Discover the raw beauty and volcanic energy of Oita’s highlands on this private journey into the Kuju mountains. Setting out from Yufuin, together we’ll head deep into the heart of Aso-Kuju National Park, a sweeping landscape shaped by ancient volcanic forces. Along the way we’ll walk the Tadewara Marshland, a rare wetland where human tradition and wild nature have lived in balance for generations.
The day reaches its peak as you feel the earth’s geothermal power at Komatsu Jigoku, cooking your own Onsen Tamago (hot spring eggs) in rising steam. From the sweeping 360-degree views at Makinoto Pass to the dizzying heights of the Kokonoe “Yume” Grand Suspension Bridge, this is a day of pure immersion in the majestic, elemental beauty of the Kuju Highlands.
*This private tour is flexible and can be shaped around your interests — just reach out, and let’s plan the perfect day together.
Primary Area: Yufuin Area .
*Pick-up at your hotel or any preferred location available.
Also Available: We can also arrange pickup from Beppu with an additional fee. The tour duration would be longer by +1-2 hours.
Return to the same point that the tour starts.
Flexible (between 9:00 AM- 11:00 AM)
English, Japanese
Please note: This is a sample 6-hour itinerary from Yufuin Onsen. As this is your private tour, the start time is fully flexible, and we’ll adjust the schedule accordingly. If the tour starts from Beppu, the total duration and routing will be adjusted to suit.
Our private journey begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Yufuin, followed by a scenic drive along the Yamanami Highway — one of Japan’s most beautiful mountain roads.
Our first stop is the Tadewara Marshland at Chojabaru, a rare Ramsar-listed wetland. Together we’ll stroll the wooden boardwalks across this living landscape, kept thriving for centuries by the traditional practice of noyaki (field burning) — a beautiful balance of people and wild nature.
Next we’ll reach the highway’s highest point at 1,330 meters. A short walk up to the observatory rewards us with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Kuju range and the smoking peaks of Aso in the distance.
Now for an immersive walk through hissing steam and bubbling mud at Komatsu Jigoku. Here, you’ll make your own Onsen Tamago (hot spring eggs), cooking them right in the boiling spring water.
We’ll pause for lunch at a welcoming local restaurant, chosen to suit your taste. (Lunch isn’t included; budget around JPY 1,500–2,000 per person.)
In the afternoon we’ll stand 173 meters above the valley on the Kokonoe “Yume” Grand Suspension Bridge, taking in a sweeping view of the mountains and the twin Shindo waterfalls below.
Our day together comes to a close as we drop you off at your hotel or another preferred spot in Yufuin.
