Kikuchi Valley located in the upper stretches of the Kikuchi river, is the source of the river, and also a beautiful part of Kumamoto prefecture, Kyushu.
The valley is not only a beautiful spot, with walking trails, forest parks and plethora of different wild bird species, but is a great place to cool down in the summer. Cooled by the stream through the valley, the valley itself is natures way of cooling down. 

The valley is also popular spot for visitors to do 'Shinrin Yoku', or 'forest bathing', the process of literally just being one with nature and the trees, utilizing all 5 of the human senses. 

This along with waterfalls and the beautiful lush greenery of the valley make for a excellent relaxing trip and an opportunity to be one with nature.