Mt. Kujū (九重山, also called the Kujū Range) is a volcanic massif spanning Kokonoe and Taketa in Oita Prefecture, with its highest peak Mt. Nakadake (1,791 m) being the highest in Kyushu mainland. It is counted among Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. The range comprises 18 peaks including Nakadake, Kujū-san (1,786 m), Mt. Ōfune, Mitsumata-san, Hoshō-san, and Inahoshi-san. Three signature attractions: Miyama-kirishima azaleas in June, autumn colours mid-October to early November, and the Bōgatsuru wetland (a National Natural Monument).
The two main trailheads — Makinoto Pass (1,330 m) and Chōjabaru (1,030 m) — are directly served by the Kyushu Yokodan Bus from Kumamoto, Aso, Yufuin and Beppu.
How to access the trailheads
- [Outbound] Kumamoto / Aso / Yufuin / Beppu → Makinoto Pass · Chōjabaru (Kyushu Yokodan Bus)
- [Outbound] Chōjabaru ↔ Makinoto Pass shuttle (Community Bus / Yokodan Bus / Kamenoi Bus)
- [Return] Chōjabaru · Makinoto Pass → Kumamoto / Aso / Yufuin / Beppu (Kyushu Yokodan Bus)
- Course outline · Mountain huts · Regulations
Travel time from major hubs
Tokyo Stn → Beppu Stn approx. 5 h 40 min (Shinkansen + Sonic Express via Hakata) | Osaka / Shin-Osaka → Beppu approx. 5 h | Fukuoka Airport → Beppu: highway bus approx. 2 h | Hakata Stn → Aso Stn approx. 2 h 20 min | Kumamoto Airport → Kumamoto Sakuramachi BT: limousine bus approx. 50 min
1. [Outbound] Kumamoto / Aso / Yufuin / Beppu → Makinoto Pass · Chōjabaru (Kyushu Yokodan Bus)
The “Kyushu Yokodan Bus” operated by Kyushu Sanko Bus (Kumamoto–Aso–Kurokawa–Yufuin–Beppu) directly serves both trailheads from four hubs. Reservation required (Kumamoto Highway Bus Reservation Center +81-570-09-3533, daily 9:00–17:00).
Operating period: Year-round (effective Oct 1, 2025; continuing into 2026)
Travel time: Kumamoto Stn → Makinoto Pass approx. 3 h 35 min | Aso Stn → Makinoto Pass approx. 1 h 35 min | Yufuin Stn BT → Makinoto Pass approx. 50 min | Beppu Stn → Makinoto Pass approx. 1 h 30 min (via Yufuin)
Fare: Beppu → Chōjabaru ¥2,500 / Makinoto Pass ¥2,800 | Yufuin → Chōjabaru ¥1,180 / Makinoto Pass ¥1,340 | Kumamoto → either ¥3,800–4,000
Reservation: Kosokubus.com or phone
Reference: Kyushu Sanko Bus Yokodan Bus
Bus TimetableKumamoto → Beppu direction (toward Makinoto · Chōjabaru) — Kyushu Yokodan Bus
| Stop | Trip 1 | Trip 3 | Trip 7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kumamoto Stn dep. | 7:23 | 8:23 | 12:08 |
| Kumamoto Sakuramachi BT | 7:35 | 8:35 | 12:20 |
| Aso-Kumamoto Airport | 8:19 | 9:19 | 13:04 |
| Aso Stn dep. | 9:24 | 10:24 | 14:09 |
| Kurokawa Onsen | 10:15 | 11:15 | 15:00 |
| Sennomoto Resthouse dep. | 10:45 | 11:45 | 15:20 |
| Makinoto Pass | 10:57 | 11:57 | 15:32 |
| Chōjabaru (Kujū Trailhead) | 11:06 | 12:06 | 15:41 |
| Yufuin Stn BT | 11:48 | 12:48 | 16:33 |
| Beppu Stn Honmachi arr. | — | — | 17:29 |
Reference: [Kyushu Sanko Bus (official PDF)]
Bus TimetableBeppu → Kumamoto direction — Kyushu Yokodan Bus
| Stop | Trip 2 | Trip 6 | Trip 8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beppu Stn Honmachi dep. | 8:10 | — | — |
| Yufuin Stn BT | 9:10 | 13:50 | 14:50 |
| Chōjabaru | 10:02 | 14:32 | 15:32 |
| Makinoto Pass | 10:11 | 14:41 | 15:41 |
| Kurokawa Onsen | 10:45 | 15:25 | 16:25 |
| Aso Stn dep. | 11:43 | 16:23 | 17:23 |
| Kumamoto Stn arr. | 13:23 | 18:03 | 19:03 |
Reference: [Kyushu Sanko Bus (official PDF)]
2. [Outbound] Chōjabaru ↔ Makinoto Pass shuttle (3 operators)
For short transfers between the two trailheads, a combined timetable for three operators is published (effective April 1, 2026). Kokonoe Community Bus is suspended December–February; Kamenoi Bus runs only Sat/Sun/Holidays from April to November.
Operating period: Kokonoe Community Bus: closed Dec–Feb | Kyushu Yokodan: year-round | Kamenoi Bus: Sat/Sun/Holidays only (closed Dec–Mar)
Travel time: about 9 min
Fare: Kokonoe Community Bus ¥500 | Yokodan Bus ¥400 (reservation preferred) | Kamenoi Bus ¥350
Bus TimetableChōjabaru → Makinoto Pass (combined 3 operators)
| Hour | Weekday | Saturday | Sun / Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | :26 | :05 | :05 |
| 9 | — | :10 | — |
| 10 | :02, :41 | :02, :50 | :02, :50 |
| 11 | — | :27 | :27 |
| 12 | — | :32 | — |
| 13 | :54 | — | — |
| 14 | :32 | :26, :32, :52 | :32, :52 |
| 15 | :32 | :32 | :30, :32 |
Reference: [Kokonoe Town — Kuju Trailhead Combined Timetable]
3. [Return] Chōjabaru · Makinoto Pass → Kumamoto / Aso / Yufuin / Beppu (Kyushu Yokodan Bus)
After hiking, return to one of the four hubs via the same Yokodan Bus. With reservation-only seating, book as soon as your descent time is firm. For short shuttle between Chōjabaru and Makinoto Pass, see the combined timetable above.
Operating period: Year-round
Travel time: Makinoto Pass → Yufuin BT approx. 50 min | → Beppu approx. 1 h 30 min | → Aso Stn approx. 1 h 50 min | → Kumamoto Stn approx. 3 h 30 min
Bus TimetableMakinoto Pass → Chōjabaru (combined 3 operators, return-direction)
| Hour | Weekday | Saturday | Sun / Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | :36 | :15 | :15 |
| 10 | :51, :57 | :10, :57 | :57 |
| 11 | :57 | :13, :57 | :57 |
| 12 | — | :05 | :05 |
| 13 | :30 | :10 | :10 |
| 14 | :04 | — | — |
| 15 | :32 | :28, :32 | :28, :32 |
| 16 | — | :40 | :40 |
Reference: [Kyushu Sanko Bus (official PDF)] | [Kokonoe Town Combined Timetable]
4. Course outline, mountain huts, regulations
Course Times (Kujū-san day trip from Makinoto Pass, approx. 5 h 30 min)
Makinoto Pass (1,330 m) → (0:30) → Kutsukake-yama → (0:50) → Nishi-Senri-hama → (0:30) → Kujū-wakare junction → (0:30) → Mt. Kujū (1,786 m) → (0:30) → Mt. Nakadake (1,791 m, highest in Kyushu mainland) → (0:20) → Mi-ike → (0:30) → Kujū-wakare → (1:10) → Kutsukake-yama → (0:40) → Makinoto Pass
Course Times (2-day traverse via Bōgatsuru)
Day 1: Makinoto Pass → (3:30) → Mt. Nakadake → (1:00) → Hokkein Onsen Hut (overnight)
Day 2: Hokkein Onsen Hut → (0:20) → Bōgatsuru → (1:30) → Amegaike Pass → (1:30) → Chōjabaru
Mountain huts and accommodation
– Hokkein Onsen Hut (1,303 m, open year-round): ¥10,000/night with 2 meals, on-site hot spring, TEL +81-90-4980-2810, Official site
– Bōgatsuru tent site (free, toilets and water source)
– Yamanami Bokujō / Chōjabaru Health Center (Chōjabaru trailhead, restaurant/shop/hot spring)
– Makinoto Pass kiosk (light meals, toilets, shop)
Water sources and toilets
Makinoto Pass: toilets + vending machines | Chōjabaru: tourist info centre + spa facility | Kujū-wakare: public toilets (July–November) | Hokkein Onsen: shop + toilets + hot spring | Bōgatsuru: public toilets + water source
Regulations and seasonal information
– Volcanic alert level: Level 1 as of May 2026 (Iō-yama area is an active volcano under permanent monitoring). Check latest at the JMA volcanic activity info.
– Miyama-kirishima azaleas peak: early to mid-June (Mt. Heiji and Mt. Ōfune)
– Autumn colours: mid-October to early November
– Winter (Dec–March): snow and ice at Makinoto Pass — light crampons required. Kokonoe Community Bus and Kamenoi Bus suspended.
– Parking: Makinoto Pass (free, ~200 spaces), Chōjabaru (free); both full during peak Miyama-kirishima season, Golden Week, Obon
Emergency contacts
– Oita Police (mountain rescue): 110
– Kusu Police Station: +81-973-72-2110
– Kokonoe Town Tourism & Commerce Section: +81-973-76-3150
– Chōjabaru Visitor Center: +81-973-79-2154 (climbing notice acceptance, mountain info)
Recommended plans
– Beginner day trip: Makinoto Pass → Kujū-san round-trip (5 h). Arrive at Makinoto Pass 11:57 (Trip 3), return on the 16:13 service.
– Intermediate 2-day traverse: Makinoto Pass → Nakadake → Hokkein Onsen Hut (overnight, hot-spring soak) → Bōgatsuru → Chōjabaru
– Azalea-season visit: Early-mid June for Miyama-kirishima — expect heavy crowds, weekday recommended. Bōgatsuru camping is also popular.
Photo by Raita Futo
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