Nakadake 1791m and the Kujurenzan mountain range (九重山) make for an easy dayhike from Beppu or Yufuin. The whole plateau has many trails and small peaks and it can be made shorter or longer or even turned into an overnight hike with a stay at Hokkein Onsen Sanso. There are many different trailheads for the mountain range, we started from Makinoto pass.
Time: 5-6h
Location: Kyushu
Distance: 11.2km
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 920m
Dayhike
Access
This hike is great as a dayhike from Beppu/Yufuin with a car. Park at Makinoto pass.There is a little shop here with toilets and snacks.
Another option is taking the bus from Yufuin Eki Mae (1700¥;1h) or Beppu Station(2800¥; 2h) to Makinoto Toge. There are only 1-2 departures a day. Google maps also shows all the stops/times.
Trail description
Start at Makinoto Pass and walk towards the first little peak (Mt. Kutsukake). After about an hour you'll get to a small shelter with some toilets. At the junction we turned left to Tengugajo for some pond views. Continued to Nakadake and cut accross the middle to Kuju. From there we went back but turned right just before the shelter to Mt. Hossho. This little ridge is the most 'difficult' part of this hike and includes a bit of rock scrambling. You also have some nice views of the volcanic areas with steam vents and fumaroles.
I really recomend Yamap for this hike as there are so many trails and peaks on this plateau. Pick as many as you like to make this hike shorter or longer. It's also good to keep track of where you are because there are so many junctions and signs.
Head back the same way or to some of the other trailheads. The bus also stops at Sujiyu Onsen Iriguchi or Chojabaru Visitor Center which both connect to the trail-network.
Accomodation
Hokkein Onsen Sano : 10.000¥ incl 2 meals, Tent: 800¥. Reservation required for the hut
Elevation Profile & Map
Gallery
If you have any questions leave a comment or message me directly through the chat!