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The Kuju Mountain Range is a popular area for hikers, featuring the highest peaks on the Kyushu mainland. The area is especially popular for hiking during the early summer when the Miyama Kirishima flowers bloom and during the autumn foliage season. The Kuju Tsunagu Bus operates during these peak times to connect the main trailheads and parking lots for the Kuju Mountains. There is exclusive parking for the Kuju Tsunagu Bus at Chojabaru and Senomoto and the bus runs on weekends and holidays when there are the greatest numbers of hikers. Even during peak times, you won't have to worry about finding parking and can reach your destination stress-free. The bus makes it easier to do point-to-point hiking and is a great option for those who want to fully enjoy the Kuju Mountain Range.

The Kuju Tsunagu Bus is operated by Sherpa Co., Ltd. and Yama no Tabi Kikaku-shitsu Co., Ltd. with the cooperation of administrative organizations in the Kuju area and the Ministry of the Environment, which is promoting the National Park Enjoyment Project for the conservation and utilization of Oita Prefecture and Aso Kuju National Park.

〈Contents〉

● Street Parking & Crowding during Peak Periods

1. Street parking during peak periods 
2. Crowding on trails during peak periods
3. Goals of Kuju Tsunagu Bus

● Appeal of Point-to-Point Hikes in Kuju

1. North-South Kuju Mountain Range traverse
2. Ambitious cross traverse of Kuju Mountain Range  
3. Fully Experience the Kuju Mountains: Sleeping in onsen huts or tent camping

● Kuju Throughout the Year

● Parking (parking available only during Kuju Tsunagu Bus operating periods)

● Visiting Kuju Using Public Transportation

● Kuju Mountain Range Facilities

1. Street parking during peak periods

Due to the popularity of the Kuju Mountains, trailhead parking lots have a tendency to become full and it can be hard to find parking. This is especially true when Miyama Kirishima bloom or during the autumn foliage season, leading to congestion and parking lots filling up early in the morning. Vehicles unable to use the parking lots park on the roadside, particularly around Makinoto Pass, obstructing tourist buses and large vehicles and making it difficult for them to pass each other. This issue diminishes the enjoyment of the hiking experience.

Roadside parking leads to a variety of problems

2. Crowding on trails during peak periods

Many Kuju hikers use either the Makinoto Pass or Chojabaru trailheads. A large number of hikers visit the trails during the short peak season, leading to soil erosion and muddy conditions. Additionally, to avoid newly muddy areas, the trails become dual-tracked, raising concerns about environmental impact due to overuse.

Double-tracking and hiking trails with eroded soil

3. Goals of Kuju Tsunagu Bus

The Kuju Tsunagu Bus was launched in the fall of 2022 to help alleviate these problems. The goal is to optimize conditions to prevent the overuse of specific parking lots and trails by connecting the Chojabaru and Senomoto parking lots with the main trailheads via a shuttle bus, thereby enhancing user satisfaction and protecting the environment of Aso-Kuju National Park. Additionally, visitors can use the bus for point-to-point hikes, which increases the variety of hiking options available.

Main Trailheads:

- Chojabaru Trailhead
- Makinoto Pass Trailhead
- Senomoto Trailhead
- Akagawa Trailhead
- South Trailhead

The Kuju Mountain Range features a series of mountains including Nakadake, the highest peak on the Kyushu mainland (1,791 meters), as well as other peaks around 1,700 meters. The area is rich in alpine vegetation, such as the Miyama Kirishima rhododendrons, and boasts numerous attractions like the Tadewara Wetlands and the Bogatsuru Wetlands, which were registered as Ramsar Convention Wetlands in 2005. The landscape changes with the seasons, and with multiple trailheads available, there are various routes to enjoy the Kuju Mountain. The following are three point-to-point routes we recommend based on:

- Ease of access from both Oita and Kumamoto Prefectures
- Suitability for beginners, e.g., manageable hiking times and elevation changes
- Views of almost the entire Kuju Mountain Range, allowing hikers to experience its rare natural beauty

In both the Kuju Mountains and anywhere else, there are manners to follow when hiking. Be prepared and check in advance to ensure an enjoyable hike.

Rules & Manners for Hiking Kuju
https://kujufanclub.com/walk/#rule

Point-to-Point Route #1:
North-South Kuju Mountain Range traverse

Details:

Makinoto Pass Trailhead ⇒ Mt. Kutsukake ⇒ Ogigahana (round trip) ⇒ Nishi Senrigahama ⇒ Mt. Kuju ⇒ Akakawa Trailhead

Time:

265 min (4hr 25min)

Difficulty:

Low technical difficulty, but caution is required as the descent has continuous steep sections

Route overview:

This is a popular course that includes Mt. Kuju, the main peak of the Kuju Mountain Range. Starting from the Makinoto Pass trailhead (1,330m), the highest altitude trailhead, makes it relatively easy to walk. Proceed along the well-maintained trail to the first peak, Mt. Kutsukake. Continue along the trail and aim for Mt. Ogigahana from the Ogigahana junction. Near the summit, there is a colony of Miyama Kirishima. During the blooming season of May and June, the view is spectacular.
  Upon reaching Mt. Ogigahana, return the way you came to the Ogigahana junction. Then proceed to Nishi Senrigahama, walking along a trail with minimal differences in elevation while viewing Hizengajo on your right and Mt. Hossho on your left. 
After crossing the large rocks of Hosshozaki, you will arrive at the Kuju Wakare emergency hut. You can take a break inside the hut, which is equipped with a toilet booth and a portable toilet booth, making it convenient for women and small children. 
From the summit of Mt. Kuju, you can see the Five Peaks of Aso, and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Yufudake (Oita Prefecture), the Hikosan Range (Fukuoka Prefecture), the Tara Range (Nagasaki Prefecture), and the Kirishima Mountain Range (Kagoshima and Miyazaki Prefectures). On the descent, enjoy the scenery of the Kuju Plateau as you descend to the Akagawa trailhead.

Point-to-Point Route #2
Ambitious cross traverse of Kuju Mountain Range

Details:

Senomoto Trailhead ⇒ Iwaigawadake ⇒ Ogigahana ⇒ Nishi Senrigahama ⇒ Mt. Kuju ⇒ Kuju Junction ⇒ Kita Senrigahama ⇒ Bogatsuru ⇒ Amagaike Pass ⇒ Chojabaru Trailhead

Time:

455min (7hr 35min)

Difficulty:

The long hours of mountain walking requires strong legs. Not technically difficult, but caution is needed as you will be descending a long, rocky ridge.

Route overview

Starting from the Senomoto trailhead, you will climb to Iwaigawadake and Ogigahana. Since the Senomoto trailhead is less than 1,000 meters in elevation, you can enjoy the rare experience of walking through the forest until you reach the tree line of the Kuju Mountains (1,400 meters). 
Stop at the Kuju Wakare emergency shelter and walk along the western rocky slope of Mt. Kuju to the summit, where you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the major mountains of mainland Kyushu. If your pace allows, you might want to take a 40-minute detour to Nakadake, the highest peak on mainland Kyushu. After returning to Kuju Wakare, you will descend to Kita Senrigahama, where you can walk on volcanic ash that resembles the surface of the moon.
Upon arriving at Hokkein Onsen Sanso, take a break in the lounge or enjoy some light snacks. The descent will take you via Amagaike Pass to Chojabaru, the northern gateway to the Kuju Mountains. There are shops and eateries where you can satisfy your hunger and enjoy some shopping.

Point-to-Point Route #3
Fully Experience the Kuju Mountains: Sleeping in onsen huts or tent camping

Details:

Day 1:
 Chojabaru Trailhead ⇒ Amagaike Pass ⇒ Bogatsuru ⇒ Mt. Kitataisen ⇒ Mt. Taisen ⇒ Bogatsuru ⇒ Sleep at Hokein Onsen Sanso (or in tent at Bogatsuru)
Day 2: Hokkein Onsen Sanso (Bogatsuru) ⇒ Kita Senrigahama ⇒ Tengugajo ⇒ Nakadake ⇒ Mt. Inaboshi ⇒ Oike ⇒ Kuju Wakare ⇒ Kuju Mountain ⇒ Kuju Wakare ⇒ Nishi Senrigahama ⇒ Mt. Kutsukake ⇒ Makinoto Pass Trailhead ⇒ Kuju Tsunagu Bus to Chojabaru Trailhead

Time:

760min (Day 1: 400min [6hr 40min], Day 2: 360min [6hr])

Difficulty:

Not technically difficult, but long walking times require stamina.

Route overview:

The course starts from the Chojabaru trailhead, passing through the Tadewara Wetlands. After passing through Amagaike Pass (June: yamarakkyo clusters), you arrive at Bogatsuru, where the mountain you aim to climb will appear before you. At Mt. Taisen and Mt. Kitataisen, you can see clusters of Miyama Kirishima that dye the mountain slopes pink from late May to June. At Hokkein Onsen Sanso, enjoy local cuisine, hot springs, and a starry sky.
The next day, wake up early and aim for Nakadake, the highest peak of the Kuju Mountain Range, via Tengugajo. Watching the sunrise from the summit will blow away your fatigue and lift your spirits. In the latter half, extend your journey to Mt. Inaboshi, then walk along Oike and climb Mt. Kuju while looking back on the mountains you traversed.
For the descent, head from Kuju Wakare to Nishi Senrigahama, then descend to the Makinoto Pass Trailhead via Mt. Kutsukake. This route gives you the full Kuju Mountain Range experience.

The Kuju Mountain Range changes drastically throughout the year. Many flowers bloom in the spring, and from early to late May, visitors can enjoy the Miyama Kirishima rhododendrons. Pink carpets spread across various parts of the Kuju Mountain Range, including Hiijidake, Mt. Mimata, and Ogigahana. In summer, the area is enveloped in lush greenery, with lots of butterflies and insects. Don't forget your binoculars for some great birdwatching. In autumn, deciduous broadleaf trees like maples and oaks turn red, and the primeval forests of Mt. Taisen and Kurodake are dyed a deep red. Camping at Bogatsuru, the only tent site in the Kuju Mountain Range, is also recommended. In winter, the area is covered in snow, and you can enjoy the sight of frost-covered trees. Make sure to equip yourself properly and immerse yourself in the magical scenery. The Kuju Mountain Range will make you want to come back and visit for all of the seasons.

Dedicated parking lots for the Kuju Tsunagu Bus are set up at Chojabaru and Senomoto when the bus is in operation.
When using the Kuju Tsunagu Bus, please park your car in the parking area designated for riders on the Kuju Tsunagu Bus. For details on locations and more, go to "Click here for more details on the Kuju Tsunagu Bus" below.

Kuju Tsunagu Bus parking is only available when the bus is in operation. These lots are not available other times of year.
Parking can also be used for carpooling.
At times, the Senomoto parking lot is the only one with empty spots.
Do not park on the street under any circumstances.
Do not park in parking lots for stores or other facilities.

From Fukuoka:
Hakata Bus Terminal ⇔ Yufuin Station Bus Center: Approximately 2 hours
Yufuin Station Bus Center ⇔ Makinoto Pass Trailhead: Approximately 1 hour

From Oita:
JR Beppu Station ⇔ Makinoto Pass Trailhead: Approximately 2 hours  

From Kumamoto:
Kumamoto Station ⇔ Makinoto Pass: Approximately 2.5 hours

Bus Companies:

-Yufuin-go: Nishitetsu, Kamenoi Bus, Kyushu Sanko Bus
-Fukuoka-Kurokawa Onsen: Kyushu Sanko Bus, Hita Bus
-Cross-Kyushu Bus: Kyushu Sanko Bus
-Kokonoe Community Bus: Kokonoe

Public Transportation Websites:

Nishitestsu　https://www.nishitetsu.jp/bus/highwaybus/
Kamenoi Bus　https://kamenoibus.com/
Kyushu Sanko Bus https://www.sankobus.jp/
Hita Bus https://hitabus.com/
Kokonoe Community Bus https://www.town.kokonoe.oita.jp/categories/kurashi/yokutsukau/community-bus/

-@Bus De: Kyushu Bus Network Portal Site: https://www.atbus-de.com/
-JR Kyushu　https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/

1. Chojabaru Visitor Center
This facility introduces the nature and culture of the Tadewara Wetlands and the Kuju Mountain Range. Inside the center, you can enjoy high-definition theater videos of the four seasons of Kuju, as well as view large satellite photos of the Aso-Kuju area.
https://kujufanclub.com/

2. Hokkein Onsen Sanso
The only mountain hut in the Kuju Mountain Range. Located at an altitude of 1,303 meters, it is popular among many hikers. It once flourished as the Mt. Kuju Hokkein Hakusuiji Temple founded in the Kamakura period (1185-1333) and began its history as a mountain lodge in 1882. Visitors can also stop by just for the hot springs or meals.
http://hokkein.co.jp/