Mt. Taisen 大船山

One of my favourite hikes. After Bogatsuru campsite you walk through a rhododendron tunnel, which is bright pink when they’re in bloom, but magical in the winter too.

Mt. Futago 両子山

Steep mountain behind Futagoji temple. You have to pay a few hundred yen to enter the…

Mt. Taharayama 田原山

A dramatic ridge-top scramble scaling some steep boulders and taking in views of the southern Kunisaki peninsula and Beppu…

Mt. Yufu 由布岳

Where: Yufu, Oita

One of the most famous mountains in Oita, and quite busy as a result. Really…

Mt. Hiko 英彦山

Where: Yamakuni-machi, Nakatsu (Fukuoka side of the prefectural border)

Nakayama Senkyou 中山仙境

One of the best ways to enjoy the landscape of the Kunisaki Peninsula and learn a bit about the Rokugo Manzan Buddhist…

Mt. Hiji 平治岳

A shorter option than Kurodake, which still takes in the best forest ever (Kurodake forest). Spectacular views over the Kuju National Park.

Mt. Kubote 求菩提山

Where: Kubote, Buzen, Fukuoka prefecture

Kurodake 黒岳

Magical virgin forest, Oike pond (one of Japan’s best water sources), and a view of Mt. Aso from the top on a clear day. Less visited than alternatives in Kuju National Park. Steep section near the top.

Where: Kuju-Aso National Park.

Mt. Mimata 三俣山

Where: Kuju-Aso National Park