Mount Nakadake hike from Makinoto Pass in the Kuju Mountains

Mount Nakadake hike through the Kuju Mountains

This return route runs from Makinoto Pass along the main ridge of the Kuju Mountains to Mount Nakadake at 1,791 m, the highest summit on Kyushu's main island. It is distinct from the active Nakadake crater at Mount Aso.

The range is quieter and more spread out than Aso's central crater. Instead of one dominant cone, a cluster of summits sits close together, connected by open ridges that keep the surrounding peaks in view.

Low shrubs and grasses give the slopes a palette of yellow, rust and orange that intensifies in autumn but was already striking in early spring. Faint volcanic fumes rise from a few slopes, but the broad mountain views define the walk.

From Makinoto Pass to the main ridge

The trail begins with stairs and paved stretches through forest. After the trees, it becomes a rocky mountain path with clear views across the surrounding peaks and occasional wisps of volcanic fume on the slopes.

Snow had fallen the day before our March hike, leaving the route covered in white, but the day itself was bright and sunny. The steps near the start were icy on the way up.

Miike Pond and the Mount Nakadake summit

Before reaching Mount Nakadake, we made short detours to Mount Tengugajo (天狗ヶ城) and Mount Kuju (久住山). Both summits opened views in every direction across the connected ridges.

Miike Pond (御池) was partly frozen in March and remained visible from the higher points along the route. Mount Nakadake has a rocky upper ridge and a compact summit, with the other major peaks of the Kuju Mountains spread around it.

Slush and mud on the return

By the time we descended, the sun had melted much of the snow. The icy steps from the morning had turned into wet, muddy slush, which was messier and more unpleasant than the climb and left us dirty. The taps at Makinoto Pass Rest House let us wash off the worst of it before leaving.