Gokase

Gokase is a town in Nishi-Usuki County located in the Kyushu Mountains with high elevations exceeding 1,000 meters in its southern regions. The area spreads across mountainous terrain with valleys and steep slopes throughout.

The town formed in 1956 from the merger of two villages and was part of the Nobeoka Domain for centuries under feudal rule. This joining together changed how the area was managed and developed.

The town maintains traditions of harvesting mountain vegetables and operating fish farms, practices that shape what people eat and how they use the land here.

The town connects to other areas through a major expressway and three national routes that link it to surrounding regions. Visitors should expect winding mountain roads and allow extra time for travel.

The southeastern slope of Mount Kousaka holds Japan's southernmost ski resort, which receives snow despite the region being classified as subtropical. This contrast between climate and winter sports makes it stand out.