Takamori and Minami-Aso: Rural Village and Clear River Village Spreading on Aso Outer Rim

Takamori and Minami-Aso: A Spectacular Area of Water, Greenery, and Outer Rim Mountains

Takamori Town and Minami-Aso Village, Kumamoto Prefecture, are agricultural areas spreading on the southern slope of the Aso outer rim mountains. "Spring water clusters" where Aso's subsurface water surfaces at various locations are famous, with "spring water clusters within Minami-Aso Village (including Shirakawa Suigen)" selected among "Japan's Top 100 Water Sources."

Shirakawa Suigen

"Shirakawa Suigen" is a famous spring water site where 60 tons of fresh water per minute spring up. The sight of highly transparent water springing up is beautiful, attracting many tourists. Coffee and tofu made with spring water are also local specialties.

Kusabe Yoshimi Shrine and Takamori Pumping Tunnel

"Kusabe Yoshimi Shrine" is a rare "kudari-miya (descending shrine)" nationwide with its main hall at the bottom of stone steps down a path. "Takamori Suigen Tunnel Park" made a stopped mid-construction railroad tunnel into a park — a mysterious spot where spring water flows from inside.

Rural Scenery and Driving

South Aso's farmland has beautiful seasonal flowers, with outer rim mountain scenery enjoyable combined with spring rape blossoms, summer sunflowers, and autumn cosmos. Views from outer rim "Tawara Mountain Exchange Hall Moe no Sato" are particularly spectacular.

Access

Nearest station is Minami-Aso Railway "Takamori Station." Approximately 30 minutes by Minami-Aso Railway from JR Tateno Station (Hohi Main Line).