Mount Mimata Hiking Trail

Explore the Kuju mountain range and extend your stay at a campground or mountain hut

This long hike allows you to roam through the grasslands, volcanoes and hot springs of the Kuju mountain range. You can camp or stay in a mountain cottage next to Bogatsuru Marsh, or stay at the well-equipped mountain hut Hokkein Onsen Sanso.

As you follow the hiking trail from Chojabaru, you'll pass through a forest before reaching Amagaikegoe Pass, home to a wide variety of flowering plants. After descending through another forested area for about 40 minutes, you'll see Bogatsuru Marsh ahead. Spend the night here to enjoy mountain sunsets, star-filled skies and dramatic sunrises. Fifteen minutes further ahead is the Hokkein Onsen Sanso Mountain Hut, where you can stay and soak in hot springs. Mountain streams in this area provide fresh drinking water.

The route continues through the bleak but beautiful volcanic landscape of Kita-Senrigahama. When you reach Sugamori Pass, take a scenic detour to Mount Mimata (1,745 m), where you can enjoy the sight of Kyushu azaleas in June and colorful fall foliage in October.

When you return to Sugamori Pass, head back toward Chojabaru. Along the way, you'll be able to see Mount Io, where sulfur was once mined.

Highlights

Bogatsuru Marsh as seen from Amagaikegoe Pass

Bogatsuru Marsh

The grasses of Bogatsuru Marsh are kept in check by annual controlled burnings. Besides preventing the area from becoming forested, the process prepares the way for rare, colorful flowers to bloom. June brings the bright pink blooms of Kyushu azaleas, while you can enjoy the leaves turning in October and November.

Little vegetation grows here

The striking slopes of Kita-Senrigahama

Mount Io is an active volcano that regularly spouts volcanic gases. Sulfur deposits are visible on the surface of the peak, and sulfur was mined here until 1972. The expanse of gravel that spreads out from Mount Io's foot is called Kita-Senrigahama. Volcanic gases prevent most types of vegetation from growing here, which creates a stark landscape. This area is the junction point for three routes—to Chojabaru, the Kujuwakare Branch Trail, and Bogatsuru Marsh.

The vista from Mount Mimata

Mount Mimata

Mount Mimata consists of four peaks—Nishimine, Honmine, Kitamine and Minamimine. Hike along Sugamorigoe Pass and then to Nishimine and Honmine for views of the mountain landscape. From Kitamine and Minamimine you will be able to take in views of the Onabe and Konabe volcanic craters. Here you will find seasonal scenery—Kyushu azaleas in June and the bright red leaves of the dodan-tsutsuji shrub (Enkianthus perulatus) in fall.

Trail map

Mount Mimata Hiking Trail

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