Beautiful and relaxing! Kuju Plateau is full of breathtaking views
We will introduce the seasonal charms of the Kuju Plateau, as well as recommended sightseeing spots and activities. There are also plenty of photo spots where you can capture the majestic scenery of nature. Embark on a journey to experience the heartbeat of the earth and its blessings while surrounded by the magnificent natural scenery created by volcanic activity.
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The best in Oita! Enjoy the magnificent nature of the Kuju Plateau
The Kuju Plateau is an area of Oita Prefecture that is especially rich in nature. It is characterized by a topography formed by volcanic activity, and is a vast grassland that spreads out at the foot of the Kuju Mountain Range, also known as the roof of Kyushu. The magnificent scenery of the beautiful grassland and mountains is perfect for trekking. In addition, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as camping, stargazing, and forest therapy. The Kuju Plateau is part of the Aso Kujū National Park, where the rich nature and the lives of the people who benefit from it are protected. It is also known as Kyushu's best hot spring resort, where you can relax in nature. Why not try a memorable experience at the Kuju Plateau?
The Charm of Aso-Kuju National Park
Aso-Kuju National Park, which spans both Oita and Kumamoto prefectures, is characterized by spectacular landscapes formed by volcanic activity. The park protects unique topography and a rich ecosystem, which is home to a diverse range of plants and animals. Volcanic gases have created colonies of distinctive plants such as Miyamakirishima and Kokemomo around the volcano. In grassland areas such as the Kuju Plateau, traditional "Noyaki" burning is carried out every spring to maintain and regenerate the grasslands. The beautiful natural scenery of this national park is the result of a collaboration between the power of the volcano and human hands.
Scenery of the four seasons
Spring: A feast of fresh greenery and flowers in the soothing spring highlands
The bright purple flowers of the Mitsuba-tsutsuji and the white flowers of the Kobushi are beautiful, and you can enjoy the contrast between the colorful flowers and the fresh greenery. You can enjoy camping and forest therapy in the pleasant spring sunshine.
Summer: The cool breeze of the plateau and a different world to escape the scorching heat
The weather has been sunny, and you can enjoy lush grasslands and cool breezes. This place is at a high altitude, so it's perfect for avoiding the heat. The Miyamakirishima, a natural monument that is a representative summer flower, colors the mountainside with its bright pink color. Many hikers gather here during the day, and it is also wonderful to enjoy the flowers in the soft light of early morning or evening.
Autumn: The contrast between autumn leaves and silver grass, autumn painting
The scenery is like something out of a painting. The mountains are dyed red and yellow, and the silver grass in Tadewara Marshland is particularly spectacular, covering an area the size of 54 football fields. The contrast between the autumn leaves and the silver grass in the clear air is striking, captivating all who visit. The autumn highlands are a time when you can enjoy the beauty of nature as well as landscapes that enrich the soul.
Winter: Snow-covered fantasy and tranquil beauty
A fantastic landscape of snow-capped mountains and crisp air spreads before your eyes. The mountains are covered in pure white snow, and the plateau is enveloped in silence, making it seem like another world. The air is clear in the Kuju Plateau in winter, making the starry sky look especially beautiful. The moment you gaze at the starry sky in the silence of the snow is an unforgettable one.
Tourist attraction guide
- Kuju Flower Park
- Kuju Flower Park is a beautiful spot where you can enjoy about 500 kinds of flowers in every season. The tulips in spring and sunflowers in summer are particularly beautiful, and the observation deck offers a magnificent view. There are also restaurants and cafes serving local ingredients, making it a great place for a picnic with family and friends on a sunny day.
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- Kokonoe Yume Suspension Bridge
- This 390-meter-long, 173-meter-high suspension bridge offers spectacular views of the Kuju Mountain Range. It is the highest pedestrian-only bridge in Japan. From the bridge, you can view the beautiful valley and waterfall. In particular, during the autumn foliage season, the panoramic view of the colorful mountains captivates visitors. There are also hiking trails in the surrounding area, making it the perfect spot for a light nature stroll.
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- Tadewara Marshland
- Tadewara Marshland is one of the largest wetlands in Kyushu, and is home to a diverse range of plants and animals. It is the size of about 54 soccer fields, and offers a variety of seasonal scenery. In particular, in autumn, the spreading silver grass shines golden, creating a special worldview. There are walking trails within the marsh, and you can enjoy strolling while observing the wildlife and diverse plants.
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- Yamanami Highway
- The Yamanami Highway is a scenic driving course that takes you around the beautiful mountains of Kyushu. It connects Kumamoto Prefecture to Oita Prefecture, and the road offers spectacular natural scenery. In particular, the foothills of the Kuju Mountain Range offer unobstructed views, allowing you to drive briskly through the beautiful green grasslands. There are also hot springs and spots along the road where you can enjoy highland cuisine, which you can enjoy while taking a break.
Environmental protection activities by Chojabaru Visitor Center
The Chojabaru Visitor Center is a museum and exhibition facility that introduces the Aso-Kuju National Park. It actively promotes environmental conservation activities in the Kuju Plateau. In particular, the Tadewara Marshland is a precious wetland registered under the Ramsar Convention, and concrete efforts are being made to protect its ecosystem.
The center conducts vegetation surveys and biological observation meetings in the marshland, and conducts educational activities to understand biodiversity. In addition, in cooperation with local residents and volunteers, it cleans the marshland and removes invasive species, striving to conserve the natural environment. In addition, it provides exhibits and guided tours to convey the importance of the natural environment to visitors, and is also committed to raising environmental awareness. Through these activities, it aims to pass on a sustainable natural environment to the next generation.
Recommended Activities
- Hiking and trekking
- The Kuju Plateau and the Kuju Mountain Range offer a wide variety of trekking trails, from gentle walks for beginners to mountain climbing trails for advanced hikers. Trekkers can enjoy spectacular volcanic scenery, abundant alpine flora, and onsen (hot springs).
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- Camp
- The appeal of campsites is the sense of freedom that can only be found on a plateau. Because of the high altitude, it is not too hot even in the summer, making it comfortable to stay. You can also enjoy gourmet food unique to the plateau, such as local dairy products and beef. In addition, many campsites have hot spring facilities that take advantage of the characteristics of the volcanic region, making your outdoor experience even more fulfilling.
- See more (tripadvisor)
- Stargazing
- The Kuju Plateau is an ideal location for stargazing, with its clear air and low humidity. There are many spots accessible by car with little light pollution. This makes it easy to enjoy stargazing in a dark environment and makes it easy to bring in photography equipment. The beautiful silhouette of the Kuju Mountain Range also enhances the starry sky, providing a photogenic view. Come and experience the fantastic starry sky.
- Official website (Japanese)
- Hot spring
- The hot springs of the Kuju Plateau are attractive because they offer a wide variety of hot springs. You can spend a relaxing time while looking out at the magnificent scenery of Aso Kuju National Park. There are also some of Japan's leading carbonated springs, where you can enjoy the comfort of having your body enveloped in bubbles. There are also hot springs where the source springs from the bottom of the bath, which is rare even nationwide, offering a unique experience.
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- Forest Therapy
- The Kuju Plateau has a strong image of grassland, but at the foot of the mountain there are also beautiful forests and valleys. When you enter the forest, you will feel the clear air and feel refreshed and relaxed. The source of the relaxing effect is the unique forest scent and "negative ions" called "phytoncides," which promote physical and mental health. Enjoy some time to heal your mind and body in nature.
- Official website (Japanese)
Photo Spot Guide
- Tenku Promenade
- Tenku Promenade is a popular photo spot where you can enjoy the spectacular view of the Kuju Plateau. The sunrise and sunset are particularly fantastic. We recommend using a wide-angle lens to take photos with the vast grasslands and blue sky in the background. You can capture the changing seasons, with fresh greenery in spring and beautiful autumn leaves in autumn.
- Makinoto Observatory
- Makinoto Observatory is a spot where you can get a spectacular view of the Kuju Mountain Range. The best time to take photos is in the early morning when the mist rolls in and a sea of clouds can appear. Spring and autumn, when the temperature difference between morning and daytime is intense, are ideal for photographing sea of clouds. You can enjoy the lush green mountains in summer and the snow-covered landscape in winter, bringing out the different charms of each season.
- Yamanami Highway
- The Yamanami Highway is a driving course where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Kuju Plateau, and there are many photo spots. On a clear summer day, the blue sky and lush green grasslands are a great subject to photograph. In the evening, the setting sun illuminates the Kuju Mountain Range, allowing you to take even more impressive photos.
- Tadewara,Chojabaru
- Tadewara and Chojabaru are the most popular photo spots in the Kuju Highlands, with vast marshes and beautiful mountains. In particular, autumn is the best time to take photos, when the Japanese silver grass shines golden. We recommend a composition with the Japanese silver grass in the foreground and the Kuju Mountain Range in the background. In spring, colorful flowers bloom in abundance, allowing you to enjoy the changing seasons.
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Manners and points to note when taking photos
When enjoying taking photos at photo spots, please observe some manners and points of caution. When taking photos near roads, be sure to watch out for cars to ensure your safety. Never enter areas that are off-limits, such as vegetation protection areas, areas with high concentrations of volcanic gas, and private property, and it is important to make an effort to protect nature and facilities. Also, do not take photos in the middle of the road as it is dangerous. In particular, when taking photos of the starry sky, be careful of the light so as not to disturb other photographers. Switching to a red light will allow you to enjoy taking photos while maintaining darkness around you. Observe these manners and create wonderful memories.
Access and accommodation information
Access to Kuju Plateau
◎By car
・Approx. 150 minutes from Fukuoka
・Approx. 120 minutes from Kumamoto
・Approx. 60 minutes from Oita
*If you are traveling in winter, please bring chains or studless tires or other anti-skid equipment in case of traffic restrictions.
◎By train
・Approx. 30 minutes by taxi from Bungotakeda Sta, JR Hohi Line
・Approx. 60 minutes by taxi from Yufuin Sta, JR Kyudai Line
◎By plane
・Approx. 150 minutes by car from Fukuoka Airport
・Approx. 105 minutes by car from Kumamoto Airport
・Approx. 100 minutes by car from Oita Airport
- Hoshino Resorts KAI Aso
- Resonate Club Kuju
- Kinosato YAMANOYU
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summary
The Kuju Plateau is an attractive spot filled with natural beauty and a wealth of activities. There are endless ways to enjoy the area, including trekking, camping, hot springs, local highland cuisine, and even stargazing. When planning your visit, check how to access the area by public transportation or car to ensure smooth travel. The scenery changes with the seasons, making repeat visits even more worthwhile. Relax your mind and body in nature and enjoy a special experience.
Be careful during typhoons and the rainy season
Be careful during typhoon season (July to October). As typhoons approach, flights and trains may be canceled. Outdoor activities are particularly susceptible to the effects of wind and rain, so safety is your top priority. In addition, June to July is the rainy season. There are areas where it rains locally, so be careful of landslides and other disasters. When planning your visit, we recommend that you consider alternative transportation and activity plans. By getting the latest weather information and being flexible in how you respond to the weather, you can have a fun trip. Enjoy a wonderful experience while keeping safety in mind.
