(Fiona) It’s a beautiful time of year to see the autumn colours in Aso, and if you enjoy a challenge I recommend combining a mountain drive with a spot of treasure hunting. Takarush is a company which creates puzzle hunts in scenic areas, and a new quest has just begun in Takamori and Minami-Oguni, with a prize of 300,000 yen for the winner (decided by prize draw) and smaller prizes for all participants who successfully complete the hunt. Entry forms can be picked up at the tourist offices in Takamori and Minami-Oguni, and these have the clues which will help you work out where to go next. Be warned, the puzzles all require Japanese reading ability, and some of the destinations may be difficult to reach by public transport. The treasure hunt is free and runs until January 10th 2022.