天狗ヶ城・中岳

This was one of the best hiking trips I have had in a long time. Aso-Kuju National Park is by far my favorite hiking location in Kyushu, and I will definitely be coming back again. The scenery is some of the most unique I’ve seen in Japan and the mountains are absolutely gorgeous. 4/29, Friday If I could describe Friday in one word, I would say it was difficult. It was raining the entire time I was hiking and the trail was very slippery. I started hiking from Chojabaru in the afternoon. The fog was so thick you could only see about 15 meters in front of you. Once I reached Bogatsuru I set up my tent. There were very few people which allowed me to find a really nice location. After that I settled in for the night and boy was it cold. However in the middle of the night clouds broke and I was able to see the stars. 4/30, Saturday I started hiking at about 6:00 in the morning. At Bogatsuru the fog was so thick. However at Sugamorigoe I was to hike out if the fog and see the valley below completely covered in clouds. My favorite section of the hike is from Sugamorigoe to Kuju Wakare. The trail is relatively flat and landscape is very so different from any other mountain I’ve climbed in Japan. From Kuju Wakare the trail becomes a bit steep but it’s nothing too difficult and along the way you get a nice view of Oike pond. However, the real treat came once I reached the top of Nakadake. The 360 degree view was absolutely stunning. By far one of the best 雲海 I have ever seen. After taking in the view and having breakfast I hiked by down to Bogatsuru and spent the rest of the day relaxing. 5/1, Sunday On Monday I woke up early and packed up my tent. After I was all ready, I hiked out to Chojabaru and had a relaxed at the 足温 and had some coffee. Conclusion, This was by far my favorite hike I’ve done in Kyushu so far. I really enjoyed the campground and the view from the top is probably the best view in Kyushu.