Higotai Park ヒゴタイ公園- Ubuyama
Set on a grassy plateau at the foot of the Kuju Mountains, surrounded by undulating hills formed from ancient pyroclastic flows, Higotai Park offers panoramic views of both the Kuju Mountains and Mount Aso. The park is around 900m in altitude so it’s a good place to immerse yourself in nature and escape the oppressive summer heat and humidity.
It’s a great place to stroll around, the park is one of the few places to see Higotai, a rare species of globe thistle that in Kyushu only blooms on the grasslands of Aso. Mid August is the best time to see them in bloom though there should be some remaining up to September. Other wild flowers also abound with lillies, pink Nadeshiko (Dianthus) and bright yellow Ominaeshi (Patrinia) dominating in the summer. These attract plenty of insect life and if you are lucky you might spot Rurimon Hanabachi, a rare species of blue bee nicknamed the ‘blue bee of happiness’. From September through to early October there are huge displays of Cosmos flowers to admire too and the Susuki grass is also at its best in early autumn, with beautiful silver seed heads blowing in the wind.
The Higotai campsite is located alongside a small river in the wooded valley below the park and there are footpaths that take you from Higotai Park down into the valley to walk along the riverside.
Don’t be surprised if you hear drumming as you stroll around, the world famous Drum Tao group is based nearby and they often perform and practice outside.
Ubuyama Park Access Information
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Adults 400 Yen
Children (6 to 15) 200 Yen - Large free car park
- 09:00 to 17:00
- Higotai balloon thistles bloom from August to September, Cosmos flowers in September
- Free access to Higotai park when you camp
Ubuyama Park is open all year around. but between mid July and mid October when the wildflowers are in bloom there is an entrance fee.
The Visitor Center and shop is only open at this time. The toilets are accessible all year.
Places to visit near Higotai Park
