What to Visit in Kikuchi

Jul 29, 2024

What to Visit in Kikuchi

Kyushu, in general, is packed with great outdoor adventures — from mountains to climb and trails to cycle to rivers to wade in and forests to bathe in. One of the best places to enjoy all these kinds of adventures is Kikuchi. During your visit, make sure you see all the following places.

1. Kikuchi Gorge

The highlight of Kikuchi is the gorge — this is what most people visit the area to see. Part of the Kikuchigawa River, the gorge is four kilometers long and features several walking trails through the forest. The waterfall is particularly impressive when water levels are high. During the rest of the year, the area is ideal for forest bathing, bird watching, and enjoying the colors and sounds of nature.

2. Kamogawa Riverside Park

Spend more time at the river by visiting Kamogawa Riverside Park. This is the ideal place for families with children because it has a large playground, but it’s also a great choice if you’re looking for somewhere to relax outdoors, including if you want to cool off in the river.

3. Kikuchi Shrine

Although it’s small, Kikuchi Shrine is worth visiting, not least for the surroundings. It’s located at the top of a hill, where you have views of the city below. The spot is particularly attractive during the spring (when there are cherry blossoms) and during the fall (for the autumn foliage), but it’s a popular place to visit all year round. Complete your trip with a stop at the small shop to purchase amulets and plaques.

4. Kikuchi Park

Another outdoor spot is Kikuchi Park, located close to the shrine. Climb to the top of the hill for more views of the city. During the fall, a ginkgo tree adds a touch of yellow to the expanse of red leaves. The park’s biggest claim to fame, though, is its Bench for Two, which won the Love Bench Design Competition in 2019.

5. Onsen

There are several onsen in Kikuchi, any of which is perfect for a relaxing soak. What makes them unique is that they were only discovered in the 1950s, whereas most in the country have been known for hundreds of years. The water in Kikuchi is rich in minerals and reaches high temperatures — two qualities that are said to have health benefits.

6. Kikuchikeikoku Mizunoeki

It’s difficult to define Kikuchikeikoku Mizunoeki. Its main attraction is a fishing pond — visitors rent a fishing pole and pay for any fish they catch with the option to have the fish cooked (at no extra cost). There are so many fish in the pond, you’re sure to catch something in no time. Other activities here include a go-kart course and ninja training. There’s also a campsite, making it a good alternative to a guesthouse if you want to stay the night in Kikuchi.

7. Kyokushi Village Fureai Center

Before you leave Kikuchi, pay Kyokushi Village Fureai Center a visit. Here, you can pick up products like Asahi beef and other local produce. There’s also a restaurant where you can try dishes made with many of the products the store sells.

There’s plenty to see in Kikuchi for a day or two. Consider staying over a weekend to ensure you have time to do everything.

江頭潤吉, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons