Mount Taisen (Taisenzan, 1,786 m) is a mountain in Taketa City, Oita, and is one of Japan’s 300 Famous Mountains.
The eastern leader of the Kujū range, its appeal lies in Oike, the crater lake just below the summit, the great Miyama-kirishima azalea colony designated a National Natural Monument, and the autumn colours that set the slopes ablaze. The main route is an out-and-back from Chōjabaru via Bōgatsuru to the summit, an intermediate, fairly strenuous course.
For public-transport access, take a Kokonoe Town community bus from JR Bungo-Nakamura Station to Chōjabaru (the Kujū trailhead).
The main trailhead is Chōjabaru (the Kujū trailhead), and Bōgatsuru has the Hokkein Onsen lodge and a campground. The main route is Chōjabaru → Amegaike pass → Bōgatsuru → Danbaru → Mount Taisen (1,786 m), about 3 hours 40 minutes to the summit, an intermediate route. Around the top lie Oike and the Komekubo and Danbaru crater remnants.
The best season is early summer to autumn (June–October); the Miyama-kirishima peaks in early-to-mid June and the autumn colours in mid-to-late October. The round trip in a day is strenuous, so a night at Bōgatsuru is recommended. Always check the latest trail conditions and bus times before you go.
*Last checked: June 7, 2026
How to access the trailheads
1. [There & Back] Bungo-Nakamura Station ⇄ Chōjabaru (community bus)
Bungo-Nakamura Station on the JR Kyudai Main Line is your base. Reach the Chōjabaru trailhead by local bus or car.
① Bungo-Nakamura Station → Chōjabaru (Kokonoe Town community bus)
From Bungo-Nakamura Station, take a Kokonoe Town community bus to the Kujū trailhead (Chōjabaru) bus stop. There are about 8 services on weekdays and Saturdays and 7 on Sundays and holidays; check the latest times with Kokonoe Town. Chōjabaru is the gateway to Mount Taisen and Bōgatsuru.
② Kyushu Cross-Country Bus (Yufuin, Beppu, Kumamoto)
From the Yufuin and Beppu or Aso and Kumamoto directions, the reservation-only “Kyushu Cross-Country Bus” calls at the Kujū trailhead (Chōjabaru). Reservations are required.
③ Taxi and the Imizu trailhead: the Imizu trailhead on the east side is mainly reached by car, and you can also take a taxi from Bungo-Nakamura Station.
— Kokonoe Hato Taxi 0973-79-2510.
By car: there is parking at Chōjabaru, about 30 minutes from the Kokonoe IC on the Oita Expressway; the Imizu trailhead is about 22 km from the Taketa IC on the Kyushu cross-country road.
References: [Oita Tourism: Mount Taisen] ／ [Kokonoe Town (community bus)]
Trail Guide and Safety Notes
Route: the main route is an out-and-back from Chōjabaru via Amegaike pass, Bōgatsuru and Danbaru to Mount Taisen (1,786 m), about 3 hours 40 minutes to the summit, an intermediate, fairly strenuous route. From the Imizu trailhead on the east it is about 2 hours 30 minutes, but the steep climb suits experienced hikers.
Weather and itinerary: Kujū is high and the weather changes quickly, so warm and waterproof gear is essential. As the day round trip from Chōjabaru is long, a night at Bōgatsuru or the Hokkein Onsen lodge makes for a comfortable plan. Do not leave the trail around the crater remnants.
Views and nature: from the summit there are wide views of the Kujū range, Mount Aso and Mount Yufu. The slope’s Miyama-kirishima azalea colony (a National Natural Monument) peaks in early-to-mid June, and the autumn colours around Oike in mid-to-late October draw hikers from across Japan.
Equipment and emergencies: carry rain gear, warm clothing, a headlamp, a map/GPS and plenty of food. In an accident or emergency call 110 (police) or 119 (fire/ambulance).
・Taketa Police Station 0974-63-0110
Photo by gtknj / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
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