Kuju Mountains and Yamanami Highway Scenic Drive Course

Endless grasslands and the proudly rising Kuju mountain range. The Yamanami Highway is a scenic drive route linking Oita and Kumamoto. Feel the highland breeze on this open, liberating driving course.

Course Route

9:00 Start from the Beppu area Set off by car from around Beppu or Yufuin. Wind through the mountain roads and enter the Yamanami Highway.

10:00 Enjoy the view near Kijima Kogen As the elevation rises, the view suddenly opens up. This area is beautiful for the contrast between highland greenery and mountain ridges.

11:00 Marsh walk at Chojabaru Arrive at Chojabaru, at the foot of the Kuju range. Tadewara marsh, a Ramsar-registered wetland, has an nature research boardwalk of about 1.3 km starting from the Ministry of the Environment Chojabaru Visitor Center, making it easy to walk among the highland nature.

12:30 Lunch at a highland restaurant Have lunch at a restaurant near the visitor center while gazing at the mountains, enjoying dishes made with local ingredients.

14:00 Grand panorama at Makinoto Pass Head to Makinoto Pass (elevation about 1,333 m), the highest point of the Yamanami Highway. From the lookout, a grand panorama of the Kuju peaks stretches out. This is also a main trailhead for climbing the Kuju mountains.

15:30 Homeward through Senomoto Kogen Drive through the gentle grasslands of Senomoto Kogen, savoring the afterglow as you head home.

Highlights

The greatest appeal is the majestic scenery woven by grasslands and the Kuju mountains. The boardwalk walk across Tadewara, a Ramsar-registered wetland, and the ridge panorama from Makinoto Pass at about 1,333 m are must-sees.

Access and Tips

This course is basically a driving trip. Mountain roads have many curves, so drive with plenty of margin. The elevation is high and the weather changes easily, so carrying an extra layer is reassuring. The Chojabaru Visitor Center is free to enter and has exhibits explaining the marsh, so stopping by before your walk deepens your understanding.

Practical Travel Notes

• Time needed: from Beppu or Yufuin it is about one to one and a half hours one way to Makinoto Pass. The Tadewara boardwalk is about 1.3 km, roughly 30 to 40 minutes at an easy pace. With viewpoints and breaks, the course fills a full day.
• Best season and time: early summer greenery, the Miyama-kirishima azaleas of late May to early June, and autumn when the grasslands turn golden are especially beautiful. The clear morning air lets you see distant ridges.
• Clothing and gear: because of the high elevation, mornings and evenings can be chilly even in summer, so bring a layer you can throw on. Wear comfortable shoes for the boardwalk walk.
• Budget: few sites charge admission and the visitor center is free. The main costs are fuel and lunch (around 1,500 yen per person), so it is relatively affordable.
• Nearby real spots: grasslands such as Senomoto Kogen and Handa Kogen spread along the Yamanami Highway, and continuing to the Kumamoto side connects toward the Aso area.

A Quick Tip

Mornings and evenings can be chilly even in summer. The scenery shines on clear days, so check the forecast before setting out. Gas stations are sparse in the mountains, so filling up early is reassuring.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Opening hours (Chojabaru Visitor Center): 9:00-17:00. From November to April it closes at 16:00
• Closed (Chojabaru Visitor Center): December 29 to January 3
• Parking: Around 450 spaces at the Chojabaru Visitor Center
• The boardwalk over Tadewara Marsh: Spreading across an altitude of about 1,000 m, it is one of the largest intermediate marshes in Japan, and the boardwalk is barrier-free (Kokonoe Town official website)
• Enquiries: 0973-79-2154 (Chojabaru Visitor Center, telephone reception 9:00-17:00) / 0973-76-3150 (Kokonoe Town Tourism and Regional Promotion Division)
• Official information: Chojabaru Visitor Center (Kuju Fan Club) official website, Kokonoe Town official website

* The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local authority. Hours and fees may change, so please check the official information before you set out.