Kumamoto

Beautiful Mountain Stream

Green Kikuchi Valley in northwest Aso Mountain Range

Takako Sakamoto Apr 15, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>Yonju-sanman (430,000 in Japanese) Waterfall. 78,000 tons of water flows here per day.</p>

<p>Are 'world of green' and the word 'refreshing'  synonyms?</p>

<p>Tengu Waterfall seen from the second bridge of a riverside pathway</p>

<p>This giant tree seems like a tree from one of the movies created by Studio Ghibli. It is full of vital energy.</p>

<p>With mountain streams, the green color changes from deep to light depending on the amount of light and the depth of water</p>

<p>A beautiful picture made by moss-covered rock and fallen leaves! What nature can create amazes me!</p>

<p>Water flowing over rocks and the fresh green in the background...I wanted to watch this scenery forever!</p>

On the last day of April in 2012, when the water was becoming warmer, I visited Kikuchi Valley in Kumamoto prefecture. This valley is located at 500 to 800 meters above sea level,northwest of the outer craters of Mt. Aso.

The Kikuchi River flows from Kikuchi Valley, which is covered by the dense greenery of broad-leaf trees. The beautiful scenery created by clear waterfalls and their basins in various sizes here is a wonderful sight. Walking along a riverside path and appreciating the tranquil beauty is so soothing. On the surface of water, the fresh green of surrounding trees and mosses covering the rocks is clearly reflected. When you feel like touching and feeling nature, Kikuchi Valley is a place for you!

Takako Sakamoto @takako.sakamoto

I was born in and grew up in Tokushima prefecture, and have lived in many places since then: Nishinomiya, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Fukuoka and Fukui. I am currently living in Yokohama City. All the places I lived, all the places I visited, I have loved dearly. The histor...