The Chojabaru plateau is a lovely stopping off point on the Yamanami Highway midway between Aso and Yufuin in the midst of the Kuju mountains. Famed for the Tadawara Marsh, a Ramsar designated wetland of international importance which is situated on the north west side of the Kuju mountain range. The marshland offers views of Mt Io, an active volcano which last erupted in the 1990’s and the three domed Mt. Mimata both of which have hiking courses starting from Chojabaru.
The Tadawara Marsh is a basin shaped wetland formed by the volcanic activity from the last glacial period of about 15,000 years ago to around 6,500 years ago. Grit carried by the Shiramizu river running through the marsh and marsh sediments created an intermediate moor. The wetlands were created through rainfall collecting in the basin and underground springs creating a special environment for a variety of plants and wildlife. In order to maintain the vegetation and to prevent the forest from spreading, the local people conduct a controlled burning in the meadow every spring.
The marsh is accessed through the Chojabaru Vistor Center where you will find displays on the Kuju area and marshlands and some English information. Go downstairs to the ground floor to find the entrance to the boardwalk. A wide boardwalk is set up through the marsh so that you can enjoy it while keeping your feet dry. Most weekends there are free nature observation tours run by the Kuju Nature Preservation Team between 10 and 12:00. The tours will be in Japanese but if you want to join in just register at the visitor center before 10:00.
Nature Observation tour schedule:
From March to November there are tours every Sunday and national holidays. In August the tours take place every Saturday, Sunday and national holidays. Over the winter the tours are less frequent, in December the 1st and 3rd Sunday and holidays and from January to February the 2nd and 4th Sunday plus national holidays.
Walking Courses
There are three relaxing walking courses accessible from behind the Chojabaru Visitor Center offering wonderful views of the surrounding mountains. (Pick up an English walking map at the Visitor Center.) The shortest is a 20 minute walk along the marsh boardwalks. The Marsh and Grassland trail is recommended if you are interested in seasonal plants and flowers and takes around 40 mins and the Forest trail takes you through the marshland, grasslands and into the natural forest and through a moss zone where you may glimpse some of the indigenous wildlife.
Chojabaru Visitor Center
Open: daily 9:00 – 17:00 (May to Oct)
daily 9:00 to 16:00 (Nov – April)
Closed: Dec 29th – Jan 3rd
Admission free
Getting there
From Kumamoto head to Aso then take the Yamanami Highway (Route 11) From Miyaji Station – near Aso Shrine – the journey will take around 40 minutes.
From Oita take the Oita Expressway to Yufuin IC, then drive on the Yamanami Highway for 40 mins.
From Fukuoka Take the Kyushu Expressway via Oita Expressway to Kokonoe IC, then Route 40 then drive on Route 621 for 30 mins
By train and bus
Take the JR Kyudai Line to Bungo-Nakamura Station. Take the Hita Bus that goes to ‘Makinoto Pass’, get off at the ‘Kuju Mountain Trailhead’.
Travel tips
Across from the visitor center you will find public toilets, a couple of restaurants, and a souvenir shop.
Enjoy the mountain views from the comfort of a bath by visiting one of the nearby hotsprings.
Travelling between December and March check the road conditions and weather conditions, the area receives the most snow in Kyushu. So make sure to request snow tyres if you are renting a car.
A visit to the Chojabaru area is included as part of an Aso and Kuju Sights tour, contact us for details.
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