Colorful seasonal flowers, old-growth forest and ancient shrine ruins

This course takes in the history and culture of the Mount Nakadake area as well as its diverse flora and fauna. The hike starts at Takachihogawara, the southernmost access point to the Kirishima mountain range. The path continues along the Mount Nakadake Chuufuku scenic route and on to the ruins of ancient Kirishima-jingu Shrine. This area is popular with hikers because it is close to the starting point for both the Mount Nakadake Chuufuku scenic route and the Mount Takachiho-no-Mine route.

The Mount Nakadake Chuufuku scenic route is famous for its varied plant life and dense flower colonies. Between May and June, their flowers blossom and turn much of the grasslands a bright pink color. The old-growth forests are home to a wide variety of trees, including Japanese red pine, as well as panicle hydrangeas and other flowering shrubs.