Kokonoe, town in Kusu district, Oita prefecture, Japan
Kokonoe is a small town in the Kusu district of Oita Prefecture, situated in a mountainous valley marked by multiple waterfalls. It spans across river valleys with homes and buildings spread throughout the terrain.
Kokonoe developed as a rural settlement in the mountain region and evolved into a local administrative center over time. The natural environment, particularly the waterfalls, has shaped the town's character and development from the beginning.
The town takes its name from the nine waterfalls that shape the valley, and this natural feature remains central to how locals and visitors experience the place. The connection to water runs through everything from shop names to the paths that wind along streams.
The best way to explore Kokonoe is by walking the paths that wind through the valleys and lead to the waterfalls. Comfortable shoes and preparation for changing mountain weather are important for a pleasant visit.
The nine waterfalls that gave the town its name are not all easily reachable, but scattered across different hiking routes of varying difficulty. Few visitors experience all nine, as reaching them requires real perseverance and planning.
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