Kickstart your stimulating outdoor passage by exploring the adventurous hiking trails in Kyushu, Japan’s third largest island. Famous for its dynamic landscapes, volcanic mountains, tranquil hot springs, and lush forests, Kyushu offers a thrilling adventure for hiking enthusiasts.
Discovering Kyushu: An Overview
Discovering Kyushu offers an enriching and exhilarating experience for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. Located in the southernmost part of Japan’s four main islands, Kyushu is a paradise for hiking and adventure, brimming with scenic beauty, natural hot springs, active volcanoes, and serene forests. Its unique geologic features and cultural heritage make it an enticing place to explore.
Hiking in Kyushu is a delight, with trails that traverse inside national parks, across volcanic landscapes, along the coasts, and through verdant forests. The island is home to numerous hiking trails to suit all fitness levels. The Aso-Kuju National Park is one of the most well-known hiking spots, boasting breathtaking landscapes of caldera and volcanic peaks. For those seeking a longer trail, the Kunisaki Peninsula Trek is another popular multi-day hike, highlighting a variety of terrains and historical Buddhist sites.
Adventure seekers will find plenty of other activities beyond hiking. From river rafting in the Kuma River, exploring the mysterious Takachiho Gorge, to diving into the vibrant marine life in the surrounding seas, Kyushu offers an adventure at every turn. The island is also home to some of Japan’s best onsens (hot springs), where adventurers can unwind and soothe their tired muscles after a thrilling day of exploration.
In conclusion, Kyushu is a must-visit destination for hikers and adventure lovers, presenting a variety of exciting activities amidst its extraordinary natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Its diverse landscapes, thrilling outdoor pursuits, and tranquil onsens make it a unique destination that offers something for everyone. Discovering Kyushu is a journey of adventure that leaves one with unforgettable memories.
Best Time to Hike in Kyushu
Kyushu, Japan’s third-largest island, is an absolute paradise for those who seek a hiking adventure. The island is full of lush forests, active volcanoes, and serene hot springs which are incredibly captivating. The best time to hike in Kyushu is during the fall, from mid-October to early December, when the weather is mild, and the scenery is at its peak due to the changing colors of the leaves. However, the spring months from March to May can also be amazingly comfortable for hiking, offering a visual treat with blooming cherry blossoms.
Recommended Hiking Trails in Kyushu
I will introduce selected hiking courses recommended by INAKAdventure.
Aso Kuju National Park
The Aso-Kuju National Park, positioned in the central region of Kyushu, stretches across both Oita and Kumamoto prefectures. The park is globally renowned for its distinct features which include the Aso Caldera, the Kuju Mountain Range, and the volcanic group of Yufu-Tsurumidake. Its surrounding area is known for its well-preserved ecosystems that are sustained through activities such as grazing and burning. These activities contribute to the creation of vast, majestic grasslands that exhibit both grandeur and tranquility.
The Kuju Mountains within the park offer a unique experience for visitors. They can enjoy the varying natural scenery that changes with each of the four seasons. During the early summer, the mountains are adorned with beautiful alpine flowers. As autumn arrives, the foliage changes to vibrant hues of reds, oranges, and yellows. And in winter, a beautiful frost blankets the landscape. There are numerous trekking courses available, catering to families and individuals of all skill levels.
Moreover, the park is home to several reservoirs and hot springs located nearby. These allow visitors to immerse themselves in the park’s natural environment, experiencing the physical benefits of nature. Whether it’s the soothing waters of the hot springs or the serene ambiance of the reservoirs, visitors can deeply appreciate the blessings of nature.
Aso Gogaku Mountain Range – Hiking Courses, Tips, and Access
With its stunning landscapes and rich history, the Aso Gogaku mountain range is an unforgettable destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Kyushu Sekiryo Mountains
The Kyushu Mountains, a significant mountain range that extends across the Kumamoto and Miyazaki prefectures in Kyushu, Japan, are recognized and safeguarded as a quasi-national park. This mountain range is characterized by two prominent mountains – Mount Kunimi and Mount Ichifusa. Both these mountains have elevations hovering around 1,700 meters and they are located along the ridge of the various mountains that constitute this range.
The mountain range is not just a collection of rocky peaks, but it is also home to forest zones that are home to several species of trees, primarily beech and oak. These forest zones are scattered across the ridges of the numerous mountains that are part of this range.
In addition to its physical features, the Kyushu Mountains also play a vital role in the region’s hydrology. They serve as the origin point or headwaters for several first-class rivers. Some of these include the Gokase River, the Midori River, and the Kuma River, all of which flow from the watershed of this mountain range.
Kunisaki Peninsula
The “Kunisaki Peninsula Mine Michi Long Trail,” is recognized as the very first long trail course in Kyushu. It spans a total distance of about 135 kilometers, originating from “Kumano Magaibutsu” in Bungo Takada City and ending at “Futagoji Temple” in Kunisaki City.
The core of the trail lies in the “Michi.” This is where the ancient ritual of Rokugo Manzan Mineiri Gyo, which has been conducted once every decade since time immemorial, takes place.
*The act of “Mineiri Gyo” is a pilgrimage, and the literal translation of “Mineiri” is “entering the mountains.”
Walking this trail allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and unique culture that changes with the four seasons. Along the way, you’ll be able to visit numerous temples, providing a deeper understanding of the region’s rich history.
Kunisaki Peninsula, the country of Gods, Buddhas, and Demons
In Kunisaki, however, oni became popular among locals as they were considered to be incarnations of deities and Buddha.
Making the Best of Your Kyushu Hiking Adventure
An adventure in Kyushu is not just limited to hiking. The island is dotted with hot springs, or ‘onsen’, where you can relax and rejuvenate after a long day of trekking. Try the local cuisines, visit the historic temples and shrines, and experience the unique cultural traditions of the region. Interacting with the locals can also add depth to your adventure, offering insights into the island’s history and way of life.
To truly savor your Kyushu hiking adventure, prepare for the unexpected and be open to new experiences. Whether it’s navigating through a misty forest, bathing in a secluded hot spring, or feasting on local delicacies, every moment in Kyushu offers a unique thrill. Pack appropriately for the weather, wear comfortable hiking shoes, and don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the unforgettable moments that await in the beautiful island of Kyushu.
Start planning your unforgettable hiking adventure in Kyushu today! Discover the island’s hidden gems and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.