing the mountains of the Kyushu mountain range,
Staying in the car tonight with a glass of wine in hand

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Map of RV Park smart Gokase Winery

RV Park smart Gokase Winery and surroundings

Unoko Waterfall

Waterfall falling into a hole in the earth created by pyroclastic flow in Aso

Gokase Town is home to a variety of waterfalls, large and small, famous and unknown. The Unoko Waterfall, with its 5,000 m2 waterfall basin and 20 m drop, is surrounded by strange columnar-jointed rocks that look like a hole in the mountains, formed by pyroclastic flows from the Aso Eruption 100,000 years ago. The vast waterfall basin and surrounding forest create a mysterious landscape. A boardwalk leads to the waterfall basin, and the view from there is very impressive. From the observatory on the other side of the river, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the waterfall and the waterfall basin, and enjoy the scenery that changes from season to season.

Saiyoungsan Josenji Temple

A 300-year-old weeping cherry tree soothes the hearts of worshippers.

Founded in 1615 by Goto Magotayu, a surviving retainer of the Toyotomi family, who entered the temple. Although the temple is a Honganji temple of the Jodo Shin sect, it was originally a Tendai sect temple as a separate Kannon temple of the neighboring Futakami Daimyojin. The temple was destroyed by fire twice, and the current main hall was built at the end of the Meiji period (1868-1912). In 1973, the three-story pagoda was completed as an ossuary. Within the grounds is a 300-year-old weeping cherry tree, designated as a natural monument by Miyazaki Prefecture, which was planted in the Edo period (1603-1868) by the ninth chief priest, who brought a seedling back from Gion, Kyoto. It is a variant of the Edohigan cherry tree, also known as Itozakura, and attracts many tourists from within and outside of the prefecture when in bloom.

Uge Waterfall

Gods are upset because of lack of courtesy. Small waterfall of folklore and legend.

Uge Falls, which spans the main stream of the Mikashogawa River valley originating in the southern part of Gokase Town, is a small waterfall with a 15-meter drop and lacks power, but when the water volume increases due to rain, the sight of the waterfall spreading across the width of the river can be seen. There is a legend about this waterfall. When people asked the waterfall god to lend them bowls for celebrations or to entertain guests, the god would let the bowls float in the waterfall basin. One time, when the bowl was returned missing, the god became angry and stopped lending the bowl. In order to protect the water of Uge-no-taki Falls, which still bears such a legend, a water god is enshrined at the foot of the waterfall and has been passed down as an important water source in the Sangasho-Sakamoto area.

Shirataki

Beautiful waterfalls in all seasons at the end of a difficult traffic route.

The sight of the white waterfalls cascading down from the steep cliffs of the canyon is truly spectacular. Located at an elevation of 900 meters, the waterfall has a drop of 60 meters. The fresh green season is refreshing, the summer breezes are refreshing, the fall is colored with autumn leaves, and the entire area sometimes freezes over in the winter, creating a mysterious world. The contrast with the autumn leaves is especially wonderful, and the area is crowded with many photographers and tourists. However, the road leading to Shirataki Falls has sections where it is difficult for vehicles to pass each other, so it is necessary to make sure of the safety of vehicles. A light camping class vehicle may be appropriate.

Gokase Highland Ski Area

Can you ski in tropical Miyazaki? Japan's southernmost natural ski resort

It is the southernmost natural ski resort in Japan and boasts the best slopes in Kyushu. The highest point is 1,610 meters above sea level, with two courses: the Paradise Course with an average slope of 13 degrees and elevation differences of 190 meters and 1,000 meters, and the Dynamic Course with the same 18 degrees and a maximum slope of 650 meters with a hard burn of 30 degrees. The course layout satisfies skiers and snowboarders from beginners to experts. Open from early December to early March.

Suyang Gorge

Trekking and canoeing in Kyushu's Grand Canyon

Gokase Town borders Kumamoto Prefecture, and the Soyokyo Gorge in Yamato Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, is just a stone's throw from the Gokase Winery. The gorge is formed by the Gokase River, which originates in the central Kyushu Mountains. It is a U-shaped gorge, which is rare in Japan, created by the Gokase River over many years carving out a plateau of Aso tuff in the southern outer rim of the Aso Mountains. The gorge is 200m to 300m wide, with sheer cliffs 150m to 200m high stretching for about 14km. The gorge is also beautiful in late October and early November, when the entire area is tinted with autumn leaves.

Kunimigaoka Observatory

Sea of clouds appearing early in the morning in late autumn Immersed in the world of Japanese mythology

From the Gokase Winery, drive Prefectural Routes 8 and 203 and you will reach the Kunimigaoka Observatory in the neighboring town of Takachiho. Located at an elevation of 513 meters above sea level, it is a famous spot for viewing the sea of clouds. The sea of clouds appears early in the morning from early October to late November, depending on weather and other conditions, although it appears only a few times a year. In 2011, it was awarded one star in the Michelin Green Guide Japon, a world-renowned guidebook. On weekends during the sea of clouds season, many tourists visit early in the morning.

Pet hospitals in the area

Gokase Veterinary Hospital

Koorogi Veterinary Hospital