Yunotsubo Kaido | Review by 陳泰任

Kinrin Lake

Kinrin Lake is one of many popular tourist spots in the hot springs town of Yufuin. The lake sits under Mt. Yufu and as such was called takemoto-no-ike (lit. “lake under the mountain”) for years. However, it was renamed to Kinrin, or “golden scales”, by Mori Kuso in 1884 when he saw the golden glimmering scales of fish as they swam at sunset.

• Oita
• Nature Spots

Spirit Lake?? Kinrin Lake

When I first heard the name “Kinrin Lake,” I couldn’t help imagining a mysterious, fantasy-like lake where kappa spirits might live. It wasn’t until I saw it in person that I understood “golden scales” refers to the golden shimmer on the lake’s surface when the sunlight hits it, like fish scales. Kinrin Lake in June doesn’t have the romance of spring cherry blossoms and morning mist, the colorful mix of autumn maples and ginkgo leaves, or the dreamy white of the first winter snow. Instead, it shows off a fresh, refined beauty that feels unique to summer.

After a light rain, the lake looked especially clear and peaceful, like a naturally formed mirror reflecting the surrounding greenery and sky. The mysterious torii gate in the lake adds an even deeper, more enigmatic atmosphere to the scenery. Setting aside its religious meaning, purely from a photography perspective, the torii gate, lake surface, distant mountains, and reflections all come together to create a beautifully layered focal point. The moment I stood by the lake and pressed the shutter, it felt like more than just scenery. It was a natural painting that changes constantly with the seasons, the rain, and the light. The beauty of Kinrin Lake isn’t about one season standing above the rest, but about how every visit offers a unique view that belongs only to that moment and can never be repeated.

Daikanbo

Mount Aso is the volcanic area and 5 peaks along the large caldera that was created as the result of 4 large eruptions some 270,000 to 90,000 years ago. Here, inside this world’s largest caldera and volcanic area you’ll find a train line running through the three local municipalities of Aso, Takamori and Minamiaso, towards the 50,000 people who live there.

• Kumamoto
• Nature Spots

After Typhoon Mekkhala passed, we visited Daikanbo, a famous spot in Aso, Kumamoto. We had been looking forward to the sweeping, majestic views of Mount Aso’s outer rim that we’d seen in travel guides. Instead, we were greeted by thick fog so dense we could barely see in front of us.

The clouds and mist draped over the mountaintop like a light veil, with the scenery appearing and disappearing before our eyes. For a moment, it was hard to tell whether we were at Qingtiangang in Taipei or Daikanbo in Kumamoto, Japan.

A fine drizzle was falling, so we quickened our pace from the parking lot to the observation deck. Although we couldn’t see the grand mountains and grasslands, we experienced a different kind of quiet, mysterious atmosphere. At the viewpoint, two deity statues were wearing cute Kumamon scarves, as if silently watching over every traveler who had come from afar. They added a touch of warmth and surprise to the rainy journey.

Perhaps the most charming thing about Daikanbo is not only its wide-open views under clear skies, but also the completely different faces it shows in different weather. The blend of thick fog, light rain, and a gentle breeze gave this trip an unexpected sense of wonder, making it one of my most memorable Kumamoto landscapes.

Aso Shrine (Kumamoto)

The master god who has created Aso, Takei Watatsu no Mikoto, and 12 of his family gods are enshrined here. As the head of Higo Province, this is ranked top over nearly 500 branch Aso Shrines nationwide. Its history goes back more than 2000 years. Its faith is fused with volcano worship that believes Mt. Aso to be a god.

• Kumamoto
• Shrines & Temples

I visited Shirakawa Spring Shrine in Minami-Aso, Kumamoto, Japan. The crystal-clear spring water flows year-round, and the cool water instantly washed away the summer heat. It also made me slow down and soak in the quiet afternoon, enjoying nature’s purest kind of healing.

Just as we were about to leave, we happened to notice a roadside vendor’s map marking the “Great Stone Footprint of Aso Daigongen.” Curious, we followed our phone map and set off along a country road for about 20 minutes, beginning an unexpected little adventure.

The fields along the way were peaceful, with only the sound of wheels and the wind breaking the silence. When we arrived, a massive rock stood quietly before us. According to Aso mythology, it is said to be the sacred footprint left by Takeiwatatsu-no-Mikoto, also known as Aso Daigongen. Local residents later rediscovered this sacred site through references in old records, giving the huge stone an even deeper sense of history and faith.

There are no big crowds here, and there aren’t many tourist facilities. Because it’s remote and not easy to access, tour groups rarely visit. But that is exactly why it has kept such an authentic, untouched atmosphere.

For travelers who enjoy independent trips and love exploring hidden places, this mysterious giant stone near Shirakawa Spring is more than just a natural wonder shaped by the Aso volcano. It is also an unforgettable travel memory worth savoring slowly.