S O U T H   J A P A N

Photos by Michael Briones and Alisa Chen
words from Alisa Chen

This natural charm is cradled at the centre of the Aso region, and surrounded by the grassy plains and small houses of Kyushu. 阿蘇山 Mount Aso is one of the largest active volcanos in the world allowing public access to the crater’s rim.

As you eagerly make your way through the winding roads and descend into the rolling green hills of Aso, the smothering clouds slowly disappear to greet you with the effortless beauty of Aso San. It stands there in its entirety, elegant and peacefully emitting gentle chaos into the crisp mountain air. In this moment, we are reminded of nature’s power, beautiful yet violent.

高千穂峡 Takachiho Gorge, a beautiful disaster formed from the ancient eruption and lava of Mount Aso. Our morning road trip was welcomed by an uninterrupted road of Takachiho’s mysteries, hiding shy behind the early fog of Aso.

Now on foot, allured into the lush foliage of tall draping trees, we acknowledged that she is no remote attraction. We delved deep into the forest and found ourselves disconnected from the outside world. Mesmerised by the trickling sound of the river and surrounding waterfalls, we sat in silence and embraced the gifted sacred serenity.

Now on water, paddling amid the gorge in company with towering stone grey cliffs, stretching it’s way through Japanese maple and fern. Our eyes hypnotised, following the Manai waterfall cascading deep into the river. The masked sun extends it’s ray to the gorge, illuminating the blue and green beneath us. Our day punctuated by an afternoon delight.

The sanctuary has left us in awe of the wonders of South Japan.