This 13.2 km loop around Mt.Waitayama, an independent peak on the western side of the Kuju Range, is one of the most enjoyable “run-friendly” routes in the area with wide-open views and a peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere. And the best part—you can finish your run right into a hot spring town.
Conetnts.
1.Highlights
1.Endless views
With almost no trees and low grassland terrain, the scenery stays wide open the entire way. You can run while looking out toward the main of Kuju Mountain range in the distance.
And this route is simple navigation (Few junctions), so you can stay focused on running instead of route-finding.
2.Surprisingly quiet
The Kuju Range is very popular, but this side has far fewer hikers.
You get to have all of Kuju’s nature- and the whole trail all to yourself!
3.Finish in a hot spring town
The route passes straight through Suji-yu Onsen. So you get to enjoy Japan’s wild nature and then relax in an onsen – a uniquely Japanese way to wash off the fatique after a day in the mountains.
Surprisingly, there is a historic outdoor bath that you can enter for just 400 yen!
2.Course Overview
Distance: approx. 13.2 km
Elevation gain: 934 m
Standard hiking time: 6 hr 11 min
Difficulty:Intermediate
Start/Finish: Kuju Forest Park Skiing Ground
Peaks Covered: Mt. Misokobushi (1,299.6 m), Mt. Waitayama (1,499.5 m)
Convenience store: ✕
Toilet: At the ski area
3.Access
By Car
Park at Kuju Forest Park Skiing Ground (free)
By Bus & Train
Go to JR Bungo-Nakamura Station, then take a taxi from there.
4.Bear safety measures
There are no bears living in Kyusyu, so bear safety measures are not necessary.
5.Trail Report
04/15 Snow → Clear Skies
We left the hotel in the morning under steady rain, trusting the forecast that things would clear up before noon.
As we approached the trailhead, we were surprised—everything was white. Snow. In Kyushu. In April!
Start – Kuju Forest Park Skiing Ground
Parking was free, and thanks to the bad weather, the huge lot was completely empty. We had the entire mountain to ourselves.
The first section followed a paved road dusted with fresh snow—surreal and beautiful.
Soon we reached Mt. Misokobushi, though clouds hid most of the views I’d been excited about.
In summer this whole area becomes bright green grassland, with huge wide-open horizons.
The terrain is gentle and smooth, making it incredibly runable.
Snow-covered shrubs and frosted branches made the landscape feel almost magical.
I loved the crunchy “kyu, kyu” sound with every step on the thin snow.
Through the Forest
After descending from Mt.Misokobushi, the trail briefly enters a forest.
Here the snow was deeper, creating a quiet, almost winter-like atmosphere despite it being mid-April.
Climb to Mt.Waitayama
The climb is steady but never steep—perfect for running.
The snow stopped, the light returned, and the sky slowly opened.
As we continued past Onnadake toward Mt.Waitayama, the distant views finally appeared.
Near the peak of Mt.Waitayama, the clouds broke and blue sky spread across the horizon.
Summit
When we reached the summit, the sun came out.
A wide, empty mountaintop, silent and beautiful. Not a single person in sight.
At first I wasn’t happy about the snow, but now the sky opened up and it turned into something magical.
The feeling and sound of crunching through the snow were so much fun, and I kept thinking – why am I so lucky to be here on this exact day!?!
But the wind was freezing and our hands were stiff, so we headed down quickly—after taking far too many photos. (Because it’s too beautiful!)
Toward Suji-yu Onsen
After passing the junction back toward Mt.Misokobushi, the trail becomes flat and dreamily runnable again.
Views stayed incredible the entire way.
At a fork toward Hizenyu, we continued down to Suji-yu Onsen.
The onsen town is charming, with steam rising from vents all over the streets.
There’s an outdoor bath called Iwa-no-Yu—only 400 yen, perfect for a post-run soak.
A short walk along the road brought us back to the parking area.
By the time we arrived, the sky was completely clear and the snow-covered peaks looked stunning—probably the Mt.Nakadake area we planned to visit the next day.
6.What I Learned on This Trail
This loop offers constant views, gentle terrain, very few people and Onsen—an ideal course for trail running in the Kuju Mountains.
The scenery is so good you’ll constantly stop for photos (which might slow you down!).
If you want a scenic, quiet, and highly runnable trail—and the bonus of finishing in a hot spring—this route is absolutely worth it!!
lf this hike makes you want to explore more, here are my favorite trails in Aso and Kuju.
And you can also check out recommended trails, climbing spots, and other activity areas across Japan here!
