Liz here, back from a gorgeous fall day, on Sunday, in Kugino and Minami Aso., and here to recommend a great place to enjoy the fall weather and colors in the English Garden Minami Aso. The garden was created by Mr. Masuda（舛田さん, I hope I have the reading right), now in his early eighties. He began work on it the month before the earthquakes struck Kumamoto. His family home in Gofuku machi was leveled in the second quake , and he has reestablished the foundation stones as markers here and there throughout the gardens. He is very friendly , happy to tell you the names of all the plants, and share the history of the gardens. The entrance fee is ¥300 yen, a small price to pay to wander freely through the paths and marvel at the wide variety of flowers and trees. If you are a camera buff , you will love this place. There are plants, seeds, and birdhouses for sale and tables where you can relax with a cup of freshly brewed herb tea, coffee, or have an ice cream, all for ¥300. The fall colors are coming out now but I imagine it would be worth visiting in any season. I have included a photo of the map on his brochure. in the comments
You can also check out his instagram : englishgarden_minamiaso which he updates daily.