Kyushu is famous for its coastal cities of Fukuoka, Beppu, and Nagasaki, but the mountainous heart of the island offers just as many wonderful discoveries for travelers seeking a break from the norm. A personal favorite of mine is the Kuju Mountains, which comes alive with gorgeous autumn foliage. In this article, I’ll walk you through the best that the area has to offer and then some.
This highway connects Oita’s Beppu to Kuju (Trans Kyushu Route) with stunning scenery along the way . In autumn, the mountains along the road are covered with autumn colors—a painting in real life. This leisurely drive is not just a feast for the eyes, but an effective tone-setter for the journey to come.
Autumn hiking in Kuju is an escape into a wonderland like no other. Why? As you travel up the mountains, the autumn colors change step by step–dynamic scenery that changes moment to moment. It’s also harvest season, so sometimes you can even find nuts or fruits on the ground. Just make sure not to eat anything without a guide. This windy hike is also cool enough that I’d recommend you dress for the occasion with a windbreaker, but when the sun comes out, things warm up significantly. I love this contrast!
Autumn hiking in Kuju is an escape into a wonderland like no other. Why? As you travel up the mountains, the autumn colors change step by step–dynamic scenery that changes moment to moment. It’s also harvest season, so sometimes you can even find nuts or fruits on the ground. Just make sure not to eat anything without a guide. This windy hike is also cool enough that I’d recommend you dress for the occasion with a windbreaker, but when the sun comes out, things warm up significantly. I love this contrast!
My recommendation: Makinoto Pass → Mt. Nakadake → Mt. Kuju.
The best autumn trail starts from Makinoto Pass (1,330m), located at a high altitude where colors turn earlier. As you hike toward Mt. Nakadake and Mt. Kuju, you’ll enjoy the gradual color change that shifts from golden grasses at Bogatsuru to fiery red and orange maples on the slopes to sweeping, painterly panoramas from the summit.
Level: Moderate (4–6 hours round trip)
A great option here is the Tadewara marsh walking trail, an area designated as a Ramsar Convention site. Start at the Chojabaru Visitor Center, where kids can learn about the region’s ecosystem and enjoy a hands-on stamp rally. Then walk the wooden boardwalk across the wetland, with the Kuju Mountain Range spread out in front of you. Children can search for plants, insects, and small animals, all while enjoying the crisp air. They won’t get tired on this route, with so many discoveries and wonders along the way.
Level: Light (50 minutes)
The abundance of volcanic activity in Kuju brings with it one great benefit: amazing natural onsen. The water here comes fresh from underground, carrying with it high concentrations of sulfur which is good for skin health and relaxation despite its unique smell. Some people are hesitant to enter sulfur onsen at first sniff, only to end up becoming life-long fans after taking a dip–a hallmark of an authentic, natural onsen experience.
My favorite onsen here has got to be Hoshio Onsen Sankei-no-Yu. Here you’ll find all manner of onsen with differing styles of bath and cation components. I highly recommend the open-air rotenburo bath, which allows you to gaze out at the mountains full of autumn colors as you enjoy your soak. This onsen is in a hotel, but you can utilize the bathing facilities without staying.
At this farm stay, you can witness organic farming methods up close and even join in the harvest yourself. You’ll eat, sleep, and seep in the relaxed rhythm of rural life in a centuries-old farmhouse. This unique opportunity to connect with local farmers and experience farm-to-table living comes highly recommended for those interested in sustainability and local culture.
This 220,000 square meter flower park comes alive with marigolds, salvias, cockscombs, globe amaranths, and cosmos in autumn. You can make it a day trip destination or stay overnight at the glamping area. Nights here are utterly magical, with the absence of light pollution allowing you to fully bask in the beauty of the starry sky. You can even enjoy an outdoor BBQ at the glamping area, and then sleep under that stunning sky. A huge benefit of glamping here is that you’ll have exclusive access to the flower park after it closes at night and before it opens in the early morning.
Just outside of the flower park is a winery where you can delight in some of the finer things in life. As you enjoy the mountain scenery from the winery’s shaded terrace, you can wine produced from freshly-grown grapes as well as brick oven-style pizza. You can of course purchase wine to bring home as well!
Kuju in autumn is not just sightseeing. It’s a dynamic blend of hiking, onsen-bathing, star-gazing, gourmet dining, and deep, authentic encounters with local residents. Few areas offer a nature-centric itinerary as nuanced as this, and I can’t recommend it enough to travelers to Kyushu. Don’t miss it!!!
<Author>
Jolene QIU
Travel Consultant at WaWo Japan Travel
