Mt. Kujū

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.

*Timetable last checked: May 19, 2026

How to access the trailheads

1. [Outbound] Kumamoto / Aso / Yufuin / Beppu → Makinoto Pass · Chōjabaru (Kyushu Yokodan Bus)
2. [Outbound] Chōjabaru ↔ Makinoto Pass shuttle (Community Bus / Yokodan Bus / Kamenoi Bus)
3. [Return] Chōjabaru · Makinoto Pass → Kumamoto / Aso / Yufuin / Beppu (Kyushu Yokodan Bus)

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:

Bus TimetableKumamoto Stn / Aso Stn → Makinoto Pass / Chōjabaru (Kyushu Yokodan Bus, Trips 1/3/7)

Bus TimetableBeppu Honmachi / Yufuin Stn BT → Chōjabaru / Makinoto Pass (Kyushu Yokodan Bus, Trips 2/6/8)

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, ~9 min)

Bus TimetableMakinoto Pass → Chōjabaru (combined 3 operators, ~9 min)

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 → Aso Stn / Kumamoto Stn (Kyushu Yokodan Bus, Trips 2/6/8 westbound)

Bus TimetableMakinoto Pass / Chōjabaru → Yufuin Stn BT / Beppu Honmachi (Kyushu Yokodan Bus, Trips 1/3/7 eastbound)

Reference: | [Kokonoe Town Combined Timetable]

Routes & Mountain Hut Info

Main Routes
– Makinoto Pass → Kuju-san round trip (beginner-intermediate, ~4h / 5km): Makinoto Pass (1,330m) → Kuju-wakare → Kuju-san (1,786m)
– Makinoto Pass → Naka-dake / Tengu-ga-jō (intermediate, ~5h): Kuju-san → Naka-dake (1,791m, highest peak in Kyushu mainland) → Tengu-ga-jō
– Chōjabaru → Mimata-yama round trip (intermediate, ~6h)

Mountain Huts
– Hokkein Onsen Sansō (1,300m, only year-round hut in Kuju range): 090-4980-2810
– Bōgatsuru Campground: free, toilet & water

Regulations
– Miyama Kirishima azalea bloom: late May – mid-June
– Autumn foliage: mid-October – early November
– Naka-dake south slope CLOSED (volcanic gas)

Emergency Contacts
– Kokonoe Town Tourism: 0973-76-3150
– Kusu Police: 0973-72-2110
– Chōjabaru Visitor Center: 0973-79-2154

Reference:

Photo by Raita Futo