Autumn is one of the best times to explore Kumamoto on foot. As the summer heat fades, forests turn red and gold, susuki pampas grass covers the hillsides, and cooler temperatures make longer walks much more comfortable. From easy lakeside strolls in Kumamoto City to hikes across the volcanic landscapes of Aso, here are four walks worth trying this autumn.

Ezu Lake

For an easy autumn walk without leaving Kumamoto City, head to Ezu Lake (Ezu-ko) in Higashi Ward. Fed by underground spring water from the Aso region, the lake is surrounded by greenery and walking paths and provides a peaceful escape from the busier parts of the city.

There are various routes around the upper and lower sections of the lake, so you can make your walk as short or long as you like. The mostly flat terrain makes this a good choice for families and casual walkers, and there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the waterside scenery.

Ezu Lake is pleasant throughout the year rather than being one of Kumamoto’s most dramatic autumn foliage spots. However, the cooler temperatures and changing vegetation make autumn an especially comfortable time to explore it.

Address: Ezu 3-11-8, Higashi Ward, Kumamoto 862-0942

Kikuchi Gorge

If autumn colours are your priority, Kikuchi Gorge should be near the top of the list. Around 1 to 1.5 hours by car from central Kumamoto, the gorge lies in a forested area on the outer slopes of the Aso region and is known for its clear water, waterfalls, and maple trees.

There are short walking routes through the gorge, making it possible to experience the scenery without committing to a full-day hike. The paths pass waterfalls, pools, moss-covered rocks, and dense woodland, with the leaves typically adding splashes of red, orange, and yellow during the autumn season.

Kikuchi Gorge is also associated with shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, so this is a particularly good option if you want a slow, peaceful nature walk. Some paths and rocks can become slippery, however, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Website: Kikuchi Gorge (Japanese, carries the current access and closure notices)

Website (in English): Kikuchi City tourism

Tawarayama

For something more energetic, try Tawarayama, on the western side of the Aso area. The mountain reaches 1,095 metres and offers wide views over the surrounding grasslands and the Aso caldera.

Autumn is an especially attractive time to visit because the hillsides become covered with golden susuki pampas grass. One option is to start from Tawarayama View Park and hike towards the summit. Allow around three hours for the return trip, depending on your pace and conditions.

Even if you don’t want to complete the summit hike, the viewpoint and surrounding grasslands make Tawarayama worthwhile. On a clear day, views can extend towards Kumamoto City, the Ariake Sea, and Mount Unzen.

Website: Tawarayama

Mount Aso

No list of Kumamoto walks would be complete without Mount Aso, one of Japan’s best-known active volcanic landscapes. The Aso area contains a huge caldera and the five peaks known collectively as Aso Gogaku: Takadake, Nakadake, Nekodake, Kishimadake, and Eboshidake.

You don’t have to tackle the highest peaks to enjoy an autumn walk here. Kusasenri, with its sweeping grasslands beneath the volcanic peaks, is an excellent starting point. During autumn, the green summer landscape gradually turns shades of brown and gold, with susuki adding to the scenery.

More active walkers can consider nearby Kishimadake or Eboshidake, while experienced hikers have longer routes towards Takadake, the highest of the five peaks at 1,592 metres.

Because Aso is an active volcanic area, trails and access restrictions can change at short notice. Always check the latest volcanic alerts, weather conditions, and trail information before setting out.

Website: Mt. Aso Visitor Center

STA3816, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons