Late Autumn Crossing Kyushu—The Autumn Foliage Hunt in the Hyrule Continent

Although the route was planned for autumn foliage hunting, the scenery gained was far more than just red maple leaves. Traveling from Kumamoto all the way to Beppu, I marveled at Kyushu’s diverse landscapes, as if stepping into a real-life version of the Hyrule Continent. Continuing from the previous article, starting from Kirishima and driving into the deep mountains, you reach Gokanosho in Kumamoto, where the mountain foliage and suspension bridge scenery complement each other, rarely visited by people. Moving on, there is the famous Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki; boating under the autumn foliage waterfall and riding the Amaterasu train across Japan’s highest railway bridge is a rare life experience. Circling back to the Aso area in Kumamoto, the view evokes a strong sense of the Hyrule Continent, quite spectacular. At the foot of the mountain, Aso Shrine, Irokezumi Kumanoza Shrine (the pilgrimage site of Firefly Forest), and Kikuchi Gorge further showcase the unique blend of Aso’s mountainous nature and Shintoism. Leaving Aso, you arrive at the bustling hot spring town of Yufuin and the mountain-sea town of Beppu. The Sea Hell and the Global Tower, the hot spring street under Mount Yufu, and Kinrin Lake are undoubtedly must-visit spots after soaking in the hot springs.