Yamanami Highway

The Yamanami Highway runs 50 kilometers from Beppu in Oita to Aso in Kumamoto, crossing the Kuju mountain range through rolling grasslands and volcanic plateaus that feel startlingly open. Key stops include Kuju Flower Park, the Tadewara Marshland for hiking, and several lookouts over the Kuju peaks and the distant Aso caldera. Autumn foliage on the highland grasses peaks in late October, and spring brings wildflower meadows. Plan for two to three hours at a leisurely pace with multiple stops, rather than covering it as a quick transit. The landscape is most rewarding when you take the time to get out of the car.