A note from the Kumamoto International Desk of We’re Not Suggesting You Do This but It Would Be Really Cool If You Did (we have lawyers): Discussion arose on our recent post regarding the Tsujun aqueduct (通潤橋) in Yabe about the Gorougatake waterfall (五老ヶ滝), just downstream and quite downhill from the bridge. It is one of the highest waterfalls in Japan, and as the photo shows, was created by that mighty Aso eruption that created most of central Kyushu 300,000 years ago. The falls fall into a relatively placid pool which then drains to Midorikawa.
While there are many visitors, nobody swims in that pool except me. I suppose one reason is that it is a common suicide spot. If you decide to do so (and I’m not saying that you should but not saying you shouldn’t), here is advice: as you approach the falls, the water will hit your face like bullets, so you should swim backwards. Swim backwards to the right of the falls where you can climb up behind the divulge to a ledge covered with moss the thickness you’ve never seen. This is a sight you will never forget. - William